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Southbound Ultimate Arctic Odyssey: Svalbard, Lofoten, East Greenland & Iceland


Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland
© Valeria Ottero Faus

Duration: 18 days / 17 nights on board.
Starts: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Ends: Reykjavik, Iceland
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.


Included
Optional


Embark on the ultimate 18-day southbound Arctic expedition spanning six polar regions across three countries. Setting sail from Longyearbyen, the northernmost town on Earth, the voyage explores the glaciated landscapes of Svalbard. Guests discover the historic research community of Ny-Ålesund in Kongsfjorden, active tidewater glacier fronts, and sixteenth-century whaling remains in northwest and south Spitsbergen before sailing past the dramatic seabird breeding cliffs of Bear Island (Bjørnøya).

Heading south toward mainland Norway, the ship charts the picturesque Lofoten archipelago, exploring the iconic fishing communities of Svolvær and Reine beneath jagged alpine summits. Crossing the Greenland Sea past Mt. Beerenberg on volcanic Jan Mayen, the expedition reaches the ice-laden shores of East Greenland. Travelers explore the traditional Inuit settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit and the vast wilderness of Northeast Greenland National Park along the Blosseville Coast, concluding with disembarkation in Reykjavik.

Highlights:
Grand Arctic voyage linking Svalbard, Bear Island, Lofoten, Jan Mayen, East Greenland, and Iceland.
Visiting Ny-Ålesund and cruising glaciated fjords in northwest and south Spitsbergen.
Shore walks and traditional maritime scenery in the Lofoten fishing villages of Svolvær and Reine.
Viewing Earth's northernmost active volcano, Mt. Beerenberg, on the isolated island of Jan Mayen.
Zodiac cruising through Northeast Greenland National Park and cultural immersion in Ittoqqortoormiit.

Itinerary

© Valeria Ottero Faus
© Valeria Ottero Faus
© Valeria Ottero Faus

Day 1: All aboard in Longyearbyen!
Embarkation in the High Arctic
Arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, the northernmost town on Earth. Transfer to the expedition vessel in the bay of Adventdalen. After mandatory briefings and safety drills, join the Expedition Team on the outer decks as the vessel departs into polar waters.

Day 2: Kongsfjorden Region
Tidewater glaciers and research heritage in Ny-Ålesund
Sail into scenic Kongsfjorden, framed by the Three Crowns peaks and glaciers. Go ashore at Ny-Ålesund, Earth's northernmost permanent settlement, celebrated as a base for historic polar explorers and today an active international scientific station.

Day 3: Expedition Northwest Svalbard
Whaling relics and protected wilderness
Explore Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, protected since 1973. View historic seventeenth-century whaling remnants and blubber ovens at Smeerenburg, while cruising coastal waters that support seabirds, walruses, and polar bears.

Day 4: Expedition South Svalbard
Fertile tundra and glaciated southern fjords
Cruise the fertile southwest fjords of Svalbard, including Hornsund and Bellsund. Land near historic trapper cabins at Bamsebu and the seabird cliffs of Gnålodden, searching the tundra slopes for Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes.

Day 5: Bjørnøya/Bear Island
Oceanic bird cliff exploration
Arrive at isolated Bear Island (Bjørnøya), situated midway between Svalbard and the Norwegian mainland. Embark on Zodiac cruises beneath steep vertical cliffs alive with nesting puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars.

Day 6: At sea, en route to Lofoten
Southbound crossing to mainland Norway
Sail south across open waters toward the Lofoten archipelago. Spend a relaxing day attending presentations on Scandinavian history and wildlife in the theater, watching for marine life from the outer decks, and enjoying onboard amenities.

Day 7: Svolvær, Norway
Maritime culture and island trails
Arrive in Svolvær, the largest community in Lofoten. Walk along the waterfront past traditional cod-drying racks and wooden rorbuer cabins, with opportunities to explore hiking trails offering panoramic views over the surrounding peaks and fjords.

Day 8: Reine, Norway
Classic fishing village beneath jagged peaks
Visit picturesque Reine, framed by steep mountains and tidal waters. Discover traditional coastal living on foot, taking in dramatic views along coastal pathways that showcase the Norwegian tradition of outdoor life (friluftsliv).

Day 9: At sea, en route to Jan Mayen
Greenland Sea navigation
Cruise across the Greenland Sea toward Jan Mayen. Sail along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where mixing water masses foster high marine productivity, offering prime opportunities for spotting whales and pelagic seabirds.

Day 10: Jan Mayen
Earth's northernmost active volcano
Encounter isolated Jan Mayen, dominated by the peak of Mt. Beerenberg, Earth's northernmost active volcano. Observe rugged volcanic cinder cones, ancient tundra plants, and sheer cliffs crowded with breeding seabirds.

Day 11: At sea, en route to Ittoqqortoormiit
Approaching the ice-laden coast of East Greenland
Navigate westward through frigid polar waters toward East Greenland. Experience drifting pack ice and cooler air, with returning night darkness offering opportunities to scan clear skies for the northern lights.

Day 12: Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland
Isolated Inuit settlement and heritage
Go ashore at Ittoqqortoormiit, the only permanent settlement in Northeast Greenland. Tour the historic church, local museum, and craft shops, discovering local culture and traditional subsistence hunting practices.

Day 13-16: Northeast Greenland National Park and the Blosseville Coast
Glaciers and fjords in the world's largest park
Spend four days exploring Northeast Greenland National Park and the scenic Blosseville Coast. Take part in guided Zodiac cruises and tundra walks among immense icebergs, glaciated valleys, and uninhabited fjords.

Day 17: At sea, en route to Reykjavik
Denmark Strait crossing and farewell celebrations
Cross the Denmark Strait toward Iceland. Spend the final day at sea attending lectures, reviewing expedition memories, and celebrating the journey during the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party and gala dinner.

Day 18: Reykjavik, Iceland: Disembarkation
Arrival in Iceland's capital
Arrive in Reykjavik in the morning beneath the landmark Hallgrímskirkja Church. Disembark after breakfast, bidding farewell to the expedition team and crew to conclude the Arctic voyage.

Itinerary

Day 1: All aboard in Longyearbyen!
Embarkation in the High Arctic
Arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, the northernmost town on Earth. Transfer to the expedition vessel in the bay of Adventdalen. After mandatory briefings and safety drills, join the Expedition Team on the outer decks as the vessel departs into polar waters.

Day 2: Kongsfjorden Region
Tidewater glaciers and research heritage in Ny-Ålesund
Sail into scenic Kongsfjorden, framed by the Three Crowns peaks and glaciers. Go ashore at Ny-Ålesund, Earth's northernmost permanent settlement, celebrated as a base for historic polar explorers and today an active international scientific station.

Day 3: Expedition Northwest Svalbard
Whaling relics and protected wilderness
Explore Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, protected since 1973. View historic seventeenth-century whaling remnants and blubber ovens at Smeerenburg, while cruising coastal waters that support seabirds, walruses, and polar bears.

Day 4: Expedition South Svalbard
Fertile tundra and glaciated southern fjords
Cruise the fertile southwest fjords of Svalbard, including Hornsund and Bellsund. Land near historic trapper cabins at Bamsebu and the seabird cliffs of Gnålodden, searching the tundra slopes for Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes.

Day 5: Bjørnøya/Bear Island
Oceanic bird cliff exploration
Arrive at isolated Bear Island (Bjørnøya), situated midway between Svalbard and the Norwegian mainland. Embark on Zodiac cruises beneath steep vertical cliffs alive with nesting puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars.

Day 6: At sea, en route to Lofoten
Southbound crossing to mainland Norway
Sail south across open waters toward the Lofoten archipelago. Spend a relaxing day attending presentations on Scandinavian history and wildlife in the theater, watching for marine life from the outer decks, and enjoying onboard amenities.

Day 7: Svolvær, Norway
Maritime culture and island trails
Arrive in Svolvær, the largest community in Lofoten. Walk along the waterfront past traditional cod-drying racks and wooden rorbuer cabins, with opportunities to explore hiking trails offering panoramic views over the surrounding peaks and fjords.

Day 8: Reine, Norway
Classic fishing village beneath jagged peaks
Visit picturesque Reine, framed by steep mountains and tidal waters. Discover traditional coastal living on foot, taking in dramatic views along coastal pathways that showcase the Norwegian tradition of outdoor life (friluftsliv).

Day 9: At sea, en route to Jan Mayen
Greenland Sea navigation
Cruise across the Greenland Sea toward Jan Mayen. Sail along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where mixing water masses foster high marine productivity, offering prime opportunities for spotting whales and pelagic seabirds.

Day 10: Jan Mayen
Earth's northernmost active volcano
Encounter isolated Jan Mayen, dominated by the peak of Mt. Beerenberg, Earth's northernmost active volcano. Observe rugged volcanic cinder cones, ancient tundra plants, and sheer cliffs crowded with breeding seabirds.

Day 11: At sea, en route to Ittoqqortoormiit
Approaching the ice-laden coast of East Greenland
Navigate westward through frigid polar waters toward East Greenland. Experience drifting pack ice and cooler air, with returning night darkness offering opportunities to scan clear skies for the northern lights.

Day 12: Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland
Isolated Inuit settlement and heritage
Go ashore at Ittoqqortoormiit, the only permanent settlement in Northeast Greenland. Tour the historic church, local museum, and craft shops, discovering local culture and traditional subsistence hunting practices.

Day 13-16: Northeast Greenland National Park and the Blosseville Coast
Glaciers and fjords in the world's largest park
Spend four days exploring Northeast Greenland National Park and the scenic Blosseville Coast. Take part in guided Zodiac cruises and tundra walks among immense icebergs, glaciated valleys, and uninhabited fjords.

Day 17: At sea, en route to Reykjavik
Denmark Strait crossing and farewell celebrations
Cross the Denmark Strait toward Iceland. Spend the final day at sea attending lectures, reviewing expedition memories, and celebrating the journey during the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party and gala dinner.

Day 18: Reykjavik, Iceland: Disembarkation
Arrival in Iceland's capital
Arrive in Reykjavik in the morning beneath the landmark Hallgrímskirkja Church. Disembark after breakfast, bidding farewell to the expedition team and crew to conclude the Arctic voyage.


© Valeria Ottero Faus
© Valeria Ottero Faus
© Valeria Ottero Faus


INCLUSIONS

Arrival transfer to ship (Day 1).
General description: Shipboard en-suite accommodation (days/nights as per itinerary) in your selected and paid category.
Waterproof Expedition jacket, yours to keep, and rubber style muck boots on loan for the duration of your expedition.
English-speaking Expedition Team.
Guided walks, nature hikes, Zodiac landings and excursions, as per itinerary, guided by our Expedition Team (excluding optional activities with cost).
Briefings and educational lectures by the Expedition Team.
Citizen Science Program.
All meals on the ship (full board): breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
Complimentary house wine, beer, and soft drinks at dinner (selected labels and brands). From 2027: Complimentary house wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner (selected labels and brands. Wine excluded at lunch).
24-hour access to tea, coffee, and ‘Grab and Go’ comfort food.
Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties.
Taxes and landing fees.
1GB Complimentary WiFi for use on your personal device.
Digital Expedition Memento, including a curated selection of photos, videos, expedition log and map, and wildlife list.
Exclusive Suite Inclusions: Available on Ocean Albatros: Junior Suite (Cat A), Balcony Suite (Cat B), Brynhilde Suite & Freydis Suite only, and Ocean Victory: Junior Suite (Cat A), Balcony Suite (Cat B) & Freydis Suite only: Wine and fruit platter on arrival, restocked in-suite mini bar (non-alcoholic) and complimentary laundry service throughout your expedition.

EXCLUSIONS

International or internal airfares unless listed in the itinerary.
Excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
Meals and beverages not listed as included.
Voluntary gratuity for the crew and Expedition Team (we recommend USD 20 per person per day).
Personal expenses such as spa services, boutique purchases, bar, laundry, and communications unless specified.
Mandatory travel insurance (must meet mandatory minimum coverage requirements for medical treatment and evacuation).
Visa, reciprocity, and passport fees.
Medical care or emergency evacuation.
Expedition Jacket and rubber muck-style boots outside of available sizes. Please enquire for more details.
Life jackets for selected minors. Please enquire for more details.
Anything not mentioned under ’Inclusions”.
Post-voyage airport transfer.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Discoverer | Date: 10 Sept 2028 - 27 Sept 2028 (5852)
PS - Porthole Stateroom
$17,995
$15,296
OS - Ocean Stateroom
$20,695
$17,591
VS - Vista Stateroom
$20,895
$17,761
VS - Solo Vista Stateroom
$30,995
$26,346
DS - Discovery Suite
$23,795
$20,226
BS - Balcony Stateroom
$22,795
$19,376
GS - Grand Suite
$30,995
$26,346
NS - Navigator Stateroom
$24,795
$21,076
BS - Owner´s Suite
$28,495
$24,221

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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