Itinerary

Day 1: All aboard in Longyearbyen!
The journey begins at the northernmost town
Begin your journey in mainland Norway and arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard—the northernmost town on Earth. Upon arrival, the famous polar bear sign, dramatic vistas, and clean Arctic air remind you exactly where you have arrived. Your expedition ship Discoverer awaits you in the sheltered bay of Adventdalen. After mandatory briefings and drill, join your Expedition Team on the outer decks beneath the golden Arctic sun as we set a course for adventure.

Day 2: Kongsfjorden Region
Science and polar exploration at Ny-Ålesund
As the weak Arctic sun rises, we sail into breathtaking Kongsfjorden, a vast fjord system framed by the dramatic Three Crowns mountains mantled with creaking glaciers. Here we will visit Ny-Ålesund, Earth’s northernmost settlement. This unique community is known for its historic role as a base for legendary polar explorers such as Amundsen and Nansen, and more recently for its international research stations.

Day 3: Expedition Northwest Svalbard
Whaling history and pristine national parks
Northwest Svalbard has been preserved as a national park since 1973, and hosts a rich history of early Arctic exploration and whaling. First visited by William Barents in 1596, the area was quickly pounced upon by whalers from Holland and England, whose haunting remnants, such as Smeerenburg’s crumbling blubber ovens and whalers’ graves, remain visible. Today it holds a rich ecosystem of Arctic flowers, walruses, and polar bears.

Day 4: Expedition South Svalbard
Fertile valleys and sub-Arctic wildlife
The green fjords of southwest Svalbard, such as Bellsund and Hornsund, are nourished by mild Atlantic waters, which keep the area mostly ice-free. These fertile valleys backed by creaking glaciers and drifting icebergs support Arctic foxes, nesting seabirds, and herds of tiny Svalbard reindeer. Highlights include the historic sites of Bamsebu and Calypsobyen, and the bustling bird cliffs of Gnålodden.

Day 5: Bjørnøya/Bear Island
Precipitous sea cliffs and bird sanctuaries
Situated halfway between Svalbard and the Norwegian mainland lies Bjørnøya (Bear Island). This lonely outpost ironically holds no polar bear population, but the precipitous cliffs are a haven for numerous bird species, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars. Join your Expedition Team to experience this wildlife paradise from the best vantage point – out on the water.

Day 6: At sea, en route to Lofoten
Onboard enrichment and southbound lectures
As we depart the high Arctic, watch the mercury rise as the ship sails southwards towards the Lofoten Islands. Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to enrich the mind and body. Join your Expedition Team on the outer decks to watch for wildlife, or join them in the Theatre to hear expertly crafted lectures on local history, ecology, and wildlife. Work out in the gym, or relax in our hot tubs.

Day 7: Svolvær, Norway
Hiking trails in the Arctic Venice
Strung across bridges between a plethora of tiny islands, Svolvær is a tiny Arctic Venice, thriving where land meets water. This delightful little town is the largest in Lofoten. Brightly coloured wooden shacks at the water’s edge are draped in fishing equipment, cod hang to dry on wooden racks, and fishing boats bob in the harbor. Lace up your hiking boots and get out to explore the vast network of trails right from town.

Day 8: Reine, Norway
Fairytale roads and mountain exploration
Reine is a small village connected by bridges and causeways between the green islands suspended on the glassy ocean, backed by forbidding saw-toothed mountains. Explore on foot and embrace "Friluftsliv" (Norwegian for Open Air Living). While Reine is still a fishing village at heart, it is increasingly popular with hikers and adventure-seekers from all over the world, offering dramatic scenery on the mountains.

Day 9: At sea, en route to Jan Mayen
Biological productivity in the Greenland Sea
Leaving the mainland of Norway behind, we strike out into the Greenland Sea, en route to Jan Mayen. Here, the Gulf Stream mixes with chilly water flowing down from the Arctic Ocean, promoting exceptional biological productivity which increases as the water shallows on our approach to Jan Mayen and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Keep your binoculars handy.

Day 10: Jan Mayen
The northernmost active volcano on Earth
The island of Jan Mayen is one of the few areas of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge which poles above sea level. This isolated island is the only active volcano in Norway, and the northernmost active volcano on Earth. Jan Mayen is the temporary home to only around 18 people, a mixture of scientists and Norwegian troops. Flocks of squabbling seabirds live on the rugged cliffs, while the peak of Mt Beerenberg looms above.

Day 11: At sea, en route to Ittoqqortoormiit
Icebound coastlines and Northern Lights
Receiving no warm currents, East Greenland is considerably colder than the western side of Earth’s largest island. These shores are some of the most icebound in the Arctic, open only for a few months during the brief Arctic summer. Now at the end of the summer, nights are frosty, but the return of darkness offers the chance to see the majestic Northern Lights, so be sure to venture outside after dark.

Day 12: Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland
Isolated human communities and traditional culture
One of Earth’s most isolated settlements, Ittoqqortoormiit is the only settlement in the vast Northeastern region of Greenland. Supply ships only visit once or twice a year, and most residents continue a subsistence hunting lifestyle. Hosting an excellent museum, small shops, and a beautiful traditional church, Ittoqqortoormiit has a traditional culture, and locals often welcome visitors wearing traditional costumes.

Days 13-16: Northeast Greenland National Park and the Blosseville Coast
Zodiac safaris in a pristine wilderness paradise
Enter the Northeast Greenland National Park — the world’s largest protected land area, spanning nearly a million square kilometers. Potential highlights include vast cliffs, fjords, historical sites, and vast glaciers producing enormous icebergs. Due to unpredictable Arctic conditions, our exact destinations are flexible and dictated by weather and ice. Throughout your time in the Park, enjoy engaging lectures, friendly discussions, and Zodiac safaris while searching for Arctic wildlife. We will also seek opportunities to explore along the magnificent Blosseville Coast before setting out into the Denmark Strait.

Day 17: At sea, en route to Reykjavik
The Captain's Farewell Party and photo wrap-up
Our final day at sea is the ideal opportunity to connect with fellow explorers and reflect on your Arctic odyssey. Relax on the outer decks to watch for marine life, or join your Expedition Team in the Theatre. Toast the end of your expedition during the evening with a cocktail at the Captain’s Farewell Party, and relive your adventure during the onboard Photographer’s Slideshow before a final celebratory dinner.

Day 18: Reykjavik, Iceland: Disembarkation
Conclusion of the odyssey in the Icelandic capital
Arrive back in Reykjavik, the vibrant Icelandic capital. This hip city is known for unique museums, excellent shopping, and mouthwatering Nordic cuisine. After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the crew and Expedition Team as you descend the gangway back to dry land with memories of the voyage of a lifetime.

© PLT

© PLT

© PLT