Northern Lights & Wild Isles: Iceland, Greenland, Scotland

Explore the beauty of the North Atlantic under the magic of the northern lights. A unique journey sailing among the fjords of Iceland, the untamed coast of East Greenland, and the historic legacy of the Faroe and Orkney Islands.


Auroras in Iceland
© AUE

Duration: 14 days / 13 nights on board.
Starts: Reykjavík, Iceland
Ends: Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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


Timed for the darker skies of early autumn, this expedition journey offers exceptional opportunities to witness the aurora borealis across Iceland, East Greenland, and the remote islands of the North Atlantic. By day, travelers will discover Iceland's wild Westfjords, geothermal landscapes, and thundering waterfalls, explore immense Greenlandic fjords filled with sculpted icebergs, and uncover the rich Viking, Norse, and Neolithic heritage of the Faroe and Orkney Islands.

By night, the absence of light pollution in these polar and subpolar latitudes combined with clear skies creates ideal conditions to watch green ribbons of light ripple above dark mountains, glaciers, and the open ocean. Through Zodiac excursions, guided tundra hikes, and educational lectures provided by an expert naturalist team, this voyage balances wildlife watching —including musk oxen, seals, and cetaceans— with visits to historic remote communities and the experience of one of nature's most extraordinary celestial displays.

Highlights:
Seek the aurora borealis beneath dark autumn skies across East Greenland, Iceland, and the North Atlantic.
Explore East Greenland's immense fjords, sculpted icebergs, and remote Inuit communities by Zodiac and on foot.
Experience the thundering beauty of Dynjandi waterfall and the wildlife-rich waters of Iceland's Westfjords.
Two-day exploration of the Faroe Islands featuring dramatic sea cliffs, grass-roofed villages, and Viking heritage.
Journey through 5,000 years of Orkney history, from Neolithic stone houses to Norse heritage and local culture.

Itinerary

© AUE
© AUE
© AUE

Day 1: Embarkation Reykjavik
Beginning of the expedition and first auroras
Free time in Reykjavík before the group transfer to the port in the late afternoon. After settling into your cabin and attending mandatory safety briefings, enjoy a welcome dinner onboard. As we leave city lights behind, head onto the outer decks to scan the night sky for the northern lights.

Day 2: Dynjandi
Majestic nature in the Westfjords
Enter the remote Westfjords and land by Zodiac to visit Dynjandi, a magnificent 100-meter tiered waterfall. In the afternoon, cruise through deep fjords searching for cetaceans and seabirds. After nightfall, dark skies offer ideal conditions to spot green auroral arcs over the mountains.

Day 3: Vigur Island & Isafjordur
Island life and fjord whale watching
Visit tiny Vigur Island by Zodiac, home to colonies of puffins, eider ducks, and Arctic terns. In the afternoon, cruise the sheltered waters of Ísafjarðardjúp searching for humpback and minke whales. After sunset, watch for the aurora developing above the surrounding peaks.

Day 4: Across the Denmark Strait
Ocean sailing towards Greenland
A full day at sea crossing toward Greenland. Attend educational lectures on regional geology, wildlife, and history while scanning the ocean for whale blows. At night, far from any land lights, open waters provide an unobstructed view of the northern sky.

Day 5-8: East Greenland
Monumental fjords, ice, and northern lights
Four flexible expedition days in East Greenland. Cruise by Zodiac among sculpted icebergs, hike across the tundra searching for musk oxen and Arctic hares, and visit a remote Inuit community. Minimal light pollution and long dark nights provide optimal conditions to witness the aurora borealis.

Day 9: Akureyri, Iceland
Northern geothermal and waterfall sights
Arrive in Akureyri. Choose between visiting Goðafoss waterfall, Mývatn pseudocraters, and relaxing at the nature baths; or exploring Dimmuborgir lava fields and Námaskarð mud pools. At night, scan the skies as we sail beneath Northern Iceland's auroral oval.

Day 10: Seyðisfjörður
Culture and hiking in eastern fjords
Explore Seyðisfjörður, a picturesque village with colorful timber houses built by Norwegian merchants. Hike along the Fjarðará River and its waterfalls or explore local art galleries. At night, continue sailing into the North Atlantic with eyes on the sky.

Day 11: Approaching Torshavn, The Faroe Islands
Atlantic crossing and Faroe arrival
Morning ocean navigation featuring expert lectures and seabird watching. In the late afternoon, the rugged silhouettes of the Faroe Islands appear as we arrive in Tórshavn to stroll through the historic turf-roofed district of Tinganes.

Day 12: Torshavn
Dramatic sea cliffs and wild costas
A full day exploring the Faroese archipelago. Walk along coastal trails over rolling green hills and view towering sea cliffs. At night, if cloud cover clears, there is a chance to spot the aurora above the island peaks.

Day 13: Papa Westray, Scotland
Neolithic archaeology in the Orkney Islands
Arrive at Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands. Visit Knap of Howar, Northern Europe's oldest preserved stone house dating back over 5,000 years. Enjoy local hospitality at the village pub before our final evening at sea watching the northern horizon.

Day 14: Disembark in Aberdeen
End of the expedition
Early morning arrival at the port of Aberdeen, UK. After breakfast onboard, disembark and join the group transfer to the airport or city center for your onward journey.

Itinerary

Day 1: Embarkation Reykjavik
Beginning of the expedition and first auroras
Free time in Reykjavík before the group transfer to the port in the late afternoon. After settling into your cabin and attending mandatory safety briefings, enjoy a welcome dinner onboard. As we leave city lights behind, head onto the outer decks to scan the night sky for the northern lights.

Day 2: Dynjandi
Majestic nature in the Westfjords
Enter the remote Westfjords and land by Zodiac to visit Dynjandi, a magnificent 100-meter tiered waterfall. In the afternoon, cruise through deep fjords searching for cetaceans and seabirds. After nightfall, dark skies offer ideal conditions to spot green auroral arcs over the mountains.

Day 3: Vigur Island & Isafjordur
Island life and fjord whale watching
Visit tiny Vigur Island by Zodiac, home to colonies of puffins, eider ducks, and Arctic terns. In the afternoon, cruise the sheltered waters of Ísafjarðardjúp searching for humpback and minke whales. After sunset, watch for the aurora developing above the surrounding peaks.

Day 4: Across the Denmark Strait
Ocean sailing towards Greenland
A full day at sea crossing toward Greenland. Attend educational lectures on regional geology, wildlife, and history while scanning the ocean for whale blows. At night, far from any land lights, open waters provide an unobstructed view of the northern sky.

Day 5-8: East Greenland
Monumental fjords, ice, and northern lights
Four flexible expedition days in East Greenland. Cruise by Zodiac among sculpted icebergs, hike across the tundra searching for musk oxen and Arctic hares, and visit a remote Inuit community. Minimal light pollution and long dark nights provide optimal conditions to witness the aurora borealis.

Day 9: Akureyri, Iceland
Northern geothermal and waterfall sights
Arrive in Akureyri. Choose between visiting Goðafoss waterfall, Mývatn pseudocraters, and relaxing at the nature baths; or exploring Dimmuborgir lava fields and Námaskarð mud pools. At night, scan the skies as we sail beneath Northern Iceland's auroral oval.

Day 10: Seyðisfjörður
Culture and hiking in eastern fjords
Explore Seyðisfjörður, a picturesque village with colorful timber houses built by Norwegian merchants. Hike along the Fjarðará River and its waterfalls or explore local art galleries. At night, continue sailing into the North Atlantic with eyes on the sky.

Day 11: Approaching Torshavn, The Faroe Islands
Atlantic crossing and Faroe arrival
Morning ocean navigation featuring expert lectures and seabird watching. In the late afternoon, the rugged silhouettes of the Faroe Islands appear as we arrive in Tórshavn to stroll through the historic turf-roofed district of Tinganes.

Day 12: Torshavn
Dramatic sea cliffs and wild costas
A full day exploring the Faroese archipelago. Walk along coastal trails over rolling green hills and view towering sea cliffs. At night, if cloud cover clears, there is a chance to spot the aurora above the island peaks.

Day 13: Papa Westray, Scotland
Neolithic archaeology in the Orkney Islands
Arrive at Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands. Visit Knap of Howar, Northern Europe's oldest preserved stone house dating back over 5,000 years. Enjoy local hospitality at the village pub before our final evening at sea watching the northern horizon.

Day 14: Disembark in Aberdeen
End of the expedition
Early morning arrival at the port of Aberdeen, UK. After breakfast onboard, disembark and join the group transfer to the airport or city center for your onward journey.


© AUE
© AUE
© AUE


INCLUSIONS

Group transfer from Keflavík International Airport to the Embarkation Suite, and from the Embarkation Suite to Douglas Mawson on Day 1 (conditions apply).
Group departure transfer from the ship to Aberdeen International Airport or a central Aberdeen location on Day 14.
Access to the Embarkation Suite, including luggage storage, light refreshments and assistance from Aurora Expeditions staff.
Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during the voyage.
Premium spirits, cocktails, beer, wine and liqueurs during voyage.
Captain’s Farewell Reception, including a four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
Educational lectures and guiding services provided by the Expedition Team.
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
One 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket.
Comprehensive pre-departure information.
Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
Wi-Fi.

EXCLUSIONS

International or domestic flights, unless specified in the itinerary.
Transfers, unless specified in the itinerary.
Airport arrival or departure taxes.
Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
Travel insurance and emergency evacuation charges.
Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
Items of a personal nature, including onboard gratuities, laundry, personal clothing, medical expenses, and email or phone charges.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Douglas Mawson | Date: 23 Sept 2028 - 06 Oct 2028 (5572)
Aurora Stateroom Triple
$19,595
$14,696
Aurora Stateroom Twin
$20,195
$15,146
Aurora Stateroom Superior
$21,295
$15,971
Balcony Stateroom Category C
$21,895
$16,421
Balcony Stateroom Category B
$22,995
$17,246
Balcony Stateroom Category A
$24,795
$18,596
Balcony Stateroom Superior
$27,095
$20,321
Aurora Stateroom Single
$20,195
Aurora Stateroom Superior Single
$21,295
Junior Suite
$24,146
$24,146
Captain’s Suite
$27,596
$27,596

* 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.

Gallery



Other options you will like


 



THE POLAR TRAVEL COMPANY LLC
USA


Tel: +1 (786) 321-5654
WhatsApp: +1 (786) 705-2241
Email: travel@thepolartravelcompany.com

International Travel Awards - 2023 Winner
Trip Advisor Traveler's Choice Awards 2025

© 2020 The Polar Travel Company | All rights reserved | Terms & Conditions
THE POLAR TRAVEL COMPANY LLC is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration No. ST42392.

Write us via WhatsApp