• Antarctica
• Arctic
  • The North Pole
  • Spitsbergen
  • Greenland & Iceland
    • Northeast Greenland
    • Scoresby Sund - Aurora Borealis
    • Spitsbergen, Greenland, Iceland
    • Arctic Highlights & Polar Bears
    • East Greenland Explorer
    • Norway
    • Franz Josef Land
    • Greenland Explorer
    • Three Arctic Islands
    • Jewels of the Arctic
    • Across the Arctic Circle
  • Sub Arctic Islands
  • Russian Arctic
  • Vessels
• Africa & Madagascar
• Latin America & Galápagos
• Asia
• Australasia
• RMS Titanic Dive
• National Geographic Cruises
• Special Tours

Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland (and reverse)

Aboard S. Vavilov

• 14 Days 9 - 22 Aug 2012
• 14 Days 21 Aug - 4 Sep 2012

This exciting voyage begins in Spitsbergen where we search for polar bears, whales and walruses. The stunning icebergs in Ilulissat epitomises nature's artistry at its best. As we round Greenland visit remote Inuit communities and Viking settlements, all the while watching out for wildlife. Three countries, three versions of the Arctic - this is the expedition for travellers seeking contrasts of landscapes and culture.

Day 1

Longyearbyen

Your expedition begins when you board your ship in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen's largest settlement. D

Day 2

Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)

Named long ago for Irishmen (Westmen) enslaved by the medieval Norse-Gaels, this small archipelago is one of Iceland's gems. Here you'll learn of the area's fascinating history and famed volcanic geology while touring the town of Heimaey. There's also a good chance you'll spot large colonies of puffins on one of the outlying islands. BLD

Days 3-4

At Sea in the Denmark Strait

Sail through the Denmark Strait en route to Greenland's mysterious eastern shore. Your onboard Expedition Team keeps you informed and entertained with presentations about area wildlife - especially the seabirds you'll see soaring above your ship.BLD

Days 5-9

Scoresbysund, Eastern Greenland

During your tour of Greenland's remote eastern coast, you'll enjoy sea-level Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Sail the ice edge searching for walrus and polar bear. Visit the remains of ancient Thule settlements, and keep an eye out for grazing musk oxen, because 40% of the world's population of this fascinating mammal lives on the east coast of Greenland. Finally, sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, birthplace of many icebergs, and - some say - the most beautiful fjord system in the world. BLD

Days 10-11

Greenland Sea

While sailing the historic Greenland Sea, you'll learn about the wildlife and history of Spitsbergen, your next stop. On deck you'll learn to identify seabirds on the wing. Share photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar - watch a movie - there are many things to do at sea. BLD

Days 12-13

Exploring Spitsbergen

Largest of the Norwegian-ruled Svalbard islands, Spitsbergen is famed for its abundant wildlife and austere beauty. Here you'll visit spectacular glacier fronts, steep-walled fjords and the tiny international research community of Ny Alesund. Wildlife-viewing opportunities include walrus, polar bear and the unique Spitsbergen reindeer. Birders will thrill to see Arctic Terns, skuas, Long-tailed Ducks, kittiwakes and Glaucous Gulls. As an added bonus, when conditions are right, you could sail within 10° of the North Pole! BLD

Day 15

Reykjavik

Your adventure ends at the port of Reykjavik, Iceland?s capital. From the port we'll transfer you to the city center. B

Start:
Longyearbyen
Finish:
Reykjavik

The itinerary descriptions reflect the plans for this expedition and should be read as general guides only. These are expeditions to remote and rarely visited regions of the world, and flexibility is required. Our exact program will vary based on local weather and ice conditions, availability of local permissions, and government orders.