Three Arctic Islands Northbound

15 days
14 nights
Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen

Named one of National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime, this unforgettable voyage begins above the Arctic Circle at Spitsbergen, the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” ventures to the spectacular, remote landscape of East Greenland, and ends in Iceland.

In Spitsbergen, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts, steep-walled fjords and wind-swept tundra, where wildlife sightings include walrus, polar bears, Svalbard reindeer and thousands of birds. During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen—40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives here.

The towering cliffs, massive glaciers, rugged fjords and vast swaths of untouched tundra in these breathtaking environments will provide sights, sounds and scenes you’ve never experienced, permanently transforming your connection to the planet we call home. Explore the amazing Arctic, immerse yourself in the beauty and fragility of a wondrous region, and return with unique memories that will last a lifetime.

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland

Your Arctic expedition begins in Reykjavik. Arrive in the Icelandic capital in the morning and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the day to explore the city on your own.

Day 2
Embarkation Day

This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!

Day 3-4
Cruising

While sailing north through the Denmark Strait, your Expedition Team will teach you about the wildlife and history of Greenland, your next stop. You’ll learn about the history of exploration in the Arctic, as well as glaciology. You’ll also learn about the incredible sights, geology and ecology you will soon explore.

Day 5-8
Exploring East Greenland

During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen — 40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives here. If conditions allow, you may also visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote community in East Greenland.

Day 9-10
Cruising

As we continue to sail north, the Greenland Sea is your pathway toward Svalbard. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds “on the wing.” Take in a presentation, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a film—there are many things to do during your time at sea.

Day 11-14
Exploring Spitsbergen, Norway

Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, rewards you with austere beauty and opportunities to spot its abundant wildlife. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and and tundra in full bloom, with walrus, polar bears and Svalbard reindeer amongst your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see Arctic terns, skuas, and Brünnich’s guillemots.

Day 15
Disembark in Longyearbyen & Fly to Helsinki, Finland

The time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package.

Scheduled Expeditions

Ocean Adventurer
Trip Code: OA20240825
Embark Date:
2024-08-25
Disembark Date:
2024-09-08
Embarkation:
Reykjavik
Disembarkation:
Helsinki

What's included

  • Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
  • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
  • All shore landings as per the daily program
  • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
  • Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
  • A photographic journal documenting the expedition
  • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
  • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
  • Transfer from port to Longyearbyen town center on disembarkation day
  • Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax

What's not included

  • International airfare
  • Arrival transfer in Reykjavik
  • Transfers in Helsinki
  • Passport and visa expenses
  • Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
  • Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
  • Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
  • Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
  • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
  • Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
  • Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
  • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
  • Additional overnight accommodation
  • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities

Expedition's Ships

Ocean Adventurer