Greenland to Spitsbergen via Jan Mayen

Your thrilling Arctic trip begins in Reykjavik, the vibrant Icelandic capital, where after arriving independently you will make your way to the port to board your luxury expedition vessel. After settling into your supremely comfortable cabin and familiarising yourself with the fantastic facilities on board, you might wish to make your way to the deck to watch as we leave Iceland behind and set sail into the Denmark Strait towards Greenland.

We recommend arriving in Reykjavik a few days ahead of departure to allow you time to soak up the sights of this very special city and its beautiful surroundings. Please let us know if you would like any advice on places to visit and stay.

Today will be spent at sea sailing towards Greenland. This will be the perfect time to relax and enjoy the luxurious facilities on board including the spa, wellness centre, fitness centre, swimming pool and panoramic lounge. You might also choose to spend some time on deck looking for seabirds and whales following the ship and soaking up the beautiful surroundings.

As we arrive along Greenland's untouched and only recently explored eastern coast, we will make our way to the Ammassalik region where alpine mountains, snow-capped fjords and drifting icebergs of all shapes and sizes make for an incredible backdrop. Here we will hope to enjoy an exploration around the small island of Ammassalik itself to visit the local community of Tasiilaq.

On the nearby island of Storo, staying within the Ammassalik region, we will hope to land to learn all about how the famous French explorer Paul-Emile Victor in 1932 spent a year here hosted by an Inuit family. While we’re here we will also be on the lookout for the whales that frequent the waters at the entrance of a small fjord facing the Denmark Strait, including narwhals and belugas.

Our next adventures will take us to the area between the magnificent Sermilik fjord and the vast expanses of Liverpool Land, where we will find the impressive Kangerlussuaq Fjord, one of the largest on the south-east coast of Greenland. The fjord is fed by the gigantic Kangerlussuaq glacier, the largest on the east coast of the Greenland Ice Sheet, and we will enjoy a thrilling sail or Zodiac cruise through the landscapes of icy seas surrounded by imposing jagged peaks.

Your next area for discovery in Greenland will be the scenic Ittoqqortoormiit area, one of the most remote inhabited places in the world. Incomparably located between the world’s largest national park and the world’s longest fjord system, Ittoqqortoormiit really is unlike any other place on earth. During our exploration here we will hope to come ashore to visit the Inuit community and learn all about their traditions and way of life this far north where the land is covered with ice and snow for nine months of the year and hunting remains the main source of food.

Your final adventure in Greenland is certain to be one to remember as your ship makes its way to the largest and deepest fjord system in the world for 2 days of unforgettable exploration. Scoresby Sund is wild and deserted, with high snow-capped peaks rising tall alongside icebergs immersed in clear, blue-tinged waters creating incredibly impressive scenery at every turn. During your time here you will enjoy thrilling Zodiac boat excursions, shore visits and nature walks designed to truly immerse you in this unique place. Whilst you’re here, a visit to Rode Fjord and its iconic iron-red cliffs is likely to be a highlight.

Leaving Greenland behind we now make our way to Jan Mayen Island, just off Greenland’s coastline between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean. Inhabited only by a few Norwegian meteorologists, this volcanic island not only offers beautiful scenery and perfect photo opportunities but is also a great place to spot fin whales and countless seabirds.

As we make our way towards Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island, you may wish to spend some time on deck looking for seabirds and whales following the ship. Your informative lecture and presentation programme will also continue, focusing now on the sights you are likely to see in Svalbard, your final destination.

As we arrive in beautiful Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island, we will spend the day exploring around the vast Isfjorden, one of Svalbard’s major fjords. While we’re here we will hope to visit the spectacular 5km wide Nordenskiöld Glacier as well as the famous “ghost town” of Pyramiden which is a former Soviet Union mining town which was abandoned in 1998 and offers a great insight into the coal mining industry that was once so prominent in Svalbard. There will also be good chances for marine wildlife sightings today along with possible sightings of Svalbard reindeer.

As you arrive into beautiful Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of Svalbard, after breakfast it will be time to disembark and join your included flight to Paris where your itinerary sadly comes to an end. Numerous further Arctic adventures are available in Longyearbyen so please enquire should you wish to extend your experience and spend a few more days in this unique Arctic town.