Jewels of the Arctic

Jewels of the Arctic 13 Days

Prices From £12,056pp
July Only | 12 nights

Jewels of the Arctic 13 Days

Aboard: Sylvia Earle

This voyage offers a complete European Arctic experience: intrepid travellers can dip their toes in the wonderful world (and icy) water of Svalbard’s northwest coast, the mysterious island of Jan Mayen, Greenland’s spectacular east coast and a touch of Iceland.

Every day of this coveted itinerary promises once-in-a-lifetime moments and experiences. Whether immersing yourself in Inuit culture, witnessing the areas’ fascinating wildlife, or partaking in optional activities such kayaking, this trip guarantees a world of Arctic adventure. Wildlife we hope to see includes reindeer, Arctic fox, musk ox, countless sea and land birds, walrus, seals, whales and polar bears.

This itinerary also operates in reverse.

Various departures available, with some operating in reverse. 15 day variations also available. Mentioned activities may not be applicable to all departure dates. Please enquire for full rates and dates.

Highlights

  • Get up-close with Spitsbergen’s dramatic fjords
  • Sail along East Greenland’s magnificent coastline & see some of the world’s largest icebergs in Scoresby Sund
  • Chances to see musk ox, Arctic fox, reindeer, ringed seals, walrus and polar bears
  • Visit friendly Inuit communities & share in their culture
  • Explore on mysterious Jan Mayen Island
  • Exciting Zodiac cruises, hikes & land visits
  • Kayaking options available (select departures - additional cost)
  • Resident photography guide

What's Included

  • One night hotel stay in Oslo pre-voyage with breakfast included
  • Flight between Oslo and Longyearbyen
  • Group sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen pre-voyage
  • Group transfers between airports, hotel and ship
  • Full board accommodation on board ship with daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
  • Wines, beers and soft drinks with dinner
  • Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
  • Zodiac landings and excursions
  • Programme of expert lectures
  • Loan of rubber boots
  • Complimentary 3-in-1 polar jacket

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Oslo to Longyearbyen
1 - 2Days

Oslo to Longyearbyen

Arrive independently to Oslo, the vibrant capital of Norway, where upon arrival you will be met by a tour representative to transfer to your hotel for your included overnight stay. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.

After breakfast at the hotel on day 2, you will join your group transfer to the airport for your included flight to Longyearbyen, the remote and magical administrative capital of the Svalbard archipelago. Upon arrival, you can explore the town on a guided excursion tour, learning all about Longyearbyen’s fascinating history, including a presentation in the large ‘lavvo’ at Camp Barentz in Advent Valley. Your tour also offers the chance to meet some friendly local huskies, pick up some souvenirs, and visit the Svalbard Museum.

In the late afternoon you will transfer to the port for embarkation. As you get your bearings and settle into your comfortable cabin, the ship will set sail out of the beautiful Isfjorden and deep into the Arctic wilderness. You may wish to spend some time on deck watching as the seabirds follow the ship, before joining the captain for your four-course welcome meal.

Svalbard's West Coast
3 - 5Days

Svalbard's West Coast

Over the course of the next three days you will spend some time discovering the western and northern coasts of the Svalbard archipelago in search of Polar bears and unimaginable scenery. Your exact route here will be determined by weather and ice conditions, and each day your experienced captain and crew will assess the conditions to plot a course for thrilling adventures and unforgettable sights.

What can be guaranteed is sightings of phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountains, rich tundra, and a variety of wildlife. As you sail through the snowscapes you can expect encounters with walrus, seals and whales, as well as an abundance of birdlife. But the main goal will be to spot the iconic Polar bears that call these lands their home. Your captain will aim to take you to the areas where Polar bear sightings are most frequent so that you can see their majesty up-close (but not too close!).

For those who have chosen to book kayaking as part of their package, there will be ample opportunities here to paddle. A daring Polar plunge into the icy Arctic waters is another popular option.

At Sea & Jan Mayen
6 - 8Days

At Sea & Jan Mayen

We will spend the next two days sailing across the Greenland Sea, as whales and seabirds follow in our wake. Along the way, we will approach spectacular Jan Mayen, an often mist-shrouded island dominated by the imposing Beerenberg volcano, the northernmost active volcano in the world. Should the weather conditions be in our favour, we will attempt a landing at the relatively sheltered bay of Kvalrossbukta. Alternatively, we will Zodiac cruise along the coastline in search of whales and dolphins.

As we begin to approach Greenland, we will likely encounter the East Greenland pack ice, and if we are lucky we will see polar bears hunting for prey. As you sail, your expedition team will keep you entertained with discussions and presentations on Greenland’s fascinating flora and fauna, as well as introducing you to the history of Polar exploration in these parts.

For those who have chosen to add kayaking to their package, there should be time for a paddle here whilst the rest of the passengers enjoy a Zodiac cruise. If the crossing is favourable, we may reach the Greenland coast by day 8 and begin our exploration of the world's largest national park early.

Please note, kayaking incurs an additional charge and should be booked in advance.

Greenland's East Coast
9 - 11Days

Greenland's East Coast

We will now spend 3 exciting days exploring along Greenland’s spectacular east coast. Be prepared for ice, and lots of it!! Your days here will be spent sailing and Zodiac cruising through deep fjords and narrow channels surrounded by some of the Arctic’s most breath-taking scenery. See glaciers and giant icebergs, walk across multi-coloured tundra which is home to musk oxen and Arctic hare, and visit ancient Thule archaeological sites and Inuit villages on this truly unforgettable adventure.

You will have the opportunity to explore around Scoresbysund, the largest fjord system in the world. A visit to the remote Inuit community of Ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresby Town) will offer up the chance to meet some of the locals to learn about their way of life this far north, as well as chances to visit the excellent museum and gift shop.

Denmark Strait
12Day

Denmark Strait

As your expedition sadly nears its end, we will spend a final day at sea sailing across the Denmark Strait towards Iceland. Make sure to spend some time on deck looking for whales and seabirds.



Reykjavik
13Day

Reykjavik

Your expedition ends in Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital city, where after disembarkation a transfer will take you either to the airport or a downtown location. There are lots of options for tours and adventures in Reykjavik so please feel free to ask for tips and options for extending your trip.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Sylvia Earle
Luxury vessel

Sylvia Earle

Setting sail for her maiden voyage in December 2022, this outstanding purpose-built expedition vessel honours the long-standing conservation efforts of the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. Capable of negotiating the strongest winds and waves, the vessel has been built to world-class polar standards and utilises the ground-breaking ULSTEIN X-BOW technology which allows for faster, more comfortable travel, improved safety, reduced emissions and lower fuel consumption. The vessel boasts one of the lowest polluting marine engines in the world and also utilises virtual anchoring to protect the sea floor.

In terms of safety, the ship will feature industry-leading safety technology that exceeds the requirements for a ship of this size and will also feature world class return-to-port equipment and a fully-stocked medical clinic.

In terms of comfort onboard, the Sylvia Earle will be hard to beat. The vessel features a distinctive Glass Atrium Lounge at the bow of the ship with a stunning panoramic view on both port and starboard side, a swimming pool and jacuzzi where you can admire impressive scenery while watching the world go by. A gym, sauna and wellness centre add to the luxury touches onboard and there are various places to relax after a long day of adventures including a beautiful library and a number of bars, lounges and observation areas. Delicious meals will be served in the elegant dining room and presentations will be provided in the state-of-the-art lecture theatre.

With capacity for 132 passengers, the ship has 74 elegantly designed staterooms with en-suite bathrooms, ranging from porthole to balcony categories. Each cabin features stylish design, a flat screen TV, large comfortable beds, windows or balconies and closet spaces.

Please note - for now, images shown are artist impressions/renders only

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Arctic adventure for you.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Sheena’s abiding love of adventure travel has taken her to some of the most incredible wildlife-rich places on Earth. Her vast experience and genuine desire to share her knowledge makes her an outstanding and invaluable person to help you organise your wildlife adventure trip.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike lives and breathes adventure travel and has a wealth of experience in some of the most exciting and inspirational destinations in the world. His expertise and first-hand experience afford him the skills to help build holidays to remember.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us
0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43

Chat Now

Request a
callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

text
close

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Request a
callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

Your Details

It would be great to know...

We are always looking for ways to improve the service we offer to our customers, so we would love to know...

1) How do you rate our website?
2) Where did you hear about us:

Tell us about your ideal trip

What are your interests?