Arctic Cruises - Arctic Sights & Northern Lights

Fly to Reykjavik, the charming capital of Iceland and starting point of your expedition. Reykjavík is home to a wealth of cultural institutions including museums, galleries, and the Hallgrímskirkja church. Leisure possibilities inside the city include parks, whale watching excursions, and trips to soak in geothermal baths. You can also take advantage of Reykjavík’s wide range of shopping possibilities, excellent dining options, and famous nightlife. Overnight at your hotel in Reykjavik.

In the afternoon, climb aboard the luxury expedition ship, the M/V Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and get comfortable as the ship slips its moorings and sails out of the harbour. (D)

Head across Denmark Strait toward Scoresby Sund in East Greenland, crossing the Arctic Circle on the way. There is a good possibility of whale sightings in this stretch of water and after nightfall look out for the elusive Northern Lights. (B,L,D)

Scoresby Sund is the largest and longest fjord system in the world. This area contains some of the Arctic’s most impressive scenery, and you’ll spend the next five days exploring the region both from the boat, and by taking smaller RIB boats out towards land. Here you’ll discover the deep fjords and narrow channels which reach deep into the mountainous heart of Greenland, each flanked by ice-clad peaks up to 2000 meters high. Excursions and presentations will likely occur in a different order than advertised, due to the ever-changing nature of the weather and environment. (B,L,D)

No matter where you journey within Scoresby Sund, the views from the ship are magnificent. By day, enjoy the scenery as tidewater glaciers create colossal icebergs that float with wind and tide throughout the fjord system. By night, don't forget to head out on deck to watch out for the aurora borealis - Eastern Greenland is a fantastic place from which to enjoy displays of the northern lights. (B,L,D)

Today perhaps climb ashore to visit the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit - the only permanent settlement in the region. The community boasts an excellent museum, a gift shop, a post office, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs, and of course the opportunity to meet Inuit people. (B,L,D)

Throughout this area you'll also find ancient Thule archaeological sites, historical trappers’ huts, and modern Inuit hunters’ cabins. Learn more during lectures or from your excursion guides, and step ashore to see them first hand. (B,L,D)

On shore, fields of multi-coloured tundra are home to musk oxen and Arctic hare. The landscape—vast, open, and seemingly untouched since the beginning of time—is a hikers’ paradise. (B,L,D)

Cross the Denmark Strait and spend cruising time listening to lectures on the area from the expedition team. (B,L,D)

Today reach the Westfjords, a large peninsula in northwestern Iceland known for it’s natural beauty. Discover breathtaking coastal fjords, jagged bird cliffs and tiny fishing villages embracing traditional ways of life. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, disembark the M/V Sea Spirit in Reykjavik and transfer to the local airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)