The hotels were well chosen and offered really good food. It's important to realize that much of the travel is not prearranged, but we were not high season so were able to book everything we needed. It would be better to arrive from Oslo than Bergen.
Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland - M/V Greg Mortimer GREENLAND, SPITSBERGEN- TRIP CODE GMGI
August 2024
We joined the Greg Mortimer in Svalbard having spent the night in a hotel in Longyearbyen. The ship is modern, clean and bright. Our cabin was on the 6th deck with a balcony accessed by a sliding door with room to sit out so long as we put enough clothes on. It had ample storage space, a wonderful en-suite with a heated floor, sheer luxury! All types of plug were catered for so recharging batteries was easy. The first 3 days were spent round Svalbard looking at the wildlife and scenery. Leaving the ship on the zodiacs was very easy and well thought out. We ended up wearing 5 layers to stay warm. Sitting in the zodiac for a couple of hours could get very cold with out the right gear. The ship itself is well appointed with plenty of observation space, both indoor and outdoor. The lecture theatre is excellent and, if you don’t want to attend, you can watch the proceedings from your cabin on the TV.
The food was very good, Buffet style lunches and a good menu in the evenings.
Crossing the Greenland Sea on the 4th day was a little rough but the ship has stabilisers which worked well. There was a noticeable lack of people in the dining room on the first night though.
Reaching Greenland, the itinerary was adjusted based on the weather and conditions. Each day we generally had two zodiac trips with landings when we could. The supplied Wellington Boots were comfortable and warm although we did supplement them with a thermal sole insert and two pairs of socks.
The landscape is fantastic with towering cliffs and glaciers coming down to the sea. The scale is hard to describe as there is not much to compare it with but some mountains like the Devil’s Castle loom over the ship at some 1100m. Very impressive. Each day was at a different site with the ship moving overnight.
We did get to see a couple of Polar Bears, seals, walruses, musk ox and plenty of birds.
All in all, a wonderful trip full of fantastic scenery and wildlife on a comfortable ship designed for the job. The crew were excellent and always helpful as were the very knowledgeable Expedition staff.
If you want to see a mostly untouched wilderness with stunning views and wildlife, we can recommend this trip.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Imagine tracing the legendary paths of Norse explorers as you journey from Aberdeen to Helsinki on the "Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen." This guided polar expedition and cruise tour spans 14 days, weaving through the captivating landscapes of Scotland, Norway, and Finland—including Longyearbyen, the remote Faroes, and enigmatic Jan Mayen. While this trip promises encounters with the raw beauty of Arctic fjords, calving glaciers, and dramatic icebergs, it also unveils the lesser-known cultural treasures of the region: from Viking settlements and whaling stations to museums rich with Inuit lore and Norse mythology. Travelers can anticipate minimal physical effort, making this relaxed tour accessible to all who wish to absorb the Arctic’s history, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for a potential polar bear sighting—the unique thrill that sets this adventure apart. Accommodation, transport, meals, and more are included for a seamless experience into the far north’s saga.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Home-stay
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Aberdeen, Longyearbyen, Helsinki
Aberdeen, Longyearbyen, Helsinki, Spitsbergen, Fair Isle, Faroe Islands, Jan Mayen
Discover wild Arctic landscapes on this nine-day journey through Northern Norway and Sweden. Kick things off in the island city of Tromso, then board the legendary Ofoten Railway to Abisko National Park (warning: it’s a panoramic workout for your neck muscles) to hike a section of Sweden’s most famous trail. Tuck into a traditional lunch on a Sami cultural tour in Vilhelmina, then ride the retro Inlandsbanan train through Swedish Lapland – including a photo stop at the Arctic Circle. Explore the lakeside city of Ostersund, then end your Swedish adventure in the culture-rich capital of Stockholm – maybe with a sticky cinnamon bun.
ExplorerTrain tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Norway, Sweden and Finland have, for some time now, led the way in cultural cool. Perhaps the answer lies in the world-leading museums. Maybe it’s the innovative gastronomic scenes. Or perhaps it’s the beautiful waterside cities dotted with protected historic sites. Join us on this Nordic adventure to find out for yourself. With the help of our expert leader (and the excellent train systems), we navigate this undeniably attractive trio, stopping at the capitals of each – Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki – while also taking time to dip into smaller towns and visit natural wonders.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Oslo, Helsinki, Gothenburg, Vran
Oslo, Helsinki, Gothenburg, Vrango Island, Stockholm, Djurgården, Turku
Set sail for adventure across the Arctic’s most legendary regions on the 'Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland - M/V Sylvia Earle' tour. This 13-day polar expedition begins in Oslo and ends in Reykjavik, guiding experienced travelers through the untamed wilds of Spitsbergen, Greenland’s remote east coast, and Iceland’s mystical landscapes.
Witness polar bears along Spitsbergen’s migration routes, attend expert-led lectures on Arctic ecology, and stand in awe of Greenland’s massive icecap and granite spires that soar over fjords. The trip also offers chances to connect with local Inuit communities and savor their warm hospitality. Sailing into Iceland, you’ll find a dramatic finale in the land of fire and ice.
The USP of this journey is its rare combination of three Arctic realms in a single voyage, offering a comprehensive exploration of the north’s most captivating highlights. For travelers who yearn for wilderness, wildlife, and cultural encounters, this tour package promises unparalleled variety and adventure.
Polar bestsellers
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Oslo, Reykjavik, Eastern Greenla
Oslo, Reykjavik, Eastern Greenland, Denmark Strait, Spitsbergen, Jan Mayen
Chase the enchanting Aurora Borealis on the "Northern Lights Explorer - M/V Sylvia Earle," an 18-day voyage blending Arctic adventure with comfort. Starting in Tromsø and finishing in Reykjavik, this relaxed small-group tour hugs the coastlines of Norway and Iceland, maximizing your chances of witnessing the surreal northern lights. By day, discover Vega Island (a UNESCO site), attempt to land on volcanic Jan Mayen, and photograph dazzling icebergs in Greenland’s Scoresbysund. Trek the remote Westfjords of Iceland and immerse yourself in splendid, isolated beauty. Designed for experienced travelers eager to combine natural wonders with cultural discovery, this tour package includes all accommodations, meals, and expertly guided exploration. Its standout feature is the focus on northern lights viewing in some of the world’s best locales, paired with access to rarely visited islands and breathtaking Arctic scenery.
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This itinerary is similar to the Realm of the Polar Bear, but with even more time dedicated to searching for the King of the Arctic. You will enjoy three additional days scoping the ice, oceans and tundra for polar bears, seeing plenty of glaciers and other arctic wildlife along the way. With the extra time, you may have the chance to circumnavigate the archipelago. You can really make the most of your Arctic adventure on this in-depth voyage.
Discover deep fjords - with icy blue glaciers & sculpted icebergs
Wildlife - enjoy spotting an array of sea birds, walrus, seals & polar bear
Regular Zodiac excursions - explore the rugged shoreline and elegant ice shapes
Arctic tundra - enjoy extensive walks, surrounded by beautiful glacial scenery
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Experience a celestial phenomenon few ever witness on the "Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland Solar Eclipse Departure - M/V Greg Mortimer" cruise. This 15-day relaxed polar expedition sails from Oslo to Reykjavik, taking you through Svalbard’s wildlife-rich pack ice, East Greenland’s vast fjords, and the rugged beauty of Iceland. The highlight is an exclusive opportunity to observe a solar eclipse in Greenland, guided by former NASA astronaut Dr. Sandra H. Magnus, who offers captivating lectures linking space exploration and the polar world. With all logistics managed, this tour package’s unique advantage is its rare blend of Arctic exploration and cosmic wonder, making it truly once-in-a-lifetime for inquisitive, comfort-seeking adventurers.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Oslo, Ittoqqortoormiit, East Fjo
Oslo, Ittoqqortoormiit, East Fjord, Denmark Strait, Reykjavik, Spitsbergen, Greenland Sea, Jan Mayen
