Europe Polar Expeditions and Cruise Trips 2025/2026
Great polar expeditions and cruise trips in Europe in 2025/2026. Compare prices for 40+ polar expeditions and cruise tours with 100+ trip reviews. Book today and save up to 30% on Bookmundi.com!
Join this unique adventure to explore the wonders of both Arctic and boreal environments. The boreal biomes (also called taiga) are cold, dense forests dominated by coniferous trees, boreal woodlands and wildlife such as caribou, black bears and Arctic foxes. It’s a sharp contrast to the Arctic biomes, treeless regions marked by extreme winters, low vegetation consisting mostly of mosses and lichens, and polar bears, seals and migratory birds.
You’ll also immerse in a cross-section of cultural traditions: Greenlandic culture in places like Sisimiut; Inuit and Nunatsiavut culture in Nunavut and Labrador; Viking history at l’Anse Aux Meadows in Newfoundland; then the welcoming East Coast hospitality of St John’s, famously steeped in Celtic music and history thanks to its vast population of Irish descendants.
Chase the aurora and uncover Arctic wilderness on the "Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland" cruise. Over 14 days, traverse Iceland’s dramatic Westfjords and Greenland’s vast fjord system, home to breathtaking icebergs and abundant wildlife. Experience Inuit culture in Ittoqqortoormiit, visit ancient Thule sites, and watch for the elusive northern lights dancing overhead. This tour’s unique highlight is its blend of raw natural beauty and deep cultural encounters, offering a rare opportunity to witness both Arctic wildlife and the celestial spectacle of the aurora borealis—perfect for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike.
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.
For those drawn to the far reaches of the map, "Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen" is an unparalleled 15-day cruise linking Aberdeen and Helsinki. Designed especially for first-time polar travelers, this tour weaves through the remote Fair Isle, Faroe Islands, volcanic Jan Mayen, and the wildlife haven of Spitsbergen. Marvel at towering glaciers, dramatic fjords, and endless daylight under the midnight sun, all while spotting reindeer, seals, and whales. Led by passionate experts, this journey’s unique draw is its access to some of the world’s most isolated islands and the chance to witness Arctic wonders under a sunlit sky—an adventure that promises to change your perspective forever.
Embark on a legendary Arctic journey with the "Three Arctic Islands: Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen" cruise, celebrated as one of National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime. Over 15 days, traverse the Arctic’s most captivating landscapes—from the wildlife-rich tundra of Spitsbergen to the ancient Thule settlements of East Greenland and the volcanic shores of Iceland. Spot polar bears, walrus, and muskoxen, and navigate dramatic fjords and glaciers. This immersive expedition stands out for its rare access to three of the Arctic’s most remote and awe-inspiring regions, offering wildlife encounters and cultural discoveries that will forever transform your connection to the natural world.
Ready for an adventure that redefines island cruising? The "Wild Scotland - M/V Greg Mortimer" trip is a relaxed-paced exploration designed for travelers with a keen eye for nature and history. Over 12 days, journey from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, navigating the rugged beauty of Oban, the Orkney Islands, Isle of Skye, and beyond. Glide through spectacular lochs by Zodiac, spotting playful seals, dolphins, and even basking sharks. The Scottish isles are a haven for birdwatchers, home to vast colonies of puffin, Arctic tern, and gannet. On land, ancient sites and remote villages await discovery, including the UNESCO-listed St. Kilda and Iron Age remnants on the Shetland Islands. Accommodation, transport, and meals are all part of this comprehensive cruise package. The unique selling point? This tour offers unparalleled wildlife encounters, from seabirds to sea mammals, all explored from the comfort of a modern expedition vessel—truly the ultimate way to experience Scotland’s wild, seldom-seen side.
If there is such a thing as a “classic Arctic” expedition cruise, this is it. Get all the best of Spitsbergen by exploring the western edge of the island and venturing to some northern outlying areas home to Polar bears and walrus. Come across colonies of seabirds numbering into the thousands and watch for whales in the water. Packed with options for snowshoeing and sea-kayaking, this is the perfect expedition for exploring the “wildlife capital of the Arctic".
For those who dream of reaching the ends of the earth, the Journey to the Geographical North Pole - Le Commandant Charcot delivers an extraordinary 16-day polar expedition starting and ending in Paris. Trace the routes of legendary explorers like Amundsen and Peary as you set sail from Spitsbergen into the drifting ice floes, aiming for the elusive 90° North—the very top of our planet.
Onboard, gain photographic insights from British photo ambassador Ian Dawson and keep watch for polar bears, seals, and whales that inhabit these remote Arctic waters. The landscapes shift dramatically with the ice and light, from towering glaciers to jagged peaks plunging into the sea. With each nautical mile, you become part of the select few to approach this mythical point, some 700 km from the nearest land.
Perfect for experienced travelers with a taste for relaxed yet epic adventure, this polar tour package blends comfort, expert guidance, and rare wildlife encounters. The standout feature? The chance to be among a handful of people who have ever attempted to reach the Geographic North Pole—making this a true bucket-list journey for modern explorers.
From close-up encounters with icebergs and glaciers to the region's plentiful wildlife, this is a voyage of non-stop highlights. Always on the lookout for wildlife that live in this polar wilderness, you'll explore this landscape not only by ship but also on foot and via Zodiac. Roaming polar bears, lounging seals, grazing reindeer, and colonies of birds all co-exist in this harsh land that we only explore for a few months of the year.
Search for polar bears - the King of the Arctic is often seen patrolling the ice in search of food
See an intoxicating mix of wildlife - walruses, Arctic foxes, seals and sea birds
Discover deep fjords - enjoy ice blue glaciers & sculpted icebergs
Travel with expert naturalist guides - who will explain all about the wonders of the Arctic
Iceland is a remote volcanic island, with mind-blowing landscapes and fascinating culture. With most of the country uninhabited, much of Iceland's terrain consists of plateaux, mountain peaks and fertile lowlands. The landscape is characterised by volcanoes, thundering waterfalls, geysers and geothermal hot springs, all accompanied by black sand beaches, bubbling mud pools and lava fields. Enjoy dramatic deep fjords, ideal for Zodiac cruising and some of the largest glaciers in Europe, whilst soaking up the abundance of birdlife. A circumnavigation of Iceland, is an experience not to be missed.
Keep watch for blow holes, breaching and tail flukes - as we spot whales in Húsavik
Westfjords offer some of the remotest fjords, bays and pristine environments in Iceland - perfect
for kayaking, hiking and bird-watching
Visit Vatnajökull National Park - featuring Europe's largest glacier, glacial lagoons, colourful mountains and rich wildlife