Named one of National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime, this unforgettable voyage begins above the Arctic Circle at Spitsbergen, the “wildlife capital of the Arctic,” ventures to the spectacular, remote landscape of East Greenland, and ends in Iceland. In Spitsbergen, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts, steep-walled fjords and wind-swept tundra, where wildlife sightings include walrus, polar bears, Svalbard reindeer and thousands of birds. During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen—40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives here. The towering cliffs, massive glaciers, rugged fjords and vast swaths of untouched tundra in these breathtaking environments will provide sights, sounds and scenes you’ve never experienced, permanently transforming your connection to the planet we call home. Explore the amazing Arctic, immerse yourself in the beauty and fragility of a wondrous region, and return with unique memories that will last a lifetime.
Explore two of the last unspoiled wilderness areas on the planet with the Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland itinerary. Cruising along Iceland’s mountainous Vestfjords and Greenland’s remote northeast coast, home to the largest fjord system in the world, you’ll discover diverse and dramatically rugged landscapes rich in iconic arctic wildlife. Immersed in the untamed beauty of the Arctic, you’ll experience Inuit culture firsthand at Ittoqqortoormiit, visit ancient Thule sites steeped in history, and marvel at the majesty of massive icebergs and towering bird cliffs. If you’re lucky, you may also catch sight of the spectacular northern lights dancing across the sky. The Arctic has been inspiring explorers for centuries, and our expeditions offer the chance for you to discover why. We’re excited to host you on your unforgettable adventure! Feel free to reach out to our team of Polar Travel Advisers or your travel professional, who can answer your questions and provide assistance at any time.
Cruise
Tour Type
Cruise Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Reykjavik, Northeast Greenland N
Reykjavik, Northeast Greenland National Park, Westfjords
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Sailing from Svalbard to Greenland, follow the ice’s edge with an eye peeled to the horizon for wildlife. Navigating south, you'll explore this remote landscape not only by ship but also on foot and via Zodiac. This journey highlights the contrast and change in the Arctic as you move south, finally ending in Iceland, "the Land of Fire and Ice." An Inuit village, unique wildlife, and remote destinations are just some of the highlights on this truly unforgettable voyage through the Arctic.
WildlifeTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Ship Cabin
Age Range
10-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Reykjavik, Longyearbyen, Arctic
Reykjavik, Longyearbyen, Arctic Circle, Spitsbergen, Greenland Sea, Northeast Greenland National Park
From the vibrant Icelandic capital of Reykjavík, embark on a cruise from East to West Greenland and experience a celestial spectacle like no other - the 12 August 2026 total solar eclipse in one of the world's most awe-inspiring destinations. Following this spectacle, witness glaciers flowing from the snow-capped Watkins Mountains, experience the cultural richness of Tasiilaq and marvel at the stunning fjords of Skjoldungen. Sail through the magnificent strait of Prins Christiansund, venture deep into the fjords of South Greenland, visit Nuuk, one of the world's smallest capitals and traverse the breath-taking Evighedsfjord. This once-in-a-lifetime 13-day expedition cruise ends in Kangerlussuaq, with an included flight to Copenhagen or Keflavik.
Discover the icy wonders of Greenland and cross the Arctic circle on this 8-day expedition cruise which takes in magical fjords, calving glaciers and remote towns. Cruise past giant icebergs in Disko Bay, look out for whales and other marine life breaching the waves and sail up close to the spectacular Eqip Sermia Glacier. Explore beautiful Uummannaq, the Iceberg capital of Ilulissat, the tiny Inuit settlement of Itilleq and Sisimiut.
Opportunities to witness a total solar eclipse are rare and your chances of experiencing one in the Arctic, from the deck of a polar ship no less, are even more so (considering the last total solar eclipse north of the Arctic Circle occurred in 2015). The next will take place on August 12, 2026. This voyage aboard the Ocean Explorer features your bucket-list eclipse adventure, time to explore Northeast and South Greenland, and two of the world’s northernmost capital cities – the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik and Nuuk, Greenland. World-renowned eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler will also be onboard to deepen your understanding of eclipse-viewing, observational astronomy and celestial mechanics. Of course, you’ll also get to witness waterfalls, towering cliffs and remote fishing villages in the Westfjords – a hidden gem of Iceland – as well as icebergs, wilderness areas, glaciers and the deep fjords of Greenland.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Reykjavik, Westfjords, Northeast
Reykjavik, Westfjords, Northeast Greenland National Park, Aappilattoq, Ivittuut
Iceland is sculpted by fire and ice and is popular for its cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs, geysers that spontaneously erupt and stunning shorelines dotted with fishing villages and glaciers. On this 12-day trip aboard the technologically advanced Ultramarine, you’ll circumnavigate Iceland and explore all it has to offer. On this once in a lifetime adventure, your days will be spent sightseeing, glacier and volcano hunting and hiking through wild landscapes. Starting and ending in Reykjavik, explore the many wonders of this part of the world by small polar ship, Zodiac, coach bus, kayak and helicopter.
Explore two of the last unspoiled wilderness areas in Iceland and East Greenland. Over 14 days, you’ll cruise along Iceland’s mountainous Westfjords and Greenland’s remote northeast coast – home to the largest fjord system in the world. Discover diverse and rugged landscapes, rich in arctic wildlife. Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the Arctic and experience Inuit culture firsthand at Ittoqqortoormiit. Visit ancient Thule sites steeped in history, see massive icebergs and towering bird cliffs and if you’re lucky, you may also see the spectacular northern lights dancing across the sky!
The Northwest Passage has gripped polar explorers for centuries. On this 17-day voyage, you’ll hop aboard the Ocean Explorer and explore this fascinating waterway with an incredible range of off-ship adventures by Zodiac and helicopter. Passing through the Canadian Arctic archipelago, you’ll journey back in time to the height of Arctic exploration, visiting areas that the Inuit people have made their home for thousands of years. See all the highlights of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland’s west coast, stopping at Inuit and Greenlandic communities. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ilulissat Icefjord, whose Sermeq Kujalleq glacier calves off enormous icebergs, and keep your eyes peeled for the marine creatures who make their home in these harsh, remote landscapes –keep your eyes peeled for whales, walrus, muskoxen and polar bears.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Reykjavik, Calgary, Greenland Se
Reykjavik, Calgary, Greenland Sea, Resolute, Quebec City, Smith Sound, Qaanaaq, Uummannaq
Take an incredible 14-day polar cruise from Greenland to Newfoundland and explore both Arctic and boreal environments. This means you’ll experience boreal biomes – cold, dense forests dominated by coniferous trees, boreal woodlands and boreal wildlife – while looking out for caribou, black bears, red and Arctic foxes and peregrine falcons. This is a sharp contrast to what you’ll experience in Arctic biomes – home to treeless regions marked by extreme winters, low vegetation and wildlife like polar bears, seals and migratory birds. Learn about Greenlandic culture, Inuit and Nunatsiavut culture and Viking history. Experience East Coast hospitality in St. John’s, famously steeped in Celtic music thanks to its vast population of Irish descendants, and visit three UNESCO World Heritage sites – Ilulissat Icefjord, Red Bay Basque Whaling Station and the 11th century Viking ruins at l’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site. This exploration really is the trip of a lifetime!
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Reykjavik, Greenland Sea, Nain
Reykjavik, Greenland Sea, Nain, L’Anse Aux Meadows, St John, Kangerlussuaq, Maniitsoq, Ilulissat, Pangnirtung, Cape Mercy, Torngat Mountain National Park
This voyage combines Spitsbergen and Greenland, with a taste of Iceland. Enjoy Spitsbergen's rugged east coast, crossing a major polar bear migration route as we search out bear on the moss-laden tundra. While crossing the icy waters of the Greenland Sea, our onboard experts will share their knowledge of the region's plants, animals and history, preparing you for your landings. Greenland's remote east coast shows off the immensity of the icecap, fantastic icebergs and a fairytale landscape of granite spires rising 1000 m above exquisite fjords. Enjoy the local culture and look forward to a warm welcome as we visit remote Inuit settlements along the way.
Experience complete wilderness - in remote Northeast Greenland
Arctic highlights - experience three Arctic regions in one voyage
Sail to the Land of Ice and Fire - Iceland
Polar bestsellers
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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
CruisePolar bestsellers
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Experience unparalleled adventure and discovery on this ultimate Antarctic voyage. Be transported to enthralling subantarctic islands, rich with human history and unique wildlife. Then venture into the deep south of the Antarctic Peninsula, crossing the coveted Antarctic Circle. Zodiac-cruise in vast ice-covered landscapes, visit lively penguin colonies, watch for whales and discover the rich history of this fascinating region.
Step ashore on the Antarctic continent - to unforgettable vistas, bustling penguins and curious seals
Raise a glass - as you cross the Antarctic Circle
Zodiac through glassy waters - gaze at the iridescent blues of gleaming icebergs
Stand in awe - at the world's largest king penguin rookeries
Hike along pebble beaches and climb tussock steps - with unexpected wildlife encounters at every turn
Cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Ship Cabin
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Oslo, Reykjavik, Arctic Circle
Oslo, Reykjavik, Arctic Circle, Ushuaia, Antarctic Circle, At Sea, South Georgia, Falkland Island, Islas Malvinas, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula
Embark on an extraordinary Arctic odyssey. From the vibrant capital of Iceland to the remote and pristine landscapes of the High Arctic, this expedition offers an unparalleled adventure. Discover the raw beauty of Iceland, with its cascading waterfalls. Immerse yourself in the remote charm of Vigur Island and the cultural richness of Ísafjörður. Venture into the heart of the Arctic as we explore the enigmatic Jan Mayen, a volcanic island teeming with wildlife. Experience the magic of Svalbard in autumn, a polar paradise renowned for its polar bears and breathtaking glaciers. Conclude your journey in the enchanting landscapes of Norway, with visits to North Cape and Tromsø, gateways to the northern lights. This expedition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the Arctic's awe-inspiring beauty and experience the thrill of exploration.
Delight in Svalbard's golden autumn light - transforming landscapes into breathtaking photo spots
Experience the thrill of arctic wildlife - see walrus, seals, whales, guillemots and puffins
Discover Vigur Island - witness the eiderdown harvest
Encounter the natural phenomenon - of the dazzling Aurora Borealis
Polar expeditions and cruise
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
Reykjavik, Svalbard, Bear Island
Reykjavik, Svalbard, Bear Island, North Cape, Tromso, Westfjords, Isafjordur, Jan Mayen