Northern Europe Polar Expeditions and Cruise Trips 2025/2026
Great polar expeditions and cruise trips in Northern Europe in 2025/2026. Compare prices for 35+ polar expeditions and cruise tours with 100+ trip reviews. Book today and save up to 31% on Bookmundi.com!
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Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
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.
SEMI-INDEPENDENT + FAMILY TOUR: Head to Finnish Lapland for 5 days with a difference. Cross the Arctic Circle, meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi and become a reindeer driver all in five magical days. Families with children aged 4 yrs and above are welcome on this holiday.
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.
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".
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
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
