Embrace independent travel in Northern Europe with over 240 solo-friendly tours. Perfect for meeting like-minded travelers while maintaining your independence, rated by more than 1,600 confident solo explorers.
Activities include
Duration
1 day32 days
Departures
Tour Types
Countries
Activities
Physical Rating
Accommodations
Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
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.
Embrace the icy allure of the Arctic on the "Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway"—a ten-day polar expedition cruise round-trip from Helsinki. Discover Spitsbergen’s wild, unspoiled landscapes, where polar bears, walruses, and seabird colonies thrive.
Stroll the flowering tundra at the base of the 14th of July Glacier, explore the dramatic cliffs of Alkefjellet, and step back in time at the abandoned whaling sites of Smeerenburg. Along the rugged western coast, untouched fjords and shifting shades of ice await your discovery.
The tour’s unique highlight? A rich blend of Arctic history, geology, and breathtaking wildlife encounters—offering an immersive perspective on one of the world’s most remote and captivating environments.
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
Northern lights, ancient cultures, and Arctic wildlife await on the "Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights" tour, an eleven-day polar cruise starting and ending in Reykjavik. Glide along the remote northeast coast, home to the world’s most extensive fjord system, on the Ocean Explorer.
Visit the Greenlandic community of Ittoqqortoormiit and ancient Thule sites, learning firsthand about local history and culture. Each day offers the chance to spot migrating whales, polar bears, muskoxen, and seabirds, with the possibility of witnessing the spectacular Aurora Borealis overhead.
The trip’s standout feature? The opportunity to experience some of the planet’s last untouched wilderness areas, paired with expert wildlife guidance and the magical spectacle of the Northern Lights.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Reykjavik, Greenland Sea, Arctic
Reykjavik, Greenland Sea, Arctic Circle, Denmark Strait, Ella Oya, Northeast Greenland National Park
Circle the Arctic’s crown jewel on the "Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage" tour—a fourteen-day polar cruise that starts and finishes in Helsinki. Board the Ultramarine and set forth on a flexible schedule of daily excursions around Spitsbergen and the Svalbard archipelago.
With expert guides leading the way, seek out polar bears, Arctic foxes, and walruses in their natural habitat. Zodiac trips take you to glacier faces and remote islands near the North Pole, offering unparalleled photo opportunities and moments of awe.
This tour’s unique selling point? A comprehensive circumnavigation of Svalbard, delivering the ultimate polar wildlife and wilderness experience for travelers eager to explore the farthest reaches of the north.
Venture into the untouched wilderness of the Arctic on the 14-day Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland tour. From Reykjavik, cruise Iceland’s dramatic Westfjords and Greenland’s remote northeast coast, home to the world’s largest fjord system. Encounter Arctic wildlife and immerse yourself in Inuit culture at Ittoqqortoormiit. Stand among ancient Thule ruins, marvel at colossal icebergs and towering bird cliffs, and—if fortune smiles—witness the northern lights shimmering overhead. Perfect for those seeking relaxed adventure with rich cultural encounters, this trip’s standout feature is its seamless blend of wild Arctic exploration and the rare chance to experience Inuit traditions firsthand.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Reykjavik, Greenland Sea, At Sea
Reykjavik, Greenland Sea, At Sea, Iceland South Coast, Westfjords, Denmark Strait, Ittoqqortoormiit
The genesis for this adventure dates to November 24, 2003, the day Quark Expeditions became the first operator to successfully lead a total solar eclipse voyage in remote Antarctica.
On that day, we provided 100 people, from 17 different nations, the experience of becoming the first-ever humans to witness a total solar eclipse in Antarctica. Now we’ve decided to achieve a comparable feat in the Arctic. However, with innovation as our DNA, we set out to make it distinct from any other eclipse-viewing experience in the industry.
We’ve assembled a taskforce of eclipse experts, a meteorologist and members of our Expedition Team to research the geography, terrain, angles of the sun, and Arctic weather patterns to prepare for one of the rarest experiences on the planet – observing a total solar eclipse in the High Arctic.
In addition, you’ll discover the natural wonders of the Westfjords – the unsung wonder of West Iceland. Our journey also takes us into the immense Northeast Greenland National Park, where we cruise the 70mi (110km) King Oscar Fjord. You’ll also get to unleash your inner adventurer on thrilling heli-flightseeing adventures over remote Greenland on Ultramarine’s state-of-the-art helicopters.
Special Guests
David Baron: The veteran science journalist, broadcaster and umbraphile – who has witnessed nine total solar eclipses across the globe – is also the author of the award-winning American Eclipse: A Nation’s Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World. Baron has travelled to every continent and more than 50 countries for work and pleasure.
Michael Zeiler: The highly respected author, geographer and eclipse cartographer is a member of the International Astronomical Union Working Group on Solar Eclipses – with an asteroid named in his honour. Zeiler has been witnessing solar eclipses since 1991 and was among the first to develop eclipse maps online.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Reykjavik, Scoresbysund, Westfjo
Reykjavik, Scoresbysund, Westfjords, Northeast Greenland National Park, King Oscar Fjord
Opportunities to witness a total solar eclipse are rare. Your chances of experiencing one in the Arctic—from the deck of a polar ship—are even more rare considering the last total solar eclipse north of the Arctic Circle occurred in 2015. The next will take place on August 12, 2026.To satisfy the demand of eclipse-watchers, this longer voyage has been introduced on one of Quark's newest ships, Ocean Explorer. Covering 2,200 nautical miles in total—this expedition features your bucket-list eclipse adventure, time to explore Northeast and South Greenland, plus you get to check off two of the world’s northernmost capital cities: the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik (64°08′ north), where you’ll have time to explore, and Nuuk, Greenland (64°11′ north), where we disembark for our charter flight back to Reykjavik.
World-renown eclipse-cartographer Michael Zeiler will 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.
Special guest Michael Zeiler: The highly respected author, geographer and eclipse cartographer is a member of the International Astronomical Union Working Group on Solar Eclipses – with an asteroid named in his honour. Zeiler has been witnessing solar eclipses since 1991 and was among the first to develop eclipse maps online.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Reykjavik, Scoresbysund, Westfjo
Reykjavik, Scoresbysund, Westfjords, Denmark Strait, Northeast Greenland National Park
Circle Iceland in style with the "Iceland Circumnavigation: Helicopters, Glaciers And Volcanoes" tour—a 12-day guided expedition for experienced travelers seeking to truly see it all. Starting and ending in Reykjavik, this journey takes you far beyond the typical tourist trails. Marvel at thunderous waterfalls, towering sea cliffs, erupting geysers, and shimmering glaciers, while visiting fishing villages and wild, remote coasts.
Travel by small polar ship, Zodiac, coach, kayak, and even helicopter, ensuring access to Iceland’s hidden gems and spectacular vistas unreachable by road. The trip’s unique selling point is its complete circumnavigation of Iceland—an immersive, innovative way to discover the country’s main attractions and secret corners alike. For those longing to experience the full spectrum of Iceland’s natural wonders, this tour is truly unmatched.
Step into the wild frontiers of the North with the "Iceland To Greenland: Mountains, Glaciers And The Westfjords" tour, a 15-day guided expedition ideal for experienced travelers drawn to untamed landscapes. Begin in Reykjavik and explore the Westfjords—one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets—where dramatic fjords, bird cliffs, and green hills await. Visit Vigur Island, a sanctuary bursting with birdlife, before venturing to East Greenland’s vast glaciers and remote communities.
Explore by ship, Zodiac, kayak, and on foot, delving into the longest fjords in Greenland and the vibrant capital of Nuuk. The tour’s unique feature is its access to rarely visited areas and immersive encounters with both Norse and modern Greenlandic cultures. For those eager to experience the raw beauty and rich traditions of the Arctic, this tour package promises adventure at every turn.
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.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Reykjavik, St. John's, Nain, New
Reykjavik, St. John's, Nain, Newfoundland, Kangerlussuaq, Maniitsoq, Ilulissat, Davis Strait, Pangnirtung, Cape Mercy, Torngat Mountain National Park