A real level 4 trip, with steep sections on most days, some scrambling and rocky paths, but also some gentler parts along ridges and the coastline, with the rewarding views over majestic fjords, hidden beaches and colourful villages and the Lofoten archipelago in the background.
Trekking and Hiking
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
Evenes, Bodo, Dronningruta, Lofo
Evenes, Bodo, Dronningruta, Lofoten, Kvalvika Beach, Himmeltindan, Nusfjord, Bodø
Explore Svalbard, a world of near-endless daylight, where polar bear sightings quicken your pulse, walrus haul out on sea ice and guillemot cries echo from towering cliffs. In East Greenland, sail deep into the world's largest fjord, visit remote Inuit settlements and cruise amongst iridescent icebergs. On this exclusive special departure, you'll experience something very few ever will - witnessing the celestial eclipse. You will be joined on board by former NASA astronaut Dr. Sandra H. Magnus who will share her insights through engaging lectures, offering a fascinating look at the connections between space exploration and the polar regions. Her stories of scientific discovery and environmental stewardship will no doubt inspire and this experience will offer you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a Solar Eclipse in Greenland, alongside a true space explorer.
Witness a solar eclipse - a truly unforgettable experience
Experience complete wilderness - in remote Northeast Greenland
In Svalbard, push through pack ice, searching for polar bears and ringed seals
Arctic highlights - experience three Arctic regions in one voyage
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
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
Our Icelandic Adventure is filled with iconic experiences that highlight the very best of the region. We have included comfort admission into the famous Blue Lagoon, renowned for its rejuvenating geothermal waters and a natural wonder of the world. Next on your list is a guided excursion into the natural ice caves of Katla. You will embark on a beautiful and exciting super jeep ride to the secret area of one of 13 glaciers where you'll take a short walk through an amazing glacier area towards the natural ice cave - an experience like no other!
Also included within your Icelandic Adventure is entry to Hvammsvik Hot Spring Baths. Away from the crowds, you can enjoy 8 hot springs right on the Atlantic ocean, with water levels and temperatures fluctuating with the tides. Depending on the time of year, we include a Northern Lights by Boat Tour or a Whale Watching Tour. Sail away from the coastline of Reykjavik with a local guide in search for the amazing natural phenomenon that are the Northern Lights. Alternatively, on your guided whale watching tour from Reykjavik, you have the incredible opportunity to see minke and humpback whales, porpoises and dolphins.
Amongst all the above, you will also have the opportunity to drive the iconic Golden Circle route where you can visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Thingvellier National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and the spectacular glacial waters of Gullfoss Waterfall. Whilst staying in Borgarfjordur within Western Iceland, you can explore the nearby Snaefellsnes, often referred to as 'Iceland in miniature' because of the wealth and diversity of its natural features. The coastline here is adorned with white and black sand beaches including Ytri-Tunga beach where you can observe its year-round seal colony.
Your trip begins and ends in the bustling city of Reykjavik; we recommend adding extra nights here should you want more time to explore the capital.
Explore Iceland’s crater lakes, coastal cliffs and Golden Circles on this six-day family adventure. Start with a lesson about the country's fascinating folklore in Reykjavik, then travel to the Snaefellsness Peninsula to spot Icelandic horses. Trace your way along the Golden Circle, stopping in at the Silfra Fissure, Strokkur Geyser and more, before seeing iconic sights like Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls on your way to the seaside town of Vik. The kids will love seeing real lava up close and making their very own Skrimsli – a cuddly Icelandic wool monster – as well as every other moment of this incredible adventure.
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Reykjavik, Snaefellsnes Peninsul
Reykjavik, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle, Hvolsvollur
YEAR-ROUND TOUR: Circumnavigate Iceland in a week on this 7-day escorted group tour from Reykjavik. Hike on a glacier or take an ice cave tour, depending on your season of travel. Discover the natural wonders of the Golden Circle, see icebergs at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and hike up a volcano. Walk behind the cascading Seljalandsfoss, enjoy an included 3-hour whale watching cruise and take in the lava towers of Dimmuborgir, plus so much more. End your journey back in the Icelandic capital.
It was a very good program to get to know Iceland and see a lot without having to drive around the island in a rush. I don't have the feeling that I missed out on seeing anything.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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
Enjoy the immense beauty of Svalbard on this high Arctic voyage among whales, walruses, polar bears and millions of sea birds. Explore the largest protected areas in the Arctic and cruise to 80 degrees north, while enjoying the spectacular fjords and glacial landscapes of this breathtaking archipelago. The cliffs shimmer with life as every surface is populated with countless birds, getting ready to flee their nests. On shore, you can see huge walrus basking in the Arctic sunshine and whales and seals can be seen foraging along the edge of the pack ice, as we sail north along the coastline.
Observe Arctic guillemots, black guillemots and razorbills - fishing in the ship's wake
Soak up the incredible glacial scenery - on land and from your Zodiac
Enjoy an array of Arctic wildlife - walrus, reindeer, polar bears and Arctic foxes
Enjoy plenty of time to explore Spitsbergen - on this in depth voyage
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
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
Experience the best of Iceland on this 8-day guided tour, perfectly aligned with the total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026. Witness the eclipse from the remote Snaefellsnes Peninsula along the central axis, with an impressive 2 minutes and 2 seconds of totality—one of the longest on Earth . Then embark on a scenic journey around Iceland, exploring thundering waterfalls like Godafoss, Dettifoss, Skogafoss, and Seljalandsfoss, the erupting Strokkur geyser, and Thingvellir National Park. Relax in the Lake Myvatn Nature Baths and take a boat tour among the icebergs of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Reykjavik, Borgarnes, Lake Myvat
Reykjavik, Borgarnes, Lake Myvatn, Egilsstadir, Hofn, Hella
The Faroe Islands is an excellent hiking destination combining mountain and coastal scenery to rival anywhere in northern Europe. This itinerary offers beautiful and varied walks on each day that were ready to be adapted for weather if necessary by our wonderfully enthusiastic Faroese guide who also taught us much about the island's proud culture.
Come prepared for all conditions including the possibility of flight delays due to fog. This risk can be mitigated by choosing to fly with the local carrier, Atlantic Airways who are better equipped to land if such conditions occur.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
On this extended exploration of the Svalbard archipelago, there is ample time to enjoy the best of this magical region, a world of near-endless daylight, where polar bear sightings quicken your pulse, guillemot cries echo from towering cliffs, and beluga whales rise from the sea. With extra time for exploration, we hope to show you some of our favourite places in Svalbard, and perhaps discover some new ones. Unpredictable conditions are expected in wild and remote places such as Svalbard, and with extra time, we can slow the pace of the voyage, linger longer in quiet bays to enjoy wildlife encounters. Explore tundra adorned with wildflowers, keep watch for arctic fox, and discover historical camps of explorers and hunters. Push through pack ice to find walrus and bearded seals, and delight in the breathtakingly beautiful fjords on this extended voyage in the Arctic Ocean.
Venture close to 80° north - searching for polar bears on pack ice
Discover the thrill of seeing Arctic wildlife up close - walrus, seals, whales, guillemots and puffins ti name a few
Cruise along blue glacier fronts - through stunning fjords
Enjoy tundra hikes - amid stunningly beautiful scenery
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
While I don’t really think anyone should be setting foot on this pristine wilderness, the planning and management of the sailing and Zodiac experiences raised customers’ consciousness of the potential damage. We were expected to walk in each other’s footprints to avoid damage to the fragile plants and soils, but in reality the terrain, and some of the attitudes, made this very difficult. It was sad to see tiny saxifrage plants ground into mud, aged lichens kicked off rocks. Even sea ice must be damaged by the ship. We did learn a lot about the environment and the ship seemed better suited than others.
But should anyone be going for fun and exacerbating the climate related destruction?
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers