Everything was perfect -food, expedition leader, guides, hotel staff. Perfect weather too. 8 polar bears and 8 blue whales too and all these rest. The trip was excellent through and through.
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.
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.
Spitsbergen, Greenland, and Iceland—all in one seamless journey. The Three Arctic Islands: Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland (Southbound) tour is a relaxed, 15-day polar expedition that begins in Helsinki and concludes in Reykjavik. Marvel at the stark beauty of the Svalbard Archipelago, drift past Greenland’s vast fjords and glacial walls, and cross the Denmark Strait to Iceland’s rugged shores.
This guided group adventure is accessible to travelers of all ages and fitness levels, featuring educational presentations on polar history and wildlife, plus Zodiac excursions for up-close wildlife spotting. The tour’s unique selling point is its rare opportunity to traverse three Arctic nations in a single voyage, allowing guests to witness immense icebergs, rare seabirds, and the enduring spirit of Arctic exploration—all while enjoying the comfort of a modern expedition ship.
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.
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".
