tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Comfort

Polar

Wildlife

Four Arctic Islands: Spitsbergen, Jan Mayen, Greenland and Iceland

18 Days | Embark on a discovery of incredible wildlife, natural wonders and mysterious, mist-shrouded islands

18 days

Start

Helsinki, Finland

Finish

Reykjavik, Iceland

Trip Code

BQMFA

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 128

Physical Rating

Meals

17 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 16 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, Zodiac

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (16 nights)

From £9,900(18 days)

Trip Informations

Take a private charter from Helsinki to Spitsbergen and board your floating home away from home for the next 16 nights. A true adventure on the seas you’ll explore Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago and revel in the countless opportunities to spot abundant wildlife, visit spectacular glacier fronts and see tundra in full bloom. Then cruise on down to Greenland via the mist-shrouded and mysterious Jan Mayen Island that rises from the depths of the North Atlantic Sea. You’ll explore Greenland’s Scoresby Sund and the remains of its ancient Thule settlements with views of icebergs and towering mountains rising straight out of the sea before reaching our fourth and final artic island of the trip – Iceland. This trip is a nature-lover's dream as you visit what can only be described as a wonderland for wildlife and remote wilderness so vast, you’ll feel like you’re in another world.

Why you’ll love this trip

Take a private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, and enjoy breath-taking views of the mountainous region below.

Learn about the history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore from in-depth presentations aboard your floating home away from home.

Marvel at local wildlife like walrus, polar bears and Svalbard reindeer as well as Arctic terns, skuas, Brünnich’s guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes and ivory gulls.

Be wowed by the mysterious Jan Mayen Island, often shrouded in thick fog, the small mountainous island was declared a nature reserve in 2010. If conditions permit, you'll get the chance to explore the island on foot.

Discover Scoresby Sund, the largest, deepest and, some say, most beautiful multi-armed fjord system in the world with plenty of opportunities to explore ashore or by Zodiac cruise.

Is this trip right for you?

As you’d expect, temperatures in the Arctic are very cold. A warm parka will be provided along with waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the trip notes for further important information about what to bring.

Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships have a lot of stairs, so please hold on to the handrails if seas are rough.

The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area.

This trip takes places during the time of year that Spitsbergen enjoys 24-hour daylight. Just one of the benefits of this is that incredible wildlife can be seen at any time of the day – be prepared to be woken at any time so as to not miss out on exciting animal sightings.

Polar bears are one of the most incredible and appealing animals on the planet, but they are also powerful predators with little fear of humans. Therefore it’s necessary to be aware of the guidelines surrounding any contact with Polar bears. Follow your leader’s instructions and do not stray from your group – your leader carries equipment to protect you.

Itinerary

DAY 1
Helsinki, Finland
Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
DAY 2
Fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Embark
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement, as part of the transfer package. As you embark this afternoon, you’ll hope to enjoy great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.
Accommodation
Expedition cruise ship (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
DAY 3
Exploring Spitsbergen
Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, rewards you with austere beauty and opportunities to spot its abundant wildlife. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and tundra in full bloom, with walrus, polar bears and Svalbard reindeer amongst your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see Arctic terns, skuas, Brünnich’s guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes and ivory gulls. If conditions permit, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole!
Accommodation
Expedition cruise ship (4 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (4)
Lunch (4)
Dinner (4)
DAY 4
Cruising At Sea
While sailing south through the historic Greenland Sea toward Jan Mayen, your Expedition Team will keep you informed with presentations about the history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds “on the wing.” The team will also keep a lookout for the whales that frequent the waters here.
Accommodation
Expedition cruise ship (2 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)
DAY 5
Exploring Jan Mayen
North of the Arctic Circle, about 280 miles (450 km) east of Greenland and 340 miles (550 km) north of Iceland, the mysterious Jan Mayen rises from the depths of the North Atlantic. Often shrouded in thick fog, the small mountainous island was declared a nature reserve in 2010 and is rarely visited, save for the 18 rotating personnel of the Norwegian military and Norwegian Meteorological Institute, who are the only inhabitants.
Accommodation
Expedition cruise ship (2 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)
DAY 6
Exploring Scoresby Sund, Greenland
Your tour of Scoresby Sund—the largest, deepest and, some say, most beautiful multi-armed fjord system in the world— will offer plenty of opportunities to explore ashore or by Zodiac cruise.
Accommodation
Expedition cruise ship (5 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (5)
Lunch (5)
Dinner (5)
DAY 7
Cruising At Sea
As we sail south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Take in a presentation, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a film— there are many things to do during your time at sea. Your Expedition Team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.
Accommodation
Expedition cruise ship (2 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)
DAY 8
Depart Reykjavik, Iceland
You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.
Meals
Breakfast

Inclusions

Meals

17 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 16 dinners

Transport

Expedition cruise ship, Zodiac

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (16 nights)

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

No availability found

Important notes

This trip starts in Helsinki, Finland and finishes in Reykjavik, Iceland,

Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.

Please refer to our "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions.

ADVENTURE OPTIONS

Explore the ocean from a more intimate vantage point on a sit-on-top kayak. No experience is required to manoeuvre these very stable kayaks, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the water, taking in breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Kayaking must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. Hiking is also offered on some itineraries. This activity is at no additional cost and do not need to be pre-booked. See the itinerary for Adventure options available on this voyage.

Reviews (0)

No review found

DAY 8 Depart Reykjavik, Icelandexpand_moreYou’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.restaurant_menu MealscircleBreakfast

DAY 8
Depart Reykjavik, Iceland
You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.
Meals
Breakfast