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Three Arctic Islands: Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland (Southbound)

15 Days | Voyage across the Arctic Circle via the Svalbard Archipelago and north-east Greenland

15 days

Start

Helsinki, Finland

Finish

Reykjavik, Iceland

Trip Code

BQMJ

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - null

Physical Rating

Meals

14 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 13 dinners

Transport

Ship, Zodiac, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night) Expedition Cruise ship (13 nights)

From £12,431(15 days)

Trip Informations

Natural splendour, bountiful wildlife and a pioneering spirit all coalesce in the High Arctic, a region once reserved for only the hardiest of travellers but now open to anyone with a real yearning for adventure. Starting out from the isolated Spitsbergen outpost of Longyearbyen, this expedition heads down through the Arctic Circle, taking in the islands of the Svalbard Archipelago, the north-east coast of Greenland and the journey over the Denmark Strait to Iceland. Following in the proverbial wake of explorers past, you'll be treated to stunning sceneries of vast glacial walls, sprawling fjord systems and icebergs the size of skyscrapers. Time spent on the ship will include educational presentations on tales of polar exploration and seabird identification, while there'll be plenty of opportunities for spotting the region's famed wildlife during Zodiac excursions. This voyage across the Arctic Circle allows travellers to experience three different countries of the Arctic in a relatively short space of time.

Why you’ll love this trip

Seek out unforgettable Polar Bears sightings while roaming the hunting grounds of this ruler of the Arctic

Discover the history of Greenland with explorations of the ruins of ancient Thule settlements and learn about the Inuit life in Ittoqqortoormiit

Experience how this incredible environment is ever-changing while cruising through freshly birthed icebergs in Scoresbysund

Kayaking on crisp, clear Arctic waters is a unique and intimate way of exploring this amazing region. Book early as these activities can sell out fast

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 Essential Trip Information's 'Packing' section.

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
Day 1 • Helsinki, Finland
Your arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, where you may arrive at any time today. Known for its extraordinary architecture, Helsinki is a great place to spend time in, exploring the many museums, galleries and restaurants. Perhaps 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.
Special information
An arrival transfer is not included today, so please make your own way to the joining hotel.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Helsinki, Finland – Longyearbyen, Norway – Embarkation Day
After breakfast, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. As you embark this afternoon, you’ll enjoy great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.
Accommodation
Expedition Cruise Ship (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
DAY 3
Day 3-6 • Exploring Spitsbergen
Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest of the Norwegian-ruled Svalbard islands, rewards you with abundant wildlife and austere beauty. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and steep-walled fjords with walrus, polar bears and Spitsbergen reindeer among your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see arctic terns, skuas, long-tailed ducks, kittiwakes and ivory gulls. When conditions are right, 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
Day 7-8 • Greenland Sea
While sailing south through the historic Greenland Sea, you’ll learn about the wildlife and history of Greenland, your next stop. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds on the wing. Take in a lecture, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie—there are many things to do during your time at sea.
Accommodation
Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)
DAY 5
Day 9-12 • Exploring East Greenland
During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen—40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives here. Finally, you will sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs and, some say, the most beautiful fjord system in the world. If conditions allow, you may also visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote community in East Greenland.
Accommodation
Expedition Cruise Ship (4 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (4)
Lunch (4)
Dinner (4)
DAY 6
Day 13-14 • Crossing the Denmark Strait
As we sail south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Your Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about the history of exploration in the Arctic and the seabirds you’ll see soaring above your ship.
Accommodation
Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)
Meals
Breakfast (2)
Lunch (2)
Dinner (2)
DAY 7
Day 15 • Disembarkation Day – Reykjavik, Icealnd
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
Special information
A departure transfer is not included to the airport.

Inclusions

Meals

14 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 13 dinners

Transport

Ship, Zodiac, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night) Expedition Cruise ship (13 nights)

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Wednesday Aug 13, 2025

Wednesday Aug 27, 2025

Trip size max: - 1104 spaces left

£19,525£15,620

Sunday Jul 12, 2026

Sunday Jul 26, 2026

Trip size max: - 1791 spaces left

£14,625£12,431

Important notes

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

Your voyage is operated by our polar partner 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 the "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions.

ADVENTURE OPTIONS

Kayaking is available to book on all Arctic voyages (except the North Pole). This must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. To participate in kayaking, previous, recent experience is essential. In addition, there are other included optional activities offered on some voyages such as hiking. This activity does not need to be booked in advance and no additional cost applies.

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