Tervetuloa! Welcome to Helsinki, Finland. Your Arctic adventure begins in Finland’s modern capital, where you may arrive at any time. Once settled in, why not head out and explore the city’s endless array of options? You could visit one (or more) of the many museums, galleries and restaurants on offer, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander through the vibrant Design District. For dinner, perhaps head out in the evening to sample some local, traditional dishes.

This morning, meet up with the rest of your group, transfer to the airport and board a charter flight to Longyearbyen – Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. Then, hop onboard the Ultramarine – your ride through the Arctic. As you embark this afternoon, expect great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.

Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, rewards you with austere beauty and opportunities to spot abundant wildlife. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and tundras, with walrus, polar bears and Svalbard reindeer among your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see Arctic terns, skuas, Brunnich’s guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes and ivory gulls. If conditions permit, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole!

Sail south through the historic Greenland Sea toward Jan Mayen. Along the way, your expedition team will keep you informed with presentations about the history 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.

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.

As you 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.

Finish your time aboard the Ultramarine and disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. When you arrive, take a private transfer to your hotel. Tonight is then free to explore Reykjavik’s city’s brightly coloured streets and exciting array of shops and restaurants.

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end today. You can make your way home or spend some time exploring this fascinating city – if you need extra accommodation to extend your stay in Reykjavik, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.