Iceland, Jan Mayen, Spitsbergen Island Hopping in and around the Arctic

Explore the world’s northernmost capital   Your adventure deep into the Arctic starts in Reykjavík. A laid-back city of art, culture and history, delightful Reykjavík is well worth spending some time getting to know.   Take a stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and outdoor shops, gaze in awe at the striking Hallgrímskirkja   Church, and drop in on the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum.    Your expedition ship awaits you in Reykjavík Harbour. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it's time to settle into your cabin and enjoy your first dinner.    If you have the time, we recommend booking a Pre-Programme with us and discovering some of Iceland’s natural highlights before your cruise begins.

Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes The majestic Kirkjufell mountain, one of the best-known landmarks of Iceland, rises just two miles west of the small harbour of Grundarfjörður, a quaint fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay.  Nearby, you’ll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the western tip. It’s nicknamed 'Little Iceland' for its array of landscapes. At the national park, you can visit Djúpalónssandur's black sand beach and the Saxhóll crater. Or why not ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier or take a guided underground tour along a gigantic lava tube

Explore Westfjords’ beautiful harbourside town Flanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbour and an excellent gateway to the Westfjords region. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for a variety of local handicrafts and view some of the oldest houses in Iceland.  One of these historic 18th century buildings is home to Westfjords Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the maritime past of this fascinating port. Or if you prefer something more energetic, you could take the steep hike up to Naustahvilft - the Troll’s Throne. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts at the top by the stunning panoramic view.

See dramatic moonscapes and waterfalls Gaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. Together with neighbouring Skjálfandi bay, it's one of the best places in Europe to spot whales.  Iceland’s 'Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the fjord head. Here, you’llenjoy the oasis of a botanical garden, and can visit some excellent eateries and museums.  A little further afield, witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You can also see geology come to life around Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's more active volcanic areas, and one of the few places to explore the Mid-Atlantic Ridge up close.

Whales, volcanos and the horse of Odin Today you’ll discover Húsavík, a pleasant small town famous for excellent whale-watching opportunities. The town looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and even elusive blue whales. Geology and mythology come together at nearby Ásbyrgi canyon, a horseshoe-shaped canyon which, according to Norse mythology, was created when Odin’s horse Sleipnir accidentally put one of his eight legs down on the ground.  Further south is Lake Mývatn. Nowhere else will you find such an array of active volcanic features and landscape evolution, including evidence of dramatic eruptions such as the 18th-century Mývatn fires and the Krafla fires of the late 1970s.

Enjoy a restorative day in the Arctic  Take time to relax on the ship day as we cruise through Arctic waters towards Jan Mayen. Enjoy panoramic views and chat with fellow guests in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, or take a soak in a hot tub out on deck while scanning for seabirds.  You can also listen to a lecture or two on topics such as local history, geology or Arctic wildlife. Or visit the Science Center for more in-depth insights into the places we'll be visiting and maybe participate in a Citizen Science project that contributes to ongoing scientific research.

Visit an active volcano that's a haven for birdlife  Jan Mayen has no permanent residents and visits to the island are rare. In fact, we're one of the few to attempt landings here. If conditions allow, you’ll be setting foot in one of Earth’s most remote places.  Jan Mayen’s surreal, moss- and lichen-streaked landscape is dominated by the Beerenberg volcanic cone. It's the world's northernmost active volcano and it last erupted in 1985.  You won’t see land mammals here, but the island is designated an Important Bird Area, supporting large populations of Northern Fulmars, Brünnich’s Guillemots and Little Auks. Look out for abundant marine life in the surrounding waters too, including whales and seals.

A peaceful interlude in your adventureSpend the day at your leisure as we sail deeper into the Arctic towards the Svalbard archipelago. Savour the quiet moments, simply appreciating the peaceful feeling of being at sea. This is a rare opportunity to disconnect and get a break from the modern world. Feeling active? You can enjoy a workout in the gym or simply relax in the panoramic sauna while gazing out at the view. As ever, our Expedition Team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and offer insights about these Arctic islands.

A land of spectacular beauty  Spitsbergen showcases Arctic beauty in its untouched glory; a wilderness of steep mountains, stark glaciers and eerily beautiful islands. Over the next five days you’ll visit some of the world’s most dramatic fjords and see glaciers preparing to calve icebergs into the sea.  Each day will be different. From landings to kayaking, be ready for anything as your Captain and Expedition Team decide on the best landing sites and activities based on the day’s conditions. Perhaps we’ll head to the snowcapped peaks of Hornsund, or visit Ny-Ålesund, the world’s northernmost settlement and an important climate research station. Making our way to the northwest corner of Spitsbergen, we’ll cruise through Sørgattet, the southern entrance to Smeerenburgfjord. The light of the Midnight Sun gives us plenty of time to explore this breathtakingly scenic area. If conditions allow, we may even cross the 80th parallel north and explore the ever-changing ice edge. In the shadow of soaring snowcapped mountains, you’ll discover pristine icescapes as the summer just touches the region. Marvel at the array of majestic glaciers and get an insight into the area’s whaling past. On the cliffs above, look out for returning Arctic birds like Little Auks, Arctic Terns, skuas, Eider Ducks and Barnacle Geese. If we’re lucky, we might even see the elusive polar bear in its natural environment. 

A final day on top of the world Your island-hopping adventure into the Arctic comes to an end in Longyearbyen, a town on top of the world.  A transfer will take you to the airport for your flight home. You'll return with a wealth of knowledge about Arctic animals, geology, history, polar ice and climate change – and memories of an incredible experience that will last a lifetime

Itineraries are subject to change.