Cruise amidst pristine landscapes of rugged mountains, massive glaciers, and icebergs
Explore deep fjords and lava caves
Search for polar bear, walrus, reindeer, Arctic fox, seals and birds such as Ivory gulls, auks and puffins, fulmars, and snow buntings
Watch for whales: Minke, beluga, humpback, blue, fin, and sei
Visit historic whaling sites and remote Jan Mayan Island
Learn of Viking lore and legends
See geothermal landscapes of sulphur pits, boiling mud pools, and lava formations

Embark the Silver Explorer and depart on your exciting 12-day Expedition Fire & Ice. This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team and participate in a mandatory safety drill. All guests will also be asked to attend a Zodiac briefing. Tonight we invite you to familiarize yourself with the elegant Silver Explorer, meet some of your fellow travelers and enjoy the first of many memorable meals in The Restaurant.

This morning we will anchor along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, just 60 miles (97 km) off the coast of Reykjavik, at the port of Grundarfjördur. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is known for its rugged mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, lava caves and glaciers. Upon leaving Grundarfjördur, our tour coach takes us along the dramatic coastline on our way to the Snaefellsjokull ice cap. The peninsula is dominated by the Snæffellsjokull glacier, which was made popular in Jules Verne’s classic Journey to the Center of the Earth.

A stop at Djupalonssandur gives us time for a short, refreshing walk to the shore of the Atlantic Ocean where strange rock formations are found. Many stories and sagas are connected with this area, making it seem even more mysterious. After a short drive past the cliffs of Londrangar, we arrive in the tiny fishing village of Arnarstapi. Here we will find an idyllic setting with interesting lava formations and an abundance of birdlife.

After a tour of the area, we board our coach and head for Budir, famed for its beautiful surroundings of black lava and one of the few yellow sand beaches in Iceland. There is just enough time for a little bit of exploration and a visit to a replica of the 1850 church. We will then continue over Frodarheidi Heath to the north coast of the peninsula and back to the Silver Explorer.

This morning, the Silver Explorer will anchor off Vigur Island – a priceless gem of solace and spectacular sights. A little more than a mile (two km) in length and about 437 yards (400 metres) wide, this green oasis punctuates the vibrant blue waters of the Isafjardardjup fjord.

The island is also home to a single farming family, and to some meticulously preserved historical landmarks including Iceland’s only windmill, built in 1840 and used until 1917 for grinding imported wheat from Denmark; and a 200-year-old rowing boat, which is still in use to ferry sheep to the mainland. Summer is a splendid time to see large numbers of puffins, Arctic terns and Black guillemots. Prior to heading back to the ship, refreshments will be served at Viktoría House, a wooden farmhouse erected in 1862. We will also have the opportunity to visit one of the smallest post offices in Europe, where we can send home a postcard or two.

This morning we awake in the idyllic Skjálfandi fjord, which is the blend of the Skjálfandafljót (a glacier river) and the salmon-rich Laxá, a freshwater river. Húsavík is quaint village, where we go ashore. From Húsavík, we tour along the shores of the Tjörnes Peninsula where large puffin colonies can be found, along with a splendid view of Grímsey Island on the Arctic Circle. In Kelduhverfi, learn how earthquakes, dramatic fissuring and subsidence are related to Iceland’s spreading from the centre.

In Jökulsárgljúfur (glacial river canyon), we venture into the mystical realm of Viking lore. Our stop at Ásbyrgi reveals a lush horseshoe-shaped canyon, where legend claims an airborne horse, Sleipnir, belonging to the Norse god, Odinn, shaped the canyon when accidentally touching the ground. Next, a stop is made at Hljodaklettar or “Echo Rocks” where we will walk up to the cliffs and enjoy our lunch. Afterwards, we head to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall, with the greatest volume of any waterfall in Europe; marvel at the seething sulphur pits and boiling mud pools near Námaskard; and trek over the sand dunes of Hólasandur.

Alternatively, sail from Húsavík in a local boat across the bay to the magnificent mountains of Kinn that rise more than half a mile (1,000 metres) above sea level. During the cruise, learn more about the many species of whales – Blue, Fin, Humpbacks, Minke and Sei – that may be seen on the trip. Since summer is prime whale watching season, we may see any of a number of them. Following our adventure, we will visit the award-winning Húsavík Whale Centre, where we will learn about the habitats of whales around Iceland before returning back to the ship for a late lunch.

Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields. Gather in The Theatre to hear their fascinating tales of adventure and to learn more about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Other onboard diversions include spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

Curious Humpback and Minke whales may approach as we near this volcanic island of towering ebony peaks and broad black lava beaches. The primordial landscape is dominated by the 7,500-foot-high (2,300-metre-high) Mt Beerenberg, an active volcano covered in glacial ice that last erupted in 1985. With permission from the Norwegian authorities, we will make a landing at this rarely visited outpost to visit the research and weather station, and the remains of a 17th-century Dutch whaling station. Bird observations may include puffins, fulmars, auks and snow buntings.

As we make our way toward Svalbard, head out on deck to watch for seabirds and whales. Attend informative lectures that will prepare you for the upcoming ports-of-call and the adventures that lie ahead. Peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library, enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs at the Connoisseur’s Corner or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard ship.

Join us for a journey along an expansive archipelago of the Arctic Ocean woven between the North Pole and Norway. Svalbard is one of the last major European wilderness areas with pristine mountains, fauna, deep fjords, picturesque icebergs, and massive ice sheets. Our goal on this voyage is to locate wildlife and spend the maximum amount of time possible hiking on the tundra. Spitsbergen is home to approximately 5,000 polar bears and we hope to encounter a good number of them during this trip.

We will travel along the same routes as famous polar explorers such as Andrée, Nordenskiöld, Amundsen and Nobile. We will get to know the indigenous reindeer, trek along beaches where groups of walrus are hauled out along the shoreline, and maybe even spot the Arctic fox or Bearded seal. Seabirds, such as Ivory gulls, auks and puffins, will be our constant companions. We might even encounter a few whales. A variety of known species frequent the area, in particular the Minke and Beluga.

Our flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of favourable ice and weather conditions. We will search for walruses, seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes and polar bears. Shore walks and Zodiac landings will bring us up close to the mystical settings and passing icebergs. In the true spirit of adventure cruising, each day our Expedition Leader and Captain will determine our best course depending on changing weather, ice conditions and the wildlife we encounter. Here is a list of places we may visit:

Hornsund – The southernmost fjord on the rugged west coast of Spitsbergen Island. Jagged mountain peaks tower above glacier-filled bays. Listen for the crash of white thunder as huge chunks of ice fall into the fjord. Amidst floating icebergs jewels, watch for bearded seals, the rare Beluga whale and the king of the Arctic – the polar bear. Sightings are fairly common as the polar bear’s favourite food, the Ringed seal, breeds in the fjord. The surrounding bird cliffs are home to thousands of pairs of nesting Little auks. We may visit the Polish research station or the remains of whaling stations and trappers’ huts.

Ice Cruising – With the strengthened hull of the Silver Explorer, we have the perfect platform to search for walrus and polar bears as we devote at least one day to exploring the pack ice around Spitsbergen. Conditions permitting, our Expedition Leader may choose to take us out in the Zodiacs for an even closer look.

Kongfjord or Kings Bay – Cutting into the west coast of Spitsbergen and reaching inland about 15 miles (24 kilometres) and spanning up to 6 miles (10 kilometres) wide, Kongfjord is a splendid place to behold. Together with our onboard geologist, we will explore its complicated geological formations and visit the 14th of July glacier. We also hope to land at Blomstrand, named in memory of a Swedish chemist.

Magdalenafjord – This majestic fjord is normally accessible year-round because of the influence of the West Spitsbergen Current or Gulf Stream. Landing via Zodiac, we discover the alluring fjord and search for wildlife.

Prins Karls Forland – Off the West coast of Spitsbergen, we encounter the island home of Forland National Park with craggy mountains, massive glaciers and remarkable wildlife. The entire island and the surrounding seas make up Forland National Park. Members of the Expedition Team take us ashore at Poolypnten, a well-known walrus haul-out, where our marine biologist explains the habits and habitat of these amazing creatures.

Following breakfast, disembark Silver Explorer and transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Oslo. Overnight in Oslo.