National Geographic Traveler named this voyage one of 2011's 50 Tours of a Lifetime. To qualify for the honor our expedition had to be one of the "most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best-guided, and most sustainable tours." Along the way you'll see plenty of Arctic wildlife, including bearded, ringed and harp seals, walrus, beluga, bowhead whales and, of course, polar bears!

This is the Arctic of Viking lore and legend - a world of icy fjords, fiery volcanoes and glittering, ice-bound seas. Here you'll encounter the majestic ice bear, and the colossal walrus, seabirds by the thousands in their towering cliff-side rookeries, and breath-taking flower-dotted tundra plains.

Your expedition begins when you board your ship at the port of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital.

Named long ago for Irishmen (Westmen) enslaved by the medieval Norse-Gaels, this small archipelago is one of Iceland's gems. Here you'll learn of the area's fascinating history and famed volcanic geology while touring the town of Heimaey. There's also a good chance you'll spot large colonies of puffins on one of the outlying islands.

Sail through the Denmark Strait en route to Greenland's mysterious eastern shore. Your onboard Expedition Team keeps you informed and entertained with presentations about area wildlife - especially the seabirds you'll see soaring above your ship.

During your tour of Greenland's remote eastern coast, you'll enjoy sea-level Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Sail the ice edge searching for walrus and polar bear. Visit the remains of ancient Thule settlements, and keep an eye out for grazing musk oxen, because 40% of the world's population of this fascinating mammal lives on the east coast of Greenland. Finally, sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, birthplace of many icebergs, and - some say - the most beautiful fjord system in the world.

While sailing the historic Greenland Sea, you'll learn about the wildlife and history of Spitsbergen, your next stop. On deck you'll learn to identify seabirds on the wing. Share photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar - watch a movie - there are many things to do at sea.

Largest of the Norwegian-ruled Svalbard islands, Spitsbergen is famed for its abundant wildlife and austere beauty. Here you'll visit spectacular glacier fronts, steep-walled fjords and the tiny international research community of Ny Alesund. Wildlife-viewing opportunities include walrus, polar bear and the unique Spitsbergen reindeer. Birders will thrill to see Arctic Terns, skuas, Long-tailed Ducks, kittiwakes and Glaucous Gulls. As an added bonus, when conditions are right, you could sail within 10° of the North Pole!

Your adventure ends at Longyearbyen. From the port we'll transfer you to the airport.

Depending on the travel date, this itinerary is also operated in reverse, embarking Longyearbyen and disembarking Reykjavik.a