Join this seasoned expedition team for an enriching experience like no other to the islands of the High Arctic Svalbard archipelago in Norway, less than 600 miles from the geographic North Pole. Observe the amazing flora that comes alive with unexpected color under July's midnight sun as our quest takes us in search of the mighty polar bear. Discover Greenland's Bronze Age villages, Eskimo settlements and fishing enclaves and search for local wildlife, ending your journey amid the contrast of pastoral tranquility and stunning volcanoes of Iceland.
Day 1: Arrive Oslo, Norway
Arrive in Oslo, Norway’s capital, a mixture of the ancient and the modern, coexisting in close harmony with nature. On arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, meet your local guide for a walking tour. Join fellow travellers this evening for a welcome cocktail reception.
Day 2: Oslo/Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Board a charter flight to Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard on the main island of Spitsbergen, the sovereign Arctic archipelago of Norway. It is one of the most remote archipelagos on the globe, with nearly two-thirds of its surface covered in spectacular glaciers. After a tour of the town, board ‘Le Boreal,’ your luxurious expedition cruiser.
Days 3 - 6: Svalbard Islands
Very few people have had the opportunity to view these remote Arctic islands and the polar bears that reside in this remote wilderness. Your captain and expedition crew take advantage of local conditions to determine the day’s best sightseeing, which may include visits to stunning fjords, a polar research station or a 17th-century Dutch whaling station. As you explore along the Arctic sea ice, search for polar bears as they hunt in their true natural habitat.
Days 7 - 8: Cruising the Greenland Sea
Cruise along the Arctic ice edge and through the Greenland Sea, as lecturers recap their presentations on the wildlife, history and geology of the Svalbard and prepare you for the world’s largest island: Greenland.
Days 9 - 11: Scoresby Sound, East Greenland
Explore the rarely visited east coast of Greenland and Scoresby Sound, disembarking in the village of Ittoqqortoormiit. This small settlement was only founded in 1925 and is still one of the most isolated villages in Greenland. Cruise the intricate fjord network and be on the lookout for musk oxen and reindeer. Visit Uunartoq (the “warming island”), discovered in 2005 when Greenland’s glaciers receded. Conditions permitting, take a dip in the hot springs.
Day 12: Cruising the Denmark Strait
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea cruising the relatively narrow strip of water that separates Greenland from Iceland and connects the Arctic Sea with the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean. Watch for seabirds and whales from the deck. This evening, gather for the captain’s gala farewell dinner. ‘
Day 13: Husavik & Akureyri, Iceland
Early arrival in Husavik, the first permanent village settled in Iceland. Visit the Husavik Whale Museum, one of the world’s foremost centers focused on research of whales and their habitat. Continue to Godafoss and Lake Myvatn for a comprehensive tour of this thermally active region which provides a rich habitat for a vast variety of bird and wildlife species. After lunch, proceed to Akureyri for a brief village tour before re-boarding the ship.
Day 14: Isajardardjur/Vigur Island
The glacier-carved terrain of the West Fjords of Iceland provides a rugged and scenic landscape highlighted by Drangajokull Glacier with its sparkling waterfalls and icebergs. Visit the small island of Vigur, a birding paradise, home to colonies of puffins and eiders. In Isafjordur, visit the Maritime Museum which boasts of this region’s hardy fishing heritage. This afternoon and evening, cruise the volcanic west coast of Iceland with stunning views of the fjords and glaciers.
Day 15: Reykjavik, Iceland
This morning, disembark Le Boreal in Reykjavik as you transfer to the airport for your return flights or enjoy an extended stay in Iceland.
* Itinerary may be subject to change
| Per Person USD Rates Arctic 2013 |
Cat 1
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Cat 2
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Cat 3
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Cat 4
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Cat 5
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Cat 6
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Cat 7
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Cat 8
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,995 | $13,595 | $14,595 | $15,595 | $17,495 | $19,995 | $21,995 | $24,495 |
Single cabin prices are 1.5 times the cost of the appropriate cabin prices listed above except for suites which are 2x the price listed above.
Does not include international airfare. All trips subject to possible fuel surcharge.
| Per Person USD Rates Arctic 2014 |
Cat 1
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Cat 2
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Cat 3
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Cat 4
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Cat 5
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Cat 6
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Cat 7
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Cat 8
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Discount Expires Sept 30th, 2013 Charter Air prices to be announced Triple Cat 5: $11995, Cat 7: $14995 Quad Cat 5: $9995, Cat 7: $11995 | $9,995 $8,995 | $11,595 $10,595 | $12,595 $11,595 | $13,595 | $16,495 | $17,495 | $18,995 | $21,995 |
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Discount expires Sept 30, 2013 Charter Air price to be announced Triple Cat 5: $13995, Cat 7: $17995 Quad Cat 5: $12995, Cat 7: $15395 | $13,495 $11,995 | $14,995 $13,495 | $15,995 $14,495 | $16,995 | $20,495 | $21,495 | $22,995 | $25,995 |
Call for Single Cabin pricing which varies from approximately 1.5x to 2.0x times the twin share prices above depending on cabin category. Does not include international airfare. All trips subject to possible fuel surcharge.
