| Day 1 Longyearbyen and Barentsburg
Longyearbyen is a Norwegian settlement often referred to as the capital of Svalbard. This is a lively small town, situated in a fantastic Arctic landscape. Barentsburg is a Russian settlement with an exotic collection of Russian artefacts and architecture.
Day 2 Kongsfjorden and North West Spitsbergen National Park
Kings Bay is the largest fjord on the North West coast of Spitsbergen. The landscape varies from large tundra plains to alpine peaks with dramatic glaciers calving into the ocean. At 78º 55’ N, Ny Ålesund is the world’s northernmost permanently inhabited community, where a number of countries run their own national research stations. Activity here is particularly high in the summer. When Dutchman Willem Barents first discovered Svalbard in 1596, the name he gave to this new land was ‘Spitzbergen’ (“Spitz” meaning sharp), reflecting the sharp and steep mountains in the area. Magdalenefjorden is home to a very important piece of cultural heritage; a whaling station from the 16th century, including a graveyard of whalers who died during the first “oil adventure”.
Day 3 Moffen/At Sea
Moffen is a high latitude islet at 80°N with a walrus colony and bird sanctuary. The atoll-like shape of the island made it a perfect safe harbour for any early whalers caught in bad weather.
Day 4 - 10 North East Greenland National Park, Greenland
We’re leaving the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream to enter the cold water current that follows the coast of East Greenland. We will make our way south, within the boundaries of North East Greenland National Park; the largest national park on Earth. The mountains are alpine, the waters are scattered with large icebergs and the valleys are populated with Musk oxen. This voyage will take you to one of the most isolated places on Earth – but aboard one of the most capable speciallybuilt expedition vessels. Our expert guides and lecturers will safely guide you on hikes and small boat trips in addition to briefings and lectures on the places we visit.
Day 11 Ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresbysund)
Ittoqqortoormiit or Scoresbysund is the most isolated town in Greenland. The trappers living here are the only ones allowed to hunt within the North East Greenland National Park.
Day 12 Ísafjörður
Sailing across the Denmark Strait to Iceland we arrive at Ísafjörður on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Snæfellsnes is known as “Iceland in a nutshell” due to of the diversity of its landscape; lava and rock formations, glaciers and volcanic activity, and a wealth of bird life.
Day 13 Grundarfjörður, Iceland
Grundarfjörður is considered a place of unusual beauty and is one of very few places in the world where the authorities have provided reserved areas for the “hidden people” or elves!
Day 14 Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city and referred to locally as the
“smallest big city on Earth”. In relative close surroundings of the city you may find glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and mountains. Here is where your voyage ends.
|
