Exploring the famous Arctic Trio

Our expedition begins with your arrival to Norway's capital Oslo. With the stay arranged at an airport hotel for the night, those feeling adventurous can take the train to Oslo city, and explore its beautiful architectural wonders!

Today we fly to Longyearbyen, Svalbard's capital. Longyearbyen is often called an antidote to modern-day life and today serves as a prime destination for adventure travelers. On arrival, We transfer to the pier to board our expedition vessel MV Sea Spirit which will be our basecamp for the next few days for the unique experience. Once onboard, we are welcomed with briefings, introductions, safety drill and a scrumptious dinner. We set sail through Isfjorden, and shall already begin our chances to encounter some marine life!

The North West Corner is scattered with islands, fjords and beaches. The ocean here can be full of drifting ice especially in the early season and the frozen landscape changes constantly. Due to strong winds and currents, the Captain monitors conditions closely before deciding where we can land or sail. This is why all our itineraries are flexible; we work with the elements, not against them, and safety is our first priority. We anticipate exploring in the northwestern part of the island of Spitsbergen. This area contains the archipelago’s most impressive scenery and some of the Arctic’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Deep fjords and narrow channels are flanked by jagged snowy mountain peaks. Immense tidewater glaciers calve icebergs into turquoise waters. Fields of flowering tundra are home to grazing reindeer and playful Arctic fox. Bountiful inshore and offshore waters are home to a wide variety of marine mammals. Polar Bears can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Svalbard. Also in this area is Ny Ålesund, a former mining town that is now home to an international community of Arctic researchers, complete with museum, gift shop, and post office. This was also a staging area for historic attempts to discover the North Pole.

After our immersive experience of beautiful Spitsbergen, we head southwest across Greenland sea towards East Greenland. Days at sea give you chance to unwind and refresh for the days to come ahead. Our expedition team gathers around for some interesting lectures, telling you about history, biology, of the places we are yet to visit. They keep you engaged with interesting workshops, and help you mingle with fellow travelers. Thanks to a very small ship, most of our guests find it easy to mingle and function like a family during the journey. For those fascinated by sea, we encourage you to step out on deck and look for seals, whales, dolphins or even polar bears, as we encounter sea ice from time to time. As we continue on the route south, the nights become darker, and our chances to spot the northern lights begin!

For the next few days, we focus on exploring one of the most pristine areas on earth, that is seldom visited - Scorsby Sund. As we enter the region expect stunning scenery of fjords, coastlines and islands, unlike no other. Scoresby Sund is one of the longest and most visually stunning fjord systems in the world. Almost totally devoid of human habitation, it is also one of the most pristine natural environments on Earth. In this epic wilderness, the forces of nature have shaped a landscape of incomparable grandeur. Deep fjords and narrow passages are framed by sheer rock walls up to 2,000 meters high. Colossal icebergs—calved by immense glaciers and sculpted by wind and water into fantastic shapes—drift throughout the intricate fjord system in striking contrast to sparkling blue waters and polychromatic mountainsides. From verdant coastal plains to ice-clad peaks all the way to the glaciated heart of Greenland, a trip through Scoresby Sund sets a new standard for “scenic”. While in this region, we will also explore a part of Northeast Greenland National park, the world's largest national park.This vast Arctic landscape is a paradise for hikers who appreciate astounding views of untouched tundra wilderness. Across hillsides emblazoned with autumnal red and yellow, a flash of white reveals the flight of a snowy owl or a startled mountain hare. Tufts of the finest fleece ensnared in polar willows underfoot point the way to a nearby herd of shaggy musk oxen. You may hear the crack of horns colliding as bulls engage in fearsome battles of strength. All throughout the waterways of Scoresby Sund, we are on constant watch for polar bears and other marine mammals, including a variety of seals, walrus and narwhal, which can be spotted at any time. Like any expedition, elements of ice, wind and weather will determine our exact schedule and route. The captain of the ship and expedition leader will continuously adjust the plans, as the conditions and opportunities arise and take advantage of the opportunities that present itself THE LIGHTS DANCING TO THEIR BEST In September, near the equinox, day and night are given equal opportunities to astound you. As night falls, the darkening sky becomes a stage for nature’s greatest celestial performance: the Northern Lights. East Greenland is one of the very best places in the Arctic to view this otherworldly natural phenomenon. In addition to being at the perfect latitude for strong aurora displays, the skies above Scoresby Sund are often cleared by katabatic winds rolling down from the nearby Greenland Ice Sheet. Lights dancing from horizon to horizon are mirrored in calm waters while the silhouettes of gigantic icebergs and serrated mountains add to the romantic splendor of the experience. During our exploration from dawn to dusk and beyond, your days will be filled with incredible shore excursions, small boat cruising, and enough stunning scenery to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions. Hikers will live their wilderness dreams and sea kayakers will be rewarded with some of the finest paddling on the planet.

We leave Greenland behind and sail across the Denmark Strait to reach Iceland. The Denmark Strait connects the Greenland Sea to the Irminger Sea. This crossing was used by the Vikings to migrate from Iceland to South Greenland some 1,000 years ago. They calculated their distance to land by tracking the direction of flight of sea birds. This and many such details are shared by the expedition team via lectures to keep the guests engaged. For those seeking more of the sea, feel free to step out on the decks to spot some friendly dolphins and other sea life accompanying us. We will also cross the Arctic circle on the way. Once darkness sets, our chances to spot the northern lights shall still prevail.

On this last day of expedition we try to spend some time exploring the the beautiful Vestfirðir (Westfjords) of Iceland. This remote and sparsely populated region of crenulated coastlines, voluminous waterfalls and rugged mountains sees only 10% of Iceland’s visitors, thus making you among the very few who get to experience the region. As we sail by, you will be amazed to realise that stunning sceneries are yet to be seen! Bird cliffs, jaw dropping coastal fjords, immense mountains, tiny fishing villages, surprise us with their beauty. The Deep fjords that we sail by are home to whales while the estuaries are abound with seals and birdlife.

We end our memorable journey at Reykjavik, Iceland's capital. Its time to bid farewell to our amazing crew and the fellow friends you made during your discovery travel. For those who couldn't get enough of Iceland yet, can join us on our post programs to discover Iceland on land.