High above the Arctic Circle lies the remarkable archipelago of islands known as Svalbard. Far to the north of Norway's mainland, these Norwegian islands span an area of about 62,000 square kilometres, about the same size as Ireland or Tasmania. Our voyage aboard the comfortable Peregrine Voyager begins at the largest of all the Svalbard islands. Known as Spitsbergen, the west side of the island feels the comparative warmth of the North Atlantic current and spends half of the year, including the time of our visit, clear of ice. The fjords along the west and north coasts are often teeming with extraordinary wildlife from the walrus to the great polar bear, and promise dazzling Arctic scenery.
Our journey continues across the Greenland Sea to Greenland itself, another of the world's most pristine destinations. We explore the stunning landscape of fjords on the eastern coast and visit ancient Greenlandic settlements and an isolated Inuit community that reveal this country's rich cultural heritage.
Finally, our exploration takes us southeast, to the volcanic Westmann Islands of Iceland. Here in one of the world's youngest archipelagos, just south of the mainland, we'll find evidence of very recent geological activity before our unforgettable journey concludes in the capital city of Reykjavik.
Note: Weather, ice, or other conditions may necessitate changes to our itinerary and alteration to certain shore excursions.
Highlights
Denmark Sea East Coast of Greenland Greenland Sea Iceland Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord Longyearbyen Moffen Island (Walrus Sanctuary) Monaco Glacier Ny Alesund Polar Bear Reykjavik Scoresbysund fjord complexItinerary:
1 Board the ship and depart Longyearbyen2 - 4 Spitsbergen Exploration - 14th of July Glacier, Ny Ålesund, Worsleynesset, Monaco Glacier, Moffen Island5 - 6 Crossing the Greenland Sea. Enjoy spectacular ocean vistas and be on the lookout for wildlife
7 - 10 Explore the east coast of Greenland and visit local communities. Sail deep within Scoresbysund, the largest fjord complex in the world11 - 12 Navigating the Denmark Strait where whales are often in abundance13 Arrive in Iceland. Explore volcanic Vestmannaeyjar, one of the world's youngest archipelagos14 Arrive in Reykjavik, where the voyage ends
Group Size: Maximum
Included: - Arrival transfer in Longyearbyen, port transfers from/to Peregrine meeting point and departure transfer to hotel in Reykjavik on last day of the voyage
- Shipboard accommodation
- Highly experienced expedition leader, crew and lecturers
- All meals and afternoon teas if not on shore
- Access to public viewing areas
- Shore excursions by zodiac boat
- Onboard lectures, videos, slide and film shows
- Onboard medical officer
- Port taxes
Not Included: - Arrival and departure flights
- Any visa and passport fees, airport taxes,
- Any pre-trip or post-trip hotel accommodation
- Laundry, postage, telephone calls, drinks, medical expenses and gratuities to staff and crew
- Travel insurance and emergency evacuation charges
Meals: 13 breakfasts,12 lunches,13 dinners
Valid From: 3/08/2007
Starts/Ends: Longyearbyen/Reykjavik
Trip Reference: PVSGI
