Arctic Highlights Northbound - 15 Days

From £4,109You save £2,740(40%)

Trip Snapshot

Age range

10 - 100

Start / End

  • Keflavík
  • Longyearbyen

Physical rating

2/5

Group size

1 - 36

Meals included

41

Highlights

  • Visit a local Greenland community in Ittoqqortoormiit
  • Sail through magnificent fjords
  • Learn about the Arctic from lectures and on-site briefings
  • Walk on the tundra searching for birds
  • Keep an eye out for a variety of whale species
  • Explore the edges of an ice floe by Zodiac
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What's inside the PDF

  • Day-by-day itinerary
    Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.
  • Packing & kit list
    Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.
  • What's included
    Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
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Summary

Ready to sail straight into the Arctic’s greatest hits — in reverse? Over 15 epic days, you’ll kick things off in Iceland’s legendary Land of Fire and Ice, before heading north toward the untouched wilds of Svalbard. Along the way, cruise past towering icebergs, explore fjords by Zodiac, and wander quiet tundra trails where few travellers have stepped. From whale sightings to Inuit culture and polar bear country, every day brings a new “wow” — until your journey wraps in Longyearbyen, deep in the high Arctic and a world away from the everyday.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Keflavík Port

    Embark aboard the Expedition in the afternoon and depart Keflavík in the late afternoon. An arrival transfer is included. Guests should follow the joining instructions provided in their welcome information for luggage drop-off and transfer details. Drop off your checked luggage by 2pm at the joining hotel's luggage storage room and there will be a late afternoon transfer. Depart port of Keflavik in the late afternoon.

  • Day 2

    Keflavik/Denmark Strait

    Settle into life aboard the Expedition as the ship crosses the Denmark Strait toward East Greenland. Attend lectures and educational programs led by the expedition team, spend time on deck watching for seabirds and marine mammals, and prepare for the days of exploration ahead.

  • Day 3

    Keflavik/Denmark Strait

    Settle into life aboard the Expedition as the ship crosses the Denmark Strait toward East Greenland. Attend lectures and educational programs led by the expedition team, spend time on deck watching for seabirds and marine mammals, and prepare for the days of exploration ahead.

  • Day 4

    East Greenland: Scoresbysund, Ittoqqortoormiit and Remote Fjord Exploration

    Spend several days exploring the vast fjord systems and remote coastal landscapes of East Greenland. Sail among immense icebergs, glacier-carved valleys, steep mountain walls and broad stretches of High Arctic tundra as the expedition team selects the best available landing and Zodiac-cruising opportunities based on local conditions. A planned visit to Ittoqqortoormiit offers insight into daily life, history and culture in one of Greenland’s most remote communities. Elsewhere in the region, the flexible expedition program may include hikes, shoreline exploration and Zodiac cruises through dramatic fjords and quiet bays. Wildlife sightings are always unpredictable, but the region may offer opportunities to observe musk oxen, Arctic foxes, seals, whales and Arctic birdlife.

  • Day 5

    East Greenland: Scoresbysund, Ittoqqortoormiit and Remote Fjord Exploration

    Spend several days exploring the vast fjord systems and remote coastal landscapes of East Greenland. Sail among immense icebergs, glacier-carved valleys, steep mountain walls and broad stretches of High Arctic tundra as the expedition team selects the best available landing and Zodiac-cruising opportunities based on local conditions. A planned visit to Ittoqqortoormiit offers insight into daily life, history and culture in one of Greenland’s most remote communities. Elsewhere in the region, the flexible expedition program may include hikes, shoreline exploration and Zodiac cruises through dramatic fjords and quiet bays. Wildlife sightings are always unpredictable, but the region may offer opportunities to observe musk oxen, Arctic foxes, seals, whales and Arctic birdlife.

  • Day 6

    East Greenland: Scoresbysund, Ittoqqortoormiit and Remote Fjord Exploration

    Spend several days exploring the vast fjord systems and remote coastal landscapes of East Greenland. Sail among immense icebergs, glacier-carved valleys, steep mountain walls and broad stretches of High Arctic tundra as the expedition team selects the best available landing and Zodiac-cruising opportunities based on local conditions. A planned visit to Ittoqqortoormiit offers insight into daily life, history and culture in one of Greenland’s most remote communities. Elsewhere in the region, the flexible expedition program may include hikes, shoreline exploration and Zodiac cruises through dramatic fjords and quiet bays. Wildlife sightings are always unpredictable, but the region may offer opportunities to observe musk oxen, Arctic foxes, seals, whales and Arctic birdlife.

  • Day 7

    East Greenland: Scoresbysund, Ittoqqortoormiit and Remote Fjord Exploration

    Spend several days exploring the vast fjord systems and remote coastal landscapes of East Greenland. Sail among immense icebergs, glacier-carved valleys, steep mountain walls and broad stretches of High Arctic tundra as the expedition team selects the best available landing and Zodiac-cruising opportunities based on local conditions. A planned visit to Ittoqqortoormiit offers insight into daily life, history and culture in one of Greenland’s most remote communities. Elsewhere in the region, the flexible expedition program may include hikes, shoreline exploration and Zodiac cruises through dramatic fjords and quiet bays. Wildlife sightings are always unpredictable, but the region may offer opportunities to observe musk oxen, Arctic foxes, seals, whales and Arctic birdlife.

  • Day 8

    East Greenland: Scoresbysund, Ittoqqortoormiit and Remote Fjord Exploration

    Spend several days exploring the vast fjord systems and remote coastal landscapes of East Greenland. Sail among immense icebergs, glacier-carved valleys, steep mountain walls and broad stretches of High Arctic tundra as the expedition team selects the best available landing and Zodiac-cruising opportunities based on local conditions. A planned visit to Ittoqqortoormiit offers insight into daily life, history and culture in one of Greenland’s most remote communities. Elsewhere in the region, the flexible expedition program may include hikes, shoreline exploration and Zodiac cruises through dramatic fjords and quiet bays. Wildlife sightings are always unpredictable, but the region may offer opportunities to observe musk oxen, Arctic foxes, seals, whales and Arctic birdlife.

  • Day 9

    Greenland Sea

    Cross the Greenland Sea toward Svalbard. Continue the onboard lecture series and spend time on deck scanning the horizon for whales, seals and seabirds. Ice and weather conditions may provide opportunities to experience drifting sea ice and the wider polar seascape. Frigid waters drain from the Arctic Ocean in a southwest current along the coast of Northeast Greenland. Often, drifting pack ice is pushed along the coast. We will attempt to approach and follow the pack ice edge to explore the polar seascape. Keep a lookout for sea mammals like seals and whales and also sea birds such as kittiwakes and fulmars.

  • Day 10

    Greenland Sea

    Cross the Greenland Sea toward Svalbard. Continue the onboard lecture series and spend time on deck scanning the horizon for whales, seals and seabirds. Ice and weather conditions may provide opportunities to experience drifting sea ice and the wider polar seascape. Frigid waters drain from the Arctic Ocean in a southwest current along the coast of Northeast Greenland. Often, drifting pack ice is pushed along the coast. We will attempt to approach and follow the pack ice edge to explore the polar seascape. Keep a lookout for sea mammals like seals and whales and also sea birds such as kittiwakes and fulmars.

  • Day 11

    Western Svalbard

    Explore the fjords and coastlines of western and northwestern Spitsbergen, taking advantage of local weather, sea-ice and wildlife conditions. The expedition team will remain flexible, choosing from possible landings, Zodiac cruises and scenic ship cruising to make the most of each day. Look for Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes, seals, whales and the region’s diverse birdlife. Polar bears also inhabit the archipelago, although sightings can never be guaranteed. Historic sites, glaciers, mountain scenery and tundra landscapes add depth and variety to the final days of the expedition.

  • Day 12

    Western Svalbard

    Explore the fjords and coastlines of western and northwestern Spitsbergen, taking advantage of local weather, sea-ice and wildlife conditions. The expedition team will remain flexible, choosing from possible landings, Zodiac cruises and scenic ship cruising to make the most of each day. Look for Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes, seals, whales and the region’s diverse birdlife. Polar bears also inhabit the archipelago, although sightings can never be guaranteed. Historic sites, glaciers, mountain scenery and tundra landscapes add depth and variety to the final days of the expedition.

  • Day 13

    Western Svalbard

    Explore the fjords and coastlines of western and northwestern Spitsbergen, taking advantage of local weather, sea-ice and wildlife conditions. The expedition team will remain flexible, choosing from possible landings, Zodiac cruises and scenic ship cruising to make the most of each day. Look for Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes, seals, whales and the region’s diverse birdlife. Polar bears also inhabit the archipelago, although sightings can never be guaranteed. Historic sites, glaciers, mountain scenery and tundra landscapes add depth and variety to the final days of the expedition.

  • Day 14

    Western Svalbard

    Explore the fjords and coastlines of western and northwestern Spitsbergen, taking advantage of local weather, sea-ice and wildlife conditions. The expedition team will remain flexible, choosing from possible landings, Zodiac cruises and scenic ship cruising to make the most of each day. Look for Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes, seals, whales and the region’s diverse birdlife. Polar bears also inhabit the archipelago, although sightings can never be guaranteed. Historic sites, glaciers, mountain scenery and tundra landscapes add depth and variety to the final days of the expedition.

  • Day 15

    Longyearbyen

    Disembark shortly after breakfast in Longyearbyen. Transfers to Svalbard Airport will be arranged for passengers with scheduled flights, with final timing confirmed onboard before departure. General disembarkation from the vessel is at approximately 8:00am. You will be transferred to the airport depending on the time of your flight. Transfer times will be confirmed and communicated onboard prior to departure. Luggage storage at the port will be available until time of departure.

    Due to restrictive airline schedules for flights departing from Longyearbyen, we are pleased to offer an early morning disembarkation and transfer to the airport for those passengers with flights departing Longyearbyen around 7:40am (dependent on airline schedules).

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Aboard the Expedition in triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 14 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 14, Lunches: 13, Dinners: 14

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Airport Transfers

    Arrival Only

    An airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Aug 2026

    from £4,109
  • Aug 2027

    from £6,899
  • Save 40%
    Monday 17 Aug 2026to Monday 31 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 36 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £6,849£4,109
    Best offer

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • What are the main highlights of the Arctic Highlights Northbound tour?

    The main highlights include visiting a local Greenland community in Ittoqqortoormiit, sailing through magnificent fjords, learning about the Arctic from lectures and on-site briefings, walking on the tundra searching for birds, keeping an eye out for a variety of whale species, and exploring the edges of an ice floe by Zodiac.
  • What type of accommodation is provided during the expedition?

    Accommodation is aboard the Expedition ship in triple- or twin-share cabins, or suites, all with en suite bathrooms and either a porthole or window. All cabins have twin-size berths and are ocean-facing, while suites feature one queen-size bed.
  • What meals are included during the trip?

    The tour includes 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 14 dinners. All meals are prepared by professional chefs and dining is casual with unassigned tables.
  • What is the group size for this expedition?

    The maximum number of travellers aboard the Expedition is 128.
  • What is the physical rating for this tour and what does it entail?

    This trip has a Physical Rating of 2, meaning it is accessible to most fitness levels. Participants should be able to do extended walks and light hiking on various terrain, safely navigate ice and snow, lift their leg over the side of a Zodiac, push themselves up, walk on wet/rocky beaches, and stand throughout landings. The Expedition ship does not have an elevator.
  • What forms of transportation are used on the trip?

    Transportation primarily involves the Expedition ship, Zodiac boats for landings and cruises, local buses, and walking.
  • Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

    Yes, there is a minimum age requirement of 10 years for this trip.
  • What is the policy for solo travellers regarding accommodation?

    Solo travellers on group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, with no single supplement. If you have selected the Private Cabin option, you will receive your own room.
  • What should I know about currency and payment on board the ship?

    While on board, the Expedition is a cashless ship and only accepts major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, and AMEX) to clear incidental bills like bar tabs or laundry. It is recommended to bring USD in cash for any expenses before or after the cruise in Iceland/Norway, as credit card fees can apply.
  • Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

    Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum of USD200,000. Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and luggage loss coverage are strongly recommended.
  • What is the recommended tipping guideline for the crew and expedition staff?

    The industry standard suggested amount for crew tips is USD $10-15 per person per day spent on board. Tipping is a personal choice, and the amount is a guideline. Tips can be settled using major credit cards by the ship's Purser and are distributed among the crew and Expedition Staff.
  • Are there any health considerations or medical requirements?

    Passengers with pre-existing medical conditions must submit a medical form signed by a physician. It's important to advise of any special meal requirements or allergies in advance. The ship has a small infirmary with a doctor available for visits and 24-hour emergencies. Routine immunizations like tetanus, diphtheria, and Hepatitis A are suggested to be up-to-date.
  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on this tour?

    You can expect to see various whale species (orca, humpback, minke), seals, and seabirds like fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets, guillemots, and razorbills. In Svalbard, there will be opportunities to search for polar bears, Svalbard reindeer, and Arctic foxes.
  • Are there any optional activities available?

    The only listed optional activity is the Arctic Polar Plunge.
  • What is the electrical voltage and outlet type on board the Expedition?

    The electricity onboard is 220AC with European 2-pin round holes, and 110-volt shaving sockets in the bathroom. You may wish to bring an international adapter, though a limited supply is available to borrow.
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