Arctic Highlights Southbound - 15 Days

From £4,257£284 per daySave 35%

Trip Snapshot

Age range

10 - 100

Physical rating

2/5

Group size

1 - 128

Meals included

41

Highlights

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

Uncover insider tips, see a packing list and view a detailed itinerary and accommodation information.

Summary

Sailing from Svalbard to Greenland, follow the ice’s edge with an eye peeled to the horizon for wildlife. Navigating south, you'll explore this remote landscape not only by ship but also on foot and via Zodiac. This journey highlights the contrast and change in the Arctic as you move south, finally ending in Iceland, "the Land of Fire and Ice." An Inuit village, unique wildlife, and remote destinations are just some of the highlights on this truly unforgettable voyage through the Arctic.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Longyearbyen

    Embark aboard the Expedition in the afternoon and depart Longyearbyen in the late afternoon. Arrival transfer included. Please make sure you drop your checked luggage off at the meeting point between 9am - 12pm. A local representative will be in the luggage storage room. They can provide general information about the town or your embarkation process.

    All passengers will be transferred to the ship as a group for embarkation at 4pm. Please ensure that for embarkation you have your passport accessible (not in your luggage which is being transferred separately to the ship).

  • Day 2

    Svalbard/Greenland Sea

    Taking advantage of local ice and weather conditions, explore the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, one of those rare places on Earth blessed with both awe-inspiring landscape and compelling history. Over four full days, explore a small portion of the western coast of Svalbard. Entering the fall the days are getting shorter so try to take advantage of all of the sunlight possible to search for wildlife.

    Spend these days in search of the elusive polar bears as they hunt seals. Look out for Svalbard's unique subspecies of reindeer. Although much smaller than their southern relatives, they still carry impressive antlers. Keep a sharp lookout for Arctic foxes.

    By not having a set itinerary, we take on an expedition spirit and are free to take advantage of the best that Svalbard has to offer.

  • Day 3

    Svalbard/Greenland Sea

    Taking advantage of local ice and weather conditions, explore the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, one of those rare places on Earth blessed with both awe-inspiring landscape and compelling history. Over four full days, explore a small portion of the western coast of Svalbard. Entering the fall the days are getting shorter so try to take advantage of all of the sunlight possible to search for wildlife.

    Spend these days in search of the elusive polar bears as they hunt seals. Look out for Svalbard's unique subspecies of reindeer. Although much smaller than their southern relatives, they still carry impressive antlers. Keep a sharp lookout for Arctic foxes.

    By not having a set itinerary, we take on an expedition spirit and are free to take advantage of the best that Svalbard has to offer.

  • Day 4

    Svalbard/Greenland Sea

    Taking advantage of local ice and weather conditions, explore the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, one of those rare places on Earth blessed with both awe-inspiring landscape and compelling history. Over four full days, explore a small portion of the western coast of Svalbard. Entering the fall the days are getting shorter so try to take advantage of all of the sunlight possible to search for wildlife.

    Spend these days in search of the elusive polar bears as they hunt seals. Look out for Svalbard's unique subspecies of reindeer. Although much smaller than their southern relatives, they still carry impressive antlers. Keep a sharp lookout for Arctic foxes.

    By not having a set itinerary, we take on an expedition spirit and are free to take advantage of the best that Svalbard has to offer.

  • Day 5

    Svalbard/Greenland Sea

    Taking advantage of local ice and weather conditions, explore the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, one of those rare places on Earth blessed with both awe-inspiring landscape and compelling history. Over four full days, explore a small portion of the western coast of Svalbard. Entering the fall the days are getting shorter so try to take advantage of all of the sunlight possible to search for wildlife.

    Spend these days in search of the elusive polar bears as they hunt seals. Look out for Svalbard's unique subspecies of reindeer. Although much smaller than their southern relatives, they still carry impressive antlers. Keep a sharp lookout for Arctic foxes.

    By not having a set itinerary, we take on an expedition spirit and are free to take advantage of the best that Svalbard has to offer.

  • Day 6

    Greenland Sea

    Keep an eye out for majestic whales, which are known to feed here in the summer months. Spot orca, humpback and minke whales, as well as dolphins. Enjoy lectures by expedition staff. 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 7

    Greenland Sea

    Keep an eye out for majestic whales, which are known to feed here in the summer months. Spot orca, humpback and minke whales, as well as dolphins. Enjoy lectures by expedition staff. 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 8

    Northeast Greenland National Park

    Spend a few days exploring the massive fjord system of Northeast Greenland National Park, which includes portions of Scorsbysund. Visit the tiny settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit for a look at how these most northerly people live. Sail through and land in some of the most spectacular fjord country in the world along down the coast of Greenland, while exploring rarely visited glaciers, bays and inlets.

    This is the largest national park in the world, nearly impossible to reach except on expedition ships. Spectacular geology combined with glacial features create steep mountains raising directly from the sea. Look out for picturesque scenery, wildlife and other interesting landing sites in this unspoiled wilderness.

    Depending on ice, spend these days exploring the massive fjord system of Northeast Greenland National Park, which includes portions of Scoresbysund. These intricate fjord systems are everything from wide and unimaginable to narrow and steeply spectacular with some of the best mountain scenery in the world. Walking over lush stands of colourful autumn tundra may lead to opportunities to see musk oxen grazing nearby.

  • Day 9

    Northeast Greenland National Park

    Spend a few days exploring the massive fjord system of Northeast Greenland National Park, which includes portions of Scorsbysund. Visit the tiny settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit for a look at how these most northerly people live. Sail through and land in some of the most spectacular fjord country in the world along down the coast of Greenland, while exploring rarely visited glaciers, bays and inlets.

    This is the largest national park in the world, nearly impossible to reach except on expedition ships. Spectacular geology combined with glacial features create steep mountains raising directly from the sea. Look out for picturesque scenery, wildlife and other interesting landing sites in this unspoiled wilderness.

    Depending on ice, spend these days exploring the massive fjord system of Northeast Greenland National Park, which includes portions of Scoresbysund. These intricate fjord systems are everything from wide and unimaginable to narrow and steeply spectacular with some of the best mountain scenery in the world. Walking over lush stands of colourful autumn tundra may lead to opportunities to see musk oxen grazing nearby.

  • Day 10

    Northeast Greenland National Park

    Spend a few days exploring the massive fjord system of Northeast Greenland National Park, which includes portions of Scorsbysund. Visit the tiny settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit for a look at how these most northerly people live. Sail through and land in some of the most spectacular fjord country in the world along down the coast of Greenland, while exploring rarely visited glaciers, bays and inlets.

    This is the largest national park in the world, nearly impossible to reach except on expedition ships. Spectacular geology combined with glacial features create steep mountains raising directly from the sea. Look out for picturesque scenery, wildlife and other interesting landing sites in this unspoiled wilderness.

    Depending on ice, spend these days exploring the massive fjord system of Northeast Greenland National Park, which includes portions of Scoresbysund. These intricate fjord systems are everything from wide and unimaginable to narrow and steeply spectacular with some of the best mountain scenery in the world. Walking over lush stands of colourful autumn tundra may lead to opportunities to see musk oxen grazing nearby.

  • Day 11

    Northeast Greenland National Park

    Spend a few days exploring the massive fjord system of Northeast Greenland National Park, which includes portions of Scorsbysund. Visit the tiny settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit for a look at how these most northerly people live. Sail through and land in some of the most spectacular fjord country in the world along down the coast of Greenland, while exploring rarely visited glaciers, bays and inlets.

    This is the largest national park in the world, nearly impossible to reach except on expedition ships. Spectacular geology combined with glacial features create steep mountains raising directly from the sea. Look out for picturesque scenery, wildlife and other interesting landing sites in this unspoiled wilderness.

    Depending on ice, spend these days exploring the massive fjord system of Northeast Greenland National Park, which includes portions of Scoresbysund. These intricate fjord systems are everything from wide and unimaginable to narrow and steeply spectacular with some of the best mountain scenery in the world. Walking over lush stands of colourful autumn tundra may lead to opportunities to see musk oxen grazing nearby.

  • Day 12

    Northeast Greenland National Park

    Spend a few days exploring the massive fjord system of Northeast Greenland National Park, which includes portions of Scorsbysund. Visit the tiny settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit for a look at how these most northerly people live. Sail through and land in some of the most spectacular fjord country in the world along down the coast of Greenland, while exploring rarely visited glaciers, bays and inlets.

    This is the largest national park in the world, nearly impossible to reach except on expedition ships. Spectacular geology combined with glacial features create steep mountains raising directly from the sea. Look out for picturesque scenery, wildlife and other interesting landing sites in this unspoiled wilderness.

    Depending on ice, spend these days exploring the massive fjord system of Northeast Greenland National Park, which includes portions of Scoresbysund. These intricate fjord systems are everything from wide and unimaginable to narrow and steeply spectacular with some of the best mountain scenery in the world. Walking over lush stands of colourful autumn tundra may lead to opportunities to see musk oxen grazing nearby.

  • Day 13

    Denmark Strait/Keflavik

    Enjoy the lecture series while watching the seas for whales. Head towards Iceland and its steaming hot springs. The view is often complemented by soaring fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets, guillemots, and razorbills.

  • Day 14

    Denmark Strait/Keflavik

    Enjoy the lecture series while watching the seas for whales. Head towards Iceland and its steaming hot springs. The view is often complemented by soaring fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets, guillemots, and razorbills.

  • Day 15

    Keflavik

    Shortly after breakfast, disembark at the Port of Keflavík. For guests departing on disembarkation day, the tour operator will provide a complimentary transfer at 8:00am to Keflavik International Airport from the port.

    For guests who are planning on staying in Keflavik or Reykjavik post trip, taxis will be available for hire at the pier to transfer them to their accommodations.

    All transfer arrangements will be confirmed while on board prior to departure, to ensure that all needs are met.

    Please do not book onward travel prior to `12:00pm.

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 £4,257
  • Aug 2027

    from £6,899
  • Sep 2027

    from £6,599
  • Save 35%
    Monday 31 Aug 2026to Monday 14 Sep 2026
    6+ spaces of 128 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £6,549£4,257
    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 is the primary focus of the "Arctic Highlights Southbound" tour?

    The tour focuses on sailing from Svalbard to Greenland, exploring the ice's edge for wildlife, and navigating the remote landscape by ship, on foot, and via Zodiac, highlighting the Arctic's contrast and change as you move south towards Iceland.
  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the expedition?

    You can expect to search for elusive polar bears, Svalbard's unique subspecies of reindeer, Arctic foxes, majestic whales (orca, humpback, and minke), dolphins, seals, and various sea birds such as kittiwakes and fulmars. Musk oxen may also be seen.
  • What type of accommodation is provided during the expedition?

    Accommodation is aboard the Expedition ship in triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites, all with en suite bathrooms and either a porthole or window. Cabins have twin-size berths and are ocean-facing, while suites have one queen-size bed.
  • What is the physical rating for this tour?

    This tour has a physical rating of 2, indicating a moderate activity level.
  • What does the tour price include?

    The tour price includes 14 nights aboard the Expedition, arrival and departure transfers (depending on flights), Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team, lectures and educational programs, a visit to a local community in Greenland, waterproof boots (USA sizes 4-16), and an Expedition parka.
  • What is the recommended age range for participants?

    The recommended age range for participants is between 10 and 100 years old.
  • How many meals are included during the trip?

    The trip includes 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 14 dinners. All meals are prepared and catered by professional chefs onboard, with dining being casual and tables unassigned.
  • What is the policy for solo travelers?

    Solo travelers on group trips are typically paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex without a single supplement. If you select the Private Cabin option at booking, you will receive your own room.
  • What transportation methods are used during the expedition?

    Transportation during the expedition primarily includes the Expedition ship, Zodiacs for shore landings and cruises, local buses, and walking.
  • What is the tipping guideline for the crew and staff?

    The industry standard and suggested amount for tipping is USD $10-15 per person per day spent on board. Tipping is a personal choice and can be settled using major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, and AMEX) via the ship's Purser.
  • Are there any optional activities available?

    The tour does not list optional activities, but kayaking excursions are mentioned as an extra option for those seeking a more adventurous experience.
  • Is the ship equipped for guests with mobility issues?

    Please note that the Expedition is an adventure ship and does not offer an elevator.
  • What are the arrangements for drinking water and waste reduction on board?

    The ship offers exceptional drinking water with refilling stations, and a complimentary water bottle is provided. Efforts are made to stop the use of single-use plastics, and guests are asked to take plastic items, such as single-use shampoo/conditioner containers, back to their home countries for recycling.
  • What are the payment methods accepted onboard?

    The Expedition operates as a cashless ship, and only major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, and AMEX) are accepted for clearing incidental bills such as bar tabs, laundry, and crew tips.
  • Will I have access to electricity onboard for charging devices?

    The electricity onboard uses 220AC electrical outlets with European 2-pin round holes, and 110-volt shaving sockets are available in bathrooms for electric razors only. An international adapter is recommended, though a limited supply can be borrowed from the Purser's Desk.
  • How are the itineraries handled, given the nature of Arctic travel?

    The itinerary has a certain amount of flexibility built into it, and alterations may be necessary or desirable due to local ice and weather conditions. Your expedition leader will provide an overview on the first day onboard.
  • What qualifications do the expedition staff and leaders have?

    The voyage is led by a carefully chosen international team of professional naturalists and lecturers. They provide informed interpretations, lectures, briefings, and informal discussions covering ornithology, marine biology, geography, geology, history, environment, and photography. The expedition staff are experienced drivers who pilot the Zodiac landing craft.
  • What is the group leader to guest ratio?

    There is one expedition team member provided for every 10 guests.
  • Is there an emergency fund recommendation?

    Yes, it is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, for use in unforeseen circumstances such as a natural disaster requiring a route change.
  • What is the policy regarding health and medical information?

    All passengers are required to review a medical questionnaire, and those with preexisting medical conditions must submit a physician-signed medical form. It's important to advise of special meal requirements, food allergies, or prescribed medication in advance. The ship has a small infirmary with a doctor available for visits and 24-hour emergencies.
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