Name: Arctic cruise in Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: D2026071812

Itinerary

The world's most northerly town, Longyearbyen, on Spitsbergen, Svalbard's largest island, also claims the most northerly high street and pub. It's home to The North Pole Expeditions Museum chronicling early pole-reaching efforts by air. Nearby, Svalbard Global Seed Vault preserves duplicate seeds from gene banks worldwide. Arctic waters around are populated by whales, including bowheads and narwhals, while walruses are regularly seen hauling out.

Svalbard is the kingdom of the polar bears, deep in the Arctic Circle, featuring varied polar landscapes and gargantuan glaciers. Beyond magnificent fjords in the north, the remaining sea ice serves as prime hunting grounds for polar bears. Closer to Longyearbyen, tundra and beaches replace snow and ice. Alongside 600 polar bears, this Arctic hotspot is home to walrus, Svalbard reindeer, ringed seals and arctic fox

Kayak With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)

Optional

02 h 00 m

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

The snow-covered stratovolcano Beerenberg dominates the ice cap and glaciers at the northeast end of Jan Mayen Island. Halfway between Svalbard and Iceland, this Norwegian island's only residents are the Norwegian Armed Forces or meteorological station staff. Purple saxifrage and endemic dandelions grow next to the black sands, while northern fulmars, Brünnich’s and black guillemots and little auks make Jan Mayen an important birding area.

The vast Scoresbysund fjord network is framed by imposing basalt mountains. Serving as a barrier against Arctic winds, the mountains create a haven for Greenland's wildlife, including muskoxen, Arctic foxes and mountain hares. The area teems with birdlife like little auks, Atlantic puffins, fulmars, snowy owls, Greenlandic gyrfalcons and great black-backed gulls. Seals and whales are common sightings in the fjord's waters.

Zodiac Cruising and/or Nature Walks With Your Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

01 h 00 m

Immerse yourself in the wonders of Scorebysund as you navigate the fjords surrounded by towering basalt mountains
Learn about the unique ecosystem that the mountains protect from the Arctic winds, providing shelter for the abundance of Greenland’s flourishing wildlife
Be on the lookout for the active bird population in the area including little auks, Atlantic puffins, fulmars, snowy owls, the Greenlandic gyrfalcon and great black-backed gulls

Kayak With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)

Optional

02 h 00 m

Get ready to coast through the world's last great wilderness, where every stroke of your paddle becomes a rhythm that brings you closer to the heart of these majestic regions
Kayaking gives you the chance to engage with the polar regions through all your senses, with the cool breeze on your face and the taste the salt on your lips as you navigate through pristine waters
Your Expedition Leader and kayak guide will ensure your safety throughout the excursion, providing a comprehensive briefing before you set off and leading the group with expertise and care

In the southeastern part of Greenland, the city of Ittoqqortoormiut appears, on the territory of which only 500 people live. A thick layer of sea ice prevents ships from approaching the city's port for nine months of the year, so he arrived in this remote city. Ittoqqortoormiut was founded in 1925 by the Danish explorer Einar Mikkelsen and a group of about 80 Inuit, covering a vast hunting ground. There is still hunting and sea fishing. The territory of Ittoqqortoormiit is home to white foxes, bears and seal colonies.

Discover Ittoqqortoormiit and the local community

Included

03 h 00 m

Discover the local museum and church, offering a glimpse into Greenland's heritage, with a demonstration showcasing muskox Qiviut
See the sled dogs being fed and immerse yourself in a demonstration of Traditional Greenlandic Handicraft, along with insights into the traditional East Greenland National suit.

Surrounded by fjords in the Westfjords region, Ísafjörður is a bustling fishing town and cultural center in northwest Iceland with cafés, restaurants and museums. The Heritage Museum, also known as the Maritime Museum, houses some of the country's oldest buildings and explores the region's fishing heritage through compelling exhibits. Nearby, Osvor is a replica of a 19th-century Icelandic fishing station.

Westfjords Life and Culture

Included

03 h 00 m

Explore traditional methods of salting fish inside turf-and-stone fishing shacks at Bolungarvík's Ósvör Fisherman’s Hut museum
Discover Hólskirkja, “the church on the hill” with two grand church bells, meant to drive away the phantoms that were believed to reside on the heath
Immerse yourself in Westfjords' maritime history at the Maritime Museum, housed in ancient buildings

Calm Fjord Kayaking

Optional

02 h 00 m

Take a peaceful kayaking trip through the Westfjords, famous for calm waters and stunning peaks
Get up close with nature, see delicate ecosystems, and feel the harmony of the environment
Watch for curious seabirds above and lively marine creatures below as you glide through the gorgeous fjords

Whale Watching from Isafjordur

Optional

02 h 30 m

Cruise along the stunning Snæfjallaströnd while searching for whales, seals, and dolphins amidst Iceland's vast fjords
Marvel at the rich birdlife in Ísafjarðardjúp, and look out for puffins
Soak in the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland's West fjords during this memorable whale watching tour

Arctic Foxes & Avalanches

Included

03 h 00 m

Get to know the history of Súðavík and the avalanche that struck the small village in 1995, shaping its resilient spirit
Begin your journey with breathtaking views over one of Iceland’s largest fjords, Ísafjarðardjúp, framed by the Snæfjallaströnd mountains
Enjoy an exciting live performance from a local musician during your visit to Súðavík’s church

A jewel of the Westfjords, Vigur is the fjord's second-largest island and a thriving seabird sanctuary. Flocks of arctic terns, puffins, guillemots and eider ducks nest atop rocky cliffs. As one of only two inhabited islands, Vigur supports a family farm continuing the centuries-old eiderdown harvest across 3,500 nests. This remote pillar also houses Iceland's sole windmill, its tiniest post office and a 200-year-old, still-seaworthy rowing boat.

Considered one of Iceland’s most impressive falls, the thunderous Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords region gives the impression of a bridal veil as it spreads down ever-growing cascades. The walk takes 15 minutes passing five smaller waterfalls.

Walk to Dynjandi Waterfall With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

01 h 30 m

Let your onboard Expedition Team, experts in all things Icelandic, guide you along the path to uncover this hidden treasure
Awaken your spirit of adventure as you stand in awe of nature's raw power firsthand
Delve into the secrets of Dynjandi as your Expedition Team provides captivating insights into its geological significance and cultural importance

Make sure there is sufficient timeto explore this diminutive but dramatic capital city. Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do. To get your bearings, take the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church, designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson is one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to earth, visit the city’s other renowned building Harpa Concert Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík's regenerated harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland from past to present. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an impressive contemporary collection including eye-catching pieces by Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometres outside the city lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original Viking parliament.

Kayaking with Expedition team

Optional

01 h 30 m

This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

Choose

YOUR SUITE TYPE

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Number of Guests:

Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m²(215ft²) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Oceanview M4

20 m²

Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Balcony M5

25 m²

Balcony D6

25 m²

Junior Suite

32 m²

Junior Suites measure 32-36m² (344-388ft²) – including a 6m² (65ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, have a separate living room area, and luxurious en-suite bathroom.

Suite

41 m²

Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and a walk-in shower.

Premium Suite

41 m²

Premium Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including 8m² (86ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – and a walk-in wardrobe.