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

Arctic cruise in Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland

D2026071812

Longyearbyen - Reykjavik

07.18.26-07.30.26

SH Diana

YOUR TRIP

Embark on an extraordinary Arctic cruise in Svalbard, Greenland, and Iceland, beginning your journey in Longyearbyen, the world's most northerly town, and concluding in Reykjavik. This luxurious cruise guides you from the icy grandeur of Svalbard's glaciers to the dynamic landscapes of Greenland and the geothermal wonders of Iceland. During your voyage, you'll encounter remarkable locations. Explore Svalbard's polar bear territory, the volcanic landscapes of Jan Mayen Island, and Greenland's Scoresby Sund fjord network with its majestic scenery. In Iceland, discover the vibrant town of Isafjordur, the serene Vigur Island, and the stunning Dynjandi Waterfall. The bustling capital, Reykjavik, offers cultural landmarks such as Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa Concert Hall. This luxury Arctic cruise promises a range of engaging activities. Immerse yourself in sea days with expert lectures or perfect your photography skills. Join optional kayaking excursions in breathtaking fjords, guided by seasoned experts. With scenic landscapes and captivating wildlife, this Arctic adventure is an unforgettable journey of discovery.

6876b832546163bd6979e5d4f3fcdb5c4b72f481

8dab99da0f3df0fce895bcee219e84a3d5eb420e

c0de17a448fb16f579d3c38eb918c430ffffdaa5

Itinerary

1000edea5ae1af3a4f2b9c9e18e233b4437e2108

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. Arctic waters around are populated by whales, including bowheads and narwhals, while walruses are regularly seen hauling out.

d5ef698689c3a977716da4ed8a273c254c8317da

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

695a2f0bb1ed058d2ca9956d76d3cf16606072b8

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.

0ee800888067a04d269f209dface94e16faaebe7

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.

acaef68228c2c57cbcca2d930fee1b70b2b10b4c

The world’s largest fjord system, Scoresbysund spans over 350 km into Greenland’s heart. This vast network of fjords, glaciers and icebergs is framed by towering basalt mountains, which shield Greenland’s wildlife from Arctic winds. Muskoxen, Arctic foxes and mountain hares roam the land, while little auks, puffins, fulmars, snowy owls, gyrfalcons and great black-backed gulls soar overhead. Seals and whales are common sightings in the waters.

89be9bd57d0d538602a366f761349af98b251c75

One of the world's most remote towns and the most isolated community in Greenland, Ittoqqortoormiit is largely inaccessible by ship for nine months of the year. Founded in 1925 by Danish explorer Ejnar Mikkelsen and Inuit settlers, it is home to 450 residents who mostly rely on hunting and fishing. The community preserves Greenlandic traditions, from harvesting qiviut–the prized muskox underfur–to maintaining sled dogs and wearing national dress.

1ba7a6e0bfbabaf5d8d9fef9cf720f7709989d9f

b5687cdd6c730c2bbf820d6afb0673b75be04a7e

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.

0f6582f982c29156dedaa9640ff2481753125f46

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.

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.