Itinerary

Day 1
You land in Reykjavik, Iceland’s colourful capital, set against a backdrop of still-active volcanoes, and are transferred to Keflavik, where we board our expedition ship, Polar Pioneer. In the evening, we set sail into whale- rich waters of Denmark Strait, excited by the prospect of adventures ahead.

Day 2
We wake to the sight of Wesmannaeyjar, the Westman Islands, an extraordinary basalt archipelago cloaked in emerald green vegetation. We dock in Heimaey, made famous in 1973 when the volcano Eldfell erupted, forcing inhabitants to flee to the mainland. We visit farmhouses dating back to 650 AD, photograph Helgafell, the Holy Mountain, hike the still-warm slopes of Eldfell and visit Pompeii of the North project, an excavation of houses buried in the 1973 eruption.

Day 3
As we cross Denmark Strait, our shipboard historian and naturalists give entertaining talks that help us appreciate the discoveries lying ahead. Thanks to cold upwellings, the nutrient waters are rich in birdlife and mammals, and the ship’s bridge or outer viewing decks are perfect for spotting whales, photographing fulmars and kittiwakes, or simply becoming lost in Arctic reverie. Fin whales, the world’s second largest, are often seen, as well as humpbacks, minkes and maybe even
sperm whales.

Days 4–5
Greenland’s wild southeast coast greets us with ice-laden fjords, rugged peaks and undisturbed wildlife, and we are aiming straight for its heart. Its steep, sharp-peaked mountains, countless lakes, rivers and streams and glacier-carved valleys radiate a purity found in few other places. We take full advantage of Polar Pioneer’s shallow draft and maneuverability to explore Skjoldungen Fjord, where glaciers carve through spectacular mountains, yet recede in the warmth of changing climes. Our Zodiacs ferry us ashore for leg-stretching walks up valleys, with rests to admire such tundra plants as crowberry, alpine eyebright, Arctic mouse-ear and dwarf birch. On a calm day, the serenity is overwhelming, and if we’re close to shore, we might hear the blow of pilot or killer whales. We may visit Skjoldungen Islands, known for their spectacular ice cap views, and search for remains of an abandoned settlement. Our Russian captain and crew keep a close watch on weather changes that could push pack ice into the fjord.

Days 6–7
In true expedition fashion, our explorations will depend on weather and ice conditions as we make our way north. Possible destinations include Koge Bugt, where the Greenland ice cap reaches the sea, releasing vast, tabular icebergs; umivik, where Fridtjof Nansen set off in 1888 with dog sleds and five companions to make the first ever crossing of the ice cap; or ice-choked Dietrichsons Sund, where glaciers have scraped smooth the surrounding coastline. Should we take walks inland, we’ll search for the charming snow bunting and rock ptarmigan. Glaucous gulls and Arctic terns are common breeders, and little auks, the most numerous Atlantic seabird, can be seen in their thousands.

Day 8–10
We visit remote trappers’ camps and Inuit villages of the Ammassalik district. Despite an often-harsh climate and the isolation, an abundance of wildlife both on land and in the surrounding waters provides just enough livelihood to support these hardy souls. People first arrived 2000 years ago, rowing skin boats. Although outboards and aluminium have replaced paddles and umiaks, the surviving population still relies on boats to survive. The village Isortorq, or “foggy sea”, is so-named as much for the weather as the glacial silt in the milky-green fjord. The 100 or so people who live here are mostly hunters, relying on ringed, bearded, hooded and harp seals that live in the waters and on ice floes nearby. We watch out for Nanoq, as the Inuit call polar bears. Inland is a wild and mountainous world, offering views that linger in our memory long after we set sail across the Denmark Strait. We spend out last day at sea whale watching, photographing sea birds and sharing a celebratory last dinner with our new friends.

Day 11
In the early morning hours we reach Keflavik and the end of our memorable voyage.

Activities

How to Prepare

To ensure you have an enjoyable and safe expedition we have developed some import pre-departure information to help you prepare for your voyage. We strongly recommend you download the documents below and read carefully. Our reservation staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Before you depart for your expedition we will send you a detailed pack including your itinerary, travel documents and any other essential information relevant to your voyage.

Is your passport valid? 
Your passport will be required to have validity that will extend to six months after the date of your return.

Visa arrangements? 
Your visa arrangements are your responsibility. Please contact our reservations staff for assistance, or if you are unsure if you require a visa.

Travel insurance? 
All passengers are required to provide travel insurance details including policy number and emergency contact number to Aurora Expeditions prior to departure. We strongly recommend insurance coverage that includes emergency medical evacuation from the vessel.

Emergency contact details? 
So that you can be contacted in the case of an emergency, remember to provide your family or friends with a copy of your travel documents as well as Aurora Expeditions’ and your Ship’s contact numbers.

Remember to pack any valuables or essential items such as medication in your hand luggage to avoid issues in the case of lost baggage.

Arctic Landing & Wildlife Viewing Guidelines

Arctic Photography Hints

Arctic Polar Clothing

Arctic Recommended Reading

How to Book

Contact us

If you are interested in an Aurora Expeditions voyage, please contact our sales team to check availability.
Either email an expert here or call our experienced consultants direct on + 61 2 9252 1033 or 1800 637 688 (within Australia).

Complete a booking form

Once availability is confirmed, please download, print and complete the booking form. Please return it to us, along with your deposit to secure your berth.  Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions of contract before sending us your signed booking form.

Terms & Conditions

Click here to view the terms and conditions.

Preparation for your voyage

On receipt of the booking form, we will contact you to confirm your booking and our reservations staff will send you a comprehensive pre-departure kit. This kit will contain all necessary pre-departure information including visa information, insurance information, a medical and personal details form, comprehensive gear list and information tailored to your voyage.

Aurora Expeditions – Your Personal Travel Agent

Aurora Expeditions is a licensed travel agent. Our experienced reservations consultants all have specialised expertise on the destinations we travel to. Each voyage has a dedicated travel expert solely working on developing dynamic itineraries for our passengers.  Contact our reservations team and allow us to create a personal itinerary to compliment your voyage, including airfares, accommodation, travel insurance and pre and post voyage travel options.

We look forward to assisting you with your journey of a lifetime.

Extend your Holiday

TOUR	DESCRIPTION
	Norway in a Nutshell Departing from Oslo, this breathtaking independent journey by train and boat takes you through some of the loveliest scenery in southern Norway.
	Reykjavik Day Trips Explore the intriguing capital of Iceland, with visits to the main city sites and day trips to surrounding waterfalls and hot springs.
	Iceland Complete A 7-day tour around the ring road that circles the entire country, taking in a myriad of natural wonders and inspiring landscapes.
	Iceland Self Drive Adventures Hire a car and take in the wondrous sights of Iceland at your own pace. A world of discovery awaits.