Itinerary

Note: Voyage 6 departing Keflavik will be based on the below itinerary in reverse. Please also note Voyage 6 will have a strong Geology and Fossil feature and is later in the season, making way for alternate detours and excursions as well as a differing landscape.

Day 1
We'll be met at Longyearbyen airport and whisked away on a half-day tour that includes an historical trapper's station, friendly huskies and the chance to stretch our legs in the beautiful Advent River Valley. Excitement mounts as we board Polar Pioneer in the late afternoon and sail down magnificent Isfjiorden, rich with bird cliffs, vast glaciers and jagged mountains.

Days 2–3
Our exploration of Spitsbergen's northwest coast features calving icebergs, mountain and tundra hikes, historic whaling stations and trappers' camps. We hope to see puffins, Brunnich's guillemots, little auks and kittiwakes in their thousands. We'll board Zodiacs for close views of ice cliffs. Reindeer roam the tundra and we will too, photographing wildflowers like saxifrage, moss campion, bell-heather and hairy lousewort.

Days 4–5
Crossing the Greenland Sea, we sail through the Polar Basin's nutrient- rich waters, searching for fin whales and beluga whales, encroaching pack ice, and maybe a narwhal or two. Our expert naturalists and historians entertain us with fascinating, illustrated talks on High Arctic plants and animals, and epic tales of such early explorers as Nansen, Andrée and Scoresby. These are relaxed days, wonderful for getting to know fellow expeditioners and preparing for a landing, if conditions permit, in the world's largest national park – Greenland's northeast coast. The region is home to polar bear, walrus, Arctic hare and musk ox. From our Zodiacs we'll watch for ringed, bearded, harp and hooded seals.

Days 6–10
Cosy trappers' huts beckon from across the tundra, where musk oxen, Arctic fox and eider ducks roam, just some of the treats in Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord. Lively cascades at Kap Humboldt provide a microclimate for spectacular hanging gardens. In Scoresby Sound, the world's biggest fjord, the vast Greenland icecap sweeps down in massive glaciers that give birth, explosively, to giant icebergs. Near Sydkap, our Zodiacs weave through a maze of grounded icebergs, some more than 30-metres high, sculpted with deep green tunnels enclosing aquamarine lakes. We're warmly welcomed in Ittoqqortoormiit, an Inuit community whose people are happy to share their culture and explain the challenges of Arctic life. Our kayakers will find ideal paddling conditions, wending through interconnected waterways, on the lookout for polar bears and narwhals.

Days 11–12
Sailing south along Knud Rasmussen Land, we search for harp seals on ice floes and marvel at the mountain scenery that dominates the skyline. If ice permits, we'll head for Nansen Fjord, where the Christian IV Glacier tumbles down from the icecap and we earn stunning views of Gunnbjørns Fjeld, Greenland's highest mountain at 3,700 m and the highest peak north of the Arctic Circle.

Day 13
As we sail across Denmark Strait towards Iceland, we take time to reflect on all we've seen, enjoy the flight show of northern fulmars and black- backed gulls, and spot dolphins and orcas in their feeding grounds.

Day 14
Approaching Keflavik, Iceland, we watch for the now famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. In port we farewell Polar Pioneer and her crew, then transfer to the airport or our hotel in Reykjavik.

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.