Viking Journey through the North Atlantic

Explore Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland for an adventure that cannot be

compared to anything else in this hemisphere. As we reach the least-visited

national park in the world we might sail for days without seeing another vessel.

The chances of meeting a polar wolf or a polar bear are far greater than meet-

ing another human being.

Travel Period: 5 August 2018

Duration: 14 Days

Ship: MS Spitsbergen

Longyearbyen, Svalbard - Greenland - Reykjavik, Iceland

Visit three Arctic islands in one expedition

Explore the largest National Park of the world in Greenland

The magical Northern Lights may appear

Chance to see polar bears, musk oxen, polar hares, Greenland Falcon and polar wolves

See the Arctic Crown of Norway - Svalbard

A�er an overnight stop in Longyearbyen, the expedition starts by taking you through the

magnificent North West Spitsbergen National Park. The area is home to big inland glaciers and an

alpine landscape, full of spectacular contrasts; lush areas, naked moraines, rocky ridges and

glaciers that plunge into the sea. Kongsfjorden and Magdalenefjorden impress with their dramatic

landscapes and interesting history. At 78º 55' N you visit Ny Ålesund, one of the world’s

northernmost year-round communities and an advanced High Arctic research station.

Sailing for days without seeing other people or vessels

Sailing for days without seeing other people or vessels

As we start sailing along the coast of Greenland, the splendid isolation of the journey begins to

take hold. Once in the fjords of North East Greenland, your sense of distance, size and shape of

landscapes will be challenged. These are the largest fjords in the world. The surrounding alpine

landscape, with hanging glaciers and dramatic vertical granite walls, stretches as far as the eye can

see. All along our route, we will go ashore to explore the wilderness. You can also participate in

activities and excursions such as kayaking and hikes.

Our last call in North East Greenland is the most isolated town in Greenland; Ittoqqortoormiit. For

up to nine months of the year, the town is cut o� from the outside world. Our local guide will

show you the sights, including a visit to the museum and the church as you discover this unique

settlement on foot.

"The Saga land"

We explore the west region of Iceland, o�en called “The Saga land”. The Snæfellsnes peninsula is

sometimes referred to as Iceland in a nutshell. Dotted with towns and villages, mountains, bird

cli�s, saga sites and hiking trails – it is truly a world of unique experiences.

Price includes:

• Expedition with cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis

• Economy flight between Oslo and Longyearbyen

• One hotel night in Longyearbyen before the voyage, including breakfast and lunch

• Transfer from hotel to ship including an excursion in Longyearbyen

Not included:

• International flights

• Travel insurance

• Luggage handling

• Optional excursions and gratuities

The Itinerary

This is an expedition where the elements rule, and the weather, wind and ice conditions will determine our final schedule. Safety is paramount and the captain will decide the sailing itinerary during the voyage. Therefore, this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience, and why every expedition with Hurtigruten is unique.

05 August 2018

Departs From:

Oslo/Longyearbyen

DAY 1

The capital and then the crown of Arctic Norway

Location: Oslo/Longyearbyen Norway's capital Oslo is often referred to as "the blue, the green and the city in between". Forests, lakes, hills and a fjord surrounds this city. Downtown you will find unique architecture, a thriving cafe and bar culture, top-notch restaurants, endless shopping possibilities, and a large and visible immigrant community who add their own colourful touch to the city. You leave Oslo in the evening, heading for the High Arctic - Svalbard.

DAY 2

Next to the North Pole

Location: Longyearbyen The Svalbard Islands are located in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole. In the midst of this mighty wilderness, is the Norwegian settlement of Longyearbyen. After an overnight stay in one of our hotels, you join an excursion to learn more about this remote area before embarking the MS Spitsbergen.

DAY 3

Fjords and glaciers

Location: North West Spitsbergen National Park The first national park we visit covers the northwest corner of Svalbard. The area is characterised by enormous inland glaciers and a landscape of contrasts, both lush pastures and barren moraines. We continue into Kongsfjord and Magdalenefjord, offering spectacular scenery and interesting history. At 78º 55’ N, we visit Ny-Ålesund, the starting point for numerous expeditions towards the North Pole in the old Days. Today it is home to an advanced High Arctic research station.

DAY 4

Looking for wildlife from deck

Location: At sea Within the Svalbard Archipelago, there are about 3,000 polar bears – far more than the human population and probably one of the largest polar bear concentrations on Earth. That said; polar bears are solitary animals with no set colony or living area. They roam to wherever they can expect to find food. While there are no guarantees of sighting these top predators, the more eyes scouting through binoculars, the better chance we have of spotting the King of the Arctic. The polar bear is a marine mammal, so we are most likely to observe one close to or even in the water. Whenever close to drift ice, we will look carefully, because there is a chance that a polar bear uses this ice floe as a platform when at sea.

DAY 5-10

The least-visited national park in the world

Location: North East Greenland National Park As we arrive in the largest national park in the world, the splendid isolation of this journey begins to take hold. Apart from some abandoned trapping stations, a weather station and the traditional Sirius sled patrol, there are no traces of humans here. Within the borders of North East Greenland National Park there are only about 30 souls that overwinter. In the very short summer season, when the waters around are not frozen, only 500 expedition guests visit the park. Once inside the fjords of North East Greenland, your sense of distance, size and shape of landscapes will be challenged. These are the largest fjords in the world and the alpine landscape, with hanging glaciers and vertical granite faces reach as far as the eye can see. As well as wildlife like musk oxen, arctic fox, hare and wolf, we may see a variety of sea birds. And remember, where there is ice, there might be polar bears! We will call on the very isolated research station, Danmarkshavn. Sailing into fjords like Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord or Alpefjord is an unforgettable experience. The majority of our landings are performed as pure wilderness expeditions. We might meet the Sirius Patrol (The Danish Navy) that supervises the park using traditional methods, like mushing dogs. Before the Danes acquired sovereignty of this area, the Norwegians claimed it. A natural place to attempt a landing is Myggbukta (Mosquito bay), where the legendary Governor of North East Greenland had his base. Our expert guides and lecturers will safely lead you on hikes and small boat trips in addition to giving briefings and lectures about the places we explore.

DAY 11

The most isolated settlement in Greenland

Location: Ittoqqortoormiit In Ittoqqortoormiit you can visit the museum, church and a photo exhibition, or explore on your own. The trappers living in this town are the only people that are allowed to hunt within the North East Greenland National Park. You will probably see that they are drying animal skins and storing their dog sleds outside their houses.

DAY 12

Lectures and wildlife spotting

Location: At sea As we leave Greenland, we sail towards the western coast of Iceland. This is an excellent Day to attend to lectures and prepare for our return to “civilisation”.

DAY 13

Iceland in a Nutshell

Location: Stykkíshólmur As we reach the west region of Iceland, you will understand why this area is dubbed “The Sagaland”. Take your time to explore Stykkishólmur’s diversity with lava and rock formations, glaciers, volcanic activity, and hot and cold springs. Participate in a range of exciting excursions such as kayaking, hiking and horse riding.

DAY 14

The world’s northernmost capital

Location: Reykjavik Iceland's capital offers visitors a rich urban life. Relatively close to Reykjavik you will find glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and mountains. Reykjavik itself hosts fine restaurants, museums and shops. We will arrive in the morning hours, and this is where our voyage ends.

18 August 2018

Location:

Reykjavik

130 B Jodhpur Park, Ground Floor, Kolkata -700068.W.B.INDIA info@expeditionvoyages.in 91 33 2473 8096 / 91 44 42121575

John: +91 9830053005 / Shanthini : +91 9283190875