Compare The extremes of the Arctic by Hurtigruten vs Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland - Southbound by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
3.5 | Average
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 16 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 7,585 | $ 17,390 |
| Price Per Day | $ 474 | $ 1,159 |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Small ship cruise |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
See three Arctic islands and one the of the least visited and largest national parks in the world. This expedition takes you to the biggest islands in the Arctic, Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland. This is an adventure that cannot be compared to anything else in this hemisphere. |
Natural splendour, bountiful wildlife and a pioneering spirit all coalesce in the High Arctic, a region once reserved for only the hardiest of travellers but now open to anyone with a real yearning for adventure. Starting out from the isolated Spitsbergen outpost of Longyearbyen, this expedition heads down through the Arctic Circle, taking in the islands of the Svalbard Archipelago, the north-east coast of Greenland and the journey over the Denmark Strait to Iceland. Following in the proverbial wake of explorers past, you'll be treated to stunning sceneries of vast glacial walls, sprawling fjord systems and icebergs the size of skyscrapers. Time spent on the ship will include educational presentations on tales of polar exploration and seabird identification, while there'll be plenty of opportunities for spotting the region's famed wildlife during Zodiac excursions. This voyage across the Arctic Circle allows travellers to experience three different countries of the Arctic in a relatively short space of time. |
Day 1: Oslo/Longyearbyen
Norway's capital Oslo is often referred to as "the blue, the green and the city in between". Forest, lakes, hills and a fjord surrounds this city. Downtown you will find a very varied architecture, a strong 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 - Spitsbergen.
Day 2: Longyearbyen
The Svalbard Islands are located in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole. In the midst of a mighty and wild nature you find the Norwegian settlement of Longyearbyen. After an overnight stay in one of our hotels you can join a sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen before embarking the MS Fram.
Day 3: North West Spitsbergen National Park
The first national park we visit covers the northwest corner of Spitsbergen. The area is characterised by big inland glaciers and a typical alpine landscape contrasted by green areas and 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: At sea
Spend a relaxing, but exciting day at sea. We will begin our lecture series and enjoy sights of wildlife from deck.
Day 5: North East Greenland National Park
As we arrive in the largest national park in the world, you will start dwelling upon the thought that we are quite alone in a far corner of the globe. Apart from some abandoned trapping stations, a weather station and the traditional Sirius sled patrol there are absolutely no signs of humans here.
Day 6: North East Greenland National Park
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, 500 expedition cruise guests visit the park. Yellowstone has 1 visitor per hour of the year; North East Greenland National Park has 0,002!
Day 7: North East Greenland National 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 around, with hanging glaciers and vertical granite faces reaches as far as the eye can see.
Day 8: North East Greenland National Park
As well as terrestrial 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!
Day 9: North East Greenland National Park
The very isolated weather and research station, Danmarkshavn is one of the places we visit en route. Sailing into fjords like Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord or Alpefjord will give you an experience of a lifetime. The majority of our landings are performed as pure wilderness expeditions.
Day 10: North East Greenland National Park
We might meet the Sirius Patrol (The Danish Navy) that supervises the park using traditional methods, 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.
Day 11: North East Greenland National Park
During this expedition you will have ample amount of time to get the feeling of being in one of the most isolated places on earth. Still you will feel totally safe aboard one of the most fitting expedition vessels. Our expert guides and lecturers will safely guide you on hikes and small boat trips in addition to briefings and lectures about the places we go.
Day 12: Ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresbysund)
In the most isolated town in Greenland, you can visit the museum, church and a photo exhibition, or walk around on your own.
Day 13: The Westfjords of Iceland
We set course towards the Westfjords of Iceland. The area has a feel of untouched nature with cliffs and valleys, high waterfalls and crystal-clear streams. Grundarfjörður is located at the Snæfellsnes peninsula, often called “Iceland in a nutshell”. Enjoy the sights of lava and rock formations, glaciers, volcanic activity, hot and cold springs as well as an abundance of bird life and picturesque landscapes.
Day 14: The Westfjords of Iceland
Flateyri has been a trading post since 1792 and was a base for shark hunting and whaling operations in the 1900s. Today Flateyri is dependent on tourism. There is a nice sandy beach on the other side of the fjord, and although the sea might be colder for bathing than most people prefer, the sand is great for building sand castles. We will offer optional excursions to explore the area.
Day 15: The Westfjords of Iceland
Ísafjörður is the capital of the Westfjords region. Take a stroll around this cosy town and enjoy its diverse architecture. You'll find the country's oldest dwelling here, along with fine examples of timber houses built by wealthy foreign traders in the 18th century. Our optional excursions offer a variety of experiences from hikes to tastings of local food.
Day 16: Reykjavik
Iceland's capital offers a lot to tempt the curiosity of its visitors. Relatively close to Reykjavik you find glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and mountains. Reykjavik has also a vast selection of restaurants, museums and shops. We will arrive in the morning hours, and here our voyage ends.
Day 1 Helsinki, Finland
Your arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, where you may arrive at any time today. Known for its extraordinary architecture, Helsinki is a great place to spend time in, exploring the many museums, galleries and restaurants. Perhaps relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.
Day 2 Helsinki, Finland – Longyearbyen, Norway – Embarkation Day
After breakfast, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. As you embark this afternoon, you’ll enjoy great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.
Day 3-6 Exploring Spitsbergen
Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest of the Norwegian-ruled Svalbard islands, rewards you with abundant wildlife and austere beauty. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and steep-walled fjords with walrus, polar bears and Spitsbergen reindeer among your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see arctic terns, skuas, long-tailed ducks, kittiwakes and ivory gulls. When conditions are right, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole!
Day 7-8 Greenland Sea
While sailing south through the historic Greenland Sea, you’ll learn about the wildlife and history of Greenland, your next stop. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds on the wing. Take in a lecture, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie—there are many things to do during your time at sea.
Day 9-12 Exploring East Greenland
During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen—40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives here. Finally, you will sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs and, some say, the most beautiful fjord system in the world. If conditions allow, you may also visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote community in East Greenland.
Day 13-14 Crossing the Denmark Strait
As we sail south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Your Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about the history of exploration in the Arctic and the seabirds you’ll see soaring above your ship.
Day 15 Disembarkation Day – Reykjavik, Icealnd
You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.
