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Spitsbergen to East Greenland

from £7348 excluding flights

  • 13-14,23 nights
  • Jun-Sep
Home Destinations Polar Arctic Spitsbergen to East Greenland
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Highlights

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Search for the majestic polar bear

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Observe seabirds by the thousands in towering cliff-side rookeries

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Visit the largest fjord in the world, Scoresby Sund

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Take in breathtaking flower-dotted tundra plains

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See remnants of Inuit settlements

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Watch out for seals, walrus and whales

Why this trip...

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Choice of vessels

We offer a wide choice of small ships from simple budget-conscious options to purpose-built luxury vessels

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Immersive exploration

Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas

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Expertly guided

In-depth knowledge and expertise will enrich your experience on this trip

Overview

Three Arctic Islands in one memorable voyage! Covering many miles of extraordinary coastline, encounter wildlife such as narwhal, arctic fox, polar bear and musk oxen as well as abundant birdlife as you visit Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland.

This is the Arctic of Viking lore and legend – a world of icy fjords, fiery volcanoes and glittering, ice-bound seas. Commencing in Spitsbergen and ending in Iceland, this adventurous voyage focuses on the rugged and seldom visited northeast coast of Greenland.

Towards the end of the summer, as the surrounding pack ice breaks up, access to the most remote and very beautiful parts of East Greenland becomes possible. Even in today’s age of receding last frontiers, this region sees few visitors. Though traces of former Inuit settlements are widespread, today just a handful of small hunting and fishing communities are found along the entire coast. In a place where man’s impact has been so minimal, nature lies virtually undisturbed.

Itinerary

Spend the day exploring Helsinki, which is known for its scenic harbour and Art Nouveau architecture.

Fly from Helsinki to Longyearbyen, the largest community in the Svalbard Islands, and well worth exploring before you board your ship this afternoon.

Spend a couple of days exploring Spitsbergen’s northwest coast, which features calving icebergs, historic whaling stations and remote trappers’ camps. Brunnich’s guillemots, little auks and kittiwakes nest in their thousands. Reindeer roam tundra dotted with wildflowers like saxifrage, moss campion and bell-heather. Weather permitting you may board the Zodiacs for fantastic views of spectacular glaciers, and look out for walruses and polar bears as they walk and swim between the fractured pack ice.

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While sailing the historic Greenland Sea your expedition team will entertain you with fascinating presentations on the wildlife and history of the Arctic. Keep an eye out for fin whales, encroaching sea ice and seabirds as you go.

An ice cap covers 81 per cent of Greenland and pack ice may fill the northern bays, even in summer. Ashore, cosy trappers’ huts beckon from across the tundra, where musk ox, Arctic hare and eider ducks roam. Lively cascades at Kap Humboldt provide a micro-climate for spectacular hanging gardens whilst Kong Oskar Fjord offers spectacular glacier-carved mountains. Enjoy a warm Inuit welcome at Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote community in East Greenland.

Ittoqqortoormiit settlement, Scoresby Sund
Exploring East Greenland by Zodiac
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Sail across Denmark Strait from Greenland to Iceland, reflecting on your rich experiences and enjoying the antics of northern fulmars, black-backed gulls, dolphins, orcas and other whales.

Shortly after breakfast, disembark in Reykjavik. Speak to our team about extending your stay in Iceland’s capital city or venture into the countryside.

  • The above sample itinerary is based on the 15-day voyage on the Ocean Adventurer. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, please contact us for specific details.
  • All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!

Vessel Finder

There are a choice of vessels available for this voyage. Compare the facilities of up to three ships at a glance then talk to our Travel Specialists who will be happy to advise which one is right for you.

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Ocean Adventurer

An attractive ice-strengthened vessel, the Ocean Adventurer features plenty of outside deck space making this a great choice for a polar adventure.

An attractive ice-strengthened vessel, the Ocean Adventurer features plenty of outside deck space making this a great choice for a polar adventure.

Why choose the Ocean Adventurer?
Recently refurbished, the Ocean Adventurer offers modern elegance and has ample outside deck space for excellent wildlife viewing.

  • Passengers: 132
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
Read more
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Greg Mortimer

A custom-built expedition ship featuring cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

Launched in 2019, the Greg Mortimer is a custom-built expedition ship featuring cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

Maximum passengers: 120

  • Passengers: 120
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
Read more
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Sylvia Earle

The sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the same cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

  • Passengers: 126
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
Read more
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Sea Spirit

This all-suite vessel couples adventure with spacious accommodation and a friendly atmosphere.

This all-suite vessel couples adventure with spacious accommodation and a friendly atmosphere.

Maximum passengers: 114

  • Passengers: 114
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
Read more
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M/V Plancius

The M/V Plancius is a traditional ex-research vessel, with proven experience in icy waters.

The M/V Plancius is a traditional ex-research vessel, with proven experience in icy waters. The ship was completely refitted as a 116-passenger vessel in 2009 and now takes advantage of its impressive power and strength to glide through the icy landscapes of the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Maximum passengers: 116

  • Passengers: 116
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
Read more

Select 2-3 items to compare.

Prices and Departures

Price from £7348 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

What's Included

  • Shipboard accommodation
  • All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
  • Tea & coffee available around the clock
  • All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
  • Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

2023 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. Due to fluctuating currencies our advertised voyage prices are indicative, and where applicable will be recalculated based on the exchange rate of the day at the time of enquiry.

Departure Duration Vessel Activities Price from (pp)
18 Jun 2023 15 days Greg Mortimer £11,495
09 Jul 2023 15 days Sylvia Earle £11,495
09 Aug 2023 15 days Sea Spirit £12,495
13 Aug 2023 15 days Ocean Adventurer £11,400
20 Aug 2023 14 days Plancius £7,348
26 Aug 2023 15 days Ocean Adventurer £14,330

2024 Departures

Departure Duration Vessel Activities Prices from (pp)
23 Jun 2024 15 days Sylvia Earle £13,995
07 Jul 2024 15 days Greg Mortimer £13,195
20 Jul 2024 24 days Greg Mortimer £20,895
08 Aug 2024 14 days Sea Spirit £12,495
09 Aug 2024 23 days Plancius £11,217
17 Aug 2024 22 days Hondius £10,391
18 Aug 2024 14 days Plancius £7,870
20 Aug 2024 14 days Sea Spirit £12,095
21 Aug 2024 15 days Greg Mortimer £13,195
25 Aug 2024 14 days Hondius £7,870
25 Aug 2024 15 days Ocean Adventurer £11,900
29 Aug 2024 14 days Ortelius £7,870
07 Sep 2024 15 days Ocean Adventurer £11,900

Activity Icon Key

  • Diving
  • Kayak taster session
  • Kayaking
  • Mountaineering
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Tailor made trips

As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.

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Travelling sustainably

We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.