Arctic Tours & Trips 2020
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DEPARTURE DATES
Style
Style
Small Group Tour Small groups are usually defined as between 10 and 24 travelers, often less. If you're the kind of person who enjoys more intimate experiences and personal service this is a good choice. All else being equal you will pay a premium for this style vs a larger group tour.
Private Guided Private tours give you the undivided attention of a guide, and often involve special access to sites and unique experiences not available to larger groups. This is a great option for families, couples, and small friend groups. Expect to pay a bit more for the extra service.
Self Guided Tour A travel company plans your itinerary and arranges all the logistics including lodging, local activities, and transportantion. You have the flexibility of a solo trip while still getting the convience and time savings of expert planning. Get 90% of the benefits of a tour, without a guide.
Group Tour Groups are between 25-60 people, typically ~30-40. Usually there will be many opportunities to split off and enjoy meals and excursions in smaller groups. This is the most economical way to travel, saving up to 40% versus booking the same itinerary yourself.
River Cruise These vessels are smaller than most ocean cruisers, limiting which amenties are available. Passenger counts can vary. One of the biggest advantages of a river cruise is the ability to dock at smaller ports and local villages.
Small Ship Cruise Small ship cruises usually have a max passenger count of 500. The primary purpose of these trips is to spend time off the vessel in local ports (e.g. Mediterranean) or experiencing nature (e.g Galapagos or Antarctica). Cabins can vary from budget to luxury.
Large Ship Cruise This is the "floating city" experience, with multiple ways to enjoy your vacation aboard the ship as much as on land. Ships are multiple floors, provide several activities, culinary, and shopping options. They often make fewer stops and have less time available for shore excursions.
Retreats Similar to a self guided tour but staying in one location only with activities and day outings included as a part of the stay.
Price
Duration Dropdown
Travelers Age
Lodging Level
Lodging Level
Camping Typically involves most nights sleeping in tents (sometimes permanent tented sites) or in rustic cabins and lodges.
Basic - 2 star You'll stay in no-frills, but clean and comfortable, hotels or guesthouses. A 'Basic' trip might also involve a few nights of camping.
Value - 3 star Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Premium - 4 star 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Luxury - 5 star The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Physical Level
Physical Level
Very Easy Minimal walking - motor vehicles available for all major parts of trip.
Easy Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments.
Moderate Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
Strenuous All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Extreme Very challenging all day hiking and backpacking carrying significant equipment.
Theme
Attractions & Cities Visited
Activities & Interests
Travel Style
Travel Style
Flexible schedule A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Full schedule For those looking to maximize their sight seeing time. You thrive on a packed day’s schedule from 8 am to 6pm, with some (but limited) free time. Most activities and meals included.
Balanced schedule You will have solid amounts of both free time and structured time with some activities and meals included.
Flight & Transport Inclusions
Solo Friendly
Solo Friendly
Good for Singles Trips that specifically cater to travelers looking to meet other singles.
No Single Supplement Trips where single supplement is usually not required for solo travelers.
Supplier (Company)
Countries Visited
Continents Visited
Rivers & Seas Visitied
Stride Gives Back Stride Gives Back This trip visits a destination impacted by climate change. When you opt in to the Travelstride Gives Back program, we will donate 10% of our net revenue to organizations that help mitigate climate change in these destinations and across the globe. Learn more
Premium Iceland

- Witness the diversity of Iceland's natural phenomena – rootless craters, glacial lakes and geothermal lagoons. Visit Gulfoss, Iceland's largest waterfall, the famous Blue Lagoon, and drive through fields of lava.
- Get to know Iceland’s gentle giants on board an eco-friendly carbon neutral sailing boat. This Exclusive Experience allows you to respectfully and silently spot whales with the help of an expert guide.
- Step into Iceland’s history during your Feature Stay at the country’s oldest hotel. Enjoy personal and friendly service and old-fashioned touches, from antique furniture to original architecture.
- Gain an insight into how the eruption of Eyafjallajokull volcano in 2010 has affected the lives of the residents in the Hvolsvollur Valley, then take part in their tree planting project during this Exclusive Experience.
- From a soak in the Deildartunguhver Hot Spring to a visit to a local artist’s stone carving workshops and a tasting session of Icelandic specialties, your Exclusive Experiences will deepen your understanding of Icelandic culture.
Copenhagen to Northern Norway

- Explore Copenhagen like a local and hop on a bike. There is no better way to see the major sites, as well as explore hidden corners of this beautiful city.
- Don't miss Gothenburg's Haga district, with its picturesque wooden houses and the iconic Skansen Kronan, as well as laid-back Langgatan street.
- Take a ferry to Vrango Island, a stunning fishing town in the Gothenburg Archipelago, and discover this rocky nature haven by kayak.
- Visit Trondheim, which translates as 'a good place to live', stroll past the colourful wooden storehouses flanking the river, ride the northernmost tram and enjoy a forest walk and picnic just like the locals do.
- Explore the long-adored Lofoten Islands, a patchwork of fishing villages, by land and sea and take in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the entire world.
- Hop on an e-bike in Tromso, and learn about life hundreds of kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, where the arts and culture scene is thriving despite its isolated, northerly location.
Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin

- Discover highlights of both Greenland and the Canadian Arctic on a polar expedition that focuses on remote natural landscapes, ancient Inuit cultures and unique wildlife sightings.
- See the colourful villages of Greenland’s western shores, framed by natural canals and jagged peaks, stopping in to learn about Inuit and Thule histories.
- Take to the water – and the skies – on a series of included Zodiac cruises and helicopter jaunts, taking you to places otherwise inaccessible to human beings.
- After days spent exploring the Arctic wilderness, chill out (and warm up) in an ultra-modern vessel complete with multiple dining, bar and lounge areas, plus health and wellness facilities.
- Enjoy encounters with the Arctic’s impressive wildlife, including whales, walrus and musk oxen, and appreciate the sweeping vistas of colourful tundra, striking fjords and calving glaciers.
East Greenland and Iceland Northern Lights

- Witness inspiring vistas of mountains, fjords and towering cliffs of the Westfjords.
- Sail through the icebergs of Scoresbysund, arguably the most beautiful fjord system on the planet.
- Explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements in Frederiksdal and Sydkap.
- Keep an eye out for the Northern Lights in Ittoqqortoormiit.
Spitsbergen Photography Adventure

- Refine your skills and become a photography expert, capturing some of the most remote and extraordinary landscapes on earth. Better yet, you’ve got a team of photography experts on hand to help.
- See onboard environmental and scientific lectures and seminars to give you all the Spitsbergen knowledge, plus a couple of photography masterclasses to hone your technique.
- Twice daily zodiac excursions mean there’s plenty of opportunities to get up close to glaciers, icebergs and all types of wildlife. There are more polar bears than people on Svalbard, so get snapping!
- Did someone say midnight snack? Because of the time of year, you’ll experience almost 24 hours of daylight, allowing for sightseeing any time of the day, or night!
- With a flexible voyage itinerary, you’ll only hit the places which are worthwhile and have the best conditions, as your expert polar team to maximise wildlife spotting opportunities each day.
Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland - Southbound

- Seek out unforgettable Polar Bears sightings while roaming the hunting grounds of this ruler of the Arctic
- Discover the history of Greenland with explorations of the ruins of ancient Thule settlements and learn about the Inuit life in Ittoqqortoormiit
- Experience how this incredible environment is ever-changing while cruising through freshly birthed icebergs in Scoresbysund
- Kayaking on crisp, clear Arctic waters is a unique and intimate way of exploring this amazing region. Book early as these activities can sell out fast
Northern Norway Explorer

- Visit Trondheim, which translates as 'a good place to live', stroll past the colourful wooden storehouses flanking the river, ride the northernmost tram and enjoy a forest walk and picnic just like the locals do.
- Gaze at the immense Nidaros Cathedral, an incredible Gothic building that houses the remains of St Olav, the patron saint of Norway.
- Explore the long-adored Lofoten Islands, a patchwork of fishing villages, and head out to the narrow Trollfjord for a chance to see sea eagles and to take in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the entire world.
- Hop on an e-bike in Tromso, and learn about life hundreds of kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, where the arts and culture scene is thriving despite its isolated, northerly location.
Canadian Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Elle ...

- With two helicopters on board, you’ll get the chance to take included flights to soar above the Arctic landscape and make landings at otherwise inaccessible spots.
- Explore parts of the Nunavut region with Inuit guides and learn about the people who have lived in the world’s most difficult environments for thousands of years.
- Spot incredible wildlife on land and on Zodiac excursions. Canada’s High Arctic is home to fantastic beasts like polar bears, musk oxen, narwhals and caribou.
- Traverse the waterways of the famed Northwest Passage, which foiled European explorers for hundreds of years, and attempt to reach the otherworldly Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg islands.
- Discover the immense beauty of ancient glaciers, house-sized icebergs, granite mountains and epic tundra that extends as far as the eye can see.
Finnish Lapland in Winter

- Be pulled across the landscape at high speed on the back of a dog sled. These incredible huskies are doing what they love most – making a lot of noise before rushing along sprawling trails
- Visit a local Finnish family, who will guide you through their world and lifestyle. You will be shown their skills in reindeer herding with the option to get close and personal with some of the animals on the farm
- The aurora borealis is the best lightshow on Earth, and this trip is your ticket. Stay up late to see the northern sky dance with green light (subject to weather conditions)
- Explore Helsinki, then travel on the famous 'Santa Claus Express' overnight train all the way from the cosmopolitan Finnish capital through the frozen Northern wilderness to Rovaniemi
Northwest Passage: Epic High Arctic

- Go further and deeper than ever possible on this Arctic tour with Zodiac cruises, shore excursions and helicopter expeditions to take you to places once out of human reach.
- Our expert expedition crew will be on alert for sightings of animals like musk oxen, caribou, and whales so you have the best chance of spotting them.
- Visit Inuit communities as you travel through parts of the Northwest Passage and the waters of western Greenland and learn about cultures and survival on the edge of the map.
- This is immersive expedition travel. Hear the deafening crash of shards falling from icebergs, hike to Inuit ruins and, if you’re brave, take a polar plunge into icy waters.
- Enjoy a well-equipped vessel with modern staterooms, a number of bar and lounge areas and health and wellness facilities. And on your sailing days, join experts for an onboard lecture program.
Essential Greenland: Southern Coasts and Disko Bay

- Discover the history of Greenland with explorations of the ruins of ancient Thule settlements and learn about the Inuit life in Ittoqqortoormiit.
- Experience how this incredible environment is ever-changing while cruising through freshly birthed icebergs in Scoresbysund.
- Cruise between the mountains of Skjoldungen to view glaciers deep within the fjords surrounding this island.
- Visit – by Zodiac – the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with sights that cannot be fully appreciated without getting up close.
Canadian Arctic Express: The Heart of the Northwe ...

- Spot incredible wildlife on land and on Zodiac excursions. Canada’s High Arctic is home to fantastic beasts like polar bears, musk oxen, narwhals and caribou.
- Traverse the waterways of the so-called Northwest Passage, with possible landings in Lancaster Sound, the Bellot Strait and Port Leopold Island.
- Discover the immense beauty of ancient glaciers, house-sized icebergs, granite mountains and epic tundra that extends as far as the eye can see.
- With two helicopters on board, you’ll get the chance to take included flights to soar above the Arctic landscape and make landings at otherwise inaccessible areas.
- Explore parts of the Nunavut region with Inuit guides and learn about the people who have lived in the world’s most difficult environments for thousands of years.
Best of the Western Arctic: Canada and Greenland ...

- Explore the Sam Ford Fjord – one of the most isolated places on the planet.
- Make your way up Smith Sound, exploring both sides of this uninhabited passage.
- Search for iconic Arctic wildlife including walrus, seals and, whales and even polar bears in the abundant waters of Lancaster Sound.
- Learn about the culture and traditions of the local Inuit people in Qaanaaq, formerly known as Thule.
Spitsbergen in Depth

- Uncover the incredible landscape of Spitsbergen, from the quirky northernmost city of Longyearbyen and brilliantly blue glaciers like the ‘14th July Glacier’, to stunning fjords and towering mountains and cliffs
- Experience the unique and memorable sensation of 24 hours of sunlight
- Scour sheets of ice and hopefully be rewarded with unforgettable sightings of the ruler of the Arctic – the Polar Bear
- With endless daylight there are also endless wildlife-viewing opportunities – elusive Arctic foxes, breaching whales, lounging masses of walruses, and enchanting seabirds dotted along the cliffs of Alkefjellet
- Choose to get even closer to this amazing environment with optional activities like snowshoeing, hiking, and gliding along pristine waters between icebergs in a sea kayak
Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen

- Spot puffins on Fair Isle, the United Kingdom’s most remote inhabited island.
- Explore the maze of narrow laneways in Torshavn’s Old Town.
- Experience the mountainous beauty of Jan Mayen.
- Search for Hornsund's abundant wildlife, including reindeer, auk and polar bears.
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Top Arctic Attractions & Experiences
Top Arctic Experiences
Viewing the spectacular view of Mt. McKinley or Denali, North America’s highest mountain along with other natural wonders is Denali National Park, Alaska.
Exploring the nature and wildlife of the Arctic by snowmobile excursion or sledding tour.
Hot-air ballooning at the North Pole.
Taking a small ship expedition style cruise in Arctic waters to view snow-covered mountains, fjords, glaciers, and icebergs.
Spotting the many varied types of wildlife and birds that inhabit the Arctic such as polar bears, whales, dolphins, fur seals, musk ox, walruses, and puffins.
Visiting some of the 191 unexplored Spitsbergen and Franz Josef Land islands - a nature-lover’s Arctic paradise.
Glimpsing polar bears - the world’s largest land predator - on the Svalbard Archipelago on a fly-in Arctic photo safari.
Viewing the Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights) as they illuminate the sky with swirling streaks of green, red, and other vibrant colors.
Driving your own sled dog team in Alaska, Greenland, Northern Scandinavia, and other polar regions.
Spending time with the locals in a small village in Greenland, gaining insights into their culture and day-to-day lives.
Sleeping overnight in an igloo or ice hotel.
Sail the route of the Vikings from Scotland across the North Sea and along the Norway coastline to Svalbard.
Trekking to the North Cape in Norway - the most northerly point in mainland Europe.
Visiting some of the 191 unexplored Spitsbergen and Franz Josef Land islands - a nature-lover’s Arctic paradise.
Whale-watching and seeing narwhal, beluga and bowhead whales.
Kayaking or cruising amidst icebergs through the surreal Blue River in Greenland
Taking a brief dip in the chilly polar waters and earning a certificate from your ship's crew, honoring your feat.
Standing on your ship's deck after dark, basking in the solitude of one of the world's last wildernesses.
Top Arctic Attractions
Greenland’s Kangerlussuaq Glacier
Narwhals, belugas and orca whales
Standing at the North Pole
Polar bears in Longyearbyen
426 Arctic Tour Reviews - Summary 96% Recommend
All Arctic tours, river cruises, expedition cruises, and adventure trips. Find the best guided trips and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Average rating of 4.7 for all Arctic trips.
51 trips from 65 tour companies with 426 reviews
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