Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland - Southbound

Intrepid Travel Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
4.6 . Excellent
94%
Travel Style: Array Full on
Physical Level: Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments. Very Easy
Lodging Level: 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards. Comfort (4*)
15 days
From: $ 12,190 $ 813 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • 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

Short Description

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.

Style Small ship cruise
See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Lodging Level Comfort (4*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal ground transport
Start City Helsinki
End City Reykjavik

Attractions & Cities Visited

Spitsbergen

Activities & Interests

Wildlife viewing

Age Requirement

8-99

N/A
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Itinerary

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! POSSIBLE LANDING SITES IN SVALBARD LILLIEHOOK GLACIER In 1906, His Serene Highness Prince Albert I of Monaco visited Lilliehook Glacier to conduct scientific investigations. His great-great-grandson, HSH Albert II, visited the glacier a hundred years later as part of a scientific investigation, this time to further our understanding of the arctic clam, a species that lives for more than a century. The growth rings of a single clam’s shell contain evidence of the chemicals encountered by the clam. Scientists can determine the variations of the water’s temperature and pollutant content by studying the shell. LONGYEARBYEN Eighteen hundred people inhabit the administrative capital of Svalbard, which is situated on the shore of Isfjorden. The settlement was founded in 1905 by John Munroe Longyear, the majority owner of the Arctic Coal Company of Boston. MONACO GLACIER HSH Prince Albert I of Monaco, a pioneer of oceanography, led an expedition to Svalbard in 1906. His team used sophisticated photographic techniques to understand the shape and position of several glacier fronts. Monaco Glacier honors the expedition, the prince and the principality over which he reigned. HORNSUND The most southerly fjord in Svalbard offers some of the most spectacular scenery, with dramatic calving glaciers, drifting pack ice and majestic peaks (the highest of which are often shrouded in mist). A Polish research station has operated on the northern shore of Hornsund since 1957. Part of Sor-Spitsbergen National Park, this pristine area is rich in wildlife—reindeer, arctic fox and polar bears can often be spotted hunting for food, while ringed seals bask on the fast ice.The following Optional Activities are available to participate in, on some or all of the departures of this itinerary. These must be booked in advance (additional costs apply) and space is limited. 14TH OF JULY GLACIER Named after France’s Bastille Day (the 14th of July), in honor of the arctic expeditions of His Serene Highness Prince Albert I of Monaco, this massive glacier is actually two smaller glaciers merged into one. Situated in Krossfjord, a bay on the northwest coast of Spitsbergen, the glacier is teeming with wildlife. Nesting atop the towering bird cliffs are purple sandpipers, common eiders, barnacle geese, arctic tern and Brunnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Bearded and ringed seals also frequent the waters here. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES KAYAKING – Our kayaking adventures are the best way to feel at one with the sea. Taken in small groups of maximum 16 people, multiple times per voyage, kayaking adventures are only conducted during calm weather conditions. Kayaking is open to all levels of experience, however kayaking in the polar waters is not suitable for novice kayakers. Beginners interested in kayaking should first take an introductory course prior to the voyage which includes how to do a wet exit. In addition regardless of your experience, we recommend you take part in some kayaking practise prior to the voyage to ensure that you are comfortable on the water in the icy conditions. INCLUDED OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES offered on some or all departures of this itinerary HIKING - Hiking is a great way to appreciate the immense windswept landscapes of the Arctic. The tundra comes alive during the brief arctic summer, with bursts of color from shrubs and plants that eke out a living in this polar environment. You’ll find each hike is different - exploring communities, shorelines or glaciated landscapes, often on the lookout for wildlife. Hiking participation is optional and your Expedition Team will advise you of what levels of activity you can expect prior to each excursion.

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. Visit the remains of ancient Thule settlements, and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen; 40% of the world’s population lives here. Finally, you will sail through spectacular Scoresby Sund, the birthplace of many icebergs and, some say, the most beautiful fjord system in the world. POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS – EAST GREENLAND RODEFJORD The Red Fjord, or Rodefjord, is named for the colorful sandstone located on its western side. The stone has been “stained” red by hematite, creating an oddity in this part of Greenland. SCORESBY SUND Revered by many as the most beautiful fjord system in the world, Scoresby Sund is definitely the longest and largest. The sound was named after William Scoresby Jr., a whaler, scientist and man of the cloth, who was famed for mapping more than 400 miles (640 km) of Greenland’s coastline. C. HOFMANN HALVO This is often the best location for getting close to muskoxen. The peninsula is also home to wheatears and snow buntings, and you may spot rock ptarmigans or great northern divers while at sea. DENMARK ISLAND Encounter some of the most stunning icebergs before hiking across Denmark Island, which offers stupendous views of Scoresby Sund and Fonfjord below.

Day 13-14 Crossing the Denmark Strait

At sea, 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 inevitably 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.

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 12,190
Price Per Day: $ 813 per day
Checking price
Start DateFinish DateBase PriceAvailability 
Aug-26-2023Sep-09-2023$ 12,190132 spots left Reserve
Aug-26-2023Sep-09-2023$ 18,690132 spots left Reserve
Aug-26-2023Sep-09-2023$ 14,190132 spots left Reserve
Aug-26-2023Sep-09-2023$ 15,690132 spots left Reserve
Aug-26-2023Sep-09-2023$ 17,190132 spots left Reserve
Aug-26-2023Sep-09-2023$ 25,690132 spots left Reserve
Aug-26-2023Sep-09-2023$ 23,690130 spots left Reserve
Aug-26-2023Sep-09-2023$ 18,690132 spots left Reserve
Sep-07-2024Sep-21-2024$ 12,490132 spots left Reserve
Sep-07-2024Sep-21-2024$ 19,290132 spots left Reserve
Sep-07-2024Sep-21-2024$ 19,290132 spots left Reserve
Sep-07-2024Sep-21-2024$ 14,590132 spots left Reserve
Sep-07-2024Sep-21-2024$ 16,090132 spots left Reserve
Sep-07-2024Sep-21-2024$ 17,690132 spots left Reserve
Sep-07-2024Sep-21-2024$ 26,090132 spots left Reserve
Sep-07-2024Sep-21-2024$ 24,390132 spots left Reserve
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4,235 Intrepid Travel Travel Reviews & Ratings

94%
4.6 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 3,193
Great 675
Average 134
Disappointing 68
Terrible 165
Value
4.6
Guide
4.6
Activities
4.6
Lodging
4.6
Transportation
4.6
Meals
4.6

Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland - Southbound

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Company Reviews

intrepid charges more than 50% than the local companies for extras

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
This review is for the company Intrepid. first, don't pay for extra on your trip, they charge more than double of what the local cost, example, we paid 85 USdollars each for a hotel room, when we arrived the hotel was a 2 star hotel,with the cost for 40 USD, for more than 50% higher, no chance of getting that cost down. we paid for airport pickup, they forgot us, we called the contact and were hung up on. we were charged 250 usd more then if we had paid the actual company for a balloon ride, all in all we paid almost 600 usd more because we booked through intrepid travel. All hotel/camping grounds are subpar. Suggest that you not choose Intripid/ I'll not do this company in the future.
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Premium Vietnam

4.0
Details
Value4.0
Guide4.0
Activities4.0
Lodging4.0
Transportation4.0
Meals4.0
Fantastic! Would have been 5 star, but last hotel was mediocre (Ramada encore). All other hotels were great, everything well organised. Without doubt our guide Binh was the best thing of all. He never stopped working and nothing was too much trouble. He had a great knowledge and a good sense of humour.
Will definitely be booking with intrepid again.
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Cancelled tour, deception and poor customer service

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
Booked a 'trip of a lifetime' with Intrepid to NZ, having worked throughout Covid in a public facing role.
The booking was made a year in advance - during which we received information about the trip and Intrepid took our money.
Three weeks before the trip we were informed our trip had been cancelled. The explanation given by Intrepid was the NZ local operator (Haka tours) had failed to include us on their attendance list and the tour was now full. The blame was squarely placed with Haka tours.

We managed, with the assistance of our excellent travel agent, to book a self drive holiday. However the whole experience was extremely stressful.

When we arrived in NZ it soon became known to us that Intrepid actually own Haka tours - so the reason given for cancellation was a deliberate attempt to deceive us. Intrepid have done nothing of any use to assist us and I would strongly advise that you do NOT book with them. They are not to be trusted and clearly do not value their customers.
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total confidence

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
PREMIUM INDIA

great tour leader, excellent hotels and a varied itinerary. This all adds up to a wonderful experience where all we had to doing was sit back and enjoy the trip. Very confident in the planning and organisation...well done again intrepid
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Although Intrepid did not rectify the…

4.0
Details
Value4.0
Guide4.0
Activities4.0
Lodging4.0
Transportation4.0
Meals4.0
Although Intrepid did not rectify the problem during the trip, customer service was proactive and continued to communicate until the matter was resolved. I appreciated that.
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Intrepid just gets it right every time!

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Brilliant local tour leader with lots of knowledge and recommendations, local guides who share their great knowledge and insights when visiting a village/palace/temple/fort/etc, small group tours of often like-minded people so you connect very easily with your fellow travellers, authentic and fun experiences (for example street foodie tour by auto rickshaws or tuk-tuks), all the logistics of travelling is taking care of making it so much easier and efficient compared to when you would had to arrange it yourself.
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Details

Flight & Transport Inclusions

All internal ground transport Ship,Zodiac,Plane

Group Size

Small Group - 24 max

Maximum Number of People in Group: 132

Accommodations

Hotel (1 night) Expedition Cruise ship (13 nights)

Guides

Your voyage will be led by an experienced Expedition Leader. In addition, a number of experts will be on board to add knowledge of their field to your experience. This will include a Marine Biologist, Ornithologist, Glaciologist or Geologist, Polar Historian, Kayaking guide and Naturalist guides. Voyages offering other adventure activities will have additional specialist guides on board.

Age Notes :

Min. Age: 8

Max Age: 99

Additional Information

Finish point

  • Reykjavik
  • Array
  • Reykjavik
  • ICELAND

Trip ID#:

intrepid-BQMJ

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