Arctic Islands: Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland with Iceland – The Land of Fire & Ice

Welcome to the Norwegian capital, Oslo. Arrive at your hotel for your one-night stay.

Your journey into wonder begins as you fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen, where the crew of Scenic Eclipse will warmly greet you as you step on board. Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard Archipelago, located on Svalbard’s main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature, make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory. (B/D)

The remote wilderness of Svalbard is known as a polar desert, surrounded by rugged glaciers, frozen tundra and craggy mountain peaks. Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, the sailing and expedition schedule is flexible. Your experienced Captain and Discovery Leader will use their expertise to design this section of your voyage from day to day, making the most of the long daylight hours, weather and ice conditions to give you the best experience possible in this extraordinary part of the world.

Your Scenic Eclipse voyage cruises at prime time for wildlife spotting, and there will be ample opportunities to spot the dominant predators of the region including the polar bear. Marine species in the area include the carefully protected walrus with its characteristic tusks and several species of whales. Once nearly hunted to extinction in a region now transformed into a dedicated conservation area, your encounters with these giants of the sea will be a memory to treasure. In addition, the surprisingly mild climate makes it the perfect Arctic location for a large variety of wildlife, including seabirds, seals, the Arctic fox, and reindeer. Make sure you always keep your binoculars with you.

Some of the possible landing sights that you may visit include Ny Ålesund, home to the northernmost post office in the world rich with history, the North East Svalbard Nature Reserve with the highest population of polar bears and walrus, and the North West Spitsbergen National Park, where you will explore magnificent fjords and the enormous Monaco Glacier. Discovery: You will partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions by Zodiac, kayak and through nature walks. Discover majestic Arctic scenery, tundra landscapes, and native wildlife and marine life, exploring pristine locations. (B/L/D)

Cruise Svalbard Archipelago. Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, the sailing and expedition schedule is flexible. Your experienced Captain and Discovery Leader will use their expertise to design this section of your voyage from day to day. Keep your eyes out for the incredible wildlife such as the Svalbard reindeer, the Arctic fox, sea birds, whales and the top predator; the polar bear. (B/L/D x3)

Today, relax on board. With the many choices available to you on board, you will be surprised at how quickly time passes. Choose one of the daily activities, join an entertaining discussion in the theatre or unwind in the Senses Spa as you sail towards Greenland. (B/L/D)

Cruise and explore Greenland’s magnificent East Coast fjords, the world’s largest fjord system. Cruise among icebergs and active volcanoes and feel the spray of thundering waterfalls. Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, a remote and rarely visited fjord system featuring some of the most spectacular tundra’s in the region offers countless opportunities for exploration. Together with Kong Oskar Fjord, guests will experience vast stretches of tranquil waters, stunning scenery and a myriad of wildlife spotting opportunities. Discovery: Weather depending, partake in Scenic Discovery excursions by Zodiac, kayak and on nature walks. Discover majestic scenery, tundra landscapes, and native wildlife and marine life. (B/L/D)

Continue cruising the coast of Greenland. Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, the sailing and expedition schedule is flexible. Your experienced Captain and Discovery Leader will use their expertise to design this section of your voyage from day to day. (B/L/D x4)

Enjoy the exceptional range of facilities on board your ultra-luxurious Discovery Yacht. Choose a class in one of the fitness spaces or relax in one of the therapy lounges in the Spa Sanctuary. Tempt your palate from one of the exceptional dining venues or try a wine tasting. (B/L/D)

Characterised by deep, blue fjords, separated by flat-topped mountains, Ísafjörður is the largest settlement in the Westfjords of Iceland. Explore remote Iceland from one of the most stunning towns in the country, with old timber framed houses and architecture that creates the authentic character.

With a wealth of wildlife, keep your eyes open for birds and Arctic foxes on the cliffs, seals on the coast and whales cruising in the surrounding ocean. Freechoice: Take a fascinating journey through time as you explore Ísafjörður or tour the ecofriendly fishing village of Sudurey to learn about the life of a fisherman and taste local produce. Alternatively, learn of the life and culture while visiting Osvor outdoor exhibition before walking through the maritime and folk museum. (B/L/D)

Your Scenic Eclipse cruise ends this morning in the world’s northernmost capital city, Reykjavík. Your wondrous journey continues with a two-night stay. (B)

Reykjavík, the world’s most northerly capital, has something for everyone – numerous enlightening museums, gourmet restaurants, creative architecture, and a vibrant nightlife, all wonderfully set within the spellbinding landscape of snow-capped mountains and cerulean seas. On an informative walking tour, you will explore all the hidden jewels the city has to offer. Visit the Hallgrímskirkja Church, the colourful houses of Þingholt, the 930 AD structure of Alþingi Parliament, the Old Harbor, Harpa Concert Hall and the Sólarið Sculpture, all while being entertained by your guide’s creative storytelling.

Enrich: Visit a variety of Reykjavík eateries on a culinary exploration, from restaurants to food trucks, and sample a selection of traditional dishes and street food including Icelandic cheese, lamb, homemade ice cream, and the famous Icelandic hot dogs. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. (B/D)

After you bid goodbye to the vibrant capital city, make your way to the peaceful farming district and valley of Borgarfjörður, a wonder set amidst mountains and glaciers. Head to Deildartunguhver, one of the world’s largest hot springs. See the twin waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, then experience an ‘Into the Glacier’ adventure. Continue on to Borgarnes for your one night stay. (B)

Your grand adventure along Iceland’s famous Golden Circle begins here. Enjoy local experiences along the way with visits to authentic family run farms. Explore the untouched beauty of Thingvellir National Park, and its history as the original, outdoor site of Iceland’s first parliamentary assembly in 930 AD. View the extraordinary Thingvellir rift, the split that defines the borders of North America and Eurasia. At the Gullfoss Waterfall, marvel at the double-tiered falls and maybe even catch sight of its famous rainbows in the mist.

Next, visit the incredible geothermal region of Geysir, known for its hot springs and geysers. Take in the bubbling pools and steam vents, and see Strokkur, a waterspout that shoots to around 98 feet (30 metres) in the air. For the next two nights, you will stay in Ásborgir. Optional Helicopter Flight - Soar above Iceland’s snowy glaciers and active volcanic terrain on an optional helicopter flight (additional cost, please book on tour). (B/D)

Continue to explore this magnificent area. (B/D)

Head south to the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, home to some of the world’s most impressive geological formations which were created during a volcanic eruption that occurred between 1783 and 1784 – the largest eruption since the settlement of Iceland. The walking path along the eastern edge of the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon offers stunning views over the plains and glacial brooks below. Eldhraun is a wide lava field that has thick green moss enveloping the jagged and hard edges. The colours are striking with the bright greens of the moss against the smoky hues of lava and the blue skies. Later, check into your hotel, your small and intimate Special Stay hotel for one night, located in one of the most beautiful regions in Southern Iceland. (B/D)

Cross the sandy desert of the south coast to the coastal town of Vík, and stroll along the black sand beach and admire the Reynisdrangar, high basalt columns in the sea. Continue to your hotel, your Special Stay for the night. (B/D)

Farewell Iceland as you transfer to Reyjavík airport taking many wonderful memories with you. The itinerary on this page is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)