HIGHLIGHTS
- Sail
in the region renown for the dazzling light show that is the aurora
borealis
- Just
south of the Arctic Circle, explore Vega Island, an important centre
for the production of eider duck down and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Attempt
to land on Jan Mayen, home to Mount Beerenberg, the northernmost active
volcanic in the world
- Discover
the world's largest fjord system at Greenland's Scoresbysund, an
unbeatable place to photograph dazzling icebergs
- Iceland's
remote Westfjords offer hikes among splendid scenery where you will
barely see another soul
DATES / RATES
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// Rates are listed per person in USD
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ITINERARY
Day
1 Arrive Kirkenes
Having
made your way to Kirkenes, you will be met by a representative of
Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our group hotel. Upon arrival,
kindly remind hotel check-in staff to provide you with Aurora
Expeditions cabin tags for your luggage. Please clearly label the tags
with your name and ship cabin number.
This
evening, enjoy a light refreshment as you meet your fellow
expeditioners at a Welcome Reception and Pre-Embarkation Briefing.
Afterwards, dine at your leisure (dinner not included).
Accommodation:
Thon Hotel Kirkenes (or similar)
Day
2 Embarkation, Kirkenes
This
morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags
clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Your luggage will be
collected from your hotel and transferred directly to the port for
clearance and delivered to your cabin ahead of your arrival on board.
Please keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day.
After
a leisurely breakfast, check-out of your room before commencing an
excursion of Kirkenes and surrounds. Transfer to the pier for
embarkation in the late afternoon, when you will have time to settle
into your cabin before attending our mandatory safety briefings, and
enjoy the thrill of departure as we ‘throw the lines' and set
sail.
This
evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners, friendly expedition
team and crew at the Captain's Welcome Dinner to celebrate the start of
a thrilling adventure.
Day
3–6 Norwegian Coast
Over
the next few days we explore parts of Norway's remarkable
1,000-kilometre (600-mile) coastline. Starting in North Cape, in the
very north of the country, we make our way south, stopping in the
Lofoten Islands and visiting mesmerising Mount Torghatten, famous for
the hole through its centre.
The
spectacular northern lights is a natural phenomenon that is most
commonly seen in the sky above the Arctic Circle, between late autumn
and early spring. As we are near North Cape in northern Norway, keep a
close watch in hope of witnessing this dazzling spectacle in the night
sky. The North Cape is located at a latitude of 71°
10´ 21 and is Europe's northernmost point. Here we enjoy a
short walk, visit the North Cape Hall and perhaps sample some local
treats.
Enjoy
a Zodiac cruise through spectacular Trollfjord, a gorge flanked by
steep mountains and so narrow that it can only be accessed by small
ships. In the Lofoten Islands, voted by National Geographic as one the
of the most beautiful destinations in the world, we stroll through
picturesque villages dotted with red and white fishers' huts,
surrounded by soaring granite peaks. Visit the Lofoten Seafood Center
and learn about the impressive cod fisheries and perhaps sample some
local seafood.
Crossing
south of the Arctic Circle, we visit the Vega archipelago, which became
a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. Vega Island is fantastic for
birdwatching and here eider ducks are the main attraction, where they
are raised for their down, which at one point accounted for one third
of the islanders' income. The islanders still make houses for the birds
to nest in and in return, the ducks provide valuable down when they and
their chicks leave the nests to continue their lives at sea. The
archipelago reflects a traditional way of life that has not changed for
more than 1,500 years. On nearby Torget Island, we plan to land and
hike to Torghatten, a fascinating rock formation with an equally
interesting legend describing the hole in the mountain as having been
created by a troll's arrow.
Day
7 At Sea
Enjoy
the crossing to Jan Mayen, accompanied by seabirds as we search for
whales. Enjoy informative talks from our team of experts, get to know
your fellow expeditioners, stay active in the gym or treat yourself to
a massage in the wellness centre. Remember to look to the skies at
night and hope for sightings of the northern lights.
Day
8 Jan Mayen, Norway
The
approach to Jan Mayen is spectacular. The huge Beerenberg volcano is
the world's northernmost active volcano, last erupting in 1985. The
northern part of the island is a great place to look for whales and
dolphins, and contains impressive glaciers, some of which reach the
sea. If the weather is friendly, we will try to land at Kvalrossbukta,
a relatively sheltered bay on the island's west coast. This is one of
the landings used to supply the Norwegian weather station at
Olonkinbyen, a settlement situated on the eastern side of the island.
We hope to land in front of the station at Olonkinbyen, so as to visit
before embarking on a three-hour hike (weather permitting) back across
the island to where the Greg Mortimer will be waiting for us in
Kvalrossbukta, and our trusty Zodiacs will transport us back to the
ship.
Day
9 At Sea
Our
series of onboard lectures continue as sail towards the wild coast of
East Greenland. You will learn about sea ice, glaciers, the unique
geology found in East Greenland and daring tales of European
exploration. We are also in the prime zone to view the northern lights,
so glance up to the skies and you might just see more than shimmering
stars.
Days
10–13 East Greenland
In
the coming days, a host of choices are available to us, and depending
on ice and weather conditions, the east coast of Greenland is ours to
explore. The members of our experienced Expedition Team, who have made
countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor our
voyage to suit the day-to-day conditions. This allows us to make best
use of the prevailing weather, ice conditions and any opportunities for
wildlife encounters. We generally attempt up to two landings or Zodiac
excursions per day, including cruising along spectacular ice cliffs,
following whales feeding near the surface.
Be
prepared to experience ice – and lots of it! East Greenland
contains some of the Arctic's most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and
narrow channels, flanked by sharp ice-clad peaks soaring up to 2,000
metres (6,562 feet), and glaciers birthing gigantic icebergs that drift
throughout the fjord system, combine to create breathtaking scenes.
The
tundra landscape is home to musk oxen, arctic hares and reindeer.
Throughout the area there are ancient Thule archaeological sites,
historical trappers' huts, and the cabins of present-day Inuit hunters.
A highlight is a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the
most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement in the region, with
approximately 450 inhabitants. The community has an excellent museum,
gift shop, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs and provides the
opportunity to meet the friendly locals.
Explore
Scoresbysund, the world's largest fjord system and a favourite hunting
ground of the local Inuit. Massive glaciers flow into this fjord, the
birthplace of hundreds of majestic Greenland icebergs. It is a
spectacular place that simply needs to be seen to be believed. North of
Scoresbysund lie Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, two of the
most significant fjord systems in Greenland, each one encompassing
several smaller fjords and sounds. Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil
and the surrounding mountains offering protection from strong winds,
the area is rich in wildlife. You may spot everything from musk oxen
and arctic foxes to mountain hares, and even reindeer, near the fjord.
Look skyward and you could catch a glimpse of birds, including the
glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven
and common eider.
We
will attempt to enter Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, a remote and rarely
visited fjord system with countless opportunities for exploration,
located within the Northeast Greenland National Park. Cruising through
Kong Oskar Fjord, we marvel at the geological beauty of the mountains.
We will then head south along the coast of Liverpool Land, with our
passage dependent on ice conditions.
We
stretch our legs on hikes across tundra in search of ancient graveyards
and summer villages occupied 3,000 years ago by Inuit. We may see musk
oxen, arctic hares and reindeer grazing. The maze of calm,
interconnecting waterways in this area provides excellent opportunities
for sea kayaking. We will see ring seals, perhaps catch a glimpse of
the elusive narwhal, and maybe even a polar bear hunting on pack ice.
Day
14 At sea
Crossing
the Denmark Strait to Iceland, search for whale blows and photograph
the many seabirds that trail our ship in the ever-present arctic winds.
The dark night skies promise more opportunities to experience the
northern lights.
Days
15–17 Iceland
Over
the coming days, we explore the Westfjords region, which features
outstanding landscapes with jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords
carved by ancient glaciers, sheer, table-top mountains that plunge into
the sea, and pristine north Atlantic vegetation. The region features
attractive towns such as as Isafjordur, the famous Dynjandi waterfall,
and spectacular fjords that are ideal for kayaking, hiking and
birdwatching.
In
genuine expeditionary style, we keep our itinerary flexible to allow
for spontaneity. We plan to visit Hornstrandir peninsula, one of
Iceland's remotest and most pristine regions, which is filled with deep
and dramatic fjords, towering bird cliffs, stunning natural beauty and
opportunities for wildlife encounters. Enjoy the bountiful silence and
magnificent landscapes seen by the few adventurers that make their way
here. In Húsavik, we hope to have magical encounters with
the many whales that visit this part of Iceland, known as the country's
whale-watching capital.
Day
18 At sea
Sea
days are great for editing photos, catching up on stories with fellow
expeditioners or enjoying the many facilities available to you on board.
Days
19–20 Faroe Islands
In
the middle of the north Atlantic and barely visible on most maps, are
the Faroe Islands, an archipelago of 18 islands with a population of
only 50,000 people. The Faroes were formed from layers of volcanic
basalt and are tilted, with the eastern shores sloping into the sea and
the western coasts soaring into spectacular cliffs. With their
breathtaking beauty, steep mountains covered in soft green grass, deep
fjords, long summer nights, unique culture, and a humble, friendly and
welcoming people, the islands are the perfect destination for
travellers wanting something dramatically different from the mainstream.
Discover
a few of the gems of the Faroe Islands including Tórshavn,
Kirkjubøur and Vestmanna. In Tórshavn, possibly
the smallest capital in the world, wander the narrow streets of this
windswept town, built on a hillside, with its colourful contemporary
houses, and old, traditional red-painted timber dwellings with
characteristic grass roofs, white-framed windows. You may see the
oddest array of sheep lining the steep hillsides – black,
brown and even piebald sheep! Perhaps catch a glimpse of Faroese ponies
with their spectacular flaxen manes and coats, varying in colour from
palomino to rich chestnut. The town's history can be traced back to
around 900 EC when the first Viking settlers arrived here by longboat
from Norway.
One
of the highlights in the Faroe Islands is Vestmanna sea cliffs. The
majestic cliffs that rise hundreds of metres from the sea are alive
with nesting seabirds and you may see kittiwakes and fulmars overhead,
with razorbills and guillemots sitting on nests high above us, and
puffins bobbing on the waves at sea.
Day
21 At sea
As
we sail towards Bergen, Norway's second largest city, located in the
southwest of the country, enjoy final presentations from our Expedition
Team and celebrate a memorable journey at the Captain's Farewell Dinner.
Day
22 Disembark in Bergen
During
the early morning, we cruise into Bergen and disembark at approximately
8.00 am. Farewell your Expedition Team and fellow passengers as you
continue your onward journey. Transfer to Bergen airport or to your
centrally located hotel.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Transfer
from airport to hotel on arrival Day 1
- Welcome
reception/pre-embarkation briefing on Day 1
- One
night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, on Day 1
- Mandatory
pre-embarkation health screening and COVID test on Day 2
- Transfer
from pier to airport or hotel on Day 22
- On-board
accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
- All
meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
- Beer,
house wine and soft drinks with dinner
- Captain’s
Welcome and Farewell receptions including four-course dinner, house
cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
- All
shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
- Educational
lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team
- Complimentary
access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial
consultation)
- One
3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
- Complimentary
use of Muck Boots during the voyage
- Comprehensive
pre-departure information
- Port
surcharges, permits and landing fees
- Gratuities
for ship’s crew
Exclusions
- International
or domestic flights – unless specified in itinerary
- Transfers
– unless specified in itinerary
- Airport
arrival or departure taxes
- Passport,
visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges
- Travel
insurance or emergency evacuation charges
- Hotels
and meals – unless specified in the itinerary
- Optional
excursions and optional activity surcharges
- All
items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic
beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry
services, personal clothing, medical expenses, wi-fi, email or phone
charges
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Sea
Kayaking:
USD 1,190
- Photography:
FREE
- Zodiac
cruises:
FREE
- Walking:
FREE
- Lectures
on wildlife, our environment, history and destinations:
FREE
- Polar
plunge:
FREE
- Bird
watching:
FREE
