Name: Arctic cruise in Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: D2026071812

Itinerary

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The world's most northerly town, Longyearbyen, on Spitsbergen, Svalbard's largest island, also claims the most northerly high street and pub. It's home to The North Pole Expeditions Museum chronicling early pole-reaching efforts by air. Nearby, Svalbard Global Seed Vault preserves duplicate seeds from gene banks worldwide. Arctic waters around are populated by whales, including bowheads and narwhals, while walruses are regularly seen hauling out.

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Svalbard is the kingdom of the polar bears, deep in the Arctic Circle, featuring varied polar landscapes and gargantuan glaciers. Beyond magnificent fjords in the north, the remaining sea ice serves as prime hunting grounds for polar bears. Closer to Longyearbyen, tundra and beaches replace snow and ice. Alongside 600 polar bears, this Arctic hotspot is home to walrus, Svalbard reindeer, ringed seals and arctic fox

Kayak With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)

Optional

02 h 00 m

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Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

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The snow-covered stratovolcano Beerenberg dominates the ice cap and glaciers at the northeast end of Jan Mayen Island. Halfway between Svalbard and Iceland, this Norwegian island's only residents are the Norwegian Armed Forces or meteorological station staff. Purple saxifrage and endemic dandelions grow next to the black sands, while northern fulmars, Brünnich’s and black guillemots and little auks make Jan Mayen an important birding area.

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The world’s largest fjord system, Scoresbysund spans over 350 km into Greenland’s heart. This vast network of fjords, glaciers and icebergs is framed by towering basalt mountains, which shield Greenland’s wildlife from Arctic winds. Muskoxen, Arctic foxes and mountain hares roam the land, while little auks, puffins, fulmars, snowy owls, gyrfalcons and great black-backed gulls soar overhead. Seals and whales are common sightings in the waters.

Zodiac Cruising and/or Nature Walks With Your Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

01 h 00 m

Immerse yourself in the wonders of Scorebysund as you navigate the fjords surrounded by towering basalt mountains
Learn about the unique ecosystem that the mountains protect from the Arctic winds, providing shelter for the abundance of Greenland’s flourishing wildlife
Be on the lookout for the active bird population in the area including little auks, Atlantic puffins, fulmars, snowy owls, the Greenlandic gyrfalcon and great black-backed gulls

Kayak With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)

Optional

02 h 00 m

Get ready to coast through the world's last great wilderness, where every stroke of your paddle becomes a rhythm that brings you closer to the heart of these majestic regions
Kayaking gives you the chance to engage with the polar regions through all your senses, with the cool breeze on your face and the taste the salt on your lips as you navigate through pristine waters
Your Expedition Leader and kayak guide will ensure your safety throughout the excursion, providing a comprehensive briefing before you set off and leading the group with expertise and care

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In the southeastern part of Greenland, the city of Ittoqqortoormiut appears, on the territory of which only 500 people live. A thick layer of sea ice prevents ships from approaching the city's port for nine months of the year, so he arrived in this remote city. Ittoqqortoormiut was founded in 1925 by the Danish explorer Einar Mikkelsen and a group of about 80 Inuit, covering a vast hunting ground. There is still hunting and sea fishing. The territory of Ittoqqortoormiit is home to white foxes, bears and seal colonies.

Ittoqqortoormiit community visit

Included

03 h 00 m

Discover the local museum and church, offering a glimpse into Greenland's heritage, with a demonstration showcasing muskox Qiviut
Explore a town surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including icebergs, fjords, and the vast tundra, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
From traditional crafts to the unique lifestyle of the residents, Ittoqqortoormiit offers a rare opportunity to experience Greenlandic heritage in one of the most remote settlements in the world.

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Surrounded by fjords in the Westfjords region, Ísafjörður is a bustling fishing town and cultural center in northwest Iceland with cafés, restaurants and museums. The Heritage Museum, also known as the Maritime Museum, houses some of the country's oldest buildings and explores the region's fishing heritage through compelling exhibits. Nearby, Osvor is a replica of a 19th-century Icelandic fishing station.

Whale Watching from Isafjordur

Optional

02 h 30 m

Cruise along the stunning Snæfjallaströnd while searching for whales, seals, and dolphins amidst Iceland's vast fjords
Marvel at the rich birdlife in Ísafjarðardjúp, and look out for puffins
Soak in the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland's West fjords during this memorable whale watching tour

Holt Inn Farmers & Flavours

Optional

03 h 30 m

Learn about sustainable sheep farming at Bær Farm, where sheep roam freely in the summer
Explore the fascinating history of Stadardalur Valley, one of Iceland's earliest Viking settlements.
Taste Icelandic delicacies while soaking in panoramic views of Isafjordur

Flowers & Fjords

Included

03 h 00 m

Tour the calm and quiet village of Flateyri and its surrounding area with steep, narrow passes and deep, sheltered fjords where farms and other villages cling to the narrow strip of shoreline
Your first stop is Iceland’s first botanical gardens, Skrúður, founded in 1905 and used to teach students about botany and growing vegetable-rich diets in the sub-Arctic climate
Learn all about Flateyri’s history with shark fishing, dating back to the mid 19th century before visiting the church for a musical performance

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A jewel of the Westfjords, Vigur is the fjord's second-largest island and a thriving seabird sanctuary. Flocks of arctic terns, puffins, guillemots and eider ducks nest atop rocky cliffs. As one of only two inhabited islands, Vigur supports a family farm continuing the centuries-old eiderdown harvest across 3,500 nests. This remote pillar also houses Iceland's sole windmill, its tiniest post office and a 200-year-old, still-seaworthy rowing boat.

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Considered one of Iceland’s most impressive falls, the thunderous Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords region gives the impression of a bridal veil as it spreads down ever-growing cascades. The walk takes 15 minutes passing five smaller waterfalls.

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Make sure there is sufficient timeto explore this diminutive but dramatic capital city. Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do. To get your bearings, take the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church, designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson is one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to earth, visit the city’s other renowned building Harpa Concert Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík's regenerated harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland from past to present. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an impressive contemporary collection including eye-catching pieces by Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometres outside the city lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original Viking parliament.

This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

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YOUR SUITE TYPE

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Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m²(215ft²) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

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Oceanview M4

20 m²

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Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

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Balcony M5

25 m²

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Balcony D6

25 m²

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Junior Suite

32 m²

Junior Suites measure 32-36m² (344-388ft²) – including a 6m² (65ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, have a separate living room area, and luxurious en-suite bathroom.

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Suite

41 m²

Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and a walk-in shower.

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Premium Suite

41 m²

Premium Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including 8m² (86ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – and a walk-in wardrobe.