Hurtigruten - The Ultimate Fjord Expedition to Iceland and Greenland in the Arctic 2018

Itinerary

Day 1 : Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland's capital Reykjavik is home to an impressive collection of interesting attractions and places of historic significance, from landmarks such as Hallgrímskirkja and the Pearl to the natural wonders in close proximity to the city, which include glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and mountains. Enjoy discovering Reykjavik on your own before you embark on MS Spitsbergen in the afternoon.

Day 2 : Ísafjörður, Iceland

Ísafjörður was an ancient church site before becoming a trading port in the 16th century. Today, it boasts charming streets of old timber houses, many of which have stayed unchanged since the 18th century when the harbour was full of ships and Norwegian whaling crews. Explore the city on your own or join the Expedition Team on optional activities including hikes, horse riding or sampling the local cuisine.

Day 3 : Ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresbysund), Greenland

Ittoqqortoormiit or Scoresbysund is the most isolated town in Greenland. With only 560 inhabitants, the trappers living here are the only people allowed to hunt within the North East Greenland National Park. As you explore the town, you'll notice racks used by local trappers to dry the skins of the animals they have hunted. The town is right next to the world's largest and deepest multi-branched fjord system. A special basalt rock formation with horizontal lines runs through the cliffs, marking the transition to the even more desolate area of North-eastern Greenland.

Day 4 : The Scoresbysund Fjord System, Greenland

Today, you will sail into the world's largest fjord system. You will notice the change in climate as you leave the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream and enter the cold water current that follows the coast of East Greenland. Some of the places you visit on this expedition have not been visited by other humans for the last 200 years, if at all! The mountains in this area are almost alpine in nature, rising right out of the largest fjord systems on earth to an altitude of more than 2,500 metres above sea level. The waters are scattered with large icebergs and the valleys are inhabited by musk oxen.

Days 5 : The Scoresbysund Fjord System, Greenland

As you explore the Scoresbysund fjord system, you will attempt to land in several places. These landings are performed as pure wilderness expeditions. When you visit the former trading post Syd Kap, you will see old blubber ovens and the remains of Thule dwellings. In Bjørne Øer, you can see the even bigger remains of an old Thule settlement. The hunters' cabin in Hecla Havn is a great place to spot birds and smaller mammals, including Arctic hare, lemming and ptarmigans. At Viking Bay, you can study the Colombia basalt rock formations or visit a large glacier. Qupaulakajik is significant for its abundance of plant fossils - it is possible to find fossils that are over 200 million years old here. As you continue to explore this fjord, watch out for other wildlife such as the all-white Arctic hare, the Arctic fox or the very rare Arctic wolf. Turn your eyes to the sky to spot the white Greenland falcon, ptarmigan, snowy owl and a variety of sea birds.

Day 7 : Jan Mayen, Norway

The Norwegian island of Jan Mayen is one of the most isolated in the world. Located where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, the island is home to Beerenberg, the northernmost active volcano on earth. Dutch whalers operated from Jan Mayen in the 16th century, but today only a Norwegian weather station accommodates a few brave individuals throughout the year. Visits to Jan Mayen are extremely rare, especially from tourists. As one of the few vessels operating in this area, MS Spitsbergen and her crew will attempt to make a landing on this most exotic Arctic island.

Day 8 : At Sea, Norwegian Sea

Spending a day at sea is great for relaxing, sorting photos and enjoying lectures.

Day 9 : Raftsundet, Trollfjord and The Lofoten Islands, Norway

As you reach the Norwegian mainland, you sail through the narrow Raftsund before navigating into the narrower Trollfjord where the vertical mountain walls rise right out of the sea. Then, you spend the day in Lofoten, with a chance to explore this spectacular area, known for its excellent fishing, extreme nature and picturesque fishing villages.

Day 10 : Torghatten, Norway

Torghatten is one of the famous landmarks along the Helgeland coast, and from deck you have the best seats to view this mountain with a hole in the middle.

Day 11 : Sistranda and Frøya, Norway

The island of Frøya is located off the coast of Trøndelag, and is surrounded by more than 5,400 islets and reefs, making up an amazing archipelago. The landscape of Frøya is hilly, and the island has the charming village of Sistranda as its administrative centre.

Day 14 : Åndalsnes, Norway

We will spend a day in Åndalsnes, a popular destination due to its location at the foot of some spectacular mountains. The Trollstigen mountain road and Vermafossen waterfall are both popular attractions here.

Day 15 : Sisimiut, Greenland

The Disco Bay area offers fantastic sailing with wildlife and spectacular nature. Colourful villages cling to rough, rocky hills at the feet of the mountains surrounding the inland ice. Join excursions such as kayaking, hiking or other activities. In Sisimiut you can watch the artists make jewellery and crafts from bone, leather and metal, join a sightseeing tour or hike, and taste Greenlandic specialities in a local restaurant.

Day 16 : Bergen, Norway

Your expedition ends in Bergen. Take the opportunity to spend some time strolling through the streets and enjoy sites such as Bergen's colourful UNESCO-listed Bryggen district before you fly home.

DEPARTURE:

6 September, 2017

The Ultimate Fjord Expedition in the Arctic - PRICES : 2017

• Save up to 25% when booking before 30 November, 2016. Be aware that Hurtigruten has a flexible pricing system and the early booking prices are capacity controlled. Prices may change at any time before departure date, the applicable price will be quoted at the time of booking.

YOUR HURTIGRUTEN VOYAGE PRICE INCLUDES :

• • Hurtigruten Expedition Voyage in cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis.
• • Wind and waterproof jacket.
• • Landings in Polarcirkel boats and activities on board and ashore.
• • Professional English speaking Expedition team that gives lectures as well as accompany landings and activities.
• • Free tea and coffee.

NOT INCLUDED :

• • International flights
• • Travel insurance
• • Luggage handling
• • Optional excursions
• • Gratuities

NOTES :

• • Prices are in £s per person.
• • All planned landings are subject to weather and ice conditions.
• • All itineraries are subject to change.
• • Rubber boots rental service on board free of charge.

ADD A FLIGHT PACKAGE - Price from £426 per person

FLIGHT PACKAGE PRICE INCLUDES :

• • Flight in Economy class from London to Reykjavik and Bergen to London including current taxes and charges.
• • Transfer airport to ship in Reykjavik and transfer ship to airport in Bergen.

NOT INCLUDED :

• • Travel insurance.
• • Regional departures and upgrades may be available at extra cost.

Excursions (Pre-bookable)