HIGHLIGHTS
- Delight
in Svalbard’s golden autumn light, transforming landscapes
into breathtaking photo opportunities.
- Experience
the thrill of seeing walrus, seals, whales, reindeer, arctic fox,
guillemots, and puffins.
- Discover
Vigur Island and witness the eiderdown harvest and relax with some
traditional Icelandic coffee and cake accompanied by the best view in
the North!
- Sail
in the prime region to encounter the natural phenomenon of the dazzling
aurora borealis.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
Start Date | End Date | Stateroom Triple | Stateroom Twin | Balcony Stateroom C | Balcony Stateroom B | Balcony Stateroom A | Balcony Stateroom Superior | Junior Suite | Captains Suite | 0 | 0 |
Aug 18, 2026 | Sep 03, 2026 | 20,395 | N/A | 22,795 | 23,995 | 25,795 | 28,195 | 35,395 | 41,995 | N/A | N/A |
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
Start Date | End Date | (Starting from) Stateroom Triple | (Mid-range) Balcony Stateroom Superior | (High-end) 0 |
Aug 18, 2026 | Sep 03, 2026 | 20,395 | 28,195 | N/A |
ITINERARY
Day
1 : Arrive in Reykjavik
Having
made your way to Reykjavik, you will be met by a representative of
Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our group hotel. Upon arrival at
your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality
area where you can leave your luggage and enjoy refreshments if
arriving prior to 4pm. Whilst here you can collect your luggage cabin
tags speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to
share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information
about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a
local pharmacy or supermarket.
The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your
own expense.
Accommodation: The Grand
Hotel Reykjavik
Day
2 : Embarkation
Today
we follow the path of one of Reykjavik’s most popular seismic
attractions – the Golden Circle. Stops along our route
include Thingvellir National Park, accredited as the site of
Iceland’s first parliament. A shaky start to the new nation,
it is also the point where the Eurasia and North American tectonic
plates meet as an open fissure. Our next stop is Gullfoss waterfall.
This impressive water feature tumbles 34 meters into the
Hvítá River, offering a popular photographic
opportunity. Next we explore the geothermal fields and
geysir’s for which Iceland is famous. The variety of hot
springs and bubbling pools are mesmerising as the sheer capacity of
water and steam erupting from the ground makes you ponder just how much
power is beneath your feet. Late afternoon we return to Reykjavik to
board the Sylvia Earle.
After boarding, there’s time to settle into your cabin before
our important safety briefings before we ‘throw the
lines’ to begin our Greenland adventure. This evening, meet
your expedition team and crew at the Welcome Dinner.
Day
3 : Dynjandi - Westfjords?
Over
the next two days, we explore the Westfjords region featuring
outstanding landscapes with jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords
carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the
sea and pristine North Atlantic vegetation.??
Immerse yourself in the tranquillity as we cruise northward, taking in
breathtaking landscapes and keeping a watchful eye for whales. Later,
we'll embark on a Zodiac landing to witness the awe-inspiring power of
Dynjandi waterfall.?
Day
4 :Vigur Island & Ísafjörður
On
Vigur Island, birdwatchers can try and tick a few species on their
list, while others can enjoy walks and hikes of varying levels of
difficulty, soaking in the stunning surrounds. The island's unique
ecosystem is a haven for birdlife, making it a paradise for nature
enthusiasts. Stroll along the coastline, keeping an eye out for puffins
and other seabirds, or venture deeper into the island to discover
hidden gems. With its rolling hills, picturesque landscapes, and fresh
sea air, Vigur offers an unforgettable experience.??The region also
features attractive towns such as
Ísafjörður, surrounded by sheer mountains
and steeped in history, evident in its preserved wooden architecture.
Delight in its lively cultural scene and abundant outdoor activities.?
Days
5 : Sea Crossing to Jan Mayen
Enjoy
the sea crossing to Jan Mayen Island accompanied by sea birds while
searching 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.
Day
6 : Jan Mayen
The
approach to Jan Mayen is spectacular. The huge 2,277-metre (7,470 foot)
Beerenberg volcano is the northernmost active volcano in the world, and
it last erupted 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 favourable, 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 weather station Olonkinbyen, situated on the eastern side of
the island.
Day
7-8 : At Sea and Sailing the Svalbard Coast
The
Norwegian Sea surrounding Jan Mayen offers excellent whale-watching
opportunities (bottlenose, fin, and perhaps bowhead whales in the pack
ice). Sail towards Svalbard, retracing the route of Dutch explorer
Willem Barents who discovered Spitsbergen and the Barents Sea, named
after him.
Days
9-12 : Svalbard
Svalbard
offers Arctic wilderness at its best. Our experienced expedition team,
who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise
to design our day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options based on
the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions, and wildlife
encounters.
Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountains ranges and a polar desert rich
in fossils set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See
walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, stretch our legs
on walks across tundra coming out in brightly-coloured wildflowers. We
visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and
scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk
colonies. Most memorable are encounters with the majestic polar bear on
pack ice.
If you have chosen an optional activity such as kayaking,
you’ll have the option to enjoy the activity when conditions
allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge,
as soon as conditions are suitable, you’ll hear the
announcement to prepare for an exhilarating plunge, a memory
you’ll savour for years to come.
Days
13 : Bear Island
Bear
Island, Svalbard’s southernmost outpost, is a remote gem
nestled halfway between Spitsbergen and Norway’s North Cape.
Despite its name, polar bears haven’t been spotted here since
2004, but the island’s history is deeply intertwined with the
Arctic’s most iconic predator, thanks to Dutch explorer
Willem Barentsz’s encounter in 1596.
Strategically positioned at the confluence of the Norwegian and Barents
Seas, Bear Island boasts a unique landscape. Its northern plains,
dotted with freshwater lakes, contrast sharply with the dramatic cliffs
that characterise the southern coast. This pristine environment,
designated a Nature Reserve, is a haven for wildlife.
The island's southern cliffs are a birdwatcher's paradise, hosting vast
colonies of seabirds, including the dominant Black-legged Kittiwake,
Little Auk, Common Guillemot, and Brünnich’s
Guillemot. Zodiac cruises offer an exhilarating opportunity to witness
these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, with the chance
to spot rarer species like Atlantic Puffins, Northern Gannets, Glaucous
Gulls, and Great Skuas.
Days
14 : Sea Crossing to Norway
Enjoy
informative talks from our team of experts, get to know your fellow
expeditioners or stay active in the gym. Remember to look to the skies
at night and hope for sightings of the northern lights.
?Personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your
Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level
of fitness.
Days
15 : North Cape, 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.
The spectacular northern lights are a natural phenomenon that is most
commonly seen in the sky above the Arctic Circle, between 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.
Personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your
Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level
of fitness.
Option 1: Behind the scenes of the seafood industry
Duration: 3 hours
Level of difficulty: Easy
During this tasteful and educational tour, you will learn all there is
to know about the leading industry in Finnmark and more specifically,
in North Cape municipality. Visit a local fish factory and observe
their daily operations before tasting the local delicacies at one of
the most scenic locations on the island.
As one of the largest factories in the municipality and exporter of
king crab, your host does much more than simply processing fish. Your
guide will show you around the factory and tell you about the
production of stockfish, klipfish, fresh fish, king crab and less know
products such as roe, liver, fish heads and much more.
Undoubtedly, a tour like this requires a seafood tasting! After your
visit to the factory in Nordvåg you will be taken to a lavvo
restaurant in Sarnes. As one of the most scenic areas on the island,
this is the perfect location for a guided seafood tasting. You will
have the opportunity to savour various delicacies and taste the
national spirit of Scandinavia while your guide explains you exactly
what is on your plate.
Note: Make sure
to wear sturdy (waterproof) footwear.
Option 2: Trek to Kirkeporten
Duration: 3 hours
Level of difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous?
Just
a short hike away from the village of Skarsvåg, Kirkeporten
boasts one of the most spectacular views on the island of
Magerøya with the North Cape Horn peeking through a gated
cliff.
After a short drive to the village of Skarsvåg make your way
up the hill, and if weather permits you will have a spectacular view to
the North Cape Horn. This monolith pokes out of the side of the North
Cape plateau and makes it very easy to orientate oneself. Continuing
down into Mefjorden, the arch-shaped cliff will slowly reveal itself.
Kirkeporten is the name of a geological wonder, a fissure several
meters wide in an overhanging cliff shaped as a gate. Both Kirkeporten
and the North Cape cliff were places of sacrifice for the indigenous
Sami population.
Note: It is
recommended to dress in layered clothing and wear proper hiking
boots/shoes. The hike is approximately 3 km (1.9 mi) on dirt and gravel
path with boulders, uneven terrain and some consistent, but gradual
slopes. Visibility of sights may be affected in adverse weather
conditions.
Option 3: A Panoramic Journey to the North Cape
Duration: 3 hours
Level of difficulty: Easy
Take
in magnificent vistas along Europe’s far northern shores and
enjoy an independent visit at the splendid North Cape.
This scenic drive takes you to one of Europe’s most stunning
natural sights. Located on the reaches of Magerøya Island
where the Norwegian and Barents Seas meet, the cliffs of Nordkapp rise
more than 305 metres (1,000 feet) from the sea waters and are topped by
a large, flat plateau.
Upon arrival at the North Cape Hall, you will have time to take in its
spectacular vista of barren tundra. The North Cape Hall has shopping
facilities, post office and a chapel, a bar, restaurants and a cinema
with a 225-degree wide-screen. There will be an audio-visual
presentation of Magerøya and the North Cape, showing the
magnitude of the areas breathtaking scenery during the four seasons.
Adjacent to the cinema there is a Hall of Fame, with models of
important events that have taken place at the North Cape Plateau, and
Cave of Lights with a terrace offering a nice view of the ocean further
north. There will be ample time for photo opportunities, shopping,
writing and posting cards, or simply finding yourself the perfect
overlook to enjoy the breathtaking views.
Note: It is
recommended to dress in layered clothing and wear comfortable walking
shoes. Walking at North Cape Hall is optional and involves uneven
terrain to some of the sites.
Day
16 : Tromsø, Norwegian Coast?
Tucked
above the Arctic Circle at latitude 69 ?N, Tromsø is the
main gateway to experiencing the northern lights in Norway.?Today we
embark on an enchanting journey into the celestial wonders of the
Arctic sky at the Tromsø Science Centre. Join an immersive
experience that combines the magic of a northern lights followed by an
engaging presentation by an astronomer, providing you with insight into
the captivating phenomena of the aurora borealis.
?Settle
into the comfort of the planetarium’s auditorium for a
cinematic journey into the heart of the Arctic night. Join the
award-winning photographer Ole Salomonsens on his journey through
northern Norway, Finland and Sweden in pursuit of his passion
– filming the wildest and most spectacular light show the
nature has to offer. Extreme Auroras is a stunning new full-dome
visual, featuring the aurora in science, history and myths.
After
the movie, enjoy a live presentation by the in-house astronomer,
introducing them, a presentation of the few Norse constellations that
are still known, and the Hunting Party story from the Sami mythology.
This talk looks at the sky from a northern angle and will add new
knowledge to old.
At
the end you will have time to explore the Science Centre’s
interactive displays and exhibits. Engage with hands-on activities that
further enhance your understanding of the natural forces at play,
making this experience both entertaining and educational.
Day
17 : Disembark in Tromsø
Disembark
in the early morning at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your Expedition
Team and fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys.
Transfer to Tromsø airport.
Sylvia Earle (Luxury Expedition, 126-guests)
Due to sail in October 2021 our new ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. As the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998 - this vessel pays tribute to Sylvia's long standing conservation efforts for marine protected areas and ocean wildlife. Sylvia Earle will be actively involved in the development of her namesake.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Airport arrival and departure transfers to/from our group
hotel on the first day and the final day of your voyage package.
- One night’s hotel accommodation including
breakfast, in Toronto on Day 1.
- Charter flight from Toronto to Nuuk on Day 2.
- Charter flight from Nome to Anchorage on Day 28.
- One night’s hotel accommodation including
breakfast, in Anchorage on Day 28.
- Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin
service.
- All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.
- Soft drinks and juices throughout all meals.
- Beer and house wine with dinner.
- Captain’s Farewell reception 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 our
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.
- Wi-Fi. Please note we travel to remote regions and
therefore the connection can be unreliable.
Excluded
from this voyage :
- International or domestic flights – unless
specified in the itinerary.
- Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Airport arrival or departure taxes.
- Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and
charges.
- Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
- Hotel accommodation 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 outside of dinner service, gratuities, laundry
services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone
charges.
Adventure
Options:
- Bird watching
- Lectures on wildlife, our environment, history and
destinations
- Near shore cruises
- Photography
- Polar plunge
- Trips ashore
- Walking
- Whale and mammal spotting
- Zodiac cruises