ICELAND TO SVALBARD
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11 DAYS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Reykjavik, Iceland | Explore the capital's waterfront, culture and architecture before embarking |
| Day 2 | Dynjandi Waterfall | Visit magnificent cascading falls in the Westfjords |
| Day 3 | Husavik | Whale watching, marine life, Viking heritage |
| Day 4 | At Sea | Expedition talks, ocean views, marine wildlife spotting |
| Day 5 | Jan Mayen Island | Remote volcanic island, Beerenberg volcano, birdlife |
| Day 6 | At Sea | Lectures, wildlife watching from deck, relaxation |
| Days 7 - 10 | Svalbard Archipelago | Polar landscapes, glaciers, polar bears and other iconic Arctic wildlife |
| Day 11 | Longyearbyen, Svalbard | Disembarkation in the world’s northernmost town |
SHIPS OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Swan Hellenic Vega
The SH Vega is a 5 star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offering you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage. She made her maiden voyage in July 2022, and carries a maximum of 152 guest in 76 cabins. The ship incorporates a PC5 ice-strengthened hull combined with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as smooth as possible. For the comfort of guests, suites have a separate living room and bedroom. All staterooms are equipped with spacious wardrobes and bathrooms.
Day 1 Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavík, despite its small size, is the capital of Iceland. At the top of the town stands the distinctive Hallgrímskirkja church, designed by renowned Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson. The revitalised harbour area features the futuristic Harpa Concert Hall and the Maritime Museum, showcasing the city’s cultural heritage A trip to Reykjavík would be incomplete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon, famous for its therapeutic geothermal waters. Embark the ship here.
Day 2 Dynjandi Waterfall
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.
Day 3 Husavik
Húsavík, overlooking Skjálfandi Bay, is famed for whale watching, especially the endangered blue whale. The town’s Whale and Exploration Museums focusses on Viking history and Apollo astronaut training, taking place nearby. The town also marks Iceland’s first house from 860 AD. Húsavík is on the Arctic Coast Way and the start of the Diamond Circle route. Nearby, Kaldbakur pond is a popular geothermal swimming spot oddly populated with goldfish.
Day 4 At Sea
Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of the knowledgeable onboard experts.
Day 5 Jan Mayen Island
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.
Day 6 At Sea
Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of the knowledgeable onboard experts.
Days 7 – 10 Svalbard Archipelago
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.
Day 11 Longyearbyen, Svalbard
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. Arctic waters around are populated by whales, including bowheads and narwhals, while walruses are regularly seen hauling out. Disembark the ship here and continue on your onwards journey.