NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPLORER
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18 DAYS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 - 2 | Tromso, Norway | Arrive and spend the night in your hotel before embarking on Day 2 |
| Day 3 | Torsken | Anderdalen National Park, fascinating history, breathtaking natural beauty |
| Day 4 | Inner Passage and Svolvaer | Explore the Lofoten Islands, hike towards Tjeldbergtind, taste the unique food, embark on a cultural walk |
| Day 5 | Leknes and Reine | Haukland Beach, Viking Museum in Borg, visit a Black smith at the Fishery Museum |
| Days 6 - 7 | At Sea | Whale and birdwatching, enjoy informative talks from experts |
| Day 8 | Jan Mayen | 2,277-metre Beerenberg volcano, impressive glaciers, look for whales and dolphins |
| Days 9 - 14 | East Greenland | Musk oxen, arctic hares, reindeer, narwhal, polar bears, birdlife, archaeological sites, incredible mountains |
| Day 15 | Isafjordur and Vigur Island, Iceland | Picturesque landscapes, haven for birdlife - see puffins and other seabirds |
| Day 16 | Thingeyri | Learn about the Viking ways, hike Sandafell Mountain |
| Day 17 | Snaefellsnes Peninsula | Mount Kirkjufell, Snæfellsjökull National Park, Eldborg crater, Pufubjarg bird cliff |
| Day 18 | Reykjavik | Disembark and farewell your fellow passengers |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Sylvia Earle
The Sylvia Earle is a new purpose built, polar expedition vessel taking up to 130 guests. This vessel has been designed in close consultation with Antarctic expedition specialists and is the first expedition cruise ship designed with the ULSTEIN X-BOW hull. This cutting edge nautical technology allows for gentle travel and motion at sea, improved comfort and safety on-board, reduced vibrations, lower fuel consumption and emissions and ‘virtual anchoring’ which means the ship can float anchor-less while launching the Zodiacs without disturbing delicate sea floor areas. There are four sea-level launching platforms for fast and efficient access to and from Zodiacs.
Days 1 – 2 Tromso, Norway
Having made your way to Tromso, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to the group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with the ground operations team.
The next morning, check-out of your room after breakfast and visit the Tromsø Science Centre. Join an immersive experience that combines the magic of a Northern Lights followed by an engaging presentation by an astronomer. Settle into the comfort of the planetarium’s auditorium to watch a film of award-winning photographer Ole Salomonsens on his journey through northern Norway, Finland and Sweden to film the wildest and most spectacular light show the nature has to offer. 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.
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. Get to know your fellow expeditioners, friendly expedition team and crew at the Welcome Dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure.
Day 3 Torsken
Over the next few days, explore parts of Norway’s remarkable 1,000-kilometre coastline. 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. Keep a close watch in hope of witnessing this dazzling spectacle in the night sky.
Embark on a leisurely amble through the quaint village of Torsken, where breathtaking natural beauty provides a captivating backdrop. As you meander along Torsken’s narrow lanes, immerse yourself in the village’s fascinating history, a rich tapestry woven from centuries of fishing traditions and the enduring spirit of its community. Admire the scenic splendour that surrounds you, with the majestic Senja mountains creating a stunning panorama and the tranquil streets lined with colourful houses, each possessing its own unique character. En route, you will have the opportunity to visit Torsken Church, a cherished local landmark dating back to the 18th century. Before your exploration concludes, indulge your palate with a selection of local delicacies, not only distinctive to this region but also emblematic of Norwegian culinary heritage.
Choose your favourite of the following three experiences to explore Torsken:
Option 1 – Norwegian Scenic Route
Option 2 – Trek to Ravnfløy
Option 3 – Hike to Midtertinden
Day 4 Inner Passage and Svolvaer
Make your way to the stunning Lofoten – meaning puma’s foot – Islands. This is a land scoured by ice and legend, the towering crags with their sharp edges, standing in silent protection of the villages below.
Choose your favourite of the following three experiences to explore Lofoten:
Option 1 – Guided hike towards Tjeldbergtind
Option 2 – Taste of Lofoten
Option 3 – Lofoten Fishing Village
Day 5 Leknes and Reine
As you traverse the scenic vistas of Lofoten, marvel at majestic mountain peaks and expansive fertile lands that once set the stage for Viking sagas. Your expedition begins in Haukland Beach, a paradisiacal haven with its pearly white sands and sapphire waters, embraced by lush greenery and towering peaks, evoking the essence of an Arctic paradise. You will have ample time to hike from Uttakleiv, to Haukland Beach—a gentle stretch over hills and along the coastal path to the pristine white sand beach.
Upon reaching the Viking Museum in Borg, enjoy an exhibition showcasing archaeological discoveries and meticulous recreations of Viking dwellings, gaining a vivid understanding of the daily lives of these seafaring people a millennium ago. The museum endeavours to authentically recreate the Viking village atmosphere, complete with handicrafts, traditional buildings, and era-specific cuisine. As part of this immersive experience, you’ll be treated to a soup crafted from an ancient North Norwegian recipe, prepared over an open fire.
Drive through the scenic landscapes of Lofoten to Norway’s renowned Sund where you will visit a Black smith at the Fishery Museum, famous for his beautiful cormorants made of steel. The decorative wrought iron cormorants are famous all over the world, and can be found in the Pentagon, the Kremlin and in the King of Norway’s palace.
Continue to the village of Reine where your ship will be waiting for you. This fishing village is one of the most beautiful in Norway, and we are sure that when you see it you will understand why!
Days 6 – 7 At Sea
Enjoy the crossing to Jan Mayen, accompanied by seabirds as you search for whales. Enjoy informative talks from your 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.
Day 8 Jan Mayen Island
The approach to Jan Mayen is spectacular. The huge 2,277-metre 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, you 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.
Days 9 – 14 East Greenland
In the coming days, a host of choices are available to you, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the east coast of Greenland is yours to explore. Generally expect 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, 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.
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, marvel at the geological beauty of the mountains. Then head south along the coast of Liverpool Land.
Stretch your legs on hikes across tundra in search of ancient graveyards and summer villages occupied 3,000 years ago by Inuit. The maze of calm, interconnecting waterways in this area provides excellent opportunities for sea kayaking. See ring seals, perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive narwhal, and maybe even a polar bear hunting on pack ice.
Day 15 Isafjordur and Vigur Island, Iceland
Over the coming days, 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 Isafjordur, surrounded by sheer mountains and steeped in history, evident in its preserved wooden architecture. Delight in its lively cultural scene and abundant outdoor activities.
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.
Day 16 Thingeyri, Westfjords
Thingeyri, a quaint village nestled on a slender strip of land, graces the shores of one of Iceland’s most picturesque fjords, Dýrafjörður. Much like many other coastal settlements in Iceland, the village’s culture and industry have been intricately woven with the influence of the sea over centuries. The surrounding landscape is adorned with towering mountains, lending a distinctive charm to the scenic expanse that envelops Thingeyri. This idyllic region is often hailed as the “Alps of the Westfjords,” especially the highland area nestled between the majestic fjords of Dyrafjordur and Arnarfjordur. The beauty of Thingeyri lies not only in its coastal simplicity but also in the dramatic backdrop of high mountains that paints a captivating portrait of this Icelandic village.
Choose your favourite of the following two experiences to explore Thingeyri and the surrounding areas:
Option 1 – That Viking Experience
Option 2 – Sandafell Mountain Hike
Day 17 Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Grundafjordur is the starting point of your adventures on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, gateway to Snæfellsjökull National Park. Snaefellsnes Peninsula is an area of diverse landscapes that is characterised by lava fields and glistening fjords and home to a vast array of birdlife. The area is crowned by the magnificent, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, a 700,000-year-old dormant subglacial volcano, visible from Reykjavik on a clear day and immortalised in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
Choose your favourite of the following three experiences to personalise your time here:
Option 1 – Highlights of Snaefellsnes
Option 2 – Natural Wonders of Snaefellsnes
Option 3 – Snaefellsnes Adventure
Day 18 Reykjavik
During the early morning, cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your Expedition Team and fellow passengers as you all continue your onward journeys. Transfer to Keflavik airport.