WONDERS OF THE HIGH ARCTIC 

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16 DAYS

ITINERARY SUMMARY
DayPlaceHighlights
Day 1Oslo, NorwayEnjoy unique cultural and nature-based experiences in the Norwegian capital, spend the night
Day 2Oslo to LongyearbyenFly to Longyearbyen, embark the ship and set sail
Days 3 - 5SvalbardRugged glaciers, frozen tundra, craggy mountain peaks, countless seabirds, iconic wildlife: Svalbard reindeer, wolverines, Arctic rabbits and polar bears
Day 6At SeaEnjoy a quiet morning spent on your spacious verandah, attend captivating lectures, watch for wildlife from the observation deck
Day 7Ittoqqortoormiit, GreenlandOne of Greenland's most remote towns, insight into the traditional Inuit way of life
Days 8 - 11ScoresbysundLargest and deepest fjord system in the world, mountainous surrounds, lively wildlife
Day 12At SeaEnjoy some relaxation on board today
Day 13Akureyri, IcelandVibrant streets lined with colourful houses, boutique shops and cosy cafes, embark on a whale-watching tour
Day 14Vigur IslandInternationally important seabird habitat: eider ducks, puffins, Arctic terns, black guillemots
Day 15Dynjandi WaterfallJewel of the Westfjords, waterfall tumbling down seven tiers over 100 metres
Day 16ReykjavikDisembark and say goodbye to your fellow travellers

SHIPS OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

Scenic Eclipse I

The Scenic Eclipse I was launched in 2018. She is a purpose built luxury ship designed with very high standards to explore the Polar regions.  She is Polar Class 6-rated, featuring a strengthened hull, forward bow thrusters, and a cutting-edge electronic Azipod propulsion system for comfortable and secure navigation. She also has customised stabilisers, ensuring greater stability on the open sea. Scenic Eclipse I also operates an Advanced Wastewater Treatment system and highly effective engines to reduce emissions, noise, and vibrations, safeguarding the pristine environments we visit.

Day 1 Oslo, Norway

Oslo, Norway

Today you’ll arrive in the beautiful city of Oslo. The Norwegian capital is the smallest in Scandinavia but packs a punch when it comes to cultural and nature-based experiences. Half of Oslo is covered in forest and parks and its cityscape is a melange of historical buildings and cutting-edge architecture, as well as outdoor sculptures and street art. The city is home to three famous museums honouring the rich nautical heritage of the Norse race and its warrior ancestors. Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 2 Oslo to Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen

Fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen, high above the Arctic Circle. The capital of the Norwegian Svalbard Archipelago, Longyearbyen is on Svalbard’s main island and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. The untouched landscapes make you feel like you are in completely unexplored territory.

Today, you will meet the Captain and crew of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. Be welcomed on board with a glass of Champagne, explore your spacious suite and meet your fellow guests for a drink in the Sky Bar as you toast the start of an unforgettable journey.

Days 3 – 5 Svalbard

Polar Bear in Spitsbergen, Svalbard

Welcome to the remote wilderness of the Svalbard Archipelago, a dramatic polar desert surrounded by rugged glaciers, frozen tundra and craggy mountain peaks. Open the blackout curtains of your ultra-luxury suite and step onto your private verandah to take in the inspiring views. Each day unveils a new breathtaking vista, from the dramatic contrast of tundra and volcanic islands sprinkled with lush greenery, to the occasional snow-capped peaks that emerge majestically from the landscape.

Continue cruising around Svalbard, hoping for opportunities to see wildlife like whales, Arctic foxes, seals and seabirds, along with possible sightings of Svalbard reindeer, wolverines and Arctic rabbits. Be sure to keep the binoculars provided in your suite with you or use the Swarovski telescopes in the Observation Lounge for a closer look at the Arctic wildlife.

Day 6 At Sea

Today, your Discovery Yacht will cross the Greenland Sea. Perhaps enjoy a quiet morning spent on your spacious verandah. Later join your fellow guests for a casual lunch in Azure Bar & Café, or you could start the day with an invigorating work out in the gym or a class in the Yoga & Pilates Studio.

During the day, the theatre comes alive with captivating lectures from our Discovery Team.

Find a spot in one of our observation lounges and enjoy the spectacular surrounding landscapes. The selection of specialty restaurants on board allows you to dine around the world each night, from Koko’s Asian Fusion to French fine dining at Lumière.

Day 7 Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

Nestled beside the world’s largest and deepest multi-branched fjord system, Ittoqqortoormiit stands as one of Greenland’s most remote towns. Home to approximately 350 residents, this small community offers a fascinating insight into the traditional Inuit way of life. Here, people have embraced a sea-dependent existence, where the ever-changing sea ice opens up new opportunities for exploration.

Immerse yourself in the community’s resilience with a guided tour. Explore key landmarks such as the museum, church, weather station, and public service building. Enjoy the chance to have your passport stamped in this unique destination, adding a unique touch to your visit.

Days 8 – 11 Scoresbysund

Scoresbysund is the largest and deepest fjord system in the world, and the birthplace of many of Greenland’s glaciers. Be amazed by the mountainous surrounds, the lively wildlife and the memorable adventures. Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, the sailing and expedition schedule is flexible. Your experienced Captain and Discovery Team leader will use their expertise to give you the best experience in this extraordinary part of the world. While wildlife sightings in Greenland are not always certain, spotting animals in their natural environment is a truly extraordinary experience. The region is home to various species, such as Musk Ox and Arctic Hares.

Day 12 At Sea

Enjoy some relaxation on board today. Indulge in the Senses Spa, reinvigorating your mind, body and soul. Pamper yourself with holistic treatments, including massages and facials or experience alternative therapies such as Japanese shiatsu and Tibetan bowl sound healing.

The Discovery Team will be hosting lectures in the state-of-the-art theatre, recapping the wonders you have seen so far and providing inspiration for the ports to come.

Enjoy an evening in the state-of-the-art-theatre entertained by world-class performances as you sit back and relax sipping your favourite cocktail. Alternatively, choose to dine in the comfort of your suite and have your evening nightcap brought by your butler. Scenic Eclipse will arrive in Akureyri later this evening, where it will stay overnight.

Day 13 Akureyri, Iceland

Akureyri, Iceland

Akureyri is a small city nestled along the scenic shores of Eyjafjord. Regularly overshadowed by Iceland’s famous capital Reykjavik, Akureyri is a more laidback and intimate experience. The city is easily explored on foot – enjoy the day walking around its vibrant streets lined with colourful houses, boutique shops, and cosy cafes. Take a wander through the botanical gardens or embark on a whale-watching tour.

Tonight, settle in at the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar to enjoy your beverage of choice, whether it be aged whiskey—there are over 130 varieties—or a glass of wine, while reflecting on the day’s discoveries.

Day 14 Vigur Island

Puffins on the Island of Vigur

Welcome to Vigur Island, a private island oasis off Iceland’s coast and just below the Arctic Circle. The island has a history dating to the 11th century and is a time capsule of Icelandic heritage, boasting charming buildings and traditional farming for eiderdown.

Vigur Island is also designated as an internationally important seabird habitat, where you may seem some of the 7,000 breeding eider ducks, 100,000 puffins, nesting Arctic terns and Europe’s largest colony of black guillemot. There’s also a seal colony and passing whales, making this a remote wildlife sanctuary.

Day 15 Dynjandi Waterfall

Dynjandi foss waterfall

Weather permitting, today you’ll visit the jewel of the Westfjords, Dynjandi Waterfall. Feel the freezing mist on your face as you admire the cascading bridal veil falls and discover why it was nicknamed ‘the thunder’. Tumbling down seven tiers over 100 metres, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Marvel at nature’s grandeur and wildlife spectacle as you cruise through this remote corner of Iceland.

Day 16 Reykjavik

Today your journey concludes in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital in a country of extremes. It serves as the gateway to Iceland’s Golden Circle, a breathtaking volcanic landscape where geysers, waterfalls, and glaciers await. The city itself is the country’s quirky and creative heart, filled with colorful buildings, a buzzing nightlife and a wealth of museums.

Enjoy one last leisurely breakfast on board, reflecting on the cherished memories from your voyage.

To book this cruise contact us on 1300 784 794 or email: contact@arctictravelcentre.com.au

We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.