Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Tromsø
You'll arrive at Tromsø airport and meet your representative for the transfer to your group hotel. After checking in, you'll collect cabin tags for labeling, then join a welcome reception and pre-embarkation briefing this evening where you'll meet fellow expeditioners. The rest of the day is yours to do as you please.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel in Tromso to be confirmed)
- Day 2
Tromsø Science Centre & Ship Embarkation
Following breakfast, you'll check out and head to the Tromsø Science Centre for a full-dome film and astronomer presentation about Aurora Borealis. The centre has interactive exhibits you can walk through at your own pace. From there, you'll transfer to the pier for ship embarkation. Once you're settled in your cabin, there are mandatory safety briefings before the welcome dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Welcome Dinner)
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Sylvia Earle)
Included Activities
- Tromsø Science Centre planetarium experience - full-dome Northern Lights film 'Extreme Auroras'
- Live presentation by in-house astronomer on Aurora Borealis and Norse constellations
- Interactive displays and exhibits at Science Centre
- Ship embarkation and safety briefings
- Welcome Dinner
Landmarks/POIs Tromsø Science Centre - Day 3
Torsken & Senja Island
You'll explore Torsken, a historic fishing village with colorful houses set against a mountain backdrop. The 18th-century Torsken Church is worth visiting, and you can try local delicacies. Then you'll choose from three guided options: a scenic drive through Senja with viewpoints at Bergsfjord and Tungenes, a moderate trek to Ravnfloy summit including a fire pit break, or a strenuous hike to Midtertinden mountain at 623 meters.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Sylvia Earle)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Torsken village - explore historic fishing heritage and narrow lanes
- Visit to Torsken Church (18th century landmark)
- Tasting of local Norwegian delicacies
Optional Activities
- Norwegian Scenic Route - 3-hour easy drive through Senja island with stops at Bergsbotn platform, Tungenes headland wooden walkway, and Ersfjord Beach (Easy)
- Trek to Ravnfloy - 3-hour moderate hike to dramatic summit with 548m elevation gain, 4km return, includes fire pit break with local delicacies (Moderate)
- Hike to Midtertinden - 4.5-hour strenuous hike to 623m summit with 360-degree panoramic views, approximately 4.4km return with 623m elevation gain (Strenuous)
Landmarks/POIs Torsken Church Senja Island Ravnfloy Midtertinden Anderdalen National Park - Day 4
Lofoten Islands
The ship arrives in the Lofoten Islands with their dramatic jagged peaks and fishing village character. You'll pick from three experiences: a moderate-strenuous hike to Tjeldbergtind mountain with 360-degree views, a culinary tasting featuring eight local Arctic delicacies, or a cultural walk through Svolvær exploring fishing history and heritage.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Sylvia Earle)
Optional Activities
- Guided hike towards Tjeldbergtind - 3-hour moderate-strenuous hike, approximately 5km on uneven terrain with loose gravel and steep inclines to 367m summit with 360-degree panoramic views of Lofoten, Svolvær, Kabelvåg, Vågan and mainland on clear days (Moderate-Strenuous, good physical condition required)
- Taste of Lofoten - 2-hour easy food tasting experience (limited seats available), includes tastings of dried arctic cod, salmon, Lofoten lamb, cloudberries, local yogurt, and arctic cod roe/caviar with stops at fish racks. Does not include full meal. Beverages not included but available for purchase (Easy)
- Lofoten Fishing Village cultural walk - 2-hour easy walk through Svolvær featuring fishing history, historical fish buyers, cultural sites, 3-5km distance with local guide and stockfish tasting (Easy)
Landmarks/POIs Lofoten Islands Tjeldbergtind Svolvær - Day 5
Lofoten Islands & Borg Viking Museum
You'll hike from Uttakleiv to Haukland Beach with its white sands and Arctic scenery. After that, you can visit Borg Viking Museum to explore archaeological discoveries and recreated Viking dwellings where you'll see traditional handicrafts and learn about ancient recipes. Then you'll drive through Lofoten to Sund's Fishery Museum and blacksmith, ending in the scenic village of Reine before boarding the ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Sylvia Earle)
Included Activities
- Hike from Uttakleiv to Haukland Beach - gentle coastal path hike with ample time to explore
- Borg Viking Museum - exhibition of archaeological discoveries and Viking dwelling recreations
- Traditional Viking soup from ancient North Norwegian recipe prepared over open fire
- Visit to Sund Fishery Museum and blacksmith workshop featuring famous wrought iron cormorants
- Scenic drive through Lofoten to Reine village
Landmarks/POIs Haukland Beach Uttakleiv Borg Viking Museum Sund Fishery Museum Reine - Day 6
Crossing to Jan Mayen
You'll spend the day at sea as the ship crosses to Jan Mayen. Keep watch for seabirds and whales as you traverse the open Arctic waters on your approach to this remote island destination.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Sylvia Earle)
Included Activities
- Whale watching during crossing
- Seabird observation
- Day 7
At Sea / Northern Lights Viewing
The expedition team gives expert talks and presentations throughout the day. You can socialize with fellow expeditioners or stay active in the onboard gym. Watch the night sky hoping for Northern Lights sightings.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Sylvia Earle)
Included Activities
- Expert informative talks and presentations
- Onboard gym access
- Northern Lights viewing opportunity
- Day 8
Jan Mayen Island Landing
You'll approach Jan Mayen and see Beerenberg volcano, the world's northernmost active volcano that last erupted in 1985. During the day you can search for whales and dolphins in northern waters. Weather permitting, you'll land at Kvalrossbukta bay to visit the Norwegian weather station at Olonkinbyen, then do a three-hour hike across the island back to the ship's Zodiacs.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Sylvia Earle)
Included Activities
- Zodiac excursion to Jan Mayen island
- Visit to Norwegian weather station at Olonkinbyen
- Three-hour hike across Jan Mayen (weather permitting)
Landmarks/POIs Beerenberg Volcano Kvalrossbukta Olonkinbyen Jan Mayen - Day 9
Exploration of East Greenland (Ice and Wildlife)
You'll begin exploring the east coast of Greenland with its dramatic ice cliffs, fjords, and wildlife. The Expedition Team will tailor daily activities based on weather and ice conditions. Plan on up to two landings or Zodiac excursions per day, with chances to cruise along ice cliffs and follow whales feeding near the surface.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Sylvia Earle)
Included Activities
- Zodiac excursions along Greenland coast
- Cruising along spectacular ice cliffs
- Whale watching
Landmarks/POIs East Greenland Coast - Day 10
East Greenland Ice Landscapes
You'll experience the Arctic's most impressive scenery with massive glaciers birthing gigantic icebergs throughout the fjord system. Deep fjords and narrow channels are flanked by sharp ice-cladded peaks soaring up to 2,000 metres, creating spectacular scenes at every turn.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Sylvia Earle)
Included Activities
- Zodiac excursions in fjords
- Glacier and iceberg viewing
Landmarks/POIs East Greenland Fjords - Day 11
Ittoqqortoormiit & Arctic Tundra
You'll explore the Arctic tundra landscape where musk oxen, arctic hares, and reindeer roam. You can visit ancient Thule archaeological sites and historical trappers' huts. The main highlight is the isolated Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the northernmost permanent settlement in the region with about 450 inhabitants. You'll visit the local museum, gift shop, and meet friendly locals with abundant sled dogs.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Sylvia Earle)
Included Activities
- Tundra landscape exploration
- Visit to Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit
- Ittoqqortoormiit museum visit
- Local community interaction
Landmarks/POIs Ittoqqortoormiit Anderdalen National Park - Day 12
Scoresbysund & Major Fjord Systems
You'll explore Scoresbysund, the world's largest fjord system and a favorite hunting ground of local Inuit people. You'll see massive glaciers flowing into the fjord and birthing hundreds of Greenland icebergs. Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords are significant fjord systems each with several smaller fjords. Watch for musk oxen, arctic foxes, mountain hares, reindeer, and various birds.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Sylvia Earle)
Included Activities
- Zodiac excursions in Scoresbysund
- Wildlife observation - musk oxen, arctic foxes, mountain hares, reindeer
- Birdwatching - glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven, common eider
Landmarks/POIs Scoresbysund Kong Oskar Fjord Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord - Day 13
Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord & Liverpool Land
You'll attempt to enter the remote Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord system within Northeast Greenland National Park, a rarely visited area with countless exploration opportunities. You'll cruise through Kong Oskar Fjord and look at the geological mountain beauty. Then you'll head south along Liverpool Land coast with passage dependent on ice conditions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Sylvia Earle)
Included Activities
- Zodiac excursions in Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord
- Cruising Kong Oskar Fjord
Landmarks/POIs Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord Kong Oskar Fjord Liverpool Land Northeast Greenland National Park - Day 14
Arctic Tundra Exploration & Wildlife
You can hike across tundra searching for ancient graveyards and summer villages occupied 3,000 years ago by Inuit. You'll spot musk oxen, arctic hares, and reindeer grazing. The calm, interconnecting waterways are ideal for sea kayaking with opportunities to see ring seals, elusive narwhals, and possibly polar bears hunting on pack ice.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Sylvia Earle)
Included Activities
- Tundra hiking to ancient archaeological sites
- Wildlife observation - musk oxen, arctic hares, reindeer, ring seals
Optional Activities
- Sea kayaking in interconnecting waterways
Landmarks/POIs East Greenland Tundra - Day 15
Iceland Westfjords & Vigur Island
You'll arrive in Iceland's Westfjords region featuring dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers and sheer table-top mountains. You'll visit towns like Isafjordur with preserved wooden architecture and a rich cultural scene. Vigur Island offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, varied walks and hikes, coastline views, and chances to see puffins and seabirds.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Sylvia Earle)
Included Activities
- Westfjords scenic exploration
- Vigur Island visit with walks and hikes
- Birdwatching - puffins and seabirds
Landmarks/POIs Westfjords Isafjordur Vigur Island - Day 16
Thingeyri & Dyrafjord
You'll visit Thingeyri, a charming coastal village on a slender strip of land on Dyrafjord's shores with a dramatic mountain backdrop and Viking heritage. Choose from three options: a living history experience at a recreated Viking area with museum, dressing in authentic Viking clothing, bread baking, and Icelandic Viking beer tasting; a moderate-difficult hike up Sandafell mountain for views over town and surrounding landscapes; or an afternoon cruise spotting whales and a Zodiac landing to see the spectacular Dynjandi waterfall.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Sylvia Earle)
Included Activities
- Afternoon Zodiac landing at Dynjandi waterfall
- Whale watching during cruise
Optional Activities
- That Viking Thing Experience - 2-hour easy activity plus free time, includes walk through recreated Viking area, interactive Viking Museum with authentic hand-sewn clothing, opportunity to dress up, drink Icelandic Viking beer, bake Viking bread, explore ruins of ancient Thing (Viking parliament), and learn Viking history (Easy)
- Sandafell Mountain Hike - 3-hour moderate-difficult hike offering gorgeous views over town, surrounding mountains, and water with varying difficulty based on fitness level (Moderate-Difficult)
Landmarks/POIs Thingeyri Dyrafjord Dynjandi Waterfall Sandafell - Day 17
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
You'll explore Grundafjordur as the starting point for Snæfellsnes Peninsula adventures and your gateway to Snæfellsjökull National Park. This diverse landscape has lava fields, fjords, abundant birdlife, and the magnificent ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano. Choose from three full-day experiences: Highlights tour visiting Mount Kirkjufell, the national park, Djúpalónssandur black beach, and Búðir hamlet; Natural Wonders cave and coastal hike combining Vatnshellir Cave exploration with a walk between Arnarstapi and Hellnar villages; or Snæfellsnes Adventure featuring Eldborg crater, Gerðuberg basalt columns, Puffbjarg bird cliff, Londrangar cliffs, and Malarrif lighthouse.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Included in all three tour options), Dinner
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (M/V Sylvia Earle)
Optional Activities
- Highlights of Snæfellsnes - 8-hour easy-moderate tour including Mount Kirkjufell (Game of Thrones filming location), waterfall, Snæfellsjökull National Park with hiking trails, Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach with 1948 shipwreck remains, lunch, Búðir hamlet, 19th-century Búðakirkja church, and Arnarstapi embarkation point (Easy-Moderate)
- Natural Wonders of Snæfellsnes - 8-hour moderate tour featuring Mount Kirkjufell and waterfall, exploration of 8,000-year-old Vatnshellir Cave with helmet and headlamp provided, 35 meters beneath surface with colorful volcanic rocks and petrified lava formations, lunch, and coastal hike between Arnarstapi and Hellnar villages along National Reserve shoreline with Arctic Tern, kittiwakes, gulls, and fulmars (Moderate)
- Snæfellsnes Adventure - 8-hour moderate-difficult tour of geological wonders including Eldborg crater hike (created 5000-6000 years ago, 200m diameter, 50m deep), Gerðuberg Cliffs with hexagonal basalt columns spanning 500m, early lunch, Puffbjarg bird cliff with nesting puffins and fulmars, hike along Londrangar basalt cliffs with local birds, and Malarrif lighthouse and beach on moss-covered lava field (Moderate-Difficult)
Landmarks/POIs Mount Kirkjufell Snæfellsjökull Snæfellsjökull National Park Djúpalónssandur Vatnshellir Cave Arnarstapi Hellnar Búðir Búðakirkja Eldborg Crater Gerðuberg Cliffs Puffbjarg Londrangar Cliffs Malarrif Lighthouse - Day 18
Departure from Iceland
You'll disembark after breakfast at approximately 8:00 a.m. You can transfer to Keflavik airport for your flight home, or arrange transportation to your centrally located hotel if you're extending your stay in Iceland.
- Meals
- Breakfast
