Arctic Islands: Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Greenland

Itinerary

Day 1: Helsinki, Finland

You spend the first night of this expedition to the European Arctic islands in Helsinki, Finland.

Day 2: Embarkation

You fly you from Helsinki to Murmansk, Russia, where you will be transferred to the icebreaker. The Expedition Team, a well-informed group of specialists that delivers your shipboard education program, will greet you.

Days 3-4: Barents Sea

Dutch explorer Willem Barents gave his name to the sea through which you sail en route to Franz Josef Land. A variety of whales and dolphins inhabit the Barents Sea, as well as 150 different species of fish. The Expedition Team delivers a series of engaging presentations on the sea and the wildlife that inhabit it.

Days 5-7: Franz Josef Land

The largely uninhabited archipelago of Franz Josef Land lies between the latitudes of 80 and 81 N. Their most northerly point is about 1000 km (600 miles) from the North Pole. There will be plans to land at former polar exploration bases and a Cold War outpost. Access to the islands is limited to ships for only a few weeks a year. Where you will land depends on local conditions.

Days 8-10: Sailing towards Greenland

En route from Franz Josef Land to northeastern Greenland, you will make shore landings on an island in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. Only four species of land mammals inhabit the islands. The surrounding seas, however, are breeding grounds for a great variety of seabirds. Sixty percent of the islands’ land mass is covered by glaciers. You may enjoy Zodiac cruising along a spectacular glacier ice-front.

Days 11-12: Northeastern Greenland

The northeast coast of Greenland is often ice bound, creating habitat for walrus, four species of seals and polar bears. Your icebreaker will follow the ice edge, while your Expedition Team is on alert for wildlife sightings. Patience, perseverance and a long lens may result in once-in-a-lifetime photographs to share with family and friends.

Days 13-15: Sailing towards Iceland

The largest national park in the world, Northeast Greenland National Park, has been designated by UNESCO a Biosphere Reserve. You will be standing watch for musk oxen, 40% of the world’s population is believed to live near the park’s coastline.As you sail south toward Iceland, you may sail through striking King Oscar Fjord and Scoresby Sund. Greenland is linked politically to Europe, but geologically to North America. Your Expedition Team will point out the differences and similarities from the deck as you sail.

Days 16-17: Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland

You cross the Greenland Sea and Denmark Strait to Reykjavik, Iceland, where you will disembark.