The Ice's Edge: Arctic Svalbard & Iceland

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart Home / Overnight flight

Depart your home city on an overnight flight to Oslo, Norway.

Day 2: Oslo

Arrive in Oslo, Norway’s capital city, and check in to the Bristol Hotel. Highlights include a stroll among the famed Vigeland sculptures set in parklands and a visit to the Polar Ship Fram Museum, with its excellent exhibits on the history of arctic exploration. This evening try one of the nearby harbor restaurants or turn in early.

Day 3: Oslo / Longyearbyen / Embark

Depart Oslo on your private charter flight over beautiful vistas to Longyearbyen. Embark National Geographic Explorer.

Days 4-7: Exploring Svalbard

Svalbard is an archipelago of deep fjords, mountains and massive ice sheets. The focus during your stay here is the search for wildlife including walruses, seals, reindeer, arctic foxes and polar bears. A flexible itinerary and ample time allow you to take advantage of perfect ice and weather conditions. Each season your guides discover new landing sites to explore. Shore walks, Zodiac and kayaking adventures bring you up close to mystical landscapes and passing icebergs.

Day 8: At Sea

A relaxing day at sea gives you time to hear talks from our staff in preparation for the exciting days ahead in Iceland.

Day 9: Jan Mayen Island

Jan Mayen is a volcanic island of Norwegian dominion, located in the North Atlantic. You’ll board the Zodiacs for views of the island dominated by the active volcano, Beerenberg, which had its last eruption in 1985.

Day 10: Explore Northeastern Iceland

With plenty of rarely-visited coastline, this day is left open to explore Iceland’s rugged east coast via Zodiac cruises, kayaks and hikes.

Day 11: Husavik and Lake Myvatn

Watch for whales on your approach to Husavik, famous for its whale museum. Drive to striking Myvatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. See the bizarre mud pools at Hverarond—so hot they actually bubble. Head through the Krafla geothermal area to the explosion crater at Viti. You rendezvous with your ship in Akureyri, ending with an unforgettable sight: Godafoss, the waterfall of the gods.

Day 12: Explore the North Coast of Iceland

Your morning is spent in Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city—with a population of only 15,000. Opt to explore the old town or go riding on a sturdy Icelandic horse. Take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grimsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle.

Day 13: Hornstrandir, the Western Fjords

Located in the Westfjord region, Hornstrandir is one of the most isolated and beautiful parts of Iceland. Rugged cliffs, home to thousands of seabirds, and inviting valleys and beaches will offer opportunities for Zodiac cruises, kayaking and hiking ashore.

Day 14: Flatey Island & the West Coast

This morning you sail past the immense Latrabjarg cliffs, home to a huge population of razorbills. This is the westernmost point of Iceland. Continue to Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries, for walks around the charming hamlet that grew here, and take a Zodiac cruise along the coast.

Day 15: Reykjavik / Disembark / Home

Disembark in Reykjavik, capital of Iceland. Explore the old town, including the impressive Hallgrimskirkja Church with its 210-foot tower. Then visit the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths, whose steamy waters are part of an other-worldly lava formation.. Whether you choose to enjoy the surreal bath and spa facilities or just stroll around the fascinating environs, the Blue Lagoon is an essential part of any visit to Iceland. After lunch, proceed to the airport for flights home.

Trip Details

Ship	National Geographic Explorer
Just Released Offer	Book by May 30, 2008 and receive free economy airfare, Newark/Oslo, Reykjavik/NY.Applicable Date: 7/22/2008Expiration Date: 5/30/2008
Highlights	Newly renovated state-of-the-art expedition ship, abundant wildlife, excellent naturalists, kayaking, onboard exploration technology, active volcano of Jan Mayen Island
Trip Notes	Travel with National Geographic Photographer: Sisse BrimbergThe photo team can enhance everyone's voyage with useful tips for improving your travel and wildlife images, strategies for being in the right place at the right time, and time-saving hints for editing and storing digital images. Whether expert or interested beginner, you'll find added benefits such as walks ashore and Zodiac cruises dedicated to photography, presentations on the creative and technical aspects of photography, and one-on-one mentoring and coaching in the field.About Sisse BrimbergSisse Brimberg, a National Geographic photographer for 32 years and counting, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1948. She was awarded the Picture Story of the Year from the National Press Photographers Association for her portrayal of migrant workers and serves as the manager of National Geographic’s photography studios.Included: Charter flight, Oslo, Norway to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen; Accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary; all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship; meals on land as indicated; air transportation where indicated included; shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees; special access permits; transfers to and from group flights; use of kayaks; taxes and service charges; services of a ship physician; services of expedition staff. Not Included: International air transportation except as noted above; passport and visa expenses; baggage/accident/cancellation insurance; items of a personal nature; gratuities to ship's crew at your discretion; fuel surcharge may apply.
Payment Policy	The deposit amount required to confirm your reservation varies by itinerary (see trip brochure). Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.** Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure for the following sailings: 1/5/2009, 1/16/2009, 1/27/2009.Payment MethodsCredit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover).

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-07-22	2008-08-05	+

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