Iceland, Jan Mayen, Bear Island & Spitsbergen

Itinerary

Day 1: Keflavik / Embark / Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Late in the afternoon, board ship in the port of Keflavik, just a short way from Iceland’s international airport. The largest of the North Atlantic islands, Iceland’s volcanoes, ice-caps, rugged glaciated mountains, fjords and coastal cliffs and beaches together form one of the most inspiring landscapes on earth. You sail north to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which is crowned by a beautiful snow-capped volcanic cone, 1442m high Snaefellsjokull. In the mellow evening light (at this time of year it is light all night) it is worth staying on deck to watch for whales in this often very productive location.

Day 2: Isafjordur Peninsula / Hornstrandir Peninsula

Today, you explore the Isafjordur Peninsula, geologically the oldest region in Iceland, its imposing basalt mountains scoured out by Ice Age glaciers. Sail into Adalvik in the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Once farmed, this beautiful, sheltered fjord has been deserted for 50 years. Fauna and flora thrive here on a scale unknown in other parts of Iceland. Then, sail along the Hornstrandir Peninsula, spotting the remains of other farmsteads. Land at Hornvik where you can follow an old path, used by fowlers, to reach the top of 300m high Hornbjarg. From the dizzy heights of this cliff you can marvel at one of the biggest seabird colonies in Iceland, with tens of thousands of Brünnich's Guillemots and Kittiwakes.

Day 3: Grimsey

Land on Grimsey, an island off the north coast and the only part of Iceland which lies within the Arctic Circle (the Circle crosses the island). The island is home to huge colonies of Kittiwakes, Razorbills, Puffins, Fulmars and Arctic Terns, who far outnumber the human inhabitants. Numbering just 100 and living in the island’s only village, this resourceful farming and fishing community would not dream of moving to the mainland. In the evening we sail across the Arctic Circle and circumnavigate Kolbeinsey, a tiny island north of Grimsey, formed from a submarine eruption.

Day 4: At Sea

On your way to Jan Mayen, situated 300 nautical miles north-east of Iceland, there will be plenty of time to devote to looking for whales—humpbacks are most likely but as you approach the pack ice, you may also encounter minke whales, who can sometimes be quite curious and approach boats.

Day 5: Jan Mayen

Jan Mayen is a volcanic island of breathtaking beauty and mystique, dominated by Mt Beerenberg. From the slopes of the 2277m volcano, impressive glaciers spill into the sea. Until recently, the island was off-limits, and was rarely visited by tourists, but with permission from the Norwegian authorities you may visit the weather station. You will also walk across the island to Kvalrossbukta to look at the remains of a 17th century Dutch whaling station and a substantial colony of fulmars.

Days 6-7: At Sea

You spend two days at sea, looking out for whales, dolphins and seals, and a variety of seabirds.

Day 8: Bear Island

At Bear Island you visit the remains of a whaling station active from 1905-1908 in Kvalrossbukta. Arctic skuas and great skuas can be seen during a walk across the desolate hills and tundra. The weather will decide whether you then sail along the west coast, where you can visit one of the largest seabird colonies in the North Atlantic teeming with little auks, Brünnich’s guillemots, common guillemots and kittiwakes. Alternatively, you will sail along the east coast to visit Tunheim, an abandoned mining settlement.

Day 9: Spitsbergen

When you approach the sea-ice at the southern tip of Spitsbergen, you may encounter molting harp seals on the sea ice, and make a Zodiac cruise among the ice-floes. Later, you may land at Stormbukta, with its post-volcanic springs, and a canyon with nesting kittiwakes.

Day 10: Hornsund

Depending on the position of the sea-ice, you cruise the maze of fjords in the spectacular Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen, which is ringed by towering mountain peaks. Hornsundtind rises to 1,431m while Bautaen shows why early Dutch explorers gave the name ‘Spitsbergen’ (pointed mountains) to the island. There are also 14 magnificent glaciers in the area as well as spectacular scenery and abundant and varied Arctic wildlife. You have very good chances of seeing seals and with a little luck, the very symbol of the Arctic—polar bears. You may visit the Polish research station where the friendly staff will give you an insight into their research projects. Behind the station, the mountains are home to thousands of pairs of nesting little auks.

Day 11: Ahlstrandhalvøya / Recherchefjord or Midterhuken

Today, you land at Kapp Toscana on Ahlstrandhalvøya at the mouth of Van Keulenfjord, where piles of beluga skeletons are a reminder of the 20th century exploitation of these small white whales. Numbers are now recovering and there is a good chance of spotting small groups in the area. You then move to Recherchefjord, where a walk on the fragile tundra which backs the fjord may yield sightings of reindeer. The Spitsbergen reindeer is not as big as its mainland relative and is found in much smaller herds. Alternatively, you may land at Midterhuken to explore the remains of 17th century English whaling sites. The weather will determine which good options will be chosen in this area.

Day 12: Longyearbyen / Disembark

Early in the morning you arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative centre of Spitsbergen, for flights to Oslo and home. Alternatively, you may stay on board for the next voyage to North Spitsbergen.

Trip Details

Ship	Molchanov/Multanovskiy
Highlights	Basic Russian research vessel, fairly active program and good guides.
Trip Notes	This voyage operates aboard Professor Molchanov.Included: All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac; Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; Transfers and baggage handling between the hotels, airports and ship only for those passengers on the group flights in Longyearbyen – Spitsbergen; Transfers and baggage handling between ship and airport after arrival of the ship in the morning in Keflavik – Iceland ( not v.v. between airport and ship); All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; Comprehensive pre-departure material. Not Included: Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post land arrangements; transfers to / from the vessel outside Spitsbergen; passport and visa expenses; Government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided); fuel surcharge ($15 per person, per night).Please note that all dates & rates are subject to change.
Payment Policy	A deposit of 10% per person is required to confirm your reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Payment Methods: Deposit: credit cards are accepted (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover). Final payment: check or wire.WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS FOR FINAL PAYMENT.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-06-01	2008-06-12	+

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