Svalbard and Iceland

Itinerary

Day 1: Tromsø, Norway

Embark the Prince Albert II and depart on your exciting 18-day Expedition Trips exploration of “Svalbard and Iceland”. This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Leaders and receive a Zodiac briefing.

Day 2: At Sea

Today, cruise north out of the Norwegian Sea and into the Barents Sea. Meet some of your fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found onboard the Prince Albert II. Tonight, enjoy a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party whereat the Captain will introduce his senior officers and various members of the Prince Albert II crew.

Day 3: Cruise & Explore Bear Island, Norway

On the approach to Bear Island, whale watching is a priority as there are record numbers in this area. As you move closer to this arctic atoll, witness a kaleidoscope of thousands of seabirds diving in and out of the island’s steep cliffs. Enjoy your first opportunity to launch Zodiacs and explore the rugged coastline and, weather permitting, make a landing. Expedition staff will enhance your visit by providing insight about the environment, unique terrain, and the wildlife that exists in these extreme conditions.

Days 4-8: Cruise & Explore Svalbard

These next days are dedicated to the exploration of the eastern and least-visited sections of Svalbard’s breathtaking and dramatic Spitsbergen Archipelago. Nature highlights and wildlife include polar bears, pristine mountains, fauna, deep fjords, picturesque icebergs, and massive ice sheets. Spend the maximum amount of time possible hiking on the tundra while following in the historic footsteps of famous arctic explorers such as Andrée, Nordenskiöld, Amundsen and Nobile. Trek along beaches blanketed with walruses, get to know the indigenous reindeer, and maybe even spot the Arctic fox or Bearded seal. Seabirds, such as Ivory gulls, auks and puffins, will be your constant companions. Shore walks and Zodiac landings will bring you up close to these mystical settings and passing icebergs. Each day your Expedition Leader and Captain will determine the best course. Possible highlights include: Half Moon Island, Edgeøya “the realm of the polar bear”, Barentsøya, Storøya, Hinlopen Strait, and Danes Island.

Day 9: Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard

Make a stop at this small community to breathe in the fresh, crisp air and enjoy the sights. Just 746 miles (1,200 km) from the North Pole, you find the planet’s most northern permanent settlement, which consists of about 30 full-time residents plus scientists and researchers from as many as 15 nations, who spend their days studying everything from glaciers to Arctic biology. Despite an ultra-modern research centre and accompanying facilities and infrastructure, much of Ny-Ålesund remains pristine.

Day 10: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Upon arrival in the world’s northernmost town with just over 1,000 people, join your ship staff for a natural history hike that explores the surrounding areas, or choose to visit the Svalbard Museum with displays that follow 400 years of human activity in the archipelago. The museum also features an exhibit explaining the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a storage unit designed to secure the diversity of the world’s food supply.

Day 11: At Sea

Today continue your voyage of exploration cruising the Greenland Sea, home to large invertebrates, fish (such as Cod, Herring, Redfish, Halibut, and Plaice), birds and mammals (including seals, whales, and dolphins). Enjoy a variety of lectures and onboard activities, relax in the lounge with a book, or enjoy a documentary or film in your personal suite.

Day 12: Cruise & Explore Jan Mayen Island, Norway

Keep a look out for curious Humpback and Minke whales that may approach as you near this volcanic island of towering ebony peaks and broad black lava beaches. The primordial landscape is dominated by the 7,500-foot-high (2,300-metre-high) Mt. Beerenberg, an active volcano covered in glacial ice that last erupted in 1985. With permission from the Norwegian authorities, make a landing at this rarely visited outpost to visit the research and weather station, and the remains of a 17th-century Dutch whaling post. Bird observations may include puffins, fulmars, auks and snow buntings.

Day 13: At Sea

As you journey towards Iceland, keep binoculars in hand and head out on deck to watch for seabirds and whales, or visit the bridge for a commanding perspective. Your ship’s open bridge policy always welcomes guests, weather permitting and except when in port. Interact with friendly officers and learn about the sophisticated navigation equipment aboard Prince Albert II. Attend a lecture in The Theatre or in the comfort of your own accommodation with your closed-circuit television channel.

Day 14: Cruise Eyjafjördur, Iceland

Early this morning enter Eyjafjördur (Island Fjord), the longest fjord in central northern Iceland. Take in the beautiful hills and mountains of the Tröllaskagi peninsula where steep hills drop dramatically into the sea. After breakfast, dock in Akureyri, a picturesque town of historic homes and flourishing botanical gardens surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Today you explore Godafoss – the ‘Waterfall of the Gods’ and the oasis of Lake Myvatn – Europe’s largest bird sanctuary. At Skutustadir explore a geothermal wonderland of mud pots, steam vents, sulphur deposits, and boiling springs, sure to be the highlight of the day. Before returning to Akureyri, visit the Krafla Geothermal Station to learn about its history and the harnessing of geothermal energy for electricity production.

Day 15: Húsavík, Iceland

This morning awake in the idyllic Skjálfandi fjord and explore the quaint village of Húsavík. Tour the shores of the Tjörnes Peninsula where large puffin colonies can be found, along with a splendid view of Grímsey Island on the Arctic Circle. In Jökulsárgljúfur, venture into the mystical realm of Viking lore and history. Enjoy lunch beneath the mighty Dettifoss waterfall, marvel at the seething sulphur pits and boiling mud pools near Námaskard and trek over the sand dunes of Hólasandur. Alternatively, a local boat tour across the bay to the magnificent mountains of Kinn, focusing on the many species of whales that may be seen– Blue, Fin, Humpbacks, Minke and Sei is an option. This trip includes a stop and exploration of the award-winning Húsavík Whale Centre before returning back to the ship for a late lunch.

Day 16: Cruise Along Hornbjard Cliffs, Iceland

After breakfast, enjoy a Zodiac exploration of the waters around serrated bird cliffs that soar to 1,739 feet (530 metres) and hold an estimated one million seabirds during the summer’s nesting season. Explore the protected Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and keep watch for Arctic foxes, seals and whales. In the afternoon, the Prince Albert II will anchor off Vigur Island – a priceless gem of solace and spectacular sights including the vibrant blue waters of the Isafjardardjup fjord. Take in historic landmarks and send home a postcard or two from one of the smallest post offices in Europe.

Day 17: Grundarfjördur, Iceland

This morning anchor along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its rugged mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, lava caves and glaciers. The peninsula is dominated by the Snæffellsjokull glacier, which was made popular in Jules Verne’s classic 'Journey to the Center of the Earth'. Explore interesting lava formations and an abundance of birdlife in the tiny fishing village of Arnarstapi. After a tour or the area explore Budir, famed for its beautiful surroundings of black lava and one of the few yellow sand beaches in Iceland.

Day 18: Vestmannaeyjar Island, Iceland

Today you explore the historic ruins of the Herjolfsdalur valley including the island’s famous volcanoes. Hike the crater of Eldfell or Mt. Fire that last erupted in 1973, with parts of the mountain still giving off heat. In the afternoon, circumnavigate the southernmost point of Iceland – the island of Surtsey. View seabird colonies, new vegetation and a stark volcanic landscape from the sea. While on deck, be sure to watch for killer whales and other cetaceans that swim in the waters around the island.

Day 19: Reykjavik, Iceland

Following breakfast, disembark Prince Albert II.

Trip Details

Ship	Prince Albert II
Just Released Offer	Special Inaugural Promotion:Members of ExpeditionTrips.com save up to 25% per person on regular cruise rates. Offer based on availability and subject to change. Call your Program Manager for exact pricing.Applicable Date: 7/12/2008
Highlights	Luxury expedition ship with five-star service; Bear Island, Ny-Ã lesund, Jan Mayen Island and Iceland's highlights
Trip Notes	Included:All ocean-view suite accommodation; complimentary beverages served throughout the ship (a premium assortment of complimentary wines, champagne and spirits are stocked in one of the finest cellars at sea; in-suite beverage cabinet stocked with your preferred assortment of complimentary beverages; all onboard gratuities; no assigned dining time, no assigned table; complimentary in-suite dining and 24-hour room service; complimentary shore side; a full spectrum of entertainment and onboard enrichment from renowned authors to destination specialists; transfers. Not Included:Airfare; government fees and taxes; port charges and handling fees of $315 per person; passport expenses; items of a personal nature; travel insurance.
Payment Policy	A 10% deposit of the total cruise fare is required to confirm your reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Payment Methods: Credit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover, Diners Club).

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-07-12	2008-07-30	+

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