VOYAGES - GREENLAND and SVALBARD 2010

Northeast Greenland - Spitsbergen

Scoresby Sund

Arctic Dreams - journey from Bergen to Longyearbyen

From Steam to Ice

Remote Coast of East Greenland

Northeast Greenland - Spitsbergen

These adventurous voyages provide a rare opportunity to see the remote north-east coast of Greenland and compare and contrast its spectacular scenery, enormous ice-cap and majestic mountains with that of Spitsbergen.

To visit these areas in the past required a camping and trekking expedition. Now you can experience the remarkable Arctic landscape from the comfort of a ship with expeditions ashore to visit Inuit sites, hunters' huts and see the plants, birds and mammals. On clear nights we might be able to see the Aurora Borealis.

At this time of year the pack-ice has retreated northwards and we aim to sail round the north coast of Spitsbergen, much of which is a nature reserve. This will provide opportunities to see walruses, polar bears and rare ivory gulls. Between the high ice-cap of North-East Greenland and the sea, there is a broad strip of low country that is free of snow in summer and covered in places with rich vegetation that supports many animals, from muskoxen to butterflies. The weather is usually calm and fine in what has been called the 'Arctic Riviera'. This is also the area where the Sledge Patrol played out its game of hide-and-seek during World II. Some of the people of Ittoqqortoormiit, the main settlement in the region, still make a living hunting polar bears, muskoxen, seals, whales and seabirds.

Crossing from north west Spitsbergen we keepwatch for fin, humpback and minke whales and approach East Greenland where we make our first landing at Myggebugten. We hope to encounter narwhal and should see muskoxen from the ship. Moving south to Scoresby Sund we land near a glacier and encounter huge icebergs before continuing with many highlights en route to Ittoqqortoormiit, disembarking finally in Akureyri in north Iceland for the journey home.

Travel from London - London (embark in Longyearbyen)

Prices per person based on twin cabin

Scoresby Sund

Bearded Seal

Early autumn is the best time to explore the coast of East Greenland as the ice floes have usually dispersed and it is possible to enter the fjords. This is a voyage to a seldom-visited part of the coast. The days are still long, but temperatures can drop below freezing and the scenery of stark ice contrasts with rich autumnal colours on the tundra. We visit a modern settlement and witness traditional Greenlandic culture. We should see birds moving south on migration, muskoxen, seals and possibly narwhals. On clear nights we may see the Aurora Borealis or Northern lights.

Travel from London - London (embark in Akureyri)

Prices per person based on twin cabin.

This voyage combines the classic highlights of the Arctic with the convenience of small ship expeditioning. Starting in Bergen, we will discover some of the most remote and scenic parts of the Arctic Circle, including Runde, Norway's biggest bird sanctuary and the Lofoten Islands. Rarely visited Bear Island with its lofty sea stacks and tundra wildflowers will provide good hiking opportunities and the voyage ends at Spitsbergen where we hope to see eider ducks, Arctic foxes, ivory gulls, walrus and seals whilst all the while staying alert for polar bears.

This 12 day voyage starts in Iceland, steaming north to explore the incredible coastline of East Greenland - countless fjords, snow capped mountains, late summer icebergs, glaciers and the elusive Arctic wildlife. The first landfall in East Greenland is at the beginning of the High Arctic and from there the ship cruises south. Explore through shore landings, treks and Zodiac cruising. A new addition to the program this year - before completing the expedition cruise - visit Westmann Isles off the southwest coast of Iceland before disembarking in Reykjavik.

The Polar Regions are still the most remote destinations on earth and a privilege to visit. East Greenland is today a protected national park with shy and elusive wildlife, the most awesome expanses of stunning natural landscapes and legendary stories of mankind's exploration and settlement in this challenging environment from the hunter's huts to today's Greenlandic Inuit communities. Join us as we explore this landscape of dramatic fjords, pack ice, late summer icebergs and endless tundra - truly stunning. Your 13 day voyage starts in Spitsbergen and ends in Iceland.