Spitsbergen and East Greenland

Day 1 • Monday, August 24
Embark: Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen
Embark the Vavilov late this afternoon on the Arctic island of Spitsbergen. (D)

Days 2-4 • Tuesday-Thursday, August 25-27
Spitsbergen
Spend three days exploring the western coast of Spitsbergen, the largest of the Svalbard Islands. Taking advantage of local weather and ice conditions, we explore the 14th of July Glacier and Monaco Glacier. While in Spitsbergen, explore the settlement of Ny Alesund, a historic town where many of the North Pole’s exploratory missions were launched — we are only 534 miles from the North Pole! You have the opportunity to visit the most northerly Post Office to send notes home. Moffen Island is a walrus sanctuary, where we may see these tusked creatures hauled out on shore or swimming in the protected waters. As we enter the pack ice, polar bear sightings are also possible! (B,L,D Daily)

Days 5 & 6 • Friday & Saturday, August 28 & 29
Greenland Sea
While at sea, the expedition team will give talks on the wildlife and cultures of Greenland, while our naturalists will teach you to use spotting scopes and assist with seabird identification from the deck of our ship. (B,L,D Daily)

Days 7-10 • Sunday-Wednesday, August 30 – September 2
Eastern Greenland
The coast of eastern Greenland is wild, rugged and often ice-bound. This area provides an excellent habitat for polar bears and walruses. We’ll sail the ice edge, lowering Zodiacs to cruise past icebergs at ocean level or to go ashore, visiting a number of interesting sites, including Rypefjord, Rødefjorden and Danmark Island.

While exploring we’ll also visit Scoresbysund Fjord, the largest fjord in the world and a year-round haven for marine wildlife. Perched at the edge of the fjord is the most northerly permenant settlement in East Greenland — Ittoqqortoormiit. In this remote, modern-day village, stroll through the streets with a local guide, learning about the lives of the approximately 500 people who inhabit this hunting community.

 There are opportunities to photograph superb landscapes as we hike across this remarkable tundra. Contrasting to Svalbard’s icy desert, East Greenland presents a lush variety of colorful wildflowers against a dramatic mountain background. In addition to polar bears, at all times we’ll be on the alert for musk oxen — 40% of the world’s population lives on the eastern coast of Greenland. (B,L,D Daily)

Days 11 & 12 • Thursday & Friday, September 3 & 4
Denmark Strait
Sail for Iceland across the Denmark Strait, enjoying time to process the beauty of the Arctic. There is ample opportunity to spot whales and other marine mammals and bird life, or enjoy a guided tour of the Vavilov. Our expedition team will also give talks on the geology and history of Iceland and its surrounding islands. (B,L,D Daily)

Day 13 • Saturday, September 5
Westmann Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)
Like the rest of Iceland, the Westmann Islands are volcanically active. As recently as 1973, a new island, Surtsey, was created as a result of an eruption. The history of the Westmann Islands is as shrouded by the mists of time as a Norse Saga. The name was used by the Norse to refer to Irishmen or “west men.” You’ll learn more of the history of the islands on a walking tour of the town of Heimaey. (B,L,D)

Day 14 • Sunday, September 6
Reykjavik, Iceland
This expedition disembarks in the bustling capital of Iceland, Reykjavik. (B)