HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience
life on the edge of the world in Longyearbyen
- Look
out for polar bears, reindeer and arctic foxes on Svalbard’s
coastlines
- Explore
the diverse Arctic landscapes of the Svalbard archipelago
- Uncover
Iceland’s spectacular and untouched Westfjords region
- Marvel
at Iceland’s cascading Dynjandi waterfall
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Oceanview D4 |
|---|
| May 29, 2026 | Jun 09, 2026 | 8,880 |
| Jul 29, 2026 | Aug 09, 2026 | 8,980 |
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Oceanview D4 |
|---|
| May 29, 2026 | Jun 09, 2026 | 8,880 |
| Jul 29, 2026 | Aug 09, 2026 | 8,980 |
ITINERARY
Tromsø
Day 1
Known
as the Arctic gateway, Tromso is a remote Norwegian city at 69°
north, 250 miles above the Arctic Circle, where you can take in the
soft glow of the midnight sun. Make time to attend a midnight concert
at Tromso’s distinctive Arctic Cathedral or learn more about
early polar explorations at the Polar Museum. Famed for the Northern
Lights on winter nights, you can find out more about this natural
spectacle at the Science Centre.
Bear
Island Day 2
The
greatest bird cliff in the Barents Sea is on Bear Island, or
Bjørnøya, Svalbard’s southernmost
island. Thousands of breeding seabirds - Atlantic puffin, northern
gannet, glaucous gull, great skua, black-legged kittiwake, little auk,
common guillemot and Brünnich’s guillemot colonies
nest on the steep cliffs south of Sørhamna around Kapp
Kolthoff. Only Zodiacs can come alongside, where distinctive sea stack
rock columns, impressive sea caves and tunnels, such as Perleporten,
have been created by the battering seas.
Svalbard
Day 3-5
Located
deep inside the Arctic Circle, approaching the Svalbard archipelago
feels a lot like sailing towards the edge of the world. Known as the
kingdom of the polar bears, we’ll be hoping to spot some of
its subjects as we explore some of the most varied polar landscapes in
the Arctic. Down in our Zodiac boats, we’ll get close to the
gargantuan glaciers, rapidly retreating from the oceans that they feed.
In the north of the archipelago, past the magnificent fjords, the
remaining sea ice offers the perfect hunting ground for polar bears.
Closer to Longyearbyen, the landscape is punctuated with large areas
devoid of snow and ice alongside vast tundra and exposed beaches.
Alongside Svalbard’s 3,000 polar bears, this Arctic wildlife
hotspot is also home to walrus, Svalbard reindeer, ringed seal, the
arctic fox and many species of marine mammals and seabirds.
At
Sea Day 4
Today
as you sail, you’ll bask in the endless comforts of your
ship. From the deck, marvel at the dramatic sea views. Relax with a
nurturing facial treatment or massage in the spa or delve into the
ship’s learning resources. Or, simply take refuge in your
cabin and enjoy the opportunity to rest.
Jan
Mayen Island Day 7
The
snow-covered stratovolcano Beerenberg dominates the ice cap and
glaciers at the northeast end of Jan Mayen Island. Halfway between
Svalbard and Iceland, the only residents on this Norwegian island are
members of the Norwegian Armed Forces or working at the meteorological
station. During a nature walk to the station, and along the black sandy
beach, you can see numerous plant species. Nesting northern fulmars,
Brünnich’s and black guillemots and little auks make
the island an important birding area.
At
Sea Day 8
Days
at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes
your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa,
trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or
simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance
to the green days spent exploring on land.
Akureyri
Day 9
Home
to some 18,000 residents, Akureyri stands proud as the Land of Fire and
Ice’s ‘Capital of the North’.
It’s the gateway to some natural wonders including the Myvatn
region, Dettifoss waterfall, Godafoss waterfall and Asbyrgi canyon. But
before you rush off, take some time to explore: Iceland’s
winsome second city is colourful, cosy and utterly enchanting
– even the red traffic lights are cute. Instagrammers will
adore heart-shaped stop signs. Enjoy the quaint harbourfront; climb the
steps to the towering Akureyri Church; stroll around Lystigardurinn,
the city’s Arctic botanical garden; visit the
Laufás Turf Houses; get in the festive spirit early at the
Christmas House (Jolahusid); admire the exhibits at the Akureyri Art
Museum or the Hof cultural centre; or take a dip in the outdoor,
geothermal swimming pool.
Isafjordur
& Vigur Island Day 10
Arrive
today in the charming, tiny fishing harbour of
Ísafjördur. The village’s touristic
highlights include the Westfjord Heritage Museum and The Museum House
(Old Hospital). Located at the heart of the Westfjords peninsula,
it’s a great jumping-off point for exploration so journey by
Zodiac to the island of Vigur – the pearl of the Western
Fjords. The second-largest island in the fjord, measuring two
kilometres by 400 metres, it’s a significant seabird colony,
which is home to arctic terns, puffins, black guillemots and eider
ducks. As one of only two inhabited islands in the fjord, Vigur is also
the site of a single farm, which has been in the same family for
generations. During your time on the island, you might see
Iceland’s only windmill, the country’s smallest
post office and oldest boat, which was built more than 200 years ago
and in regular use until relatively recently.
Dynjandi
Waterfall Day 11
Considered
one of Iceland’s most impressive, this thunderous waterfall
in the Westfjords region gives the impression of a bridal veil as it
spreads its tumbling waters down a series of ever- growing cascades.
Dynjandi is one of the most photographed sights in Iceland. Walking up
to it takes 15 minutes passing five smaller waterfalls. Nearby,
Hrafnseyri is the birthplace of Jón Sigurdsson, 19th-century
leader of the Icelandic Independence movement. The museum includes an
Icelandic turf house.
Reykjavik
Day 12
Despite
its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do in
this diminutive but dramatic city. To get your bearings, take the
elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church,
designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson is
one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to
earth, visit the city’s other renowned building Harpa Concert
Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík's regenerated
harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of
cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland
from past to present. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an
impressive contemporary collection including eye-catching pieces by
Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometres outside the city
lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s
original Viking parliament.
SH Vega (Luxury Expedition, 152-guests)
Making her maiden voyage in April 2022, our 5 star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage.
Our brand new ship has been designed to journey to off the beaten path destinations and remote polar regions in style and comfort. The ship incorporates a PC5 ice-strengthened hull combined with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as smooth as possible.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Return
regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation
(where specified)
- Group
return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included
accommodation where applicable)
- One
night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or
onboard
- All
meals onboard
- 24-hour
room service
- Coffee,
tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours
per day
- Lecture
programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
- Standard
WiFi
- Onboard
gratuities and port taxes
- One
selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call
- Branded
Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
- Itineraries
are correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change
