Fly from London to Oslo and, on arrival, transfer to your hotel for a one-night stay. Upon reaching your included hotel, you will be met by a representative of AE Expeditions and can visit the hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and speak with the ground operations team, who can provide useful information about pre-embarkation procedures, dining options, local pharmacies, supermarkets, or other last-minute needs. The remainder of your time is at leisure, allowing you to settle in, explore the area at your own pace, or simply relax after your journey. All meals today are at your own expense, giving you the flexibility to try a local café, restaurant, or enjoy a quiet evening at the hotel.

This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. You may enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for the charter flight to Longyearbyen for embarkation, keeping any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day. Upon arrival in Longyearbyen, you will explore the town on a guided tour before being transferred directly to the pier for late-afternoon embarkation. After settling into your cabin and attending mandatory safety briefings, you can enjoy the excitement of departure as the ship sets sail.

Note: The excursion is contingent on the arrival time of the charter flight to Longyearbyen.

Svalbard offers Arctic wilderness at its finest. The experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this region, will use their expertise to tailor the itinerary, selecting the best options based on prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions, and opportunities for wildlife encounters. Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountain ranges, and a polar desert rich in fossils set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. You may see walrus hauled out on sea ice or beaches, and on land, stretch your legs on walks across tundra carpeted with brightly coloured wildflowers. Towering cliffs teem with nesting guillemots and puffins, while scree slopes host Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. If you have chosen an optional activity such as kayaking, you will have the opportunity to enjoy it when conditions allow. For those eager to take a polar plunge, the announcement will signal when conditions are suitable, offering an exhilarating dip and a memory to treasure for years to come.

Sailing towards the coast of East Greenland, you may encounter whales feeding in the rich northern waters. Approaching East Greenland, be prepared to see more pack ice and possibly spot seals and a variety of seabirds, including northern fulmars and Brünnich’s guillemots. The strong, icy currents have isolated East Greenland from the Polar Basin, attracting large numbers of fish, seals, and whales. Climatic conditions and the concentration of ice often create thick morning fog that typically lifts with the midday sun. Experts provide engaging discussions on plants, animals, ice, and heroic tales of exploration.

In the coming days, a variety of options are available depending on ice and weather conditions along East Greenland’s coast, with the experienced Expedition Team tailoring the itinerary daily to make the best use of conditions and wildlife opportunities, typically aiming for up to two landings or Zodiac excursions per day, including cruising along ice cliffs and observing feeding whales. East Greenland offers some of the Arctic’s most dramatic scenery, with deep fjords, narrow channels, ice-clad peaks up to 2,000 metres, and glaciers calving massive icebergs, while the tundra supports musk oxen, arctic hare, and reindeer, and ancient Thule sites, historical trappers’ huts, and modern Inuit cabins reveal the region’s human history. Highlights include Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland’s most isolated settlement, and Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord, where massive glaciers give birth to majestic icebergs. North lie Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, rich in wildlife and striking geological formations. Hikes across tundra may reveal musk ox, reindeer, and arctic foxes, while sea kayaking offers encounters with ring seals, narwhal, and possibly polar bears on pack ice, and birdlife includes glaucous gulls, kittiwakes, fulmars, ravens, and common eiders, making every day an immersive Arctic adventure.

As you cross the Denmark Strait to Iceland, keep your eyes on the horizon for whale blows rising from the deep Arctic waters, a thrilling reminder of the region’s abundant marine life. The skies and waves are alive with seabirds, swooping and gliding alongside the ship in the ever-present Arctic winds, offering endless opportunities for photography and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Every moment on deck presents a chance to witness nature at its most dramatic, as the powerful sea and sky combine to create a truly exhilarating journey.

After disembarking Sylvia Earle in Reykjavik and transferring to your hotel, begin your Icelandic adventure in the vibrant capital, where modern design meets rich Nordic heritage. Take the day to settle in and explore at your own pace, with optional activities such as strolling along colourful streets, visiting the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church, or enjoying a coffee at a local café. In the evening, gather for your Welcome Moment to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, learn about the upcoming journey, and join the group for a local dinner to enjoy Icelandic cuisine and connect with new friends. This first day sets the tone for your adventure, allowing you to relax after the cruise while experiencing the charm and culture of Reykjavik

After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey from Reykjavik to Akureyri, Icelands charming Capital of the North. As you travel, take in the breathtaking landscapes, from rolling hills to dramatic coastlines, and watch for glimpses of local wildlife along the way. Upon arrival, explore Akureyris quaint old town, where colourful houses, cozy cafes, and boutique shops give the town its unique character. There is an opportunity to enjoy lunch at a local eatery before the afternoons optional adventures. One of the highlights of the area is Eyjafjordur, a stunning fjord renowned for its rich marine life—consider joining a whale watching excursion for an unforgettable encounter with these majestic creatures. Whether strolling through the town or enjoying the fjord, Akureyri offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and Icelandic culture, making it an ideal introduction to the north.

Set off from Akureyri and journey eastward through some of Icelands most dramatic landscapes. Your first stop is the breathtaking Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, where 12 meters of cascading water plunge into a turquoise basin—perfect for photographs from multiple viewpoints. Continue to Lake Myvatn, a volcanic jewel formed over 2000 years ago, renowned for its abundant birdlife and striking scenery. Nearby, explore the lava formations of Dimmuborgir, or Dark Forts, where jagged pillars, arches, and lava caves create an otherworldly landscape. From there, visit the geothermal area of Namaskarð, a surreal site of bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and mineral rich hot springs. Next, witness the raw power of Dettifoss, Europes mightiest waterfall, as torrents of water thunder 45 meters down into the canyon below. Conclude the day by arriving in Bakkagerdi (Borgarfjordur) in the East Fjords, where you will spend the night in a welcoming local guesthouse, soaking in the peaceful fjord scenery and reflecting on a day full of Icelandic natural wonders.

Leave the quaint village of Bakkagerdi and follow the scenic coastline through Icelands dramatic Eastern Fjords, where rugged mountains meet the North Atlantic. Along the way, pause to admire the fjords picturesque fishing villages, cascading waterfalls, and winding roads that offer countless photo opportunities. Keep your eyes on the horizon for stunning views of Vatnajokull, Europes largest glacier, as its icy expanse dominates the landscape. The journey is dotted with memorable stops, allowing you to stretch your legs, explore hidden coves, and take in the sheer scale and beauty of the region. Each turn reveals a new vista, from jagged cliffs and serene bays to charming local settlements, making the drive as remarkable as the destination. Arrive in Hofn, a town famous for its lobster and coastal charm, ready to relax and enjoy a well earned evening amid the spectacular scenery of southeastern Iceland.

Begin the day with a visit to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, where massive icebergs drift toward the shore and seals can often be seen sunbathing on the bright blue ice. Stop at the nearby Diamond Beach, named for the chunks of glacier ice that wash up on the black sand, sparkling like crystals as they slowly melt. For a unique perspective, consider exploring the lagoon by boat to get closer to the floating icebergs. Continue on to Skaftafell National Park, where you can enjoy hiking trails that wind through glaciers, waterfalls, and lush landscapes. For those seeking adventure, a pre-booked glacier hike with full equipment is available, offering an unforgettable experience on the ice. In the evening, drive to the small town of Vik, nestled along the southern coast, where dramatic cliffs and volcanic black sand beaches create a striking backdrop. The day combines awe-inspiring natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and opportunities for adventure, giving you a perfect taste of Iceland’s southern wonders.

Start the day with a visit to Reynisfjara Beach, just outside of Vik. Its black sand and striking rock formations make for stunning photographs. Take some time to watch the foaming waves crash over the shore, explore the shallow cave if weather and time permit, and capture images of the iconic basalt sea stacks. Continue along the famous Golden Circle route, stopping at Seljalandsfoss, a 60-meter tall waterfall with a path behind the cascade, offering a unique perspective of the falling water. Next, visit Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls, where water tumbles over three steps into a deep crevice. Continue to Geysir, home to geothermal pools and the erupting Strokkur hot spring, which shoots boiling water into the air roughly every ten minutes. Conclude the day at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Walk along the Almannagja rift, view the Oxara river and Oxarafoss waterfall, and learn about the area’s historic role as the site of Iceland’s first parliament. Arrive in Reykjavik in the early evening, completing a day full of natural wonders and rich history.

Your journey comes to an end in Reykjavik. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to London, taking with you memories of Iceland’s stunning landscapes and unique experiences.