Expedition Itinerary - Three Arctic Islands

A journey across the Arctic to the land of Vikings, fjords and volcanoes. Quark’s award-winning expedition packs more wildlife and dramatic Arctic coastlines into 14 days than you can imagine. Visiting Iceland, Greenland and Spitsbergen, you'll have great chances to see Bearded Seals as well as walrus, whales, seabirds and - of course - Polar Bears.

Expedition in Brief:

  • Named one of National Geographic Travelers’ 50 Tours of a Lifetime
  • Glaciers and Wildlife of Spitsbergen
  • Remote coast of Greenland
  • Iceland’s volcanic town
  • Zodiac cruising
  • Hiking
  • Optional kayak adventure option on selected expeditions
Three Arctic Islands Interactive Map

Day 1 - Embarkation Day in Longyearbyen

Your voyage will embark in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen.

Day 2 - 4 - Spitsbergen, Norway

Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest of the Norwegian-ruled Svalbard islands, rewards you with abundant wildlife and austere beauty. Here you'll visit spectacular glacier fronts and steep-walled fjords with Walrus, Polar Bear and Spitsbergen Reindeer among your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see Arctic Terns, Skuas, Long-tailed Ducks, Kittiwakes and Glaucous and Ivory Gulls. As an added bonus, when conditions are right, you could sail within 10° of the North Pole!

Day 5 - 6 - Greenland Sea

While sailing the historic Greenland Sea, you'll learn about the wildlife and history of Greenland, your next stop. On deck you'll learn to identify Seabirds on the wing. Share photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie - there are many things to do during your time at sea.

Day 7 - 10 - Eastern Greenland

During your tour of Greenland's remote eastern coast, you'll enjoy sea-level Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Visit the remains of ancient Thule settlements, and keep an eye out for grazing Musk Oxen, as 40% of the world's population of this fascinating mammal lives here. Finally, sail you will sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs, and - some say - the most beautiful fjord system in the world.

Day 11-12 - Denmark Strait

At sea, the Denmark Strait is your pathway east, towards Iceland. Your onboard Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about the history of exploration in the Arctic and the Seabirds that you’ll inevitably see soaring above your ship.

Day 13 - The Westman Islands, Iceland

The local name for these islands is Vestmannaeyjar, named long ago for Irishmen (Westmen) that were enslaved by the medieval Norse-Gaels. This small archipelago is your first sighting of Iceland, the land of fire and ice, which is evident as you tour around the volcanic town of Heimaey. There's also a good chance you'll spot large numbers of Puffins on one of the outlying islands or whales in the surrounding water.

Day 14 - Disembarkation Day in Reykjavik

Your adventure ends at the port of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. From the port we'll transfer you to the city center. If you boarded the ship in Reykjavik, you will disembark in Longyearbyen.


Important Reminder

Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy –and excitement – of expedition travel. When travelling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. The above is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this cruise – please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.