6 minute read
The Arctic: Once in a lifetime
by Explore!
Across the Arctic Circle
Experience the highlights of three epic worlds as you venture across the Arctic Circle. Step back in time to Stone Age structures on the Orkney and Shetland Islands, while the Norwegian coastline is home to reclusive sea otter, kittiwake and even blue whale. The frozen region of Svalbard is the perfect way to round up this Arctic adventure.
Within the 7.7 million square miles of the Arctic Circle are eight countries, each with a distinct cultural identity and sites telling the fascinating history of life at the edge of the world. In the Orkney Islands, 5,000-year-old World Heritage Neolithic sites and Viking relics transport you on a journey through human history. In the Shetlands, prehistoric stone brochs tower into the sky, their original purpose a mystery lost in time. In Norway, we learn more of how the landscape has sparked lore, troll-hunting near Torghatten, a granite mountain pierced with a hole that locals say was made by a flying arrow. Tales of trapping and hunting, whaling and mining will be shared en route to Svalbard as you survey the seas to glimpse polar bear, humpback whale and seal.
Duration: 15 days Ship: M/V Greg Mortimer Depart: May – June Prices from: £8,429pp (trip only) Carbon footprint: 2,426 kg CO₂e (average pp) Optional activites
Kayaking
Add on experiences in Longyearbyen (pre/post trip):
Dogsledding on wheels Electric bike sightseeing Wilderness evening Kayak tours Special guest: Greg Mortimer OAM
Greg will be joining the 2023 sailing of Across the Arctic Circle, as Expedition Leader.
Itinerary
Day 1 Trip starts in Aberdeen Day 2 Board the M/V Greg Mortimer Days 3-4 Orkney Islands Day 5 Shetland Islands Day 6 At sea Days 7-10 Norwegian Coast Day 11 Bear Island and Svalbard Days 12-14 Svalbard Day 15 Trip ends in Longyearbyen
Find out more
explore.co.uk/GMCI
Arctic Complete
Embark on an all-encompassing Arctic voyage, from Iceland to Greenland to Svalbard. As seabirds trail the ship keep your eyes peeled for whale blows on the way to the stunning fjords and glaciers of East Greenland. On hikes across the tundra you might spot musk ox, Arctic hare and reindeer grazing on this vast landscape.
Day 1 Arrival Reykjavik Day 2 Embark the M/V Greg Mortimer Day 3 Denmark Strait Days 4-10 Explore Eastern Greenland Days 11-12 Cross the Greenland Sea Days 13-23 Explore Spitsbergen Day 24 Trip ends in Longyearbyen Optional activites
Kayaking
Add on experiences in Longyearbyen (pre/post trip):
Dogsledding on wheels Electric bike sightseeing Wilderness evening Kayak tours Find out more
explore.co.uk/GMAC
Iceland Circumnavigation
From the glittering black sand beaches to the explosively exciting geysers, explore the best of the Land of Fire and Ice on an Iceland Circumnavigation. Spot whales breaching the waves in Húsavík, hear birds calling from the cliffs of Látrabjarg, and marvel at the beloved Mjóifjördur fjord.
Day 1 Arrival Reykjavik Day 2 Embark the M/V Sylvia Earle and sail to Hvalfjordur Day 3 Stykkisholmur and Snaefellsnes Peninsula Days 4-6 Westfjords Day 7 Grimsey Island Day 8 Hjalteyri Day 9 Seydisfjordur Day 10 Westman Islands Day 11 Disembark in Reykjavik Optional activites
Kayaking Scuba diving Polar plunge Find out more
explore.co.uk/SEIC
NEW Northern Lights Explorer
Witness the spectacular performance of the Northern Lights as you follow the coastlines of the Arctic Circle. Hop aboard a Zodiac to cruise through the narrow passages of Trollfjord, before strolling around scenic villages in the Lofoten Islands. Look to the skies at night and keep your fingers crossed for sightings of blue, green and pink.
You can’t time your watch by the elusive Aurora Borealis, which makes the hunt for a good view of it even more thrilling. We’ve been seeking out the natural phenomenon for so long that we know how to improve our chances of catching it; as night falls in high latitude destinations. On this new trip, we don’t just sit and wait for it to appear; we’re heading out by boat, scanning the sky for signs. We know that the cascading colours are caused by electrically-charged particles from the sun reacting with the gases in our upper atmosphere, but it’s hard to accept that it’s anything less than magic when it’s shimmering above you. It’s the only thing that can make the incredible beauty of the surrounding landscapes fall into momentary insignificance!
Day 1 Join trip in Kirkenes Day 2 Embark the M/V Greg Mortimer Days 3-6 Norwegian Coast Day 7 At sea Day 8 Jan Mayen, Norway Day 9 At sea Days 10-13 East Greenland Day 14 At sea Days 15-17 Iceland Day 18 At sea Days 19-20 Faroe Islands Day 21 At sea Day 22 Trip ends in Bergen
Optional activites
Kayaking Find out more
explore.co.uk/GMNL
East Greenland Explorer
From the world’s largest fjord system to the most remote inhabited settlement in Greenland, there’s plenty to discover as you explore this icy wonderland. Witness the dazzling, sculptural icebergs of Scoresbysund by Zodiac, and trek across the Arctic tundra as you search for musk oxen and Arctic fox.
Day 1 Trip starts in Reykjavik Day 2 Embark the M/V Greg Mortimer Day 3 At sea Days 4-12 East Coast of Greenland Day 13 Sail the Denmark Strait towards Iceland Day 14 Disembark in Reykjavik Optional activites
Kayaking Rock climbing
Find out more
explore.co.uk/GMEG
Greenland Odyssey
Witness the majesty of Greenland’s glaciers, spotting elusive Arctic fox and ringed seal resting on ice floes. Climb aboard a Zodiac to get up close to the icebergs of Prins Christian Sund. The town of Nanortalik will give you a warm welcome, before you move on to the ancient Norse ruin of Hvalsey Church.
Day 1 Trip starts in Reykjavik Day 2 Reykjavik, Golden Circle tour. Embark the M/V Sylvia Earle. Day 3 At sea Day 4 Kangertitivatsiaq Fjord Day 5 Tasiilaq, Sermilik Fjord Day 6 Skjoldungen Island Day 7 Prins Christian Sund Day 8 Tasermiut Fjord, Klosterdal, Nanortalik Day 9 Hvalsey, Qaqortoq Day 10 Paamiut Day 11 Nuuk Day 12 Sisimiut Day 13 Ilulissat Day 14 Eqip Sermia Day 15 Eternity Fjord Day 16 Disembark in Kangerlussuaq. Fly to Toronto. Day 17 Trip ends in Toronto
Optional activites
Kayaking
Find out more
