Wonders of the High Arctic: Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland

Today youll arrive in the beautiful city of Oslo. The Norwegian capital is the smallest in Scandinavia but packs a punch when it comes to cultural and nature-based experiences. Half of Oslo is covered in forest and parks and its cityscape is a melange of historical buildings and cutting-edge architecture, as well as outdoor sculptures and street art. The city is home to three famous museums honouring the rich nautical heritage of the Norse race and its warrior ancestors. Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel.

Fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen, high above the Arctic Circle. The capital of the Norwegian Svalbard Archipelago, Longyearbyen is on Svalbard’s main island and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. The untouched landscapes make you feel like you are in completely unexplored territory. Today, you will meet the Captain and crew of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. Be welcomed on board with a glass of Champagne, explore your spacious suite and meet your fellow guests for a drink in the Sky Bar as you toast the start of an unforgettable journey.

Welcome to the remote wilderness of the Svalbard Archipelago, a dramatic polar desert surrounded by rugged glaciers, frozen tundra and craggy mountain peaks. Open the blackout curtains of your ultra-luxury suite and step onto your private verandah to take in the inspiring views. Each day unveils a new breathtaking vista, from the dramatic contrast of tundra and volcanic islands sprinkled with lush greenery, to the occasional snow-capped peaks that emerge majestically from the landscape.    Today, join an introductory presentation about your expedition by the Discovery Team as they explain how your Zodiac and other Discovery excursions will work in the coming days.

As we continue cruising around Svalbard, there could be opportunities to see wildlife like whales, Arctic foxes, seals and seabirds, along with possible sightings of Svalbard reindeer, wolverines and Arctic rabbits. Be sure to keep the binoculars provided in your suite with you or use the Swarovski telescopes in the Observation Lounge for a closer look at the Arctic wildlife.   Discovery: You will partake in daily Discovery excursions by Zodiac, kayaking and nature walks. Discover majestic Arctic scenery, tundra landscapes, and native wildlife and marine life, exploring pristine locations.

Continue cruising around the spectacular Svalbard Archipelago. When enjoying daily Discovery excursions, ask for the expert Discovery Team for photography tips and guidance on how to spot the wildlife around you. They will help you immortalise these incredible moments while cruising on the Zodiacs around impressive ice formations.    With up to 20 members including geologists, historians, ornithologists, marine biologists, and glaciologists, the Discovery Team is at the heart of your Expedition Voyage.   Discovery: Partake in daily Discovery excursions by Zodiac, kayak and nature walks. Discover majestic Arctic scenery, tundra landscapes, and native wildlife and marine life, exploring pristine locations.

Today, your Discovery Yacht will cross the Greenland Sea. Perhaps enjoy a quiet morning spent on your spacious verandah. Later join your fellow guests for a casual lunch in Azure Bar & Café, or you could start the day with an invigorating work out in the gym or a class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio.  During the day, the theatre comes alive with captivating lectures from our Discovery Team. Be sure to check the Daily Program on your TV for timing—you won’t want to miss these inspiring sessions!  Find a spot in one of our observation lounges and enjoy the spectacular surrounding landscapes. The selection of specialty restaurants on board allows you to dine around the world each night, from Koko’s Asian Fusion to French fine dining at Lumière (available by on board reservation). 

Nestled beside the worlds largest and deepest multi-branched fjord system, Ittoqqortoormiit stands as one of Greenlands most remote towns. Home to approximately 350 residents, this small community offers a fascinating insight into the traditional Inuit way of life. Here, people have embraced a sea-dependent existence, where the ever-changing sea ice opens up new opportunities for exploration.  Immerse yourself in the communitys resilience with a guided tour. Explore key landmarks such as the museum, church, weather station, and public service building. Enjoy the chance to have your passport stamped in this unique destination, adding a unique touch to your visit.   Discovery: Weather permitting, join the Discovery Team on Zodiac excursions, explore by kayak or enjoy shore landings. 

Scoresbysund is the largest and deepest fjord system in the world, and the birthplace of many of Greenland’s glaciers. Be amazed by the mountainous surrounds, the lively wildlife and the memorable adventures. Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, the sailing and expedition schedule is flexible. Your experienced Captain and Discovery Team leader will use their expertise to give you the best experience in this extraordinary part of the world.  As we enter this magnificent fjord system, stand in awe on the Observation Terrace or your private verandah, where you can marvel at the sheer grandeur of your surroundings. 

Experience an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscape of Scoresbysund, a fjord that reaches a staggering 350 kilometres in length and plunges down 600 metres. Scenic Eclipse will navigate through a maze of towering icebergs that gently drift under Arctic waters, calving from parent glaciers from the Inland Ice.   Take in this awe-inspiring landscape from the Observation Deck alongside your expert Discovery Team, who can answer any questions you have. Or perhaps you’d like to take it all in from the confort of your private verandah.  Discovery: Weather permitting, join the Discovery Team on a hike across the tundra, looking for muskoxen and blue Arctic foxes blending into the basalt rock. Cruise in a Zodiac to view hauled-out walruses and seals resting along the shoreline, and keep watch for migratory minke, humpback and fin whales. 

Scoresby Sund is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, with towering cliffs, majestic icebergs, and vast glaciers. The surrounding landscape is predominantly mountainous, defined by steep, ascending slopes. While wildlife sightings in Greenland are not always certain, spotting animals in their natural environment is a truly extraordinary experience. The region is home to various species, such as Musk Ox and Arctic Hares.  Tonight, could be the night you enjoy Sushi @ Koko’s (available by on board reservation) with your new friends. Stay up late in the bar or retire to the library for a moment of blissful solitude before bed. 

Today we will exit the magnificent Scoresbysund fjord. Wake up at your own time and ask your butler to bring breakfast to your suite, so you can take in the awe-inspiring views from your private verandah. Enjoy some downtime at the expensive 550sqm Senses Spa. Book an appointment# with our skillful wellness therapists and surrender yourself to bliss. Afterwards, hold on to that feeling of calm for a while longer in the Zen-like space of the Vitality Lounge. Here, ambient light envelops you with tranquil music as the heat from our soothing thermal loungers works to gently purify the body.

Enjoy some relaxation on board today. Indulge in the 550sqm Senses Spa, reinvigorating your mind, body and soul. Pamper yourself with holistic ESPA treatments#, including massages and facials or experience alternative therapies such as Japanese shiatsu and Tibetan bowl sound healing.   The Discovery Team will be hosting lectures in the state-of-the-art theatre, recapping the wonders you have seen so far and providing inspiration for the ports to come.    Enjoy an evening in the state-of-the-art-theatre entertained by world-class performances as you sit back and relax sipping your favourite cocktail. Alternatively, choose to dine in the comfort of your suite and have your evening nightcap brought by your butler. Scenic Eclipse will arrive in Akureyri later this evening, where it will stay overnight.  

Akureyri is a small city nestled along the scenic shores of Eyjafjord. Regularly overshadowed by Iceland’s famous capital Reykjavik, Akureyri is a more laidback and intimate experience. The city is easily explored on foot – enjoy the day walking around its vibrant streets lined with colourful houses, boutique shops, and cosy cafes. Take a wander through the botanical gardens or embark on a whale-watching tour. Tonight, settle in at the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar to enjoy your beverage of choice, whether it be aged whiskey—there are over 130 varieties—or a glass of wine, while reflecting on the days discoveries. 

Welcome to Vigur Island, a private island oasis off Icelands coast and just below the Arctic Circle. The island has a history dating to the 11th century and is a time capsule of Icelandic heritage, boasting charming buildings and traditional farming for eiderdown. Vigur Island is also designated as an internationally important seabird habitat, where you may seem some of the 7,000 breeding eider ducks, 100,000 puffins, nesting Arctic terns and Europe’s largest colony of black guillemot. There’s also a seal colony and passing whales, making this a remote wildlife sanctuary. 

Weather permitting, today well visit the jewel of the Westfjords, Dynjandi Waterfall. Feel the freezing mist on your face as you admire the cascading bridal veil falls and discover why it was nicknamed ‘the thunder’. Tumbling down seven tiers over 100 metres, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Marvel at natures grandeur and wildlife spectacle as you cruise through this remote corner of Iceland.  

Today your journey concludes in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital in a country of extremes. It serves as the gateway to Iceland’s Golden Circle, a breathtaking volcanic landscape where geysers, waterfalls, and glaciers await. The city itself is the country’s quirky and creative heart, filled with colorful buildings, a buzzing nightlife and a wealth of museums.  Enjoy one last leisurely breakfast on board, reflecting on the cherished memories from your voyage. Please book your flight to depart out of Reykjavik after 12:00 PM. #Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board. ^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions.    Helicopter is not operational in Greenland.  The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.