Total solar eclipse and the three pearls of the Arctic

Welcome to Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Svalbard and the starting point of your Arctic expedition! After arriving at the hotel, you will have time to explore the charming and compact town center.

You can begin your journey of discovery through this fascinating Norwegian Arctic region at the excellent Svalbard Museum, where you can also purchase rare polar books and maps. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at one of Longyearbyen's many delicious restaurants.

If you are still awake at midnight, you will notice that the sun is still shining, as Spitsbergen experiences continuous daylight during your stay. However, this will change on the expedition cruise, as the trip also includes viewing a total solar eclipse.

Spitsbergen is a true high-Arctic wilderness, and this part of the journey is a real expedition. The itinerary and exploration opportunities depend heavily on the weather and ice conditions you encounter. The experienced captain and expedition leader determine the itinerary and continuously adapt the plans to the conditions and possibilities. You can be sure that you will make the most of the natural circumstances in this wild and remote corner of the Arctic.

The goal is to explore the northwestern part of Spitsbergen Island. This area boasts the archipelago's most impressive landscapes and some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the Arctic. Deep fjords and narrow channels are flanked by rugged, snow-capped mountain peaks. Huge tidal glaciers calve icebergs into the turquoise waters. Reindeer and playful arctic foxes graze in the flowering tundra. The rich coastal waters are home to a wide variety of marine mammals. Polar bears can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Spitsbergen.

Ny-Ålesund is also located in this area. The former coal mining settlement is now home to international Arctic research stations. Here you will also find a small, charming museum, a souvenir shop, and a post office. Ny-Ålesund was also the starting point for numerous attempts to reach the North Pole.

Even more so than in Spitsbergen, the route in East Greenland is heavily dependent on the weather and, above all, on ice conditions. Here, too, the route is redefined daily to bring you closer to the beauty of East Greenland in a safe manner.

The Franz Josef Fjord and Kong Oscar Fjord systems are part of East Greenland National Park, the largest national park in the world. Scoresbysund is the largest and longest fjord system in the world. Discover these impressive fjord systems, which are also known for their constantly changing ice conditions.

This area boasts some of the most impressive landscapes in the Arctic! Deep fjords and narrow channels are surrounded by mountains up to 2,000 meters high. Large glaciers repeatedly calve icebergs that are driven by the wind, currents, and tides. The multicolored autumn tundra, musk oxen, and snow hares remain unforgettable as part of a sensitive ecosystem!

The vast, open, and seemingly untouched landscape you will discover is a paradise for hikers. You will also find archaeological sites from the Thule culture, old trapper huts, and more recent Inuit hunting huts. East Greenland is an almost hidden gem of the earth!

The Inuit settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit is the only permanent settlement in the region. An excellent museum, a souvenir shop, and a post office invite visitors to linger. Greenlandic sled dogs outnumber the local population.

The days are filled with exciting shore excursions, interesting lectures by the experienced team of lecturers, and above all, unforgettable scenery. Every night offers the chance to see the Northern Lights dancing in the sky, as this is the perfect season for these surreal phenomena.

After spending time in East Greenland and witnessing the total solar eclipse, you will cross the Denmark Strait towards Iceland, passing the Arctic Circle. Presentations and workshops by experts, as well as a wide range of leisure activities on board, will ensure that this day at sea is anything but idle. Seabirds and whales can be observed from the open panorama decks, as well as from the windows and balconies of the outside cabins.

After breakfast, you will say goodbye in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland and starting point of the expedition.

The polar regions are among the most photogenic places in the world, offering countless beautiful landscapes every day. Boundless ice fields, beaches full of seals, sunsets on the endless horizon, a starry sky, and the majestic northern lights—all of these provide fantastic photo opportunities. To ensure that you return from your trip with truly successful pictures, you have the opportunity to learn more about the theory and practice of photography alongside an experienced photographer.

The photography expert will answer your questions and give practical tips – both in the form of lectures on board and during workshops on land. Learn the most important elements of photography in an entertaining way, against a dreamlike backdrop and with plenty of opportunities for questions and feedback. Discover how to perceive light in a whole new way in the polar region and what new image compositions can be created here.

The islands and fjords of the Arctic offer some of the most unique and interesting kayaking areas in the world. Experience calving glaciers in Spitsbergen, imposing icebergs in Greenland, or the sea ice of the Arctic Ocean in safe and comfortable kayaks. Join us on unique kayaking expeditions and discover the Arctic on professionally guided tours!

This optional activity is not just a one-time kayaking tour, but membership in an exclusive club for the duration of your trip. The kayaking experts will take you out on the water as often as possible, depending on weather and ice conditions. With your membership in the Sea Kayak Club, you have the opportunity to kayak as often as possible during your trip.

The Sea Kayak Club is offered on trips to the north, such as Greenland, Svalbard (Spitsbergen), Franz Josef Land, or a combination of these areas.

Before your first tour, you will receive detailed instructions, and a safety boat will always be standing by near the paddlers, just in case. Qualified instructors ensure safety during the kayak tours and assist you in getting in and out of the kayak.

• Basic kayaking and paddling experience required
• Paddling suit, spray skirt, personal flotation device/life jacket, booties, and neoprene mittens are provided.
• Price per person: $695