Beyond the Arctic Circle: Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland

Welcome to the cultural hub of the Arctic, Tromsø, Norway. Located 400km above the Arctic Circle, this cosmopolitan city is surprisingly vibrant for its remote location. In the afternoon, you'll board the 6-star, ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. With a maximum of just 228 guests on board and a staff-to-guest ratio close to 1:1, this is personalized travel unlike any other. Settle into your stylish suite and toast to the start of this luxurious voyage. Please ensure your flight arrives in Tromsø before 02:00 PM.

Spend the morning getting to know your 6-star ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Join an introductory presentation by the Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre. As you prepare for your first landing, they will share their excitement about what's to come, along with practical information about your polar expedition. Enjoy the rest of your day as you wish - you may choose a class in the fitness spaces or simply relax in one of the therapy lounges in the Senses Spa. Meet new friends in one of the exceptional bars and lounges or ask the butler to bring your favourite cocktail to your private verandah.

Today, you'll discover the remote wilderness of Svalbard, a polar desert surrounded by rugged glaciers, wildflowers, and craggy mountain peaks. Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, your voyage itinerary is flexible, depending on weather conditions. Your experienced Captain and Discovery Team leader will use their expertise to design this section of your voyage from day to day. Join a lecture with the Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre and learn more about the places you'll be visiting. Partake in daily excursions by Zodiac, kayak, and on nature walks to discover majestic Arctic scenery, tundra landscapes, wildlife, and marine life.

Start your day with breakfast in bed or head to the Yacht Club before looking for wildlife in the pristine Arctic scenery. During your voyage, there will be opportunities to see polar bears, walruses, whales, Arctic foxes, seals, and seabirds, along with possible sightings of Svalbard reindeer, wolverines, and Arctic rabbits. Possible landing sites include Ny Ålesund, home to the world's northernmost post office. Learn about this quaint town's rich history in the Kings Bay Museum and hike Arctic trails with the Discovery Team.

Join the Captain on the bridge as we sail through an Arctic wonderland. The open bridge policy provides an opportunity to learn about the technical abilities of your Discovery Yacht as well as joining the captain and Discovery Team in spotting wildlife from one of the best vantage points on the ship. Spotting the Arctic's elusive wildlife might be a chance of luck, but thanks to the eagle-eyed, experienced crew, your chances are greatly increased on board Scenic Eclipse. The Discovery Team experts are always on hand to share their knowledge and passion for this remarkable destination.

Open the relieving blackout curtains in your ultra-luxury suite and step onto your private verandah to take in the inspiring views. Today, our journey may take us to the Northeast Svalbard Nature Reserve, the area's highest population of polar bears and walruses, or to the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, where we can cruise through spectacular fjords and see the vast wall of ice known as the Monaco Glacier. Join the Discovery Team in Zodiac excursions around nature's floating ice sculptures.

Everywhere you look, the Arctic is picture-perfect. Whether you're an absolute beginner or an experienced photographer, you can be sure to take photos that will capture the stunning surroundings. Perhaps join a photography lecture in the state-of-the-art theatre to learn expert tips. The beauty around you may inspire you to explore other forms of art through the carefully curated art collection on board Scenic Eclipse. Enjoy daily excursions by Zodiac, kayak and nature walks. The expert Discovery Team will safely guide you every step of the way.

Be sure to pack your swimmers for the ultimate icy experience. For many, the polar plunge is an exhilarating rite of passage and while the day may change, your Discovery Team will always look for a special place to set up the Discovery Yacht's marina so that you can leap into the icy water below. Feel the adrenaline build as you prepare to jump, then a moment that seems to stretch forever before you splash into the coldest water of your life. After the plunge, warm up with a drink of your choice, from a specialty tea to aged whiskey, or head to the infrared saunas in the Senses Spa for some relaxation.

Start your day with a class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates studio. Sessions include Aerial Yoga, TRX suspension training and Tibetan sound bowl healing; alternatively, work out in the fully equipped gym, where one-on-one fitness coaching sessions are available. As you continue to look for Svalbard's stars, the polar bears, see how many kinds of Arctic birdlife you can spot. In the summer, Svalbard has over 30 species of birds including the Svalbard rock ptarmigan, puffins, skuas, little auks, kittiwakes, and black guillemots. Sip specialty teas and aromatic illy coffee in the Observation Lounge, where you can read books and play board games in between birdwatching. In the evening, up to 10 extraordinary all-inclusive dining experiences await.

Throughout your voyage, you can learn how people live in one of the remotest places on Earth. The UK Arctic Research Base on Ny Ålesund is believed to be the world's northern-most community, made up of up to 150 people. Step back in time on Smeerenburg and imagine what living in Svalbard was like in the 17th century as you walk around a historical site. Landing opportunities may include Amsterdamøya, where you can join the Discovery Team on a tour to see the ruins of old blubber ovens and wooden structures.

Fall in love with all the shapes, colours and sounds of the environment around you. It is one of the most bewitching parts of an Arctic expedition cruise. Today, join the Discovery Team in Zodiac excursions around nature's floating ice sculptures. As you look out over flat ice fields to the horizon, you may even see a Fata Morgana. These mirages look like ice cliffs in the distance, and you might find it hard to believe when your Discovery Team explains that they're just an optical illusion on the horizon. Back on board, warm up with a drink in one of your Discovery Yacht's all-inclusive bars.

Longyearbyen is the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard Archipelago, located on Svalbard's main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched nature, make you feel like you're in completely unexplored territory.

Welcome to the remote wilderness of the Svalbard Archipelago, a dramatic polar desert surrounded by rugged glaciers, frozen tundra and craggy mountain peaks. You will partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions by Zodiac, kayak and through nature walks. Discover majestic Arctic scenery, tundra landscapes, and native wildlife and marine life, exploring pristine locations.

As we continue sailing around Svalbard, there could be opportunities to see polar bears, walruses, 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 on the Observation Lounge for a closer look at the Arctic wildlife. You will partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions by Zodiac, kayak and through nature walks. Discover majestic Arctic scenery, tundra landscapes, and native wildlife and marine life, exploring pristine locations.

Open the blackout curtains of your ultra-luxury suite and step onto your private verandah to take in the inspiring views. Every day brings a new magical vista, from the striking contrast of tundra volcanic islands adorned with sparse greenery to the occasional snow-capped peaks that peek through the landscape. Hidden from the sea, glaciers can be seen on nature hikes. Listen out for the loud crack of a glacier calving as you soak in the scenery from the Observation Deck and cabanas near the Sky Bar, and keep your eyes peeled for movement on the ice and in the water for possible wildlife sightings. You will partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions by Zodiac, kayak and through nature walks. Discover majestic Arctic scenery, tundra landscapes, and native wildlife and marine life, exploring pristine locations.

Today Scenic Eclipse is ready for the voyage across the Greenland Sea sailing towards Greenland. Enjoy a relaxing time onboard, and perhaps pay a visit to the bridge. The Captain's open bridge policy means guests are welcome any time to learn more about the technical abilities of the ship and see it in full operation. It is also one of the best viewing areas. Join the Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre for engaging discussions about everything you have seen so far and informative lectures on your future ports.

After a busy start to your Arctic voyage, take some time today to relax. You may choose to participate in one of the fitness classes, soothe your muscles in one of the therapy lounges, or book an indulgent treatment in the Senses Spa. Meet new friends in one of the exceptional all-inclusive bars and lounges or ask the butler to serve your favourite cocktail on your private suite. 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 the view from your private verandah early this morning as we arrive on the east coast of Greenland. Home to the world's largest fjord system, endless glacier-filled channels and small rocky islands await you. Cruise among icebergs, towering cliffs and be on the lookout for waterfalls. Today you may wish to take part in a Scenic Discovery excursion operated by Zodiac, Kayak or enjoy a nature walk. Discover majestic Arctic scenery, tundra landscapes, native wildlife as well as marine life, while exploring pristine locations.

In a land of isolation, Ittoqqortoormitt takes the crown. The most isolated settlement in Greenland, it sits on the edge of a vast, unspoiled wilderness and less than 500 people live here in brightly coloured wooden houses. Ittoqqortoormitt is the best place to explore ancient traditions and experience the Inuit way of living. This afternoon, Scenic Eclipse will enter Scoresbysund, the world's longest fjord system. You will partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions by Zodiac, kayak and through nature walks. Discover majestic Arctic scenery, tundra landscapes, and native wildlife and marine life, exploring pristine locations.

As you travel further into this remote wilderness, keep your binoculars handy; wildlife sightings are common inside Scoresbysund. On land, look for the huge shaggy muskoxen, Artic hares and maybe even polar bears. In the water, seals are common, and you may spot the 'unicorn of the sea', the narwhal. The Discovery Team will regularly be on the Observation Terrace to help you spot wildlife through the Swarovski telescope. Or join them on a kayak excursion to be fully immersed in the wild surroundings. You will partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions by Zodiac, kayak and through nature walks. Discover majestic Arctic scenery, tundra landscapes, and native wildlife and marine life, exploring pristine locations.

Here above the Arctic Circle, the sun doesn't set in the summer months and the bright daytime light just softens to a warmer nighttime hue. Make sure to spend some time on your verandah under the Midnight Sun. Soak in more of the spectacular landscapes today as you continue to cruise through Scoresbysund. The main fjord is connected to many smaller arms, which you may explore today. There are a number of picturesque islands dotted throughout the fjord and some of these could be landing sites for Zodiac excursions. You will partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions by Zodiac, kayak and through nature walks. Discover majestic Arctic scenery, tundra landscapes, and native wildlife and marine life, exploring pristine locations.

Scenic Eclipse will begin sailing out of Scoresbysund today, cruising past the basalt cliffs, shimmering icebergs and snowy peaks that have been your companions for the past three days. Your Discovery Team can share the history of the early Thule settlers, who arrived in the area in the 1300s, and the Inuit who came after them. You may be able to see remains of settlements from these early inhabitants who braved this remote area in centuries gone by. After the plunge, warm up with a drink of your choice, from a specialty tea to aged whiskey, or head to the infrared saunas in the Senses Spa for some relaxation. You will partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions by Zodiac, kayak and through nature walks. Discover majestic Arctic scenery, tundra landscapes, and native wildlife and marine life, exploring pristine locations.

After days of active explorations, enjoy some downtime today in the expansive 550m² Senses Spa. Be rejuvenated with a yoga or Pilates class or indulge in world-class treatments and wellness experiences. Enjoy the Discovery Team experts lectures or an evening in the state-of-the-art-theatre being amused by Scenic's world-class entertainers as you sit back and relax sipping your favourite cocktail.

Isafjördur is the gateway to the Westfjords region on Iceland's northernmost peninsula. Set on the Skutulsfjörður Fjord, surrounded by mountains and the sea, it has been an important fishing and trading centre for over 500 years. The well-preserved Old Town is filled with colourful historic buildings, making for a picturesque stroll. The surrounding Westfjords area abounds in natural wonders, with waterfalls, hiking trails, jagged cliffs and pink sand beaches. Explore the town and learn about the historic struggle to survive in the beautiful but harsh landscapes of the Westfjords. After a short introduction to the town, visit local food producers to taste their dairy products, dried fish, chocolate and beer.

Your journey ends this morning back in Reykjavík, Iceland's quirky and creative capital. Savour one last breakfast in your suite before saying goodbye to your new friends and the crew who shared this voyage with you. You'll disembark after breakfast and be transferred to the airport, where magical memories of this isolated corner of the world will keep you company for your flight and many years to come. Please ensure your flight departs from Reykjavik after 12:00 PM.