WELCOME TO THE LAND OF VIKINGS Discover South & West Greenland and Disko Bay WEALTH OF WILDLIFE Svalbard boasts one of the Arctic’s highest concentrations of polar bears. They are the world’s largest land carnivores and have become a symbol of the imperiled Arctic wilderness. This is one of the best places in the world to view polar bears hunting in their preferred habitat: the pack ice. Svalbard is home to impressive colonies of nesting seabirds, a variety of seal and whale species. This is a protected wilderness where we find flowering tundra and tidewater glaciers. You can also encounter a great abundance of nesting seabirds, and land mammals such as Arctic fox and reindeer. Arctic wildlife can be spotted anywhere, anytime in and around the archipelago. In Greenland coastal plains are home to prehistoric-looking musk oxen and other wildlife. PICTURESQUE SCENERY In Svalbard you will see a varied landscape of mountains, Franz Josef Land, part of the Russian Arctic National Park, is a tidewater glaciers, and flowering tundra. nature sanctuary. Polar bears, walrus, endangered bowhead whales, and other Greenland is the place where you will find some of the finest scenery in the world. Extensive fjord systems provide access to the mountainous interior of Greenland where tidewater glaciers create colossal icebergs. Each night in Greenland brings a new possibility to see incredible displays of northern lights, also known as aurora borealis. Jan Mayen landscape is dominated by the heavily glaciated Beerenberg, an impressive stratovolcano considered to be the 01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com northernmost active volcano on the earth’s surface. waterfalls, mountains, and glaciers. Accommodations tonight at a centrally located deluxe hotel will make embarkation In Iceland, in the ruggedly beautiful Westfjords, we will visit the tomorrow much more convenient. historic fishing port of Ísafjörður. This small town embodies Iceland’s trademark blend of contemporary charm and rich Day 2: Reykjavik (Iceland), embarkation cultural heritage. This afternoon, meeting in the lobby for your transfer to the port and embarkation of the Sea Spirit. There’s time to get settled in POLAR LEGENDS AND HISTORY and explore this ship, you home-away-from-home for the next Arctic is rich with historical sites. You may find here the staging ten days. After departure, keep an eye out for our first whales areas for many historic expeditions to the North Pole, including (humpback and Minke whales are most common) as we sail out those of Roald Amundsen and Walter Wellman.​ of the picturesque bay. In Svalbard, modern human endeavor can be experienced at Ny Day 3-4: At sea Enjoy a few restful days at sea, as we get ready for icebergs, Ålesund, a former mining town that is now home to a Inuit villages, whales and much more! Along with our expedition multinational community of Arctic researchers. In addition to a team, watch for whales and seabirds from the deck, or museum, gift shop, and post office, visitors to this extreme participate in their presentations in the Oceanus Lounge on the northern settlement find a famous bust of Amundsen and a flora, fauna, geology and cultural heritage to be found along historic airship mast. West Greenland’s western coast. In Franz Josef Land we encounter a stark and enigmatic Day 5: Nanotalik, Greenland landscape steeped in the drama and heroism of early polar The Sea Spirit rounds Cape Farewell, the southernmost point in exploration. At places like Bell Island, Cape Flora, and Cape Greenland, and calls in at Greenland’s most southerly town Tegetthoff we have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Nanortalik. The town lies at the mouth of beautiful Tasermiut Fridtjof Nansen, Frederick George Jackson, Julius von Payer, and Fjord surrounded by steep mountains that flank an intricate other polar explorers. fjord system. The name of the town translated as “the place ITINERARY with polar bears” says that these arctic animals could be often seen hunting on the sea ice outside of the settlement. The local Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland open-air museum demonstrates the fascinating history from Welcome to Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland and starting point Viking and Inuit times to the present days. The Uunartoq area is of our expedition cruise! Even though this country lies below the famous for its natural hot springs, where we can soak in the Arctic Circle, Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital of a geothermal waters watching the icebergs pass by. sovereign state. Visitors needn’t travel far to find geysers and 01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com Days 6-8: Exploring West Greenland the island’s long history. The town was founded by the danish During the next few days, we head further north to visit some missionary Hans Egede in the early 18th century, and you’ll enchanting Greenlandic settlements and explore the beautiful learn much more about the area on an included tour. In the fjords of Greenland’s western side. Hvalsey, or "Whale Island", National Museum, you’ll be fascinated by the mummies of is the site of Greenland’s largest and best-preserved Norse Qilakotsoq – evidence of a bygone era. ruins. It was originally settled by an ancestor of Erik the Red in the late 10th century. There’s time to wander and learn about Days 9-11: Exploring Disko Bay the ancient farmstead that includes a granite stone Christian Fjords and scenic Inuit villages shape the landscape of this icy church, likely built in the early 14th century, and several region of western Greenland. The Sea Spirit holds her course adjacent buildings. The fells and fjord around the farmstead north, and landings and activities are adapted to the current ice have not changed at all over the centuries, and the site is and weather conditions. Accordingly, we will plan to visit some believed to have been a meeting place for festivals and of the following: Sisimiut, the second-largest city in Greenland banquets throughout the year. Set amidst breathtaking scenery, with about 5,400 inhabitants, is located 40 km north of the our visit to Qaqortoq gives us some additional cultural and Arctic Circle. While there are modern elements, you’ll also find Viking background on the region. Placed on a beautiful hillside, an outdoors hunting and fishing culture. A small museum the small settlement boasts colorful houses and a museum. We depicts the history of trade, shipping and industry in the region. continue north in the wake of the Vikings as our Sea Spirit Ilulissat, the “city of icebergs”, is the a focal point of West navigates through the picturesque Eriksfjord to the settlement of Greenland tourism. The fjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Qassiarsuk. The town was founded back in the 10th century by and pushes unimagable amounts of icebergs into the bay. A Eric the Red following his exile from Iceland for murder. We will hike to the historic Sermermiut settlement offers some see the foundation remains of his manor house and other spectacular views. The famous Danish polar explorer Knut buildings. Nowadays, the area is known as a sheep farming Rasmussen is a son of the city and an interesting museum here settlement. As we approach, Paamiut, there are good is dedicated to his life. Itilleq is a typical Greelandic fishing opportunities to see humpback and fin whales along the village on a small island just above the Arctic Circle, with a local coastline. It is also an especially good place to spot white-tailed population of about 120. The residents make a living from eagles. Inhabited by incredibly welcoming locals, Paamiut fishing and hunting and there are probably more dog sleds than justifiably proud of their church that was built in 1909. The residents. architecture reflects the Danish colonization of Greenland. Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is lively and surrounded by Day 12: Disembarkation in Kangerlussuaq (Greenland); Homeward flights natural beauty. Here, old traditions meet modern change. Our adventure finishes at the port of Kangerlussuaq. We Fashion shops and a cultural center represent the modern disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our Greenland; the picturesque old port area, however, testifies to outbound flight and further connection flights home. 01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com Please Note: Itineraries are subject to change. 01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com YOUR SHIP: SEA SPIRIT YOUR SHIP: Sea Spirit VESSEL TYPE: LENGTH: PASSENGER CAPACITY: BUILT/REFURBISHED: Sea Spirit is a luxury expedition cruise ship, specifically designed to cruise the Polar regions. Carrying a maximum of just 114 passengers in 57 suites, she has the feel of a boutique hotel. Built in 1992, but refurbished several times since, the latest being in 2019, she is just 90 metres long so can navigate the small channels and bays of the Polar regions. Sailing aboard the remarkably comfortable Sea Spirit you will experience the polar regions in grand style with spacious suites. >Features Sea Spirit's spacious suites all have panoramic oceans views. All-suite ship Think king-size or twin beds, en suites, flat screen TVs and DVDs Smallest suite is a spacious 215 square feet. and internet satellite. Many suites have private balconies, 15 suites have balconies. lounge areas & dressing tables. Owner's Suite is an outstanding 550 sq. feet. There is a lounge, bistro and bar, hot tub, gym, a Flat Screen TVs and DVD players in every suite state-of-the-art presentation room and stabilisers for smooth Gymnasium and Hot Tub with seating area and Bistro cruising.