You will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel for your overnight stay. This evening you’ll meet your expedition leaders for a trip briefing.

Today is yours to explore Akureyri. The city buses are free of charge and a handy way to get around town. Sightseeing recommendations include exploring the old town, lunch in one of the outdoor cafes (if fine), a visit to the botanical gardens, museums, or a walk along the river enjoying a farm fresh ice cream. Board the Polar Pioneer in the late afternoon. We depart Akureyri and our adventure begins as we cruise along the sheltered waters of Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in North Iceland. The sea kayakers will attend a briefing to distribute dry suits, pogies (paddling mitts for your hands), lifejackets and dry bags

We will be at sea all day, cruising across Denmark Strait towards Greenland.

Scoresby Sound stretches almost 300 kms from east to west. Numerous fjords radiate from the sound, the longest is 200 kms and extending to the edge of the inland ice cap. Scoresby Sound is one of the birthplaces of Greenland’s famous giant icebergs and among the most scenically spectacular landscapes in the world. Our aim is to experience as much time as possible outdoors, be it paddling, hiking or wildlife viewing (or all three!) Our experienced Arctic team will use their know-how to design a day to day itinerary that makes the best use of the weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. Following are locations we’ll potentially visit. SYDKAP A small promontory jutting out from Scoresby Land o ffering good walking and delightful views across the sound . There are great opportunities for kayaking past lonely beaches where 3000-year-old gravesites can be visited on shore. Nests of grounded giant bergs the size of 10 storey buildings with green tunnels and aquamarine lakes offer hours of endless enjoyment for kayakers and zodiac rides. ITTOQQORTOORMIIT A colourful Inuit community of about 400 residents, the majority of whom still depend largely on hunting. Explore the village and meet parents pushing prams with cute round-faced babies peeping out from Arctic fox fur jackets or stop into the museum and gift shop to see remarkable local crafts . The town is situated close to the world ’ s largest national park and right next to the world ’ s largest and deepest multi-branched fjord system. Meeting the locals in this far flung settlement is a highlight for many. THE BEAR ISL ANDS. The Bear Islands or Bjornøya , provide incredible opportunities to wind through the narrow passages and towering icebergs by kayak and zodiac and hike steep but accessible ridges up the towering islands. Step ashore to explore the coastline or hike to the hill tops to view the icecap in the distance. S EFST ROM GL ACI ER – AL P E F JORD A narrow waterway between peaks of up to 2200 metres, it is surrounded by serrated brown mountains with hanging glaciers clinging like limpets to stony gullies. The snout of the Sefstrom Glacier juts out and almost blocks Alpe fj ord, however, there ’ s access for kayaks and z odiacs and the opportunity to walk on the glacier. Clumps of Arctic flora in its late summer glory are visible as we cruise along the coast. RE D ISL AND The contrast of red sandstone arches against white and blue icebergs makes Red Island a photographer ’ s paradise . We may be able to land on the islands for a tundra walk and an opportunity to see musk oxen grazing in the autumn sun. Some other possible landing places are Rypefjord, Øfjord , Fønfjord , Milne Land and Hekla Havn on Danmark Island.

Depart East Greenland and head out to the Denmark Strait. We’ll be treated to a variety of seabirds on our crossing , including Ivory Gulls and migratory Brunnichs Guillemots.

During the early morning we cruise back into Akureyri. Say your farewells to the crew and expedition leaders before a transfer to the airport. End of arrangements.

The following itinerary should be seen as an approximate guide only. Please note that weather, ice conditions, logistics and unforeseen delays can cause alterations to our itinerary.