Northeast Greenland Extreme - Aurora Borealis & Long Hikes | Ortelius Expedition Ship

Northeast Greenland Extreme - Aurora Borealis & Long Hikes

Venturing to the dramatic, rugged coastline of Northeast Greenland, you'll enter the world's largest fjord, Scoresby Sund, encountering whales, seabirds, and musk oxen before voyaging north through the most beautiful straits and fjords. Along the way, sea ice, polar bears, and landing opportunities will guide your Arctic adventure through historical, natural, and scientific wonder.

Day by day

Day 1: On the Iceland road

Your journey begins in the morning, departing Akureyri. By request, you can transfer via chartered bus (T) from the bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavik (the meeting point) to the ship in Akureyri (the embarkation point). You arrive in the afternoon after a six-hour drive through the beautiful landscapes of northern Iceland.

PLEASE NOTE: This transfer (T) must be booked and paid for in advance.

In the early evening, the ship departs from the port of Akureyri, where we often see whales at the mouth of the fjord. At night, we cross the Arctic Circle close to the island of Grimsey.

Day 2: Ocean life beneath the Northern Lights

We will sail northward, following warmer waters, before entering colder seas, where a multitude of sea life (whales, seals, seabirds) can be found in the mixing zones of these waters. A sea day grants you the opportunity to spot whales and seabirds – and, at night, the magical Northern Lights.

Day 3: In the footsteps of Arctic explorers

Day 4: Alpine landscapes

Day 5: Remains of the Thule Culture at Eskimonaes

Day 6: Arctic islands with lesser-known history

Day 7: Dove Bugt

Day 8: Germania Land

Day 9: Isle de France

Day 10 - 11: Into the Northeast Water Polynya

Day 12: In the fringes of the pack ice

Day 13: At sea to Spitsbergen

Day 14: Largest town, biggest island

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Cruise Includes

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.

All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.

All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.

Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.

Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes

Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.

Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).

All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.

AECO fees and governmental taxes.

Comprehensive pre-departure material.

Cruise does not include

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post- land arrangements.

Transfers to the vessel in Ushuaia and Ascension and from the vessel in Ascension and Praia; passport and visa expenses.

Government arrival and departure taxes.

Meals ashore.

Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).

Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.

The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Activities

Sea Kayaking

Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.

Ice Camping

Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.

Snowshoeing

Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.

Photography

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Explorer Boats

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

Yoga

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.