Itinerary

Day 1 - Reykjavik, Iceland

Your adventure begins with an overnight stay in thoroughly-modern Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital city.
Akademik Sergey Vavilov is your expedition ship

Day 2 - Embarkation Day

Join your ship afater breakfast in your centrally located hotel.
Approaching the Westman Islands

Day 3 - Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar), Iceland

Named long ago for Irishmen (Westmen) enslaved by the medieval Norse-Gaels, this small archipelago is one of Iceland's gems. Here you'll learn of the area's fascinating history and famed volcanic geology while touring the town of Heimaey. There's also a good chance you'll spot large colonies of Puffins on one of the outlying islands.
An East Greenland sunset inspires a photographer

Day 4 - At sea

Sail through the Denmark Strait en route for mysterious Greenland. Your onboard Expedition Team keeps you informed and entertained with presentations about area wildlife - especially the thousands of seabirds you'll see soaring above your ship.
Icebergs in Eastern Greenland

Day 5-9 - Eastern Greenland

During your tour of Greenland's remote eastern coast, you'll enjoy sea-level Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Sail the ice edge searching for walrus and polar bears. Visit the remains of ancient Thule settlements, and keep an eye out for grazing musk oxen, since 40% of the world's population of this fascinating mammal live on the east coast of Greenland.
Polar bear sightings are part of the adventure

Day 10-11 - Greenland Sea

While sailing the historic Greenland Sea, you'll learn about the wildlife and history of Spitsbergen, your next stop, thanks to onboard presentations from your Expedition Team.
Spitsbergen

Day 12-14 - Exploring Spitsbergen

Largest of the Norwegian-ruled Svalbard Islands, Spitsbergen is famed for its abundant wildlife and austere beauty. Here you'll visit spectacular glacier fronts, steep-walled fjords and the tiny international research community of Ny Alesund. Wildlife-viewing opportunities include walrus, polar bears, and the unique Svalbard reindeer. Birders will thrill to see Arctic Terns, Skuas, Long-tailed Ducks, Kittiwakes and Glaucous Gulls. As an added bonus, when conditions are right, you'll sail within 10° of the North Pole!
Longyearbyen

Day 15 - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen

Your Arctic adventure ends in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen on September 3. The next available flight from Lonyearbyen to Oslo leaves September 4, 2011, so you will need to book an overnight stay for the 3rd. We will be happy to do this for you, when you book your expedition.

More information from Quark Expeditions:

• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips