Longyearbyen is a Norwegian settlement often referred to as the capital of Svalbard. This is a lively small town, situated in a fantastic Arctic landscape. Barentsburg is a Russian settlement with an exotic collection of Russian artefacts and architecture.

Kings Bay is the largest fjord on the north west coast of Spitsbergen. The landscape varies from large tundra plains to alpine peaks with dramatic glaciers calving into the ocean. At 78 degrees 55 N, Ny Alesund is the world's most northerly permanently inhabited community, where a number of countries run their own national research stations. Activity here is particularly high in the summer. When Dutchman William Barents first discovered Svalbard in 1596 the name he gave to this new land was "Spitzbergen", reflecting the sharp and steep mountains in the area. Magdalenefjorden is home to a very important piece of cultural heritage, a whaling station from the 16th century including a graveyard of whalers who died during the first oil adventure.

Moffen is a high latitude islet at 80 degrees N with a walrus colony and bird sanctuary. The atoll-like shape of the island made it a perfect safe harbour for early whalers caught in bad weather.

We leave the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream to enter the cold water current which follows the coast of East Greenland, making our way south within the boundaries of North East Greenland National Park - the largest national park on earth. The mountains are alpine, the waters are scattered with large icebergs and the valleys are populated with musk oxen. This voyage will take you to one of the most isolated places on earth, but aboard one of the most capable specially-built expedition vessels. Our expert guides and lecturers will safely guide hikes and small boat trips, as well as briefings and lectures on the places we visit.

Ittoqqortormiit, or Scoresbysund, is the most isolated town in Greenland. The trappers living here are the only ones allowed to hunt within the North East Greenland National Park.

Sailing across the Denmark Strait to Iceland we arrive at Isafjordur on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Snaefellsnes is known as 'Iceland in a nutshell' due to the diversity of its landscape; lava and rock formations, glaciers and volcanic activity, and a wealth of bird life.

Grundarfjordur is considered a place of unusual beauty and is one of very few places in the world where the authorities have provided reserved areas for the 'hidden people' - or elves.

Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital city and referred to lcoally as the 'smallest big city on earth'. Within a short distance of the city are glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and mountains. Disembark here today.