Day 1 - Reykjavík

Reykjavík, Iceland: Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's centre and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja, with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colourful sight, with concrete houses painted in light shades and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. Despite the nearly treeless countryside, Reykjavík boasts many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, along with imported aspen, pines, and spruces. The city's name originates from the Icelandic words for smoke, 'reykur', and bay, 'vík'. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising from the misty sea, coming ashore at a bay shrouded with steam from nearby hot springs. Today, most houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from these springs, naturally avoiding air pollution. Although there's no smoke, you might notice a slight sulphur smell in the bathroom from the hot water. Prices are comparable to other major European cities, making the Reykjavík City Card a practical choice for tourists. Available at the Tourist Information Centre or the Reykjavík Youth Hostel, the card permits unlimited bus usage and access to the city's pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and museums. With cards valid for one, two, or three days, they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Without a City Card, admission to one city art museum also grants free same-day entry to others.

Day 2 - Dynjandi Waterfalls

Dynjandi Waterfalls, Iceland: Iceland is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls, with the iconic Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords region being among the most impressive. At the top, the cascading water stretches roughly 100 feet wide and tumbles down about 330 feet into the fjord below. The name Dynjandi means “the thundering one,” reflecting its vast size, enormous sound, and overwhelming force. The waterfall is also affectionately known as ‘The Bridal Veil’ due to the water's unique spray and spread across the rocks.

Day 3 - Isafjørdur

Isafjørdur, Iceland: This extraordinarily located town is framed by two colossal terraces of sheer rock, stretching onto a black fjord's immensity. Despite its remote setting and compact size, Isafjørdur is surprisingly modern and lively, offering visitors a great selection of cafes and delightful restaurants eager to impress. The town is an ideal base for adventures into Iceland's breathtaking wilderness, where activities such as skiing, hiking, and watersports are popular amongst visitors.

Day 5 - Jan Mayen Island

Jan Mayen Island, Norway: Known as one of the world's most remote islands, Jan Mayen lies between Norway and Greenland. This rugged volcanic island is 34 miles long, with two parts – the northern Beerenbeg Volcano and the southern, narrower section – linked by a mile-wide isthmus. Geologically, the island formed atop a 'hotspot' where molten magma pushes through the earth's crust to create mid-ocean volcanoes. As an integral part of Norway, Jan Mayen is home to 18 people working for the Norwegian Armed Forces or Meteorological Institute, primarily maintaining the Loran-C radio navigation system. The island operated a Dutch whaling station from 1615 to 1638 and is now a Norwegian nature reserve dedicated to preserving the pristine Arctic island and its marine life, including the ocean floor.

Day 7 - Svalbard Archipelago

Svalbard Archipelago, Svalbard and Jan Mayen: This journey embraces a flexible itinerary, allowing us to make the most of favourable ice and weather conditions as we explore Svalbard's northern reaches, venturing to sites visited by renowned polar explorers like Andrée, Amundsen, and Nobile. Adventures may include navigating the narrow waterways and striking peaks of Krossfjord and Raudfjord or anchoring in the historical surroundings of Ny Alesund, Ny London, or Amsterdamoya. Expect sightings of distinctly Arctic wildlife – from walrus congregating noisily on remote shores and reindeer grazing alpine slopes to ptarmigan discreetly hiding and mighty polar bears patrolling the coast in search of their next meal.

Day 8 - Svalbard Archipelago

Svalbard Archipelago, Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Again, explore the flexible itinerary that optimises favourable ice and weather conditions to journey through Svalbard's northern stretches to locations once visited by celebrated polar explorers such as Andrée, Amundsen, and Nobile. Destinations might include the narrow channels and dramatic mountains of Krossfjord and Raudfjord. Visits to the historical sites of Ny Alesund, Ny London, or Amsterdamoya are possible. Wildlife enthusiasts have the chance to observe walrus lounging on remote shorelines, reindeer foraging on alpine slopes, ptarmigan hiding in plain view, and imposing polar bears prowling the seafront searching for sustenance.

Day 9 - Svalbard Archipelago

Svalbard Archipelago, Svalbard and Jan Mayen: This flexible itinerary, using beneficial ice and weather conditions, permits exploration of Svalbard's northern doctrines, tracing the steps of noted polar pioneers such as Andrée, Amundsen, and Nobile. The journey could take us to the tight paths and awe-inspiring hills of Krossfjord and Raudfjord, alongside potential tours to the historical venues of Ny Alesund, Ny London, or Amsterdamoya. Embrace encounters with distinctive Arctic creatures including walruses grouped on isolated coasts, reindeer on highland slopes, camouflaged ptarmigan, and formidable polar bears eagerly hunting along the shoreline.

Day 10 - Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard, serves as the Norwegian administration hub and offers the best facilities and infrastructure in the archipelago. Set deep in the Adventfjord, a tributary of the Isfjorden, Longyearbyen's airport operates year-round, although the harbour is ice-bound in winter. Most shops, hotels, restaurants, and a hospital are within easy walking distance from the port. One notable building is the UNIS centre, where several Norwegian universities collaborate to provide the northernmost higher education to both Norwegian and international students. Adjacent to UNIS, the Svalbard Museum offers insight into Svalbard's natural history and exploitation, and remnants of past mining activity can be observed throughout Longyearbyen and its surroundings.