Cruise the Arctic seas to witness wildlife and the Aurora Borealis
The Northern Lights Explorer Expedition tour offers an unforgettable journey through the Arctic, visiting Iceland, Greenland, and Norway. Explore the world’s largest fjord system, Scoresbysund, where towering icebergs and dramatic landscapes captivate photographers and nature lovers alike. Hike through Iceland’s remote Westfjords, a region of pristine beauty and minimal human presence, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking wilderness of the Arctic.
This expedition also provides opportunities to witness the awe-inspiring aurora borealis from prime Arctic locations. Spot Arctic wildlife, including seabirds and marine mammals, as you sail through icy waters. Engage with local cultures through visits to communities and landmarks like Tromsø Science Centre, offering a unique blend of adventure, nature, and cultural discovery.
Highlights of the Northern Lights Explorer Expedition
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Northern Lights Explorer Expedition Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Tromsø
Arrive in Tromsø, the vibrant Arctic city known as the "Gateway to the Arctic." Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to the group hotel. Once checked in, visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect luggage tags and receive essential pre-embarkation information, including dining suggestions, cash withdrawal options, and local tips. Use the remainder of the day to explore Tromsø’s lively city center, home to attractions like the Arctic Cathedral and Polar Museum, or enjoy a leisurely evening soaking in the Arctic atmosphere.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tromsø
Meals: None
Day 2 Embarkation in Tromsø
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and prepare for embarkation. Begin your day with a visit to the Tromsø Science Centre, where you’ll experience a full-dome presentation on the Northern Lights. Learn about their science and history, and hear fascinating Sami mythology about the Aurora Borealis. Explore interactive exhibits before returning to the hotel to prepare for your transfer to the port. In the afternoon, board the expedition vessel and settle into your cabin. After a safety briefing, enjoy a welcome dinner as the ship sails out of Tromsø, marking the start of your Arctic adventure.
Overnight Location: Onboard Ship
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 Torsken for Ånderdalen National Park, Norwegian Coast
Today, visit the picturesque village of Torsken on Senja Island, surrounded by dramatic fjords and jagged mountains. Stroll through the village’s narrow streets, learn about its fishing heritage, and visit the historic Torsken Church, dating back to the 18th century. Choose from several activities: embark on a scenic drive across Senja, with stops at viewpoints overlooking fjords and beaches; take a moderate trek to Ravnfløy summit for panoramic views; or challenge yourself with a strenuous hike to Midtertinden, offering sweeping vistas of Ånderdalen National Park. In the evening, return to the ship and keep an eye on the Arctic skies for the Northern Lights.
Overnight Location: Onboard Ship
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Inner Passage & Svolvær, Norwegian Coast
Sail through the Inner Passage toward the iconic Lofoten Islands, known for their dramatic peaks and serene fishing villages. Upon arrival in Svolvær, personalize your day with a range of activities: hike to Tjeldbergtind for panoramic views of the archipelago, enjoy a tasting tour featuring Arctic specialties like cod and cloudberries, or take a guided cultural walk to learn about the fishing heritage of this charming village. As the day ends, soak in the beauty of the Lofoten landscape under the soft Arctic twilight.
Overnight Location: Onboard Ship
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Leknes & Reine, Norwegian Coast
Discover the beauty of Lofoten’s scenic landscapes, starting with a hike from Uttakleiv to Haukland Beach, known for its white sands and turquoise waters. Visit the Viking Museum in Borg, where you’ll explore reconstructed Viking houses, traditional crafts, and authentic Viking cuisine cooked over an open fire. Continue your journey to Sund, where you’ll meet a blacksmith renowned for his intricate wrought-iron cormorants. End the day in the postcard-perfect village of Reine, where colorful fishing cabins are framed by towering peaks and reflective fjords.
Overnight Location: Onboard Ship
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 6-7 At Sea
Spend the next two days crossing the Norwegian Sea en route to Jan Mayen Island. Attend insightful lectures by the onboard expedition team, covering Arctic wildlife, geology, and history. Relax in observation lounges, keeping a lookout for seabirds and marine life, including whales. As night falls, step onto the deck to witness the shimmering Northern Lights if weather permits.
Overnight Location: Onboard Ship
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Jan Mayen Island
Arrive at Jan Mayen, a remote volcanic island dominated by the towering Beerenberg volcano, the northernmost active volcano in the world. Weather permitting, land at Kvalrossbukta, a sheltered bay on the island’s west coast, to explore its rugged volcanic terrain and learn about the island’s unique history as a weather station and research base. The surrounding waters are excellent for spotting whales and dolphins.
Overnight Location: Onboard Ship
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 9-14 East Greenland
Discover the breathtaking East Greenland coastline, with its towering fjords, massive icebergs, and remote settlements. Explore Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system, and visit Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland’s most isolated settlement. Participate in Zodiac excursions to observe glaciers, hike tundra landscapes to see musk oxen and reindeer, and kayak through calm Arctic waters. Highlights include Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, as well as ancient Thule archaeological sites and Inuit cultural encounters. Each day offers a mix of exploration and adventure in one of the most pristine environments on Earth.
Overnight Location: Onboard Ship
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 Ísafjörður & Vigur Island, Westfjords
Explore Ísafjörður, a charming town surrounded by sheer mountains, known for its preserved wooden architecture and cultural heritage. Continue to Vigur Island, a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Walk along its coastline to observe puffins and Arctic terns or venture further into the island for serene landscapes and captivating views of the surrounding fjords.
Overnight Location: Onboard Ship
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16 Thingeyri, Westfjords
Visit Thingeyri, nestled along the shores of Dýrafjörður. Choose between an immersive Viking experience, complete with interactive exhibits and traditional bread-making, or a hike up Sandafell Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding fjords and valleys. Later, take a Zodiac excursion to the breathtaking Dynjandi waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders.
Overnight Location: Onboard Ship
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17 Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Explore the diverse landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, crowned by the ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano. Choose between a scenic drive to Mount Kirkjufell and Djúpalónssandur beach, a hike along coastal trails, or a visit to Vatnshellir Cave, where you’ll explore stunning volcanic formations. Each option showcases the geological beauty of this unique region.
Overnight Location: Onboard Ship
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18 Disembark in Reykjavik
Arrive in Reykjavik early in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Bid farewell to your expedition team and fellow travelers before transferring to Keflavik airport or continuing your exploration of Iceland’s vibrant capital.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast
Northern Lights Explorer Expedition Tour Price and Dates
The prices below are per person sharing a standard twin cabin.
Please talk to a Travel Specialist to get more information about different cabin types and prices.
Accommodation on Northern Lights Explorer Expedition Tour
The accommodation of this tour is based on staying onboard the cruise ship. Onboard the cruise ship, you can choose from numerous cabin options, ranging from simple rooms to more luxurious suites, with all rooms including the daily service. You will also spend one night in Tromso in a hotel.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to upgrade to the single cabin.
Cabin Options
Clarion Hotel The Edge in Tromso ★★★★
Clarion Hotel The Edge in Tromsø offers modern accommodations with stunning views of the waterfront and Arctic landscapes, conveniently located in the city center near key attractions and dining options.
Aurora Stateroom Triple Share
The Aurora Stateroom Triple Share accommodates three guests with porthole windows and private en-suite bathrooms. Located on Deck 3, these cabins offer convenience near the mudroom and loading platforms, ideal for group travelers.
Balcony Stateroom Category C
Featuring private balconies, these staterooms allow guests to enjoy direct views of the Antarctic landscape. They offer a more intimate connection with the surroundings than interior cabins.
Balcony Stateroom Category B
Similar to Balcony Stateroom C but located on higher decks, these rooms provide enhanced vantage points for scenic viewing. Their elevated position offers superior perspectives compared to lower-deck balcony staterooms.
Balcony Stateroom Category A
Positioned on the highest passenger decks, these staterooms offer the most expansive views available in the balcony category. They combine premium location with private outdoor space for optimal sightseeing.
Balcony Stateroom Superior
Enhancing the standard twin experience, these superior staterooms include extra space and upgraded furnishings. Guests enjoy a more spacious environment compared to the standard twin cabins.
Junior Suite
These suites provide additional living space, including a separate seating area, offering a more luxurious experience. They cater to guests desiring extra comfort and room to relax.
Captain's Suite
As the most spacious accommodation option, the Captain’s Suite includes separate living and sleeping areas, a large balcony, and premium amenities. It represents the pinnacle of luxury on board, ideal for those seeking an indulgent experience
What’s Included in the Northern Lights Explorer Expedition Tour?
Meals
17 breakfasts, 15 lunches and 16 dinners are included, as well as snacks, tea and coffee during the voyage.
Accommodations
Accommodation is included throughout the tour (1 night in Tromso pre-departure, as well as 16 nights onboard the cruise ship).
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes all airport transfers mentioned in itinerary, transportation during all shore excursions and zodiac cruises.
Also included
- Tour of Tromso and transfer to ship Day 2
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
- Educational lectures and guiding services
- Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation)
- One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket
- Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
- Wi-Fi (might not be reliable in remote areas)
Not included
- International or domestic flights – unless specified in itinerary
- Transfers – unless specified in itinerary
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges
- Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
- Hotels and meals – unless specified in the itinerary
- Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges
- All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages outside of dinner service, gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges
Optional Extras
- Cabin upgrades
- Extension tours (please inquire for more information)!
Frequently Asked Questions about Northern Lights Explorer Expedition
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