Across the Circle - Scotland to Spitsbergen

Arrive independently to the port city of Aberdeen in northeast Scotland and make your way to the port to board the Polar Pioneer. Embarkation will begin mid-afternoon and you can take the time to settle into your new surroundings as the ship begins its sail northwards.

The beautiful Orkney’s archipelago is home to 70 windswept islands filled with historical sites, archaeological features and an abundance of birdlife. We will visit 5000-year-old, World Heritage-listed, Neolithic sites and discover Viking relics from long ago, sail along the islands in Zodiacs, and for the adventure-seekers there will be time to explore the coastlines on an optional kayaking excursion. Midway between The Orkneys and the The Shetlands we will stop at Fair Isle, where you can visit traditional crofts to admire the local knitwear and explore around the area to discover the nearby colonies of fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, gannets, shags and puffins.

The Shetland’s are home to 100 islands, each peppered with nature reserves and archaeological sites. Warmed by Gulf Stream currents and near 24-hours’ daylight we will have plenty of time to discover some of the islands’ most enchanting features. During your time here you will see the complex Stone, Bronze and Iron Age settlement of Jarlshof, the world’s best preserved broch (fortified Iron Age tower) on Mousa, and remnants of Viking conquest along the coast.

As your ship sails towards Norway, keep an eye out on deck in search of sightings of migratory whales and seabirds. Your onboard team of experts will offer fascinating talks and lectures on everything from birdwatching to archaeology. Enjoy a moment to relax in your surroundings and look forward to more adventures ahead.

As we sail northwards up the maze-like coastline of Norway your ship will pass over the Arctic Circle and we will raise a toast in celebration of this memorable moment. As your ship weaves through the intricate channels we will visit places like Sør Gjaeslingan, once home to a busy cod-fishing fleet, and now one of Norway’s finest birdwatching areas. You can expect to see numerous kittiwakes, terns and skuas that migrate here each summer. As we share the water with orcas and the skies with puffins we will sail further north past Torghatten, a mountain with a distinctive hole through it, and learn the fable of lost love and a troll’s arrow that surrounds it. As we reach the Lofeten Islands, the majestic scenery will delight, from romantic beaches to narrow fjords hemmed by granite walls.

As we leave mainland Norway behind and head towards Spitsbergen through the Barents Sea we will pass the often fog-shrouded Bear Island. If time and weather permits we will make a landing here by Zodiac in search of sightings of the fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots and gulls that make this island their home.

In the afternoon/late evening of day 10 your ship will have arrived in the polar wonderland of Spitsbergen. Your time here will be spent exploring South Spitsbergen National Park, a sanctuary for barnacle geese and eider ducks, before entering the iceberg-laden waters of Hornsund. Surrounded by polar desert on a grand scale, we search for reindeer, ringed and bearded seals and the mighty polar bear. Learn of human history dating back 400 years and if we’re lucky, we’ll encounter the elusive beluga whale. Throughout your time here you can enjoy exciting Zodiac excursions and optional kayaking.

Your Arctic adventure ends in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of Svalbard. After disembarkation you can enjoy an included group sightseeing tour of this unique Arctic town. A transfer to the airport for homewards journeys is included, or should you wish to spend more time here there are many opportunities for excursions and adventures.