Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland Fly & Sail - Antarctic Cruise

Longyearbyen is the administrative centre of Spitsbergen - the largest of the Svalbard islands. This former mining city is a fascinating place to stroll around. The parish church and Svalbard Museum are both interesting attractions. The landscape may appear barren, but it is home to more than 100 species of plants. Early evening, the ship leaves Isfjorden. You might see the first minke of the voyage. The evening sail is to Trygghamna where the remains of an 18th century Pomor hunting and whaling station from the 17th century are visible.

You can walk from Trygghamna to Alkhornet. This is a seabird cliff that the birds use for scouting breeding sites. You can often see Arctic foxes below the cliffs. If there is not much snow, you might also be able to observe reindeer feeding on lush vegetation.

As you sail through Fuglefjorden, Svitjodbreen or Birgerbukta are visible. These two areas serve as breeding grounds for the great skuas and also provide a good opportunity to spot a polar-bear. Raudfjorden is located on the northern coast of Spitsbergen and offers a great place to view the glaciers. The area is also home to a variety of seals including ringed, bearded, and seabird colonies, as well as the occasional beluga and polar bear.

We continue our journey towards east Greenland. Conditions permitting, you may see the edge of sea ice on east Greenland flashing ahead. Watch out for migrating birds and whales.

It is best to arrive at Myggbukta late in the afternoon or early evening after sailing into Foster Bay. The old hunters' hut, where Norwegian trappers used to hunt for Arctic fox and polar bear in the early 20th century is now surrounded by vast tundra, populated with musk-oxen. Geese float the lakes.

As you sail along the Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord enjoying its high mountains and bright icebergs, it is a truly spectacular sight. You reach Teufelsschloss in the evening, which is a mountainous area that forms part of the Eleonora Bay Supergroup. This sedimentary rock was formed between 950 and 610 million year ago at a depth up to 16 kilometers (10 miles). The scenery will be dominated by this rusty red multi-layered geology.

You can spot Arctic hares and musk-oxen if you land at Blomsterbugten. Noah Lake has a large population of great northern divers and their children. There are also many hiking options. You will then venture further into Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord and find shelter at Renbugten. As you pass through the narrow fjord, giant icebergs will greet you.

Renbugten is the destination for today. We are looking to find musk-oxen, and Arctic Hares. After lunch, you will head to the east and enjoy the views of ancient sedimentary rocks in the Antarctic Sound. Arrive at Maria Island by nightfall.

The landing is near Menander Oer. This area offers a variety of walking options.

Continue east and you will land at Antarctic Havn. Spend the afternoon exploring this vast valley where you will see herds of musk-oxen. The sparse foliage is a golden color at this time of the year. You guide might be able tell you more about the geopolitics played here between Norway and Denmark in the 1930s.

Scoresby Sund is the world's largest fjord network.

You will reach Scoresbysund today, after sailing the Volquart Boons Kyst. Enjoy a Zodiac ride past one of these glacier faces, as well as a stop at the basalt columns or ice formations on Vikingebugt. Danmark Island is the afternoon destination, and you will find remnants of an Inuit village abandoned 200 years ago. Summer houses are indicated by the circular stone tents, and winter houses near a small cape. These sites have been well-preserved, including easily identifiable entrances and bear-proof food caches. Grave sites also remain. You will sail through the afternoon along the eastern side of Milne Land, passing a few scattered icebergs.

You arrive near Sydkap where Arctic Hares can be seen. During lunch, you catch a glimpse at the entrance of Nordvestfjord, in Scoresbysund. You will see colossal, 100-meter high icebergs. Some are over a mile long and 328-feet tall. The fjord only measures 400 metres (1,312 ft) deep, so most of the icebergs have been grounded.

You will be landing in Hurry Inlet on the tundra today. Ittoqqortoormiit is the biggest settlement of Scoresbysund with about 500 inhabitants. You can purchase stamps at the post-office for your postcards or stroll through the town to view the seals, musk oxen and sled dog skins drying. Afternoon sails south past the beautiful landscapes along the Blosseville Coast.

You stop in the morning on the southern coast of Jameson Land at a small lagoon, near Kap Stewart. The waders, geese and collared lesmmings are gathering here for the autumn migration. You can also take a stroll in Hurry Inlet near the fjord's head and one of its rivers. You can also climb the J.P. Koch Fjeld mountain near Hareelv. Scientists found fossils in this area that link fish to amphibians from the Lower Cretaceous Period. Spend the night at Constable Pynt.

The adventure must end. Constable Pynt is your last landing. You fly to Keflavik by chartered aircraft, bringing with you memories of your adventure.