Our day-by-day itinerary, in keeping with the nature of an expedition, will be a thoughtfully considered framework based on our long experience in this dynamic arctic region. We'll take full advantage of our 'human resources'-our experienced captain, expedition leader, and naturalists-as well as our technological resources. Armed with the latest satellite imagery, we'll chart where the ice is impenetrable, and where there are leads guiding us to exciting discoveries. We have an ice-strengthened hull and forward-searching sonar, plus agile Zodiacs and kayaks, allowing us to make forays among the icebergs. The undersea specialist will deploy the ROV, bringing back imagery few, if any, have ever seen. And with unforgettable days in the ice and two photographers onboard, you'll have assistance to get your best photos ever. We begin in Svalbard, Norway-a place of deep fjords, snowcapped mountains, and massive ice sheets. Nowhere can the polar bear be seen more reliably in its natural environment than here. Venture to the foot of vast tidewater glaciers, kayak among sparkling icebergs, hike the tundra, and explore fjords that split the coastline. Svalbard's wonders are a prelude to days ahead of discoveries on unknown shores, following the ice's edge. Our quest is to discover the Arctic's grand wilderness. Be on deck as our captain navigates between icebergs that drift from the calving glaciers. With a course set west, Jan Mayen is on our itinerary - an isolated volcanic island in the Arctic Ocean. Here, we'll discover the island's unique geology, black-sand beaches and we'll learn of the interesting history of Jan Mayen's storied past-inhabitants. And if the ice yields, we'll aim for Scoresbysund, on the east coast of Greenland, still awakening from winter's long icy grip. If the ice is unrelenting, we'll head to Iceland. The finale of our journey is the west coast of Iceland: Isafjordur, a picture postcard of Icelandic life; Vigur Island, where we'll discover the largest eider farm in the world; and Flatey Island, a former trading post. (B,L,D) ...
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