Northern Lights to Midnight Sun: Arctic's Polar Opposites

• Day 1-2: Discovering the Arctic Gateway of Longyearbyen

Kick off your Arctic adventure in the Norwegian settlement of Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost town. This colorful frontier outpost offers the perfect introduction to life in the Far North. Explore Camp Barentz in the scenic Advent Valley, where you can meet the friendly huskies and experience an authentic lavvo, a traditional sami tent used by the nomadic reindeer herders.

Before boarding the luxurious expedition ship Greg Mortimer, visit the acclaimed Svalbard Museum to unravel the rich history and heritage of this ancient Arctic archipelago. As you set sail into the incredible Isfjorden, be on the lookout for soaring gulls, guillemots, and the iconic ivory gull, a pristine beauty found exclusively in the high Arctic.

• Day 3-5: The Majestic Svalbard Archipelago

Immerse yourself in the raw, untamed wilderness of the Svalbard archipelago, a prime "wildlife hotspot" of the Arctic. With over 2,000 glaciers blanketing these islands, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking icy landscapes and kaleidoscopic wildflower meadows.

Keep your eyes peeled for Svalbard's most iconic residents - the lordly polar bear patrolling the tundra, massive walrus colonies hauled out on rocky shores, and Arctic foxes scampering about. Zodiac cruises and shoreline hikes bring you up-close to towering bird cliffs alive with nesting guillemots, puffins, and Svalbard's largest auk colony. Even try the Arctic thrill of a polar plunge!

• Day 6-7: Cruising the Icy Greenland Sea

As we traverse the remote Greenland Sea, a prime fishing ground for whales, you may spot the giant blow of a fin or blue whale surfacing among the sweeping sea ice. Swarms of fulmars, guillemots, and other hardy seabirds follow in our wake, taking advantage of the nutrient-rich upwellings. With some luck, you may even get to kayak through this icy polar seascape.

• Day 8-13: East Greenland's Untamed Wilderness

Now we unveil the grand spectacle of Greenland's remote east coast and its crown jewel, Scoresbysund - the world's largest fjord system. Gaze up at towering peaks over 6,500 feet high, intricately carved by the frigid glaciers below.

Explore the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the most isolated communities on the planet. You may spot musk oxen, Arctic hares, and reindeer roaming the fertile volcanic valleys. And keep watch for rare wildlife like narwhals and polar bears wandering the maze-like fjords and channels as we venture into the remote Northeast Greenland National Park.

Our expedition ship allows us to probe deep into seldom-visited fjords like the magnificent Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord. As we Zodiac cruise and hike across the remarkably fertile tundra, you may even discover ancient graves and summer camps used by indigenous cultures over 3,000 years ago!

• Day 14-15: Crossing the Denmark Strait to Iceland

On our final days, we'll be on the lookout for more whales as we sail the Denmark Strait towards the green shores of Iceland. As you bid farewell in cosmopolitan Reykjavik, you'll be leaving with unforgettable memories of one of the world's most spectacular Arctic showcases.