Three Arctic Islands (Southbound)
15 Days Starting in Helsinki, Finland and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting: Greenland Sea, Scoresbysund, Reykjavik
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PLA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 138
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Three Arctic Islands (Southbound)" tour, exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Greenland and Iceland. Begin your adventure in Helsinki, then set sail on the Ocean Explorer, a Polar Adventure Ship, for an immersive experience in the Arctic. Witness the awe-inspiring wildlife of Spitsbergen, including walrus, Polar bears, and Arctic terns, and marvel at the majestic glacier fronts and fjords. As you navigate the Greenland Sea, learn about the region's rich history and wildlife. Discover the remote eastern coast of Greenland, with its ancient Thule settlements and the stunning Scoresbysund fjord complex. Conclude your voyage in Reykjavik, Iceland, enriched by the beauty and wonder of the Arctic. Enjoy full board accommodation, expert-led excursions, and the chance to sail within 10° of the North Pole, making this a truly unique and captivating expedition.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Helsinki, Finland
Accommodation Name: included airport hotel
Our Arctic adventure begins in Oslo, where you may arrive at any time during Day 1 of your itinerary. Upon arriving in this splendid capital city, known for its green spaces and museums, check into your included airport hotel.
Day 2 : Embarkation Day In Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. As you embark this afternoon, you’ll enjoy great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.
Day 3 - 6 : Explore Spitsbergen And The Svalbard Archipelago
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest of the Norwegian-ruled Svalbard islands, rewards us with abundant wildlife and austere beauty. Visit spectacular glacier fronts and steep-walled fjords with walrus, Polar bears and Svalbard reindeer amongst our possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see Arctic terns, skuas, Long-tailed ducks, kittiwakes and Ivory gulls. As an added bonus, when conditions are right, we could sail within 10° of the North Pole!
Day 7 - 8 : Greenland Sea
Location: Greenland Sea
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
While sailing south through the Greenland Sea, the Expedition Team will teach you about the wildlife and history of Greenland, our next stop. On deck, learn to identify seabirds on the wing. Take in a lecture, share photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie—there are many things to do during our time at sea.
Day 9 - 12 : Exploring East Greenland
Location: Scoresbysund
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
During our tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, we’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing Musk ox — 40 percent of the world’s population lives here. Finally, sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs and, some say, the most beautiful fjord system in the world.
Day 13 - 14 : At Sea In The Denmark Strait
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As we cruise south, the Denmark Strait is our pathway toward Iceland. The Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about the history of exploration in the Arctic and the seabirds you’ll see soaring above the ship.
Day 15 : Disembark Reykjavik, Iceland And End
Location: Reykjavik
Meals Included: Breakfast
We disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of our journey.
What's Included
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Meals
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners. -
All meals while on the ship
All meals are included while you are on the ship.
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Beer and house wine during dinner
Beer and house wine are provided during dinner.
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All accommodation
All accommodation is included in the tour package.
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All transport and listed activities
All transport and listed activities are included in the tour.
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Full complement of qualified Expedition Staff
A full complement of qualified Expedition Staff is included.
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Mandatory transfer package including flights from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
The tour includes a mandatory transfer package with flights from Helsinki to Longyearbyen.
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Flights from the UK
Flights from the UK can be included upon request.
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One night in a standard hotel in Helsinki
One night in a standard hotel in Helsinki is included.
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Full board accommodation on the ship
Full board accommodation on the ship is provided, generally on a twin share basis in a variety of cabin types, all with en suite facilities.
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Zodiac excursions and activities
Frequent Zodiac excursions and activities are included.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Single accommodation
Single accommodation is not included but is available on request.
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Visas or vaccinations
Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.
Food
All meals while on the ship included. Typical Meals The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale. Breakfast: Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal. Lunch: Three course set meal or buffet, or the occasional BBQ. Dinner:Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or salad, a choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a dessert, with tea and coffee. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so that our local team can be well prepared.
Accommodation
The Three Arctic Islands (Southbound) is offered on the Ocean Explorer, a Polar Adventure Ship. One night in a standard hotel in Helsinki is included. Full board accommodation on the ship, generally on a twin share basis in a variety of cabin types, all with en suite facilities.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes a mandatory transfer package with flights from Helsinki to Longyearbyen. The journey is primarily conducted on the Ocean Explorer, a Polar Adventure Ship, with frequent Zodiac excursions and activities.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including walrus, Polar bears, Svalbard reindeer, Arctic terns, skuas, Long-tailed ducks, kittiwakes, Ivory gulls, and Musk oxen.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes activities such as Zodiac excursions, trekking, kayaking, and many hours on deck observing the unique polar environment. There are also opportunities for lectures and learning about the wildlife and history of the regions visited.
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What is the accommodation like on the tour?
Accommodation is provided on the Ocean Explorer, a Polar Adventure Ship, with full board. The ship offers a variety of cabin types, all with en suite facilities, and generally on a twin share basis. One night in a standard hotel in Helsinki is also included.
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What is the main mode of transport during the tour?
The main mode of transport during the tour is the Ocean Explorer, a Polar Adventure Ship. The tour also includes a mandatory transfer package with flights from Helsinki to Longyearbyen.
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Are there any educational components included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes educational components such as lectures and presentations by the Expedition Team about the wildlife, history of Greenland, and the history of exploration in the Arctic.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 13, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.