17-night Four Arctic Islands – Spitsbergen, Jan Mayen, Greenland, and Iceland Expedition

Often referred to as "Pearl of the Baltic," this neat city is known for impressive architecture, wide boulevards, and beautiful harbor. Grand Senate Square, dominated by exquisite Tuomio Church and onion domes of Russian Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral, is an example of neo-Classical, Empire-style impressive architecture. Visit the lively harborfront market and Temppeliaukioa Church (Rock Church), which was created in the 60's from man-made and natural materials. Finland’s musical heritage comes alive in great Finlandia Hall, designed by renowned architect Alvar Aalto. Finland’s beloved composer, Jean Sibelius, is remembered by a beautiful monument on Helsinki’s outskirts. Helsinki has good museums displaying everything from art to architectural design. Open-air Museum - the small wooded island of Seurasaari - has a collection of vernacular buildings assembled from all over Finland which provide insight into how country folk lived until recently. Suomenlinna Fortress is the largest in the world and often called Gibraltar of the North.

Often referred to as "Pearl of the Baltic," this neat city is known for impressive architecture, wide boulevards, and beautiful harbor. Grand Senate Square, dominated by exquisite Tuomio Church and onion domes of Russian Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral, is an example of neo-Classical, Empire-style impressive architecture. Visit the lively harborfront market and Temppeliaukioa Church (Rock Church), which was created in the 60's from man-made and natural materials. Finland’s musical heritage comes alive in great Finlandia Hall, designed by renowned architect Alvar Aalto. Finland’s beloved composer, Jean Sibelius, is remembered by a beautiful monument on Helsinki’s outskirts. Helsinki has good museums displaying everything from art to architectural design. Open-air Museum - the small wooded island of Seurasaari - has a collection of vernacular buildings assembled from all over Finland which provide insight into how country folk lived until recently. Suomenlinna Fortress is the largest in the world and often called Gibraltar of the North.

Known for its stark mountain peaks and spectacular glaciers, Longyearbyen was named for the American John Monroe Longyear, who established a mining operation here in 1906. In the summer season, many species of birds can be found nesting in the steep cliffs while the seaside harbors a number of marine animals from white whales, seals and walruses. In the small town, are museums, local shops and restaurants to explore at a leisurely pace.

Spitsbergen is located in the largest Island of the archipelago of Svalbard in Norway. The economy on the island thrives in three main industries, which are coal mining, tourism and research. It has an arctic weather with beautiful icebergs to be discovered through the island including the famous ice cap, Austfonna.

Spitsbergen is located in the largest Island of the archipelago of Svalbard in Norway. The economy on the island thrives in three main industries, which are coal mining, tourism and research. It has an arctic weather with beautiful icebergs to be discovered through the island including the famous ice cap, Austfonna.

Spitsbergen is located in the largest Island of the archipelago of Svalbard in Norway. The economy on the island thrives in three main industries, which are coal mining, tourism and research. It has an arctic weather with beautiful icebergs to be discovered through the island including the famous ice cap, Austfonna.

Spitsbergen is located in the largest Island of the archipelago of Svalbard in Norway. The economy on the island thrives in three main industries, which are coal mining, tourism and research. It has an arctic weather with beautiful icebergs to be discovered through the island including the famous ice cap, Austfonna.

Jan Mayen Island is a volcanic island in an area partly covered by glacier, in Norway. For many years no one was allowed to visit the island, but recently the tiny island has become available to tourists. There are several large lakes on the islands, overshadowed by the Beerenberg volcano, which may be climbed with permission form the station commander on the island. Jan Mayen is home to many birds, from the albatross-like fulmar to the black-and-white puffin. Visitors will also see harper seals and various species of whale swimming in the chilly waters.
 

Jan Mayen Island is a volcanic island in an area partly covered by glacier, in Norway. For many years no one was allowed to visit the island, but recently the tiny island has become available to tourists. There are several large lakes on the islands, overshadowed by the Beerenberg volcano, which may be climbed with permission form the station commander on the island. Jan Mayen is home to many birds, from the albatross-like fulmar to the black-and-white puffin. Visitors will also see harper seals and various species of whale swimming in the chilly waters.
 

Scoresby Sund is the largest fjord system in the world. This destination is located on the eastern coast of Greenland. The name honors the English explorer William Scoresby, who mapped the fjord area in great detail in 1822. Some of the core activities in Scoresby Sund include whale watching, wildlife spotting as a variety or shore excursions.

Scoresby Sund is the largest fjord system in the world. This destination is located on the eastern coast of Greenland. The name honors the English explorer William Scoresby, who mapped the fjord area in great detail in 1822. Some of the core activities in Scoresby Sund include whale watching, wildlife spotting as a variety or shore excursions.

Scoresby Sund is the largest fjord system in the world. This destination is located on the eastern coast of Greenland. The name honors the English explorer William Scoresby, who mapped the fjord area in great detail in 1822. Some of the core activities in Scoresby Sund include whale watching, wildlife spotting as a variety or shore excursions.

Scoresby Sund is the largest fjord system in the world. This destination is located on the eastern coast of Greenland. The name honors the English explorer William Scoresby, who mapped the fjord area in great detail in 1822. Some of the core activities in Scoresby Sund include whale watching, wildlife spotting as a variety or shore excursions.

Scoresby Sund is the largest fjord system in the world. This destination is located on the eastern coast of Greenland. The name honors the English explorer William Scoresby, who mapped the fjord area in great detail in 1822. Some of the core activities in Scoresby Sund include whale watching, wildlife spotting as a variety or shore excursions.

The fire, frost and water symbolized by the red, white and blue of Iceland’s flag are manifested in this land. Reykjavik, or Smoky Bay, was so named in 874 A.D. by Ingolf Arnarson when he sighted the numerous hot springs on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Today this remarkably pollution-free city is wrapped around a sweeping bay and has managed to retain its charming Old-World atmosphere. A pastiche of red-blue-and green-roofed houses together with the tall gray tower of Hallgrim’s Church dominate the skyline. In Old Town, many of the wooden buildings have been lovingly restored and stand side by side with modern timber and concrete structures. There are fine museums and art galleries; historic pubs present activity in late afternoon. The beautiful countryside outside of Reykjavik includes such natural wonders as volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and spectacular waterfalls.