Three Arctic Islands (Southbound)
15 Days Starting in Helsinki, Finland and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting: Greenland, Iceland
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
Interests:
Tour Overview
The Arctic has been inspiring explorers for centuries, and our expeditions offer the chance for you to discover why. Check three different Arctic regions off your list on this adventure, heading above the Arctic Circle to Spitsbergen, in the Svalbard archipelago, to remote East Greenland and ending in Iceland. The towering cliffs, iconic wildlife, massive glaciers and swaths of untouched tundra of these three Arctic tours de force never cease to impress.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Helsinki, Finland
Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included 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
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
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
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
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Beer and house wine during dinner
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All accommodation
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All transport and listed activities
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Full complement of qualified Expedition Staff
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Mandatory transfer package including flights from Helsinki to Longyearbyen
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We can include flights from the UK. Please contact us for a quote.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Visas or vaccinations
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 which is a Polar Adventure Ship. One night in a standard hotel in Helsinki included. Full board accommodation on the ship, generally on a twin share basis in a variety of cabin types, all with en suite facilities. Please visit the Polar Fleet page for Ship Information and Deck Plans.
Polar Adventure Ships
These are small ice rated vessels well qualified for Polar waters. Intimate adventures are always more enjoyable with like-minded passengers and staff, so these voyages are for people who like flexible itineraries and plenty to keep them busy. Activities include frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking, kayaking and many hours on deck in areas that other ships only dream about accessing. Food and staff are excellent and every guest benefits from the technical advances of this superb fleet. Rest assured our Polar Adventure Ships enable any traveller to maximize their experience sensitively in the Poles.
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 have the chance to observe a variety of wildlife including walrus, Polar bears, Arctic terns, kittiwakes, Glaucous gulls, Svalbard reindeer, and Musk ox. Bird enthusiasts will also enjoy sightings of skuas, Long-tailed ducks, and Ivory gulls.
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What activities are available on the Polar Adventure Ship?
The Polar Adventure Ship offers a range of activities including frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking, kayaking, and many hours on deck. There are also opportunities to learn about the wildlife and history of the regions visited through lectures and presentations.
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What is the accommodation like on the tour?
Accommodation includes one night in a standard hotel in Helsinki and full board accommodation on the Ocean Explorer, a Polar Adventure Ship. The ship offers a variety of cabin types, generally on a twin share basis, all with en suite facilities.
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Are meals included during the tour?
Yes, all meals while on the ship are included. The ship's galley offers good quality service and cuisine, with international menus including vegetarian options. Beer and house wine are also provided during dinner.
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What is the itinerary for the tour?
The tour begins in Helsinki, Finland, and includes a private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Svalbard. You will explore Spitsbergen and the Svalbard Archipelago, sail through the Greenland Sea, and explore East Greenland's remote coast. The journey concludes in Reykjavik, Iceland.
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What is the highlight of the Scoresbysund excursion?
Scoresbysund is one of the largest fjord complexes in the world and is known for its spectacular beauty. It is the birthplace of many icebergs and offers a chance to explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements.
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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.