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Iceland’s geology in all its manifestations––glaciers, geysers, thundering waterfalls, immense cliffs, geothermal springs, boiling mud pots, and rock and lava-scapes of unearthly beauty––is world-class. It alone makes a circumnavigation a very compelling idea. And when you add in the other itinerary components––Iceland’s people, their unique cultural heritage and contemporary character, the island’s geography and birdlife––seeing it all in one 360º expedition is irresistible.

The ultimate Southern Ocean experience, this expedition takes you into majestically spectacular wildness. Not even the vast migrations of Africa can rival the awesomeness of seeing a king penguin colony of some tens of thousands individuals stretching as far as the eye can see. Or albatross colonies that fill the windward edges of the remote islands they call home. You’ll have other rare sightings here too: massive, in both senses of the word, herds of elephant seals: and a wandering albatross stretching its 11-foot wings. It’s the impossible beauty of Antarctica exponentially increased by unimaginable numbers of animals. A not-be-missed polar experience, for those with the luxury of time.

See the iconic wildlife—whales, bears and eagles—amid secluded coves and Experience unbridled 21st-century exploration, as we venture to new frontiers deep into the far reaches of the ice to Zodiac cruise, kayak, and hike the tundra. Follow in the wake of legendary explorers and hear their dramatic stories as we explore Lancaster Sound, the gateway to the Northwest Passage.

Go by land, sea, and air to discover the thrilling nature of two geologically extraordinary countries! Start by exploring the cuisine and music of metropolitan Reykjavík, soak in Iceland’s thermal baths, and hike to its thunderous waterfalls. Travel to Greenland via charter air, and enjoy a stunning flight-see of the massive ice cap. In Greenland, embark ship to trace the ragged edge of the ice cap through fjords to archaeological sites while spotting whales along the way.

Our classic Antarctica itinerary delivers huge tabular icebergs, sculptural bergs floating in pools of turquoise blue melt water, mountains rising some 9,000 feet straight up from the sea, penguins galore, abundant marine mammals and experiences like cruising through the solemn majesty of the Lemaire Channel, among many more.

A high Arctic archipelago situated beyond Norway’s fjord-fretted coast, a mere 600 miles from the North Pole, Svalbard is a place of deep fjords, snowcapped mountains, and massive sheets of ice––glowing under the midnight sun during our season there. It’s a magnificent polar bear habitat that provides opportunities for thrilling up-close observations of polar bears and other Arctic wildlife. It’s Arctic nature in its purest form.

Follow Norway’s fjord-carved coast, from the charming town of Bergen, past the North Cape to the ice and wildness of the Svalbard archipelago, for a perfect balance between the charmingly scenic and the spectacularly wild. Explore Tromso and Bear Island on the way to Svalbard in the high Arctic, where polar bears prowl and walruses haul out on rocky shores.

Discover this near-mythic, awe-inspiring landscape that stretches across the Andes from the Atlantic to the Pacific and down to Cape Horn. See its rare wildlife, saw-toothed mountains, deep fjords, and bright blue glaciers. Plus, venture to Argentina’s protected Staten Island by special permission.

If the epic stories of discovery, endurance and polar explorers like Shackleton, or the sheer magnificence of ice-capped peaks don’t grab you, the wildlife certainly will: penguins (king, gentoo and macaroni), sea lions, fur seals and enormous elephant seals cozy up to these shores. Only here on South Georgia can you observe one of the world's great wildlife spectacles: literally, tens of thousands of king penguins on a single beach. This is the expedition for wildlife or photography enthusiasts, or for those who have already been to Antarctica and want more.

See the majestic setting that the lordly polar bear freely roams as we explore the Svalbard archipelago, pulling the ship’s bow up to blue-veined glaciers, alighting on islands where caribou drift like smoke across the tundra.

Circumnavigate the island of Newfoundland and explore the outlying islands of the Canadian Maritimes. Discover the region’s intriguing of Norse history, get a taste of Acadian culture in charming island towns and special dining experiences, see the strange and beautiful landscape of Gros Morne National Park, and much more.