Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced seven 2015 Arctic itineraries – including two new voyages – that will explore the vast geography of Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland and Canada from late May through early September. Much of the season will be spent in the high Arctic. Each expedition promises Arctic wildlife, riveting ice in myriad forms, plus dramatic elements of human history. Lindblad Expeditions’ Arctic voyages underscore what sets an “expedition” apart from a “cruise.” New for 2015 are:
• Epic 80ºN: Exploring Greenland, Baffin & Ellesmere Islands will explore Baffin Island and Lancaster Sound, then make its way up the beautiful coast of Ellesmere, which reaches farther north than any other land, except for Greenland. The expedition has been planned to allow time to go as far north as the ice allows, and then trace the rarely explored coast of northwest Greenland, going places Lindblad has never been—where tidewater glaciers of extreme beauty dominate. Guests will experience unbridled 21st-century exploration as they venture deep into the far reaches of the ice to Zodiac cruise, kayak, and hike the tundra. They will encounter hardy Inuit communities and learn about the ancient Thule and Dorset at remote archaeological sites, some marvelously preserved. Observe polar bears, walruses, and even elusive narwhals. Explore amid the big ice of Philpots Island. Departs Aug. 17 for 23 days. Rates from $23,990 pp/double.
• Exploring Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic ventures deep into the far northern reaches of the Arctic on a quest for arctic wildlife and the magisterial scenery of the ice occurring at an epic scale in Greenland. Guests will share the experience of explorers driven to discover the Northwest Passage. This itinerary provides opportunities to navigate the eastern entrance of Canada’s fabled Northwest Passage; explore Greenland’s fjords, and the Ilulissat Glacier, a UNESCO site and a tongue of the Greenland ice cap; spend a week in the Canadian High Arctic observing polar bears and other denizens of the ice, and visit an historic Inuit fishing village and former whaling port. The 13-day voyages depart July 28 and Aug. 7, 2015. Rates from $12,990.
The other five Arctic itineraries include the Land of the Ice Bears: An In-Depth Exploration of Arctic Svalbard; Norway’s Fjords and Arctic Svalbard; Svalbard, Iceland & Greenland’s East Coast; Along the Viking Trail: From Iceland to Greenland, and A Circumnavigation of Iceland (sold out). Lindblad Expeditions’ route in the Arctic is flexible and completely ice and weather dependent.
Lindblad’s Arctic expeditions are set aboard the 148-guest National Geographic Explorer, with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment for polar expeditions; and fleet of Zodiacs and sea kayaks.
Contact Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic voyages at www.expeditions.com, 800-EXPEDITION (800-397-3348), or a travel agent.
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