It’s one of the few truly remote places on Earth and only accessible by boat. This volcanic island boasts incredible vistas of the northernmost active volcano in the world. We’ll set foot on Jan Mayen’s volcanic beaches, visit a functioning Norwegian weather station and discover historic remains from the heydays of the whaling industry.

Deep fjords, cascading waterfalls, and rugged mountains make the Westfjords one of Iceland’s most scenic regions. The windswept peninsula’s long coastline hosts many millions of nesting seabirds, including razorbills and puffins. The surrounding seas are home to a variety of whale species.

In one particularly pretty fjord, the historic fishing port of Ísafjörður embodies Iceland’s unique blend of rich cultural heritage and contemporary charm. The town’s longstanding historical significance is reflected in its large collection of old timber-frame houses and various museums.

Spitsbergen’s varied landscape of mountains, tidewater glaciers and flowering tundra is home to impressive colonies of seabirds, a variety of seal and whale species, and a high concentration of polar bears stalking the ice. We may also visit Ny-Ålesund, a research settlement complete with a museum, post office and gift shop. There may even be a chance to swim in the Arctic Ocean.