Franz Josef Land, Svalbard and Greenland: still relatively untouched by human intervention, these Arctic Islands are a remote wonderland of landscapes, wildlife and history.

During this 17-day icebreaker expedition you will explore Europe's most northerly group of islands; a UNESCO international biosphere reserve and an archipelago inhabited by only four species of land mammal. In true expedition-style, the actual route and your daily adventures will unfold in response to local conditions.

Sailing north from Murmansk, you will need to be out on deck with the expedition team to make the most of the rich diversity of extraordinary wildlife found in the Barents Sea: from colonies of Puffins and Guillemots, to kelp forests and coral reefs, as well as Walrus, Bowhead Whale and Polar Bears.

The largely uninhabited and rarely visited archipelago of Franz Josef Land lies between the latitudes of 80 degrees and 81 degrees north and you will be only 900 kilometres from the North Pole when you go ashore to explore the islands' former polar exploration bases.

En-route from Franz Josef Land to Greenland, you will visit the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard where, amongst a spectacular backdrop of icebergs, glaciers and immense sea cliffs, you may encounter the magnificent Polar Bear. Although only four species of land mammal live here, the surrounding seas are prime breeding grounds for a diverse range of seabirds and marine life. Early nights are not advisable as this is a great place to experience the midnight sun.

Wild, rugged and often icebound, the eastern coastline of Greenland is the habitat of Walrus, Polar Bear and Fur Seal. Designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, Northeast Greenland National Park covers an impressive 972,000 square kilometres, making it the largest national park in the world. Up to 40% of the world's population of Musk Ox are believed to live near the Park's coastline, so sightings are very likely. Sailing south through dramatic fjords and calving icebergs, you may have an opportunity to board the helicopters for flight-seeing over the magnificent landscape of King Oscar Fjord and Scoresby Sund.

You will cross the Greenland Sea and Denmark Strait for the final part of your journey and disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland.