ICELAND & GREENLAND

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15 DAYS

On this Arctic voyage visit Iceland and sails from the east coast of Greenland around the southern tip and up the west coast. Visit Inuit communities, Scoresby Sund, glaciers, ice-choked bays and ancient viking ruins.

ITINERARY SUMMARY

 

Day Place Highlights
Day 1 Reykjavik, Iceland Your trip starts in Iceland, visit the Old Town, Hallgrimskirkja Nordic-style church, the National Museum
Day 2 Iceland’s Western Coast Flatey Island, cliffs of Látrabjarg, razorbill birds, Zodiac excursions
Day 3-7 East Greenland Scoresby Sund, King Oscar Fjord, 
Day 8-11 Southern Greenland Skjoldugen Fjord, Prins Christian Sund, Hvalsey Church, Brattahlid
Day 12 West Greenland Nuuk, fjords
 Day 14-15 Reykjavik Fly to Reykjavik for the final night

Day 1 Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik Iceland
Overview:

Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just south of the Arctic Circle. Take a walking tour of the Old Town, and venture into Hallgrimskirkja, a modern, Nordic-style church whose steeple soars to 210 feet, making it the tallest building in Iceland. Visit the National Museum, and browse a collection of unusual whalebone carvings and Viking treasures and artefacts. In the afternoon you will board the ship and settle into your cabin on the National Geographic Explorer.

Ship
National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer was completely redesigned and rebuilt prior to being relaunched in 2008. The ship is equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment making it ideal for Antarctic expeditions, and offers a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the regions explored. The Explorer accommodates guests in 81 spacious outside cabins, most with feature windows and some with balconies. Public areas include a lounge and bar, a spa, fitness centre and sauna, and a choice of dining options that offer regionally inspired cuisine.

The ship is outfitted with the latest equipment for exploration – kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft, as well as hydrophones, HD cameras, and sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world.

Day 2 Exploring Iceland’s Western Coast

West Iceland Snæfellsnes
Overview:

Navigate the west coast of Iceland visiting places of interest such as Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries, soaring cliffs of Látrabjarg as well as the westernmost point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razorbills. You will have an opportunity to explore by Zodiac in the afternoon if weather permits.

Day 3 Scoresby Sund, Greenland

East Greenland
Overview:

Overnight the ship will make its way across the Denmark Strait to Greenland’s eastern coast, which is etched with thousands of fjords and towering mountains. Arrive at the entrance of Scoresby Sund, a deep, branching inlet with numerous fjords that extend all the way to the edge of the inland icecap. This area is lined by mountains that rise straight out of the sea, glistening tidewater glaciers, and rich fauna and bird life. Depending on the weather conditions you will be able to explore the area by Zodiac with your expedition leaders. This is also opportunity for a bit of hiking if you If you are lucky you may witness ice carving off a glacier and landing in the water with a dramatic splash. Keep your eyes out for whales, seals, and other marine life.

Day 4-5 King Oscar Fjord

Greenland Fjord
Overview:

The second largest body of ice in the world after Antarctica, Greenland’s icesheet covers approximately 80% of Greenland’s surface. This ice sheet creates huge glaciers up and down the fjords you will visit. Over the next couple of days explore by foot and zodiac and by using the underwater cameras and Remotely Operated Vehicle you will be able to discover marine life and underwater geology. As the ship enters King Oscar Fjord you may be lucky enough to see a polar bear.

Day 6-7 At Sea

At Sea
Overview:

Spend your days listening to presentations on history, geology, climate and wildlife whilst at sea. You may see sea bird and wildlife so be sure to keep an eye out.

Day 8 Skjoldungen Fjord

Skjoldugen Greenland
Overview:

Arrive on Greenland’s south eastern coast at the stunning Skjoldungen Fjord, a U-shaped inlet surrounded by glaciers fed directly from the Greenland ice cap. Cruise around in Zodiacs to see the icebergs up close and hopefully see a humback whale. You also have the choice of boarding a kayak to paddle up to waterfalls. On shore, choose from a selection of hikes with our naturalists that cater for all levels of fitness.

Day 10 Prins Christian Sund, Nanortalik

Nanortalik Greenland
Overview:

Arrive on Greenland’s south eastern coast at the stunning Skjoldungen Fjord, a U-shaped inlet surrounded by glaciers fed directly from the Greenland ice cap. Cruise around in Zodiacs to see the icebergs up close and hopefully see a humback whale. You also have the choice of boarding a kayak to paddle up to waterfalls. On shore, choose from a selection of hikes with our naturalists that cater for all levels of fitness.

Day 10-11 Hvalsey Church, Qaqortoq and Brattahlid

Hvalsey Church Greenland
Overview:

On the shores of Qaqortukulooq fjord lies one of the best preserved Nordic sites in the world, the Hvalsey Church. Part of the settlement founded by Erik the Red’s cousins in 986 A.D., Hvalsey has given historians fascinating clues to the daily life of the Vikings and their mysterious disappearance.

The next stop is Qaqortoq, the largest town in South Greenland with a population of just over 3,200. You can see the Scandinavian influence in the wooden houses painted primary colours and colonial architecture dating back to the late 1700s can be found in the town centre. Visit the museum, where Greenlandic kayaks, hunting equipment, and local art and handicrafts are on display.

Continue to Brattahlid, where Erik the Red established his farm in 982 A.D. Erik’s wife, Tjodhilde, built the first Christian church in the western hemisphere here, and from here his son, Leif Eriksson, launched the first voyages to North America.

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Day 12-13 Nuuk and Greenland’s West Coast

Nuuk Greenland Coast
Overview:

Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, is located on the side of the ice-capped Sermitsiaq Mountain and has a population of 17,000. Here you can visit the National Museum to view the 15th-century Qilakitsoq mummies found near Uummannatsiaq. Spend the following day exploring the fjords along the western coast.

Day 14-15 Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik Iceland reflection
Overview:

After many days exploring Greenland it is time to disembark the ship in Kangerlussuaq and board the charter flight to Reykjavik. You will stay the night in Reykjavik and the following morning you will be transferred to the airport.

To book this cruise contact us on 1300 784 794 or email: contact@arctictravelcentre.com.au

We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.