ICELAND AND GREENLAND: UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS  

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

Douglas Mawson

Days 1 – 2 Reykjavik, Iceland

Having made your way to Reykjavik, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to the group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions desk where you can collect your luggage cabin tags speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

After a leisurely breakfast on Day 2, check-out and bring your luggage to the Embarkation Suite. Explore Reykjavik at your leisure before returning to the Embarkation Suite at the designated times for the group transfer to Douglas Mawson. After boarding, there’s time to settle into your cabin before the important safety briefings before you ‘throw the lines’ to begin your Iceland and Greenland adventure. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew at the Welcome Dinner.

Day 3 Dynjandi

Today you will enter the Westfjords, one of Iceland’s most remote and sparsely populated regions. Ancient glaciers have carved a dramatic world of deep fjords, broad valleys and sheer-sided table mountains that fall towards the North Atlantic. Waterfalls thread down the mountainsides, small farms sit beneath immense cliffs and the winding coastline reveals new perspectives at every turn. As you navigate these sheltered waterways, the Expedition Team will interpret the geology, wildlife and human stories of a landscape that feels wonderfully removed from modern life. Conditions permitting, travel ashore by Zodiac to visit Dynjandi, the jewel of the Westfjords. This magnificent waterfall tumbles approximately 100 metres down a broad, tiered mountainside, widening like a bridal veil as it descends. A walking trail follows a succession of smaller cascades towards the main falls, offering ever-changing views across Arnarfjörður and the surrounding peaks. Whether you choose to walk towards the base or admire the panorama from below, the scale, sound and setting of Dynjandi make it one of Iceland’s most memorable natural landmarks.

Days 4 – 9 East Greenland

In the Denmark Strait, cruise towards Greenland. Be on the lookout for whale blows and the many seabirds that trail the ship, riding in the constant winds. In the lecture theatre, enjoy informative and entertaining presentations from our experts on topics such as seabirds, wildlife and ice, or catch up on some rest after busy days of travel.

In East Greenland, the itinerary is intentionally open. The Expedition Team will study current ice and weather information, wildlife activity and local guidance before choosing each day’s plan. Landings, Zodiac cruises and community visits remain subject to conditions, permitting, quotas, site availability and local agreements. The range of possibilities is vast. Conditions may favour the glacier-lined southern fjords around Tasiilaq, while a more open coast could allow exploration towards Scoresbysund and the great fjord systems farther north. Named places describe the scope of the expedition rather than a promised route, and Ittoqqortoormiit will only be considered when ice, scheduling and community arrangements align.

Wherever you explore, East Greenland’s scale is unforgettable. Icebergs calved from distant glaciers drift through deep waterways beneath mountains banded in pink, orange and purple. Zodiac cruises may take us through sheltered bays and fields of brash ice, while suitable shores offer walks across tundra coloured by the approaching autumn.

Remain alert for whale blows, seals and seabirds along the coast. On land, musk oxen and arctic hare may appear where their range and your route coincide. Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed, but the freedom to pause, change course or remain longer can turn an unexpected sighting into a defining moment.

These landscapes hold deep human stories. Archaeological traces and historic remains speak to earlier settlement and exploration, while Greenlandic Inuit knowledge and traditions continue to shape life along the coast. Any community encounter will take place only where it is welcomed and operationally possible.

As darkness returns to the Arctic, you will also watch the night sky. Clear conditions may reveal the aurora borealis shimmering above mountains, fjords and drifting ice—a remarkable complement to the discoveries made during the day.

Day 10 At Sea

As you cross the Denmark Strait towards Iceland, spend time on deck scanning for whale blows and seabirds riding the ocean winds. The Expedition Team continues the story of the voyage through talks on wildlife, ice, geology and the human history of the North. It is also a chance to share photographs, reflect on your discoveries and enjoy the changing light across the open sea.

Day 11 Reykjavik, Iceland

During the early morning, cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your Expedition Team and fellow passengers as you all continue your onward journeys. Transfer to Keflavik airport.