NORTHERN LIGHTS: ICELAND AND GREENLAND
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14 DAYS
Explore unspoiled wilderness in Iceland & East Greenland. Cruising along Iceland’s mountainous Vestfjords and Greenland’s remote northeast coast, home to the largest fjord system in the world, you’ll discover diverse and dramatically rugged landscapes rich in iconic arctic wildlife. Immersed in the untamed beauty of the Arctic, you’ll experience Inuit culture firsthand at Ittoqqortoormiit, visit ancient Thule sites steeped in history, and marvel at the majesty of massive icebergs and towering bird cliffs. If you’re lucky, you may also catch sight of the spectacular northern lights dancing across the sky.
ITINERARY SUMMARY NORTHERN LIGHTS: ICELAND AND GREENLAND
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Reykjavik, Iceland | Explore this vibrant city |
| Day 2 | Rekjavik | Embark on your voyage in Reykjavik |
| Days 3 & 4 | Denmark Strait | Whale spotting, Presentations |
| Days 4 - 8 | East Greenland | Visit Thule settlements and Scorebysund fjord complex |
| Days 9 & 10 | At Sea | Sea Birds, Presentations |
| Days 11-14 | Spitsbergen | Polar bears, glaciers, walrus, reindeer, Arctic birds |
| Day 15 | Oslo, Norway | Disembark in Spitsbergen, Flight to Oslo |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Ocean Adventurer
The expedition ship Ocean Adventurer is designed to carry 132 travelers in comfort and has a classic style and feel. She was originally built in Yugoslavia in 1976 and has undergone several renovations; in 1999, 2002 and her most significant in 2017. The Ocean Adventurer is ice-strengthened and a beautiful small ship upon which to discover the wonders of Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland.
Day 1 Reykjavik, Iceland
Your arctic expedition begins in Reykjavik, Iceland. Arrive in the capital in the morning and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the day to explore the city on your own. You may wish to visit the famous Golden Circle which includes the Strokkur Geysir, the parting of the tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park and Gullfoss Waterfall.
Day 2 Embark Reykjavik
This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. You will have time in the morning to visit some of the interesting sites in town before embarkation. Once on board settle into your room before meeting your expedition team and fellow travel companions for a safety briefing and setting sail.
Day 3 Exploring the Vesfjords
Each region of Iceland has its own appeal for nature, bird and history lovers, and the little-visited Vestfjords (Westfjords), where the land meets the sea in the most dramatic fashion, is no exception. Exploring this rugged peninsula at the country’s remote northwestern tip offers awe-inspiring vistas of mountains, fjords and towering cliffs. If you are lucky and conditions allow, you might cruise along Látrabjarg, Europe’s largest bird cliff, teeming with puffins, razorbills and guillemots. Another possible destination is the quaint island of Flatey, where a replica of Iceland’s largest medieval manuscript, Flateyjarbók, can be viewed in the library. The church here features murals symbolizing life on the island, including one of Jesus wearing a classic Icelandic sweater.
Day 4 Denmark Strait
At sea, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Greenland. Your Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about the history of exploration in the Arctic and the seabirds you’ll inevitably see soaring above your ship.
Days 5-12 North-East Greenland
During your tour of Greenland’s remote northeast coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen, as 40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park. Sailing through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs, you’ll immediately see why some say it’s the most beautiful fjord system on the planet. Sites such as Frederiksdal and Sydkap offer opportunities to explore the colorful tundra and the remains of ancient Thule settlements.
At the entrance of the sound is East Greenland’s most northerly community, Ittoqqortoormiit, where you may spend time interacting with the Inuit people and learning about their way of life. You may also have a chance to see the northern lights here if the skies are clear. Deeper in the sound, Røde Øya offers a picturesque locale for admiring the beauty of sky-blue bergs set against striking red sandstone cliffs. Magnificent vistas also await at Kong Oscar Fjord, with possible landings at Ella Øya, renowned for its rugged cliffs and ice-choked waters, and flower-rich Botanikerbugt, on Ymer Øya.
Day 13 Denmark Strait
As your arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by the onboard experts, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie — there are many activities during your time at sea. Your Expedition Team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.
Day 14 Reykjavik, Iceland
You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, a transfer will be provided to a central downtown location.