WILD ARCTIC SHORES: ICELAND AND GREENLAND
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11 DAYS
Experience geological extremes across two distinct Arctic islands, from the thundering waterfalls and bubbling hot springs of Iceland to the rugged fjords that carve out the coast of East Greenland. Hike and bike over volcanic landscapes, witness iconic wildlife in remote fjords, learn history steeped in sagas and see local traditions in tiny seaside villages as you circumnavigate Iceland. Across the Denmark Strait, navigate and actively explore a network of wild fjords, and take in Greenland’s spectacular tidewater glaciers.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Reykjavik, Iceland | Explore the world's northernmost capital before embarking the ship |
| Day 2 | Westfjords | Towering waterfalls, abundant wildlife including whales, seals and countless nesting seabirds |
| Day 3 | Siglufjordur | Visit the Herring Museum for a demonstration and tasting, enjoy an afternoon of conservation in the local woods |
| Days 4 - 6 | East Coast of Greenland | Calving tidewater glaciers, scour the landscape and waterline for unique wildlife: humpbacks, beluga whales, seals, narwhal and polar bear |
| Day 7 | Husavik, Iceland | Visit one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, Godafoss, as well as Lake Mývatn, journey through Ásbyrgi Canyon |
| Day 8 | Grimsey | Exactly on the Arctic Circle, nesting arctic terns, fulmars and puffins |
| Day 9 | Borgarfjordur Eystri | Local puffin colony and stunning fjord, hike up to the Svartvell Summit, take a walk through the small village |
| Day 10 | Westman Islands | Formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago, visit the crater on Heimaey |
| Day 11 | Reykjavik | After breakfast, disembark the ship and continue on your onwards journey |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
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 1 Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport to the city and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship.
Day 2 Westfjords
Explore the dramatic and remote Westfjords region of Iceland. Hike along the base of a fjord to discover a towering waterfall before entering Ísafjarðardjúp, known for its wealth of wildlife, including whales, seals and countless nesting seabirds. Land at Vigur Island, a fragile wildlife sanctuary, where the landowners continue the traditional eiderdown collection and cleaning process and are active stewards of the colonies of puffins, eider ducks and black guillemots who call the island home.
Day 3 Siglufjordur
Siglufjörður was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. Stop by the Herring Museum for a salting demonstration and a tasting. Enjoy the surroundings of Iceland’s northern most mainland settlement by joining the local forestry association for an afternoon of conservation in their local woods.
Days 4 – 6 East Coast of Greenland
Strike out across the Denmark Strait to the wild shores of Eastern Greenland. Known for its volume of calving tidewater glaciers stretching back to the ice sheet, this region offers incredible opportunities to explore multiple fjords aboard ship as well as on landings, where hiking, kayaking or Zodiac cruising might all be possible. While you navigate these waters as a modern-day explorer, spend time on the Bridge or at the ship’s railing, scouring the landscape and waterline for the unique wildlife that call this region home. Look out for humpbacks, beluga whales and seals as well as the elusive narwhal and polar bear.
Day 7 Husavik, Iceland
Húsavík is the gateway to the Highlands of northern Iceland. Depart for a full day overland visiting one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, Goðafoss, as well as Lake Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. Alternatively, enjoy an adventurous journey through Ásbyrgi Canyon, said to be formed from the hoof of Odin, with a stop at Dettifoss, the second most powerful waterfall in Europe, or stay along the coast and enjoy a slower pace to the day with forest bathing, bird watching and a soak in the GeoSea bath.
Day 8 Grimsey
This morning, take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grímsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Celebrate officially arriving in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars and puffins in their burrows. Enjoy an afternoon at sea sailing around the northern corner of Iceland as you continue circumnavigating the island.
Day 9 Borgarfjordur Eystri
Located on the eastern shore of Iceland, Borgarfjörður Eystri is well known for its local puffin colony and stunning fjord framed by the Svartvell Summit. Challenge yourself with a hike up to the summit, standing over 1000 feet above sea level, or bike into the backcountry to take in a different perspective on the surrounding mountain range. Join a local guide on a walk through the small village, including a stop at the local eider down shop or get a taste of the local libations. Throughout the day, enjoy some free time observing the puffins in their bustling island colony as they make their way in and out of their burrows.
Day 10 Westman Islands
The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a UNESCO World Heritage site—which you’ll see as you cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbour. Visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, for amazing views of areas once engulfed by lava.
Day 11 Reykjavik
Disembark in Reykjavík and transfer to the airport for flights home.