Explore the world’s northernmost capital

Your adventure begins with an overnight stay in Reykjavík.  

A laid-back city of art, culture and history, delightful Reykjavík is well worth spending some time getting to know.  

Take a stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and outdoor shops, gaze in awe at the striking Hallgrímskirkja Church, and drop in on the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum.   

If you have the time, we recommend booking a Pre-Programme with us and discovering some of Iceland’s natural highlights before your cruise begins. 

In the wake of Vikings 

We sail to Greenland across the Denmark Strait. This is the route taken by the Viking Erik the Red, who is credited as being the first European to have settled there. Sometimes we spot whales along the way, so keep a lookout. 

During the two-day crossing, you’ll have plenty of time to get to know the ship and all its onboard facilities. At the same time the Expedition Team will give presentations about the protocols of respectfully visiting the fragile natural areas and Indigenous Arctic communities. Now is the time to book excursions and maybe learn a few words of Greenlandic. 

Primarily, however, this is a time of adjustment and enjoyment. You’ll relish delicious meals in the onboard restaurants, listen to some amazing talks and simply get to relax and unwind on this comfortable ship. As we get closer to Greenland, or Kalaallit Nunaat as it is known you’ll feel the anticipation and excitement building … your adventure is about to begin! 

Explore this picturesque and peaceful town

Qaqortoq offers you your first taste of life in Greenland, or Kalaallit Nunaat as it is known. The gorgeously colourful houses and the intriguing rock carvings in this tranquil town will have you immediately reaching for your camera. And it’s only a short walk to a picturesque lake where you’ll enjoy complete silence, apart from perhaps the gentle sound of bubbling streams.  

Relax and get acquainted with the laid-back way of life here. You can explore the compact town with its museum containing rare Inuit artifacts or browse locally-made jewellery and artworks. You can also join optional events where you’ll meet friendly locals and hear their stories at a traditional kaffemik social gathering and hear stories from times past at the community hall. 

Experience nature’s ethereal beauty  

As we reach Kvanefjord in Sermersooq, which means ’Place of Much Ice‘, you’ll have your first encounter with Greenland’s sublime west coast fjords. 

Witness glistening icebergs and semi-submerged glacial ice that’s pure white with undertones of crystalline blue and floating in turquoise waters. These sculpted ice blocks are some of Arctic nature’s finest creations and they come from the glacier at the head of the fjord. 

Few people ever venture into this area, making it even more special to spend the day exploring here. The Expedition Team will select places to venture ashore and enjoy the beautiful scenery on a nature walk, as well as heading out in boats to scout for wildlife and get a close-up look at the glacier, if the conditions are good. 

Roam around in this ‘uneven’ place 

Today we reach Maniitsoq, which means ’The Uneven Place‘. But it’s really not that uneven compared to other places in Greenland! Surrounded by mountains and a fjord, it’s a small town of colourful buildings, and it has awe-inspiring views.  

Once a regional hub for trading reindeer hides, people have lived here for 4,000 years. Today the main industry is fishing, and you’ll see plenty of evidence of this. Check out the small museum where you’ll see a selection of wooden skin-covered kayaks, as well as figurines carved from walrus ivory, traditional costumes and various works of Inuit art.  

Maniitsoq has several hiking options with different viewpoints to discover, including a brisk stroll up to the town’s radio antenna. From up there, you might even spot humpback whales in the bay. 

Enjoy a warm welcome in Arctic Greenland 

We have reached Sisimiut, around 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. It’s Greenland’s second-largest urban area, but somehow manages to retain the feel of a small fishing village. The town is spread out over several hills which makes for an interesting and occasionally energetic stroll.  

Old traditions are alive and well here, and you can learn more about the ancient Saqqaq artifacts in the excellent local museum. Go inside the traditional turf house there and see how hunters would spend a typical winter. Almost next door to it is Greenland’s oldest church.  

If you're looking for a special souvenir, pick up a scarf, hat or sweater made of qiviut, the inner wool of a musk ox. You’ll also find miniature figurines, carved by local artists, as well as Inuit artwork and a delightful shop selling gems. 

Nature's artwork in UNESCO-listed icefjord 

Today we reach Disko Bay – a haven for whales and other wildlife. The waters here are scattered with icebergs in many shapes and sizes, and they all come from one place – the Ilulissat Icefjord. This spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site regularly tops the list of things to see and do in Greenland, and today you'll find out why. Enjoy the scenery as you walk along the wooden gangway to the breathtaking ice fjord.  

Marvel at giant icebergs floating placidly in the deep blue waters as they take on different hues of white, grey and blue. All photographers, regardless of skill, will return to the ship with the most enviable images. Back in pretty Ilulissat, visit the Icefjord Centre to learn more about the ice in this fascinating area and take a hike to Sermermiut to drink in the incredible views. 

Remote, untamed landscapes and icebergs 

Rugged Vaigat Sound is our most northerly point, and you'll feel like the first person to explore this remote area. We're in the hands of Mother Nature today and the Expedition Team will identify the best landing sites to go to.  

If possible, we'll use our expedition boats to go on shore landings, or take the opportunity to launch the kayaks. We might trek across the tundra and get up close to glaciers and learn how they move.  

Have your binoculars and camera ready as wildlife sightings in this region can include humpbacks, orcas and bowhead whales, as well as several types of seals.

The ethereal beauty of Evighedsfjord 

Enjoy an exploration day in the magical Evighedsfjord near Kangerlussuaq. We'll determine on the day what adventures lie in store for you.  

The beautiful turquoise waters of the 'Fjord of Eternity' are fed by an ice cap that calves huge icebergs into its 2,300 ft deep channels. It's surrounded by mist-cloaked mountains that look straight out of Lord of the Rings, with beautiful white ridges punctuated by crystal blue ice caves. 

Nature reigns here. Look out for the cliffs where thousands of raucous seabirds such as razorbills and guillemots build their nests. As ever, we'll be on the lookout for wildlife including whales and Arctic foxes.  

Experience modern and ancient Greenland side-by-side 

Nuuk is Greenland’s colourful and compact capital. With a population of fewer than 20,000, it’s a striking mix of old and modern buildings. If you’re more a fan of the former, head down to the old part of town by the waterfront, where you’ll find Nuuk Cathedral and the statue of Hans Egede standing on a hill. In the water below, you’ll see the beautiful Mother of the Sea statue – a striking juxtaposition between the two. 

Visit the national museum to get an insight into life here 500 years ago and see the fascinating Qilakitsoq mummies. Otherwise, there are plentiful shopping opportunities – by Greenland standards – and a mix of café and restaurants to drop in on. There may be performances on at the Cultural Centre, which can be both entertaining and educational – plus, you may get the chance to sample some Greenlandic ‘delicacies’.  

Feel history come alive in this eerie, abandoned mining settlement 

As you wander around the abandoned ruins of this ghost town it’s hard to believe that Ivittuut, a former mining outpost, once played a pivotal role in the course of history.  

During WWII, the US secretly stationed troops here to prevent rare cryolite – used to make aluminum alloys – falling into enemy hands. Supplies were instead shipped to the US to manufacture aircraft that were used in the Battle of Britain.  

Here, you can walk among the area's deserted buildings, although these days the only inhabitants you might see are musk oxen, and even then, it is from a distance.  

Feel the squeeze as we enter this wildlife-rich sound 

We aim to traverse the cold blue waters of the 60-mile-long Prince Christian Sound today if sea ice allows. Sharp-peaked granite mountains provide a stunning contrast to the bright white glaciers that tumble from the edge of the ice cap. At times the sound is narrow – only 1,500 ft across in some places. 

Nature is abundant here. Keep an eye out for ringed and bearded seals resting on the ice, while Glaucous Gulls and Black Guillemots soar above. You may even spot minke and humpback whales in these waters. See calving icebergs and the colourful houses of the tiny village of Aappilattoq as you pass. 

Time to rest, relax and reflect 

After exploring the ethereal, rugged beauty of western Greenland we set our course back to Iceland across the Denmark Strait. You'll have two days at sea recapping the voyage highlights with the Expedition Team, during which time you may learn more about the delicate ecology and rugged geology of Greenland in the Science Center. 

But mostly this will be a time of reflection and a chance to relax before you return to everyday life. Take the time to enjoy some more lovely meals in the restaurants, kick back in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, or edit some of the many pictures you have taken.  

Unforgettable memories of your time in Greenland 

Your Greenland expedition cruise has come full circle and you'll arrive back in Iceland's laid-back capital in the morning. Alas, it’s time to say goodbye to the crew, the Expedition Team and your fellow guests – some of whom will no doubt be new friends.  

If you’re not yet ready to end your adventure, you can join our optional Post-Programme before you head home. Or why not simply extend your stay and enjoy Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions.