Iceland & West Greenland Adventure

In the southwest of Iceland near Faxaflói Bay lies the capital of the country, Reykjavík, simultaneously cosmopolitan and charming. The colorful houses on the horizon create a quaint scene that will make you want to stay forever. Kaleidoscopic views await you at the Harpa Concert Hall, a glittering, glass structure that perfectly exemplifies Iceland’s modern design and will fascinate your inner architect. One of Iceland’s most prominent landmarks is Perlan, originally a group of hot water tanks that was converted to a building that now hosts an exhibition, planetarium, restaurant and observation deck, located atop Öskjuhlíð hill.

Amid the wondrous features of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula lies the small town of Grundarfjörður, home to fewer than 1,000 inhabitants. Its shining star of a landmark, Kirkjufell, translating to “Church Mountain,” beckons explorers to come and discover the beauty of Iceland. Together with the mountain, a three-pronged waterfall called Kirkjufellsfoss creates an exquisite scene straight out of fantasy. Taking a walk through the center of town, you will come across an orca on land. It’s actually a sculpture created by Unnsteinn Guðmundsson and it was modeled after Thunderstorm the orca, a male whale who often greets visitors during whale watching tours.

Amid the enchanting Westfjords of Iceland stands Ísafjörður, a fishing town thriving with local energy and culture. Summer months here are brisk, but it’s this cool climate combined with breathtaking and quaint scenery that makes the village feel like an undiscovered treasure. The massive depression among the flat-topped mountains called Naustahvilft – known colloquially as the troll seat – combines Iceland’s natural beauty with the town’s rich folklore. Make a stop at Dokkan Brugghús, the only brewery in the entire Westfjords, and sample the local beers, crafted with naturally filtered spring water from the nearby mountains. For those for whom the sea’s siren call beckons, you must visit the Westfjord History Museum, based on Ísafjörður’s maritime heritage and its rise in the fishing industry.

Spend a leisurely day pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore.

In Tasiilaq, vibrant Inuit culture meets the rugged beauty of Greenland’s east coast. Nestled among towering fjords and vast icebound terrains, it offers a unique combination of culture, history, and unforgettable adventure. Here, you’re transported into a world where time-honored traditions are integral to daily life. The spirit of the Inuit people thrives in the colorful houses that dot the landscape and the rhythmic drum dances that narrate centuries-old stories. The small yet captivating Ammassalik Museum unveils the area’s rich history, from ancient hunting tools to kayaks that once glided through icy waters. Engage with the warm local communities, renowned for their artisanal crafts and storytelling prowess. The town’s bustling harbor is a hive of activity where fishermen haul the day’s catch, offering you a taste of freshly caught Arctic char and other local delicacies. For the adventurous, there may be opportunities for hiking Flower Valley to breathtaking views, kayaking through serene fjords or whale watching for humpbacks during their summer migration.

Imagine a land where time stands still and nature reigns supreme. Skjoldungen Island is your gateway to unparalleled adventure and breathtaking beauty. Nestled in the serene waters of Southeastern Greenland, this pristine haven is an essential landing on your Polar Expedition. As your yacht approaches the enchanting shores, a symphony of wildlife may greet you. Keep your binoculars handy and cameras ready as incredible whales breach the icy waters, displaying a mesmerizing ballet of nature’s giants. Witness the elegant dance of kittiwakes, puffins, and Arctic terns soaring gracefully through the crisp, clear air. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the elusive Arctic fox, stealthily moving through the rugged terrain. A local pod of ringed seals may make their presence known, inspiring awe and wonder. Feel the call of the wild as you traverse landscapes sculpted by time and ice. Embrace the spirit of adventure as you uncover the mysteries hidden within this Arctic jewel.

Along the southern edge of Greenland sits the awe-inspiring Prince Christian Sound, also known as Prins Christian Sund. Snow-capped mountains on the horizon and borders of glaciers and icebergs make this a stunning waterway to navigate on an expedition. You may possibly make a landing in the tiny village of Aappilattoq, home to fewer than 100 people living in the colorful, yellow, red and blue, Nordic-style houses. Around the sound wildlife is abundant, with frequent sightings of fin, minke and blue whales, as well as bearded and ringed seals.

The largest city in southern Greenland is perhaps best known for its open-air “Stone and Man” art exhibition featuring sculptures from some of the country’s most renowned artists built around Qaqortoq’s colonial center. In this historic center, you also find Mindebrønde, Greenland’s oldest fountain. Near the town sit the Viking ruins of Hvalsey Church, the last known written records of the Greenlandic Norse who attended a wedding in 1408 BCE. Hot springs are abundant in Greenland, but the outdoor spa on the uninhabited island of Uunartoq comes with surrounding views of mountain peaks in the distance, making it a favorite among locals and explorers alike. Set within a stunning scene of nature, there are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities.

Inhabited since 1500 BCE and lying off the beaten path amid a scene of wild fjords, the village of Paamiut truly embodies the essence of exploration. Walking among the colorful houses, you’re likely to find the locals drying seal meat and pelts on racks under their homes. Seek out a local guide from the Paamiut museum who can show you the town’s history, such as the peat houses the Inuit built to keep warm in the winters. As you hike the paths of ancient trails, white-tailed eagles may soar above, and it’s said if you spot one, it will bring luck. From the shores, keep an eye on the horizon, looking for humpback, minke and fin whales that are abundant in the region in the summer.

The capital of Greenland, Nuuk, sits in the fjord system of the same name best known for humpback whales, waterfalls and icebergs. This unique city contains mountains and expansive backcountry on one side and a thriving metropolitan on the other, filled with culinary experiences, museums and fashion boutiques. Hiking, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking can be found most anywhere for more active explorers. Nuuk’s cultural center Katuaq displays architectural prowess with a building designed to mimic the waves of the Aurora Borealis. You may find an opportunity to fish for cod or redfish and have it cooked for you at the gourmet restaurant Qooqqut Nuan.

Sitting near Greeland’s impressive Kangerlussuaq Fjord, the village of Kangaamiut is surrounded by soaring mountain peaks and expansive glaciers. If you walk down the wooden stairs toward the colorful houses, you’ll be greeted by an extraordinary view of the fjord that’s made for a postcard. Hike the mountain trails of Kangerlussuaq Fjord, a region filled with Arctic hares, musk oxen, polar foxes and reindeer. Throughout your explorations, you may find opportunities for water skiing and trekking desert lands. Within the settlements hills, the locals run their businesses and are always ready to invite you to come learn more about them.

Surrounded by a UNESCO-listed hinterland and the second-largest ice shelf in the world, Kangerlussuaq is filled with breathtaking landscapes of glaciers, crevasses and blue meltwater lakes.

Here, you will disembark and be transferred to the airport to take a charter flight to New York, marking the end of your expedition.