Start your expedition in Reykjavík, Iceland and cruise to the Scoresby Sund fjord complex. Discover its incredible scenery, historical sites, massive icebergs and a modern Inuit village while catching the northern lights during your nights aboard. See the remote Westfjords of Iceland and explore the picture-perfect Snæfellsnes peninsula. Cruise close-up in Zodiac boats to see wildlife and nature, or sign up for the kayaking club to immerse yourself even deeper into the magic of the Arctic.
Welcome to Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland and starting point of your Arctic expedition! The drive from the Keflavik International Airport to the city center takes around 45 minutes by airport shuttle or taxi. After checking into your hotel, which has been arranged in advance and is included in the price of the itinerary, you will be free to explore this attractive, friendly and quintessentially Nordic city.
After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to enjoy Reykjavík. Take a leisurely stroll through a peaceful garden or a relaxing soak in a thermal bath. Nature lovers will appreciate the abundant birdlife at Tjörnin, a placid lake in the heart of the city. You can also take advantage of shopping for souvenirs or some last-minute necessities such as cold-weather gear. Just remember, you will soon receive your very own parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow on board the ship.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the pier where you will be warmly welcomed aboard a deluxe expedition vessel.
As you sail north across the Denmark Strait to East Greenland, celebrate your crossing of the Arctic Circle. Keep a continuous lookout for great whales and flocks of seabirds feeding in the productive waters near the sharp rise of Greenland’s continental shelf. After nightfall, you have your first of many opportunities to see the aurora borealis overhead.
The itinerary for this part of your voyage focuses on the spectacular fjords, coasts and islands of Scoresby Sund, also known as Kangertittivaq in the Greenlandic language. This area contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and Greenland’s best wildlife viewing.
Ancient Thule archeological sites remind us of humankind’s age-old relationship with this austere yet life-sustaining environment. For a look at how this tradition has been carried forward, the plan is to visit the modern Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the only permanent settlement in the region and one of the most remote communities in the world.
After an amazing time in Scoresby Sund, you head back across the Denmark Strait toward Iceland. Presentations and workshops by expert staff, as well as a range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that this day at sea is not idly spent. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from panoramic open decks and balconies.
After filling up with one last buffet breakfast on board, we bid you a fond farewell in Reykjavík. Transfers to Keflavik international airport or to the city center are provided in case you plan to extend your stay in Iceland.
This expedition includes:
This expedition excludes:
