Iceland & Greenland - Northern Lights

Your Arctic expedition will begin in the Icelandic capital city of Reykjavik where after arriving independently you can make your way to your hotel for your included overnight stay. You may wish to arrive a couple of days early to allow more time to sample some of this vibrant city’s many delights.

On the morning of day 2 you will join the transfer to the port to board your ship and settle in to your comfortable surroundings. As we set sail you will get fantastic views of Reykjavik’s surrounding landscapes. Your experienced expedition crew will brief you on what’s ahead as you embark on your Arctic adventure.

The first stop on our Arctic cruise will see us discover rugged peninsula of the rarely visited Vestfjords (Westfjords). The dramatic scenery here of the land meeting the sea surrounded by towering cliffs, mountains and fjords will be sure to delight. Scenic photo opportunities are endless here and if weather conditions allow we will hope to enjoy a Zodiac cruise along the impressive Látrabjarg, Europe’s largest bird cliff. The birding enthusiasts among us will hope for sightings of the guillemots, razorbills and puffins that frequent the area in huge numbers along with numerous other seabirds.

We will also hope to visit the quaint island of Flatey to see its famous church and a replica of Iceland’s largest medieval manuscript.

Today will be spent at sea sailing across the Denmark Strait towards Greenland. Take the time to relax and enjoy the comforts of your expedition ship, watch a movie, sip on a cocktail from the bar or simply take advantage of the chance to put your feet up before the adventures that lie ahead. You can join interesting presentations and talks about the wildlife, geology and history of the Arctic, whilst on deck the nature experts onboard can help you to identify the seabirds and whales that may be following the ship.

In the evening, as with every night on this specially timed Arctic cruise, we will hope for clear skies and the chance to spot the incredible Aurora Borealis dancing in the night skies.

Sailing into spectacular Scoresby Sund, the birthplace of many icebergs and the longest fjord system in the world, you will experience the unique beauty of this remarkable area. Enjoying daily Zodiac excursions, you will visit several locations on Greenland’s remote eastern coast, exploring the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keeping an eye out for grazing muskoxen - 40% of the world’s muskoxen population lives here!

With a flexible itinerary for our time here, places we may visit include Frederiksdal and Sydkap where you can enjoy tranquil walks along the beautiful tundra, Røde Øya for an exciting Zodiac cruise around the sky-blue icebergs set against striking red sandstone cliffs, Kong Oscar Fjord, Botanikerbugt and the often ice-choked Ella Øya. We also hope to enjoy a visit to the remote community of Ittoqqortoormiit to learn all about the traditional way of life here and will keep our eyes peeled for more polar bear observation opportunities.

After a long day of excursions, each evening will bring another opportunity for viewing the spectacular Northern Lights!

Leaving the magnificent wonders of Greenland behind, your last day at sea will be the perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on all that you will have experienced over the last 2 weeks. Sip an icy cocktail in the bar, spend some time on deck spotting more seabirds and whales, take the time to collate the countless photos you will have no doubt taken on your voyage or join the last of your informative and entertaining presentations and talks on all things Arctic.

On the morning of day 14 your arrival back in the port in Reykjavik will sadly signal the end of your journey. After disembarkation a transfer will be provided to the airport or to a downtown location should you be extending your stay here in this unique capital city. Various tours and excursions are available in Reykjavik so please feel free to ask for advice and options for extending your trip.