In the Wake of Erik the Red

Your adventure begins in the vibrant Icelandic capital of Reykjavik. After arriving independently, you will make your way to the port for afternoon embarkation. After some time to settle in, we will set sail westbound towards Greenland.

You may wish to arrive in Reykjavik a few days before your voyage to sample some of Iceland’s many wonders. Please enquire for tips and advice on where to stay and what to do.

As we make our way towards Greenland your programme of entertaining and informative lectures and presentations will begin. These talks will cover everything from Iceland’s mythology and geology, to Greenland’s culture, wildlife and history. Some time on deck may reward in whale and seabird sightings.

As we arrive along Greenland’s beautiful east coast, we will make our way to Skjoldungen which is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque spots on this coastline. The island is surrounded by narrow, steep fjords and glaciers which make perfect photography subjects. The island is also home to an abandoned settlement where up to 100 people lived until it was deserted in 1965. We hope to get a closer look at the abandoned houses that still remain. We will also hope to visit Dronning Marie Dal in nearby Sermersooq to get a closer view of its interesting flora.

Some spectacular and memorable sailing awaits as we make our way into the inside passage of the 60km long Prince Christian Sound to enjoy a sail surrounded by steep mountainside and dramatic scenery. The sound reaches from the Atlantic coast to the settlement of Aapilattoq in the heart of the fjordlands of South West Greenland, and along the way we may stop at sites of interest including an old weather station.

On day 5 we hope to sail into Eriksfjord to visit Erik the Red's Brattahlíð settlement, where the Qassiarssuk village is today. As we enjoy a wander around we will see, among many other things, a reconstruction of Tjodhildur's church, which was the first church on the North American continent, and a number of Norse ruins. Our onboard experts will offer us an insight into the historical significance of this area and there will be time to contemplate and learn more about why the Norse people suddenly disappeared from Greenland in the 1400s.

By day 6 we will have reached Nuuk, one of the smallest capitals in the world, where we will spend the morning sailing in the fjord looking for humpback whales. Later in the day we will explore this city of 17,000 people, almost a third of the country’s population, to learn about its Viking and Thule history, and its more recent history and culture.

Day 7 will be spent cruising along Greenland’s icy west coast, and by day 8 we will have reached the unforgettable Disko Island and Disko Bay area. Under Disko Island’s 1000-metre-high mountains we enter the protected natural habour that has the Danish name ‘Godhavn’ or Good Harbour and in Greenlandic ‘Qeqertarsuaq’ which means ‘The Big Island’.

As we come ashore we will be greeted by the local community who will host a traditional “kaffemik” for us where we can enjoy coffee, local cakes and traditional music and dancing. A thoroughly enjoyable and memorable morning.

In the afternoon we will get back on board to sail towards the giant glacier Eqip Sermia in the north-easterly corner of Disko Bay, undoubtedly one of the most impressive glaciers in Greenland. We will hope to get up-close to the glacier to witness the icebergs calving off it and experience Greenland’s awe-inspiring nature at its most powerful.

Welcome to Ilulissat, the iceberg capital of the world! A beautiful town surrounded by iceberg-filled waters creates the most idyllic setting you could imagine. The icebergs come from the Icefjord, which is located a half hour’s hike south of Ilulissat, and are born by the enormous Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, the most active glacier outside of Antarctica.

As we visit here, it won’t take long to understand why this area has a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The town itself is vibrant, lively and hugely welcoming, and a truly enjoyable day can be spent simply wandering the streets and chatting to the friendly locals. Alternatively you can join a boat trip to the Icefjord to get a closer look at the amazing ice-sculpted scenery, or join a hike for a similar but more strenuous experience. For even more adventure, a helicopter flight over the icefjord is available! Whichever way you decide to see this incredible natural wonder, you can be sure of an experience that you will remember for a lifetime! Please note, both the boat trip and helicopter flight are not included in the price of your package and should be booked in advance.

Our last full day will see us visit the settlement of Sarfannguit which is picturesquely nestled at the foothills of the mountains and glaciers and is home to just over 100 residents who live off fishing, trapping and hunting for arctic char, reindeer and musk oxen.

A stroll through the settlement will offer us an insight into rural life in today’s Greenland, where modern conveniences and technological advancements, such as internet and smart phones have become commonplace, yet locals still place great value on important customs and preserving their traditions and their Inuit heritage.

Later in the day we will begin our sail through the 160km Kangerlussuaq Fjord which rewards in some incredible scenery that you won’t want to miss.

Your voyage concludes at the end of the mighty Kangerlussuaq Fjord where after breakfast you will disembark and take a Zodiac cruise to shore. An optional excursion is available today which will take you to the beautiful and iconic Reindeer Glacier. In the afternoon you will transfer to the airport for your included flight to Reykjavík Airport.