Arctic Sights and Northern Lights

Welcome to Reykjavík, Iceland’s vibrant capital and the gateway to your Arctic expedition. After arriving at Keflavík International Airport, enjoy a scenic 45-minute transfer to the city center by airport shuttle or taxi. Once you've checked into your hotel, which is arranged and included in your itinerary, the rest of the day is yours to discover this welcoming Nordic capital at your own pace.

To gain insight into Iceland’s rich heritage, visit the National Museum of Iceland and the Culture House, where fascinating exhibits showcase the country’s history and culture. Be sure to see the iconic Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík’s striking hilltop church and most recognisable landmark. Wildlife enthusiasts may also enjoy the Whales of Iceland museum, home to life-sized models representing all 23 whale species found in Icelandic waters. As evening falls, choose from the city's many restaurants serving authentic Icelandic cuisine for a memorable first taste of the local flavors.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before spending the morning exploring Reykjavík at your leisure. Wander through one of the city's peaceful parks, unwind in a geothermal spa, or visit Tjörnin, the picturesque lake at the heart of the capital, renowned for its abundant birdlife. This is also an ideal opportunity to browse local boutiques for Icelandic souvenirs or pick up any last-minute essentials for your expedition. Don't worry if you're missing cold-weather gear—you'll receive a complimentary expedition parka to keep and waterproof boots to use throughout your voyage.

In the afternoon, you'll be transferred to the harbor, where a warm welcome awaits aboard the deluxe expedition vessel M/V Sea Spirit. Settle into your spacious suite and take time to familiarise yourself with your comfortable home for the days ahead. As the ship departs, your expedition officially begins with informative briefings and introductions from the expert expedition team. Following the first of many exceptional onboard dinners, head out onto the open decks to admire the scenery as you sail across Faxaflói Bay, where you may be treated to your first whale sightings of the journey.

As you sail north across the Denmark Strait to East Greenland, you celebrate your crossing of the Arctic Circle. You 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 the 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. As with any true polar expedition, the exact schedule and route are shaped by weather and ice. At this late stage of the season, you expect the explorations are minimally affected by sea ice. However, you'll be alert for icebergs from surging glaciers, which can present interesting navigational challenges. The experienced captain and expedition leader continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant in this wild and remote corner of the Arctic.

Scoresby Sund is one of the longest and most visually stunning fjord systems in the world. Almost totally devoid of human habitation, it is also one of the most pristine natural environments on Earth. In this epic wilderness, the forces of nature have shaped a landscape of incomparable grandeur. Deep fjords and narrow passages are framed by sheer rock walls up to 2,000 meters high. Colossal icebergs—calved by immense glaciers and sculpted by wind and water into fantastic shapes—drift throughout the intricate fjord system in striking contrast to sparkling blue waters and polychromatic mountains capped with fresh snow. From verdant coastal plains to ice-clad peaks all the way to the glaciated heart of Greenland, a trip through Scoresby Sund sets a new standard for “scenic”.

Ancient Thule archeological sites remind you of humankind’s age-old relationship with this austere yet life-sustaining environment. For a look at how this tradition has been carried forward, you plan 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. The village boasts a wonderful museum, a bookstore, handmade crafts for sale, a post office, and an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs.

In September, at the equinox, day and night are given equal opportunities to astound you. As night falls, the darkening sky becomes a stage for nature’s greatest celestial performance: the Northern Lights. East Greenland is one of the very best places in the Arctic to view this otherworldly natural phenomenon. In addition to being at the perfect latitude for strong aurora displays, the skies above Scoresby Sund are often cleared by katabatic winds rolling down from the nearby Greenland Ice Sheet. Lights dancing from horizon to horizon are mirrored in calm waters while the silhouettes of gigantic icebergs and serrated mountains add to the romantic splendor of the experience.

This itinerary offers a deep dive into one of the Arctic’s most scenic and soulful environments. From dawn to dusk and beyond, your days are filled with incredible shore excursions, world-class Zodiac cruising, and enough stunning scenery to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions. Hikers live their wilderness dreams and sea kayakers are rewarded with some of the finest paddling on the planet.

After your amazing time in Scoresby Sund, you head back across the Denmark Strait toward Iceland. Presentations and workshops by your expert staff and your 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, bid a fond farewell in Reykjavík. Transfer to Keflavik International Airport or to the city center in case you plan to extend your stay in Iceland.