Ultimate Iceland & Greenland

Arrive in modern Reykjavik and transfer to your hotel. Set off on a walking tour of the city center before gathering tonight for a welcome reception.

Despite its small size, the northerly capital of Reykjavik is a vibrant city packed with eye-popping art, buzzy restaurants and historic treasures. Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore the city. After lunch, board ‘Le Boreal,’ your luxury megayacht for the next 12 nights.

For the next three days, explore Iceland’s iconic southern volcanoes and western fjords. Arrive in the archipelago of the Westman Islands. Discover Heimaey Island’s unique geography and local farmhouse ruins. Opt, if you wish, for a moderate or vigorous walk up to the island’s storied volcano before heading to the Eldheimar museum, home to interactive exhibits that detail the crater’s powerful eruption in 1973. Continue along Iceland’s rugged, remote coastlines to the stunning Westfjords. Breidafjordur and Isafjordur are among the areas planned for exploration, with possible highlights to include:

Red Sand Beach: One of the most beguiling shorelines in Iceland, a contrast from the many black volcanic basalt beaches ringing the coast. Wander the reddish-hued sands as they subtly change color with the sunlight, shifting through a palette of reds, golds and greys.

Latrabjarg Cliffs: Home to millions of birds, including puffins, northern gannets, guillemots and razorbills, these staggering cliffs are a wildlife haven.

Dynjandi Falls: The grandest waterfall in the Westfjords of Iceland, Dynjandi is a spectacular sight, with water cascading down tiered ridges flanked by a green and brown façade. Enjoy leisurely walks up to a viewing platform or opt for something more vigorous, like a rock climb all the way to the top of the falls.

Isafjordur: This largest town in the Westfjords peninsula is framed by verdant fjords, which you explore on a leisurely tour of the countryside. Explore farms and fishing villages, and choose to kayak through its glacial bays. Families can also uncover the history of trolls, elves and ghosts in Iceland with a fun guided walk around town.

Relish a day at sea, watching for wildlife while cruising the relatively narrow Denmark Strait, which connects the Arctic Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. Watch for seabirds and whales from the deck in between thought-provoking lectures presented by Expedition Team.

Arrive on Greenland’s Lindenow Fjord complex. Take in the views from the ship as your onboard geologist explains how the fjord was formed. Embark on a Zodiac excursion amid towering snow-capped mountains and spectacular glacial scenery. All guests can enjoy a nature walk, observing the fascinating evolution of plant life between different moraines.

Explore Greenland’s southern coast, inland waterways and remote villages for the next few days, following the trail of Erik the Red, who founded the first European settlement on Greenland. You also trace Greenland’s history of exploration, which ultimately led to the discovery of North America. Based on conditions, your Captain and Expedition Team determine the day’s best excursions, which may bring you to:

Prince Christian Sound: Connecting the North Atlantic with the Labrador Sea, this stunning 60-mile-long fjord features sheer cliffs that reach as high as 3,200 feet. Conditions permitting, visit Unnartoq hot springs, one of the world’s most beautiful, and enjoy a relaxing dip in the warm waters.

Qaqortoq: Part of a region that has been inhabited for more than 4,300 years, Qaqortoq village still maintains its traditional subsistence economy. Active guests can join Alex on a rappelling excursion, while families and history buffs can opt for a guided village walk through the 17th-century town, visiting the museum, which was formerly the village blacksmith shop; the beautiful village fountain; and the Stone & Man project, an open-air art gallery.

Ivigtut: Home to the world’s only cryolite mine, Ivigtut is a geologist’s dream. Cryolite was used as early as the 19th century in the production of aluminum and opaline glass. Although the mine has ceased production, it’s a spectacular source of rare minerals. All guests can explore the mine with our geologist, while active guests can hike from the cryolite mine up to an abandoned Danish military base with cultural guide Lykke.

Hvalsey Ruins: This UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern settlement region (Eystribyggd) was settled by Erik the Red’s uncle. Also known as Qaqortukulooq, it is considered southern Greenland’s best-preserved Norse site. Explore the site on a leisurely walking tour that includes visits to one of the earliest Christian churches on the North American continent, established in the 12th century.

Narsaq: Dating back to the year 1000, this colorful village is still supported primarily by its fishing industry and sheep farming. Enjoy the rich waters on a beginners’ or experts’ kayak ride, exploring the exciting ocean and coastline. All guests can soak up the rich history of the fishing village with a relaxing tour, stopping to pick up handmade souvenirs from the Eskimo Pels fur factory and the Meqqilerifftk wool workshop.

Eriksfjord: Erik the Red chose to settle his home on this beautiful fjord. Visit his Brattahlid homestead on a walking tour and explore the first Christian church in the Western Hemisphere. Brattahlid also served as an ever-important launching point for the first voyages to North America.

Each cruise day begins with breakfast followed by morning and afternoon Zodiac excursions, which are always piloted by expert  naturalist driver-guides and accompanied by no more than 10 guests. You may also enjoy a guided kayaking excursion along iceberg-studded shores. After full days of exploring, unwind aboard luxury ‘Le Boreal,’ perhaps enjoying tea and well-crafted cocktails along with time on deck to take in your destination. Enjoy dinner at your choice of restaurants, and the chance to recap the day’s most inspiring moments with your Expedition team and fellow guests, and look forward to the next day’s adventures.

North of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the northernmost city in Greenland able to maintain a year round, ice-free port, and also the southernmost town with sufficient snow for dogsledding in winter and spring. Visit the local museum and enjoy an Inuit sea kayak demonstration. Back on board your expedition cruiser, the Captain gathers fellow guests and Expedition Team for a special farewell reception and dinner to commemorate an unforgettable voyage

At the mouth of the magnificent Greenland Ice Cap, Kangerlussuaq is a mecca for active and leisure travellers alike. After breakfast, disembark ‘Le Boreal.’ Time permitting, enjoy a ride over the majestic ice cap, with views of the calving glaciers from every angle. Those looking for a challenge can opt for a trek across this breathtaking natural wonder with Alex in the lead. Families can enjoy the same walk at a more leisurely pace. Later, board your charter flight for your return to Reykjavik. Transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.