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Exploring Greenland

Jewels of the Arctic

Reykjavik - Oslo - Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Greg Mortimer
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Embark on a 15-day expedition cruise from Reykjavik to Oslo aboard the Greg Mortimer. Discover Svalbard's realm of perpetual daylight, where thrilling encounters with polar bears, walruses on sea ice, and echoing guillemot cries create unforgettable moments. In East Greenland, sail through Scoresbysund, the largest fjord globally, and explore Ittoqqortoormiit, among the most remote Inuit settlements. Cruise amidst captivating icebergs and stroll through vibrant tundra adorned with wildflowers and delicious wild berries.
Arctic puffinsPolar bear in the ArcticColorful homes in Longyearbyen, SvalbardWalrus in the ArcticExploring Greenland
Highlights
  • Explore the famous seismic sights of the Golden Circle route—Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park
  • Discover the breathtaking scenery of East Greenland, with deep fjords, ice-clad peaks, and ancient archaeological sites
  • Encounter the majestic polar bear on pack ice and enjoy optional activities like kayaking and polar plunges in Svalbard
  • Cruise towards Greenland, looking out for whale blows and seabirds
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Reykjavik

After arriving in Reykjavik, be greeted by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transfer to your group hotel. Upon reaching the hotel, you can visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality area, where you can leave your luggage and enjoy some refreshments. While there, you can get luggage cabin tags, speak with the ground operations team for pre-embarkation information, and get recommendations about dining, ATMs, or where to buy last-minute items from nearby stores.

Day 2: Reykjavik | Embark

Today, follow the path of one of Reykjavik’s most popular seismic attractions – the Golden Circle. Stops along your route include Thingvellir National Park, accredited as the site of Iceland’s first parliament. A shaky start to the new nation, it is also the point where the Eurasia and North American tectonic plates meet as an open fissure. Your next stop is Gullfoss waterfall. This impressive water feature tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá River, offering a popular photographic opportunity. Next, you explore the geothermal fields and geysers for which Iceland is famous. The variety of hot springs and bubbling pools are mesmerizing as the sheer capacity of water and steam erupting from the ground makes you ponder how much power is beneath your feet. Late afternoon, return to Reykjavik to board the Greg Mortimer.

After boarding, there’s time to settle into your cabin before your important safety briefings before you begin your Greenland adventure. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew at the Welcome Dinner.

Day 3: Denmark Strait

In the Denmark Strait, cruise towards Greenland. Look out for whale blows and the many seabirds that trail your ship, riding in the constant winds. In the lecture theatre, enjoy informative and entertaining presentations from the experts on topics such as seabirds, wildlife, and ice, or catch up on some rest after busy days of travel.

Day 4-9: East Greenland

In the coming days, a host of choices are available to you, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the east coast of Greenland is yours to explore. The experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor your itinerary daily. This allows you to use the prevailing weather, ice conditions, and encounters with wildlife. You generally attempt up to two landings or Zodiac excursions daily, including cruising along spectacular ice cliffs and following whales feeding near the surface.  

Be prepared to experience ice – and lots of it! East Greenland contains some of the Arctic's most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by sharp ice-clad peaks soaring up to 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) and glaciers birthing gigantic icebergs that drift throughout the fjord system, combine to create breathtaking scenes.  

The tundra landscape is home to musk oxen, arctic hares, and reindeer. The area has ancient Thule archaeological sites, historical trappers' huts, and present-day Inuit hunters' cabins. A highlight is visiting the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the region's most isolated and northernmost permanent settlement, with approximately 450 inhabitants. The community has an excellent museum, gift shop, and an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs, and it provides the opportunity to meet friendly locals. 

You hope to explore Scoresbysund, the world's largest fjord and a favorite hunting ground of the local Inuit. Massive glaciers flow into this fjord, the birthplace of hundreds of majestic Greenland icebergs. It is a spectacular place that must be seen and believed. North of Scoresbysund lies Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, two of Greenland's most significant fjord systems, each encompassing several smaller fjords and sounds. The area is rich in wildlife thanks to the fertile volcanic soil and the surrounding mountains offering protection from strong winds. You may spot everything from musk oxs and arctic foxes to mountain hares and even reindeer near the fjord. Look skyward, and you can glimpse birds, including the glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, northern fulmar, common raven, and common eider.

You attempt to enter Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, a remote and rarely visited fjord system with countless opportunities for exploration located within the Northeast Greenland National Park. Cruising through Kong Oskar Fjord, you marvel at the geological beauty of the mountains. Then, head south along the coast of Liverpool Land, with your passage dependent on ice conditions.

Stretch your legs on hikes across the tundra in search of ancient graveyards and summer villages occupied 3,000 years ago by the Inuit. You may see musk ox, arctic hare, and reindeer grazing. The maze of calm, interconnecting waterways in this area provides excellent opportunities for sea kayaking. You can see ring seals, perhaps glimpse the elusive narwhal, and maybe even a polar bear hunting on pack ice.

Day 10-11: Greenland Sea

As you sail towards the coast of East Greenland, you may encounter whales feeding in the rich waters of the north. As you approach East Greenland, be prepared to encounter more pack ice and perhaps spot seals and a variety of seabirds, including the northern fulmar and Brünnich’s guillemot.

The strong, icy currents have isolated East Greenland from the Polar Basin, attracting large numbers of fish, seals, and whales. Climatic conditions and the concentration of ice in the vicinity often create thick morning fog that only vanishes in the presence of the midday sun. The experts will inform and entertain you with fascinating discussions on plants, animals, ice, and heroic tales of exploration.

Day 12-14: Svalbard

Svalbard offers arctic wilderness at its best. The members of your experienced Expedition Team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to tailor your itinerary, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions, and opportunities for wildlife encounters. 

Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountain ranges, and a polar desert rich in fossils set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walruses hauled out on sea ice or beaches. On land, stretch your legs on walks across tundra carpeted in brightly colored wildflowers. Visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots, puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies.  

If you have chosen an optional activity such as kayaking, you can have an opportunity to enjoy that activity when conditions allow. For those enthusiastic about participating in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you can hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating dip – a memory you can savor for years to come.

Day 15: Longyearbyen | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
During the early morning, cruise into Longyearbyen and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your Expedition Team and enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for your return charter flight to Oslo to continue your journey.

Ship/Hotel

Greg Mortimer

Kayak in Antarctica
Greg Mortimer- Comfortable Dining
Greg Mortimer

Reykjavik - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Go Solo & Save 26211
For a limited time, solo travelers will pay no single supplement on selected Arctic 2025 and all Arctic & Global 2026 expeditions in designated cabins. A non-refundable deposit of $2500 per person is required to confirm your booking within seven days of reserved berth/s. This promotion is valid on new bookings, is subject to availability, and is capacity-controlled. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to Jul 10, 2026 departure

Per person starting at
$22,295 2-3 travelers
Greg Mortimer-Aurora StateroomGreg Mortimer-Aurora Stateroom Triple
Aurora Stateroom Triple
230.34 ft² - 245.41 ft² - 6 rooms available. All include en-suite bathrooms, three single beds, porthole window, desk area and 42" flat-screen TV
Greg Mortimer
Aurora Stateroom Twin Share
170 ft² - 245.41 ft² - Greg Mortimer features 8 porthole rooms, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that's close to the action.
Balcony Stateroom C
224.97 ft² - 266.95 ft² - 14 rooms available. All include en-suite bathrooms, floor to ceiling windows and balconies and a select number are also connecting rooms, perfect for families or groups.
Greg Mortimer-Balcony Stateroom
Balcony Stateroom B
254.03 ft² - 266.95 f - 22 rooms available. All include en-suite bathrooms, floor to ceiling windows and balconies and a select number are also connecting rooms, perfect for families or groups.
Greg Mortimer
Balcony Stateroom A
259.41 ft² - 301.39 ft² - 22 rooms available. All include en-suite bathrooms, floor to ceiling windows and balconies and a select number are also connecting rooms, perfect for families or groups.
Greg Mortimer-Balcony StateroomGreg Mortimer
Balcony Stateroom Superior
303.54 ft² - 432.70 ft² - With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Greg Mortimer's two Balcony Suites are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. Featuring private balconies, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area, these will sell out quickly!
Greg Mortimer
Junior Suite
The Greg Mortimer's four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage 418.71 ft² - points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
Greg Mortimer
Captain's Suite
478.99 ft² - The largest of all the rooms, the Greg Mortimer's singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite.
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 13 Dinners
  • 14 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information
  • Beer, House Wine, and Soft Drinks with Dinner 
  • Educational Lectures and Guiding Services from Expedition Team 
  • Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
  • Wifi
  • Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
  • Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
  • A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
  • Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
  • All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
  • All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
  • On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
  • One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Reykjavik on Day 1
  • Visit Iceland's famous Golden Circle prior to embarkation, on Day 2
  • Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo, on Day 15
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers to/from your group hotel or port on the first day and the final day of your voyage package
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, or phone charges
  • Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
  • Optional activity surcharges
  • Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
  • Passengers traveling with Aurora Expeditions are required to be covered by a reputable travel insurance policy that includes baggage loss, cancellation & curtailment of the holiday, medical, accident, and repatriation/emergency evacuation coverage worth at least $250,000 USD.

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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