Embark the Silver Explorer and depart on your exciting 11-day expedition – “Expedition Greenland”. After settling into your suite and setting sail, meet the members of your Expedition Team in The Theater and attend the first of many memorable dinners in The Restaurant.

Spend the day crossing the Denmark Strait, which connects the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. Meet some of your fellow explorers, attend a Zodiac briefing, and become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found on board the Silver Explorer. Tonight, you are invited to attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party where the Captain introduces his senior officers and various members of the crew.

Cruising along Greenland’s rugged eastern coast, the Silver Explorer explores the Skoldungen Fjord. Spend much of the day out on deck to take in the enchanting scenery: towering mountains tipped with snow, ice-scraped valley sides, and sculptured icebergs in shades of white and blue. Upon arriving at the top of the fjord you can easily see the retreating state of the Thyrms Glacier. Here have your first Zodiac cruise of the journey, allowing you to explore this picturesque setting from a unique, up-close perspective.

On your return journey, exiting this U-shaped fjord, join your Expedition Team out on deck to marvel at the spectacular scenery and to look for humpback whales and orcas, frequently seen at the entrance of the fjord.

The plan for today is to explore one of South Greenland’s most dramatic natural features: Prince Christian Sound. The water is placid and the crisp scent of ice fills the air. On either side, waterfalls stream down sharp, wrinkled mountainsides as your captain navigates the fjord through a sea of icebergs that glitter in the sun. Born of compacted ancient snows that calve into the sound at the glacier’s edge, each iceberg is different from the next. Time and weather conditions permitting, plan to set out via the Zodiacs to explore even more.

Nanortalik lies in a scenic area surrounded by steep mountainsides and is Greenland’s most southerly town. The town’s name means the “place of polar bears”, which refers to the polar bears that used to be seen floating offshore on summer’s ice floes. Nanortalik has an excellent open-air museum that gives a broad picture of the region from Inuit times to today. At the summer hunting camp, Inuit in traditional clothing describe aspects of their ancestor’s customs and lifestyle including an impressive kayak demonstration. Time permitting, enjoy the tradition of kaffe-mik (coffee and cake) and a folk dancing presentation at the Cultural Center.

In the afternoon, the Silver Explorer drop anchor at Uunartoq. Since the days of the Norse, the hot springs here have been renowned for their healing effects. Take this opportunity to relax and unwind in steaming waters. Remember to pack swimwear! Conditions permitting take part in a Zodiac cruise expedition through some of the icebergs north of Uunartoq.

This morning arrive at the picturesque harbor town of Qaqortoq (pronounced ka-kor-tok). The town’s name translates to ‘white place’, but today, instead of snow, admire the hillsides of colorful houses painted in bright primary shades. A local guide takes you to the charming town square, home to Greenland’s oldest fountain built in 1928. Surrounding it are two churches, one old and one new, an open-air fish and meat market, and the Qaqortoq Museum. This modest museum houses a superb collection of historical artifacts associated with Inuit hunting and fishing, a whaler’s gun, and a collection of contemporary artwork.

In the afternoon the Silver Explorer anchors off Hvalsey. Once ashore, learn how Christianity spread its influence throughout Europe and eventually reached remote Greenland, where it established itself in the country in 1000 AD. Hvalsey Church was built in the 14th century and is the best preserved of the churches in Greenland from that period. Together visit these historical ruins from the time of the Vikings.

Gather in The Theater to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Your knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields and their informative topics prepare you for Nuuk, its museum, and the special treasures it houses. Binoculars and camera in hand, head out on deck to watch for marine mammals and to identify the seabirds that might follow the ship's passage.

This morning arrive in Greenland’s first town (1728) and current capital, Nuuk, which means “the heartland”. Walk at your leisure through this picturesque harbor town and take in Nuuk’s natural beauty. Explore the town and see Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, parliament, and the Church of our Saviour. At the Greenlandic National Museum have the fantastic opportunity to see the famous Qilakitsoq mummies. If you are in the mood for a postcard to Santa Claus, just opposite the museum is a gigantic post-box meant for his mail.

With a name that literally translates to “the rugged place”, expect dramatic landscapes with tall, jagged mountains and deep, narrow fjords. Walk through the little town to see the local museum and picturesque cemetery. Before leaving the harbor you might get to see a kayak demonstration. Slightly north of Maniitsoq is the famous abandoned cryolite mine of Ivittuut.

This afternoon your on-board photographer/videographer shows the Voyage-DVD, highlighting the many aspects of your voyage along Greenland’s East and West coast. Before turning in for the night, take a stroll on deck to take in the solitude of the vast sea and sky, hopefully glimpsing the aurora borealis.

After breakfast, disembark the Silver Explorer and transfer to the airport for your group charter flight home.