Iceland to Greenland cruise

Arrive at the airport and head to your hotel. Relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*Pre/Post hotels and flights are always subject to change until the Travel Documents are provided. Specific hotel and location to be announced

In the morning, join the group transfer to the port and set sail on the SH Vega for an exciting polar adventure.

Spend time exploring Reykjavík, Iceland's capital city, before or after your voyage. Visit Hallgrímskirkja for views across the city, explore Harpa Concert Hall and the nearby Maritime Museum along the harbor, or learn about Iceland's history at the National Museum. The Reykjavík Art Museum features works by Icelandic and international artists, including pieces by Erró. Around 50 kilometers from the city, Þingvellir National Park is home to the site of Iceland's original Viking parliament and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spend your time at sea enjoying the ship's facilities and watching the changing ocean scenery from the observation decks. Visit the library for reference materials, attend presentations by the expedition team, or join photography sessions led by the onboard photographers. Sea days also provide opportunities to relax and meet fellow travelers.

On the craggy east coast of Greenland, the stunningly scenic, U-shaped Skjoldungen Fjord is surrounded by lofty snow-capped mountains, dwarf birch, Arctic wildflowers and willow forests ending with the Thrym Glacier. High rock walls, serpentine rivers and large crevasses of ice pillars known as seracs give way to carved icebergs in the fjord that gleam in a white to blue spectrum. You might also have the opportunity to see whales

The remote and beautiful Prins Christian Sund fjord carves a dramatic path between magnificent granite cliffs and glaciers, offering a stunning panorama of icebergs, rugged peaks and crystal-clear waters. Stretching 100 km at the southernmost tip of Greenland, this long and winding passage separates the mainland from Sammisoq and the Cape Farewell Archipelago, creating a breathtaking waterway that captivates adventurers and nature lovers alike

Colorful Nordic houses stand against dramatic mountain ridges encircling Aappilattoq, a remote Inuit village in Greenland’s Prins Christian Sund. Accessible only by boat or helicopter, Aappilattoq is home to around 100 rugged individuals who make a living through fishing and hunting. Often called the southernmost inhabited area in Greenland, Aappilattoq is in fact at the midpoint of the east and west coasts

Activities:
Aappilattoq Community visit - 1hr
Enjoy an opportunity to meet the local people of the remote settlement of Aappilattoq, in Southern Greenland. The settlement is located on a small peninsula by the Illua fjord. The settlement has been inhabited since the 19th century, originally founded as a trading post in 1922, the main economy remains hunting and fishing today.

Around 80 people call this settlement home and today you have the unique chance to meet some of them for a traditional kaffemik, a celebration with coffee, tea and cakes, which is customarily reserved for large celebrations such as weddings, birthdays or perhaps a cruise ship visit! Chat with the locals and find out what life is like living in this remote community before enjoying their local choir in the beautiful little church.

After visiting the folk house, explore the settlement on your own, have a stroll among the colorfully painted homes and enjoy the breathtaking vistas afforded you by being in this remote destination.

Kangilinnguit, formerly Grønnedal, is a historic spot in southwest Greenland and an area of exceptional natural beauty. Once a key U.S. WWII naval base, it lies near Ivigtut and the cryolite mine in scenic Arsuk Fjord. Ships navigate a narrow channel past the Kajartalik lighthouse, Arsuk village and Kungnat Bay, where dramatic landscapes unfold, including the towering 4,600-ft Mt. Kungnait and the breathtaking Arsuk Glacier at the fjord's head

The deserted mining town of Ivittuut (formerly Ivigtut) was once vital for WWII aircraft production with the world's largest reserve of cryolite, a mineral used in aluminium production. Abandoned houses, the enormous mine pit and above-ground cemetery reveal the history of this settlement. Scattered cryolite chunks on the rocky shore mix with relics like old engines from when Inuit used cryolite for snuff. Now only muskoxen roam this eerie place

Nigerdlikasik, at the end of Kvanefjord, is a remote and relatively untouched wilderness offering solitude and stunning views of steep cliffs, mountains and the Nigerdlikasik Brae, a small glacier ice field. The glacial ice creates dramatic scenery with ice formations, meltwater streams, steep cliffs and valleys. Carved by ancient ice, the fjord's volcanic geology and rare-earth mineral deposits make it visually and geologically significant

Home to more than a third of Greenlanders, the capital of Greenland has a thriving cultural scene including the Greenland National Museum, home to the world-renowned Qilakitsoq mummies. Also known by its Danish name of Godthåb (Good Hope), Nuuk's bustling harbor features Nuuk Cathedral and colorful wooden houses, alongside modern architecture. Nuuk also serves as a gateway to Inuit experiences and adventures in the surrounding fjords and mountains

The Evigheds Glacier, a majestic outflow from the Greenland Ice Sheet, carves through the dramatic Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord, also known as Eternity Fjord. This 75-km-long waterway is a haven for wildlife, with white-tailed eagles and black-legged kittiwakes soaring above. Calving icebergs showcase Greenland's raw beauty, but sadly like many glaciers, it is slowly retreating due to global warming's impact on this fragile Arctic ecosystem

Qeqertarsuaq is the largest town on Disko Island, Greenland’s largest island, where colorful houses pop against dramatic red basalt mountains. Overlooked by striking Lyngemark Glacier, the area is shaped by its volcanic origin, unique terrain featuring dramatic basalt columns, rolling hills black sand beaches. Thanks to its relatively fertile landscape, it supports unique plant species, such as wild angelica, rarely found elsewhere in Greenland

Activities:
Open Town Qeqertarsuaq
Embark on a captivating journey to Qeqertarsuaq, nestled on the enchanting Disko Island in Greenland. Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque town, taking in the awe-inspiring vistas of towering mountains and pristine waters. Your adventure continues as you step into the rich tapestry of local culture at the town's museum, where you explore its exhibits and uncover the fascinating history and heritage of this remote island community.

Next, venture towards the historic local church, a beacon of faith amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Admire its architectural splendor and delve into the stories etched within its walls, offering a glimpse into the spiritual essence of the island. As your exploration unfolds, meander through the charming streets adorned with colorful houses and feel the pulse of daily life in this remote outpost as you encounter friendly locals and discover hidden gems around every corner.

Before returning, don't forget to visit the wonderfully charming hotel for a coffee or tea and a slice of local cake. The visit concludes with a traditional polka dance. Enjoy!

Note: The town has paved roads and is quite flat, with few stairs to climb. Walking during this visit covers up to 2–3 km

Eqi Glacier, or Eqip Sermia in Greenlandic, is one of Greenland's largest and most active calving glaciers, spanning nearly 4 km wide and towering over 200 m. Visitors can almost always witness calving, where pieces of ice break off the glacier's face, creating deafening bangs and giant splashes that send waves across the bay. The contrast between thunderous calving and the ensuing silence provides a glimpse of Greenland's dynamic icy landscape

Sailing through the iceberg capital of the world to Disko Bay, the Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the cruise highlights. Given UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the Ilulissat Icefjord is a popular tourist destination, and thanks to the productive Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, thousands of gargantuan icebergs calve from the Greenland ice cap into the sea. The city of Ilulissat is home to many sled-dogs

Activities:
Museums of Ilulissat
Enhance your Arctic adventure with the exclusive museum package in Ilulissat, offering a perfect blend of history, art, and nature. Gain free entrance to the Icefjord Center, where cutting-edge exhibitions unveil the mysteries of the glacier-carved fjord. Visit the Art Museum, showcasing stunning Greenlandic artwork that captures the spirit of the Arctic. Step into the History Museum of Ilulissat, where the legacy of famed polar explorer Knud Rasmussen comes to life. Born in Ilulissat, Rasmussen played a crucial role in documenting Inuit culture and exploring the Arctic. His pioneering expeditions shaped the understanding of Greenland and beyond, making his contributions an essential part of the museum’s exhibits. Finally, experience the Sermermiut area, where the UNESCO-protected boardwalks lead you through historic Inuit settlement sites to awe-inspiring fjord panoramas.

A complimentary shuttle bus conveniently connects all locations, ensuring seamless exploration.

Note: Shoes must be removed upon entering the museums. Complimentary slippers are available for your convenience

The second largest town in Greenland, just above the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut remains remarkably ice free in winter and is known as an adventure sports hub all year round. Inhabited for more than 4,500 years by the Dorset, Thule and eventually the Inuit people, dog sledding remains a vital form of transportation. The area is home to humpback whales and Arctic foxes in their summer coat

Activities:
Local cultural event incl. entrance to the Old Museum area - 1hr
Immerse yourself in Greenlandic culture through a tasting tent offering a selection of local specialties, a singing tent showcasing Greenlandic melodies, and a Greenland Dog presentation highlighting the sled dogs and their cultural significance. Experience the rich heritage, camaraderie, and traditions of Greenland in this unforgettable event.

Once a WWII airbase at the head of Kangerlussuaq Fjord, Kangerlussuaq's history is told at the airport’s museum, showcasing Inuit artefacts. This ice-filled glacial area and tundra is a haven for wildlife, including reindeer, arctic foxes, arctic hare, gyrfalcons and around 10,000 muskoxen

On this day, make your farewell to your fellow travelers and crew. Head to the airport via the group transfer and fly back home.