Under the Northern Lights: Greenland & Iceland

From Reykjavik to Reykjavik
  • All Arctic Cruises
  • Iceland and Greenland
  • Wildlife and Nature
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Tour Description

Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland will take you to two of the world's last remaining wilderness places.

When you take a cruise through the Vestfjords of Iceland and the north-east coast of Greenland, where you'll find the world's largest fjord system, you'll see a wide variety of stunning and wild landscapes teeming with classic polar animals like polar bears, muskoxen and seals. While in the Arctic, you can see gigantic icebergs and towering bird cliffs, learn about Inuit culture firsthand at Ittoqqortoormiit, and explore historical Thule sites. Explore via zodiac cruise and land ashore to hike the tundra, perhaps even opt to kayak in this icy region!

The northern lights are a stunning sight to behold, and you could be lucky enough to see them if you travel far enough north!

 

Viva's Best Bits...

This far north, and at this time of the year you might be lucky enough to witness the magical northern lights dancing across the sky.

Search for wildlife like seals and polar bears, and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen, as 40 percent of the world’s population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park.

Spend time with Inuit people in Ittoqqortoormiit, the most northerly community in East Greenland and learn about their way of life, plus visit ancient Thule sites steeped in history.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Reykjavik

Arrive in the Icelandic capital in the morning and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the day to explore the city on your own.

Day 2
Embarkation Day

This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!

Day 3
Vestfjords

Each region of Iceland has its own appeal for nature, bird and history lovers, and the little-visited Vestfjords (Westfjords), where the land meets the sea in the most dramatic fashion, is no exception. Often referred to as ‘Iceland’s best kept secret,’ this rugged peninsula at the country’s remote northwestern tip is rife with fjords and mountains sloping down to the sea in impossibly beautiful ways. We spend the day exploring the fjords and shores of Iceland’s oldest region, enjoying its kaleidoscope of diverse land and seascapes. Here, tumbling cliffs and gushing waterfalls alternate with colorful beaches, and rolling green hills lead up to high moorlands dotted with rocky outcrops, small lakes and the occasional shaggy Icelandic sheep or horse grazing in the distance. A few little outposts of civilization, small fishing communities are nestled on fjord edges and the shores of the Denmark Strait, facing out into the mighty Atlantic and toward East Greenland—keeping alive a maritime heritage going back to the Viking days.

Day 4
At Sea

As we cruise north across the Denmark Strait, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. The team will also search for the seabirds soaring around your ship, as well as the whales that frequent the waters here.

Day 5-12
Northeast Greenland

During your tour of Greenland’s remote northeast coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. We’ll also keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen, as 40 percent of the world’s population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park. Sailing through spectacular Scoresby Sund, the birthplace of many icebergs, you’ll immediately see why some say it’s the most beautiful fjord system on the planet. Sites such as Frederiksdal and Sydkap offer opportunities to explore the colorful tundra and the remains of ancient Thule settlements. At the entrance of the sound is East Greenland’s most northerly community, Ittoqqortoormiit, where you may spend time interacting with the Inuit people and learning about their way of life. You may also have a chance to see the northern lights here if the skies are clear. Deeper in the sound, Røde Ø offers a picturesque locale for admiring the beauty of sky-blue bergs set against striking red sandstone cliffs. Magnificent vistas also await at Kong Oscar Fjord, with possible landings at Ella Ø, renowned for its rugged cliffs and ice-choked waters, and flower-rich Botanikerbugt, on Ymer Ø.

Day 13
At Sea

As your arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by our onboard experts, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie— there are many activities during your time at sea. Your Expedition Team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.

Day 14
Depart Reykjavik

You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
  • Included Copy 20 One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavik
Food
  • Included Copy 20 Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
  • Included Copy 20 All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
  • Included Copy 20 A photographic journal documenting the expedition
  • Included Copy 20 A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
  • Included Copy 20 A parka to keep
  • Included Copy 20 All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
  • Included Copy 20 All luggage handling aboard the ship
  • Included Copy 20 Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax
  • Included Copy 20 Group transfer from the Reykjavik hotel to the ship on Day 2
  • Included Copy 20 Group transfer from the ship to downtown Reykjavik on disembarkation day
  • Included Copy 20 Leadership by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings & other activities.
  • Included Copy 20 All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
  • Included Copy 7 International airfare, Arrival and departure transfers, Passport and visa expenses, Gratuity, Intern
  • Included Copy 31 Adventure activities: day paddling or kayaking
Transportation

Ocean Adventurer

132 Passengers

Activities

  • Included Search for iconic arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, muskoxen and seals
  • Included Hike the tundra, visit an Inuit community and explore a breathtaking fjord system in East Greenland
  • Included Marvel at the kaleidoscope of dramatic sea and landscapes of Iceland’s oldest region
  • Included Possibly view the enchanting northern lights (aurora borealis)
  • Included Cruise in a Zodiac to explore diverse landscapes
  • Included Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures
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Duration

14 days

Price from

$11,995 USD

Per person, sharing

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