Greenland and Iceland Wilderness Explorer

Dover

Embark Spirit of Discovery.

Depart 1700.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Reykjavik, Iceland.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Reykjavik, or ‘Smoky Bay’, was named after the area’s numerous hot springs by its Viking founder, Ingólfur Arnason, in AD 874. Although Iceland’s oldest permanent settlement and capital, it retains a friendly small-town atmosphere. Glimpse Old Reykjavik’s colourful houses capped by corrugated roofs and the imposing Hallgrimskirkja church on an included panoramic excursion.

The city’s historic heart is full of boutiques, numerous museums and art galleries. Excavations have revealed many Viking artefacts in this area around city-centre Lake Tjörnin – known locally as The Pond. Find out more about the city’s development at the National Museum and Saga Museum or visit the famous Blue Lagoon.

Included excursion

Tour this quirky capital on a panoramic drive, highlighting the striking Hallgrimskirkja church built out of concrete.

Optional excursions

The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most famous sites, where natural geothermal energy heats the artificial lagoon. The mineral-rich waters make it a favourite spot for a rejuvenating dip. Alternatively, join a full-day visit to a trio of natural wonders: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Strokkur and Gullfoss Waterfall.

Isafjördur ?, Iceland.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Dwarfed by stark mountains on either side, the small town of Isafjördur is tucked away on an arm of the fjord of the same name. It boasts the largest harbour in Iceland’s Westfjord region, which saw it thrive as a trading hub from the 16th to 19th centuries.

Wooden 18th-century merchant houses still stand along the harbourfront, including the oldest in Iceland, which now houses a folk museum. Another historic home is now the Maritime Museum, which further attests to Isafjördur’s close ties to the sea. An included panoramic excursion provides a great introduction to this compact town. Boat trips to the nearby island of Vigur are popular with birdwatchers as it has an array of birdlife.

Included excursion

Join this excursion for an introduction to Isafjördur before independent exploration.

? Land by launch or tender.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Qaqortoq ?, Greenland.

Arrive 0800. Depart 2000.

South Greenland’s largest settlement features brightly painted colonial buildings dating back to the 18th century. The oldest building, once a blacksmiths, displays harpoons and kayaks that reflect the country’s Norse heritage. Next to it stands Greenland’s oldest fountain, Mindebrønden, which was built in 1932.

The open-air ‘Stone and Man’ sculpture gallery encompasses a collection of motifs carved in stone and rock throughout the town. Qaqortoq is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts as walking trails lead around the lake and into the surrounding wilderness.

Optional excursions

Travel by boat to discover Norse ruins or visit a local home to learn more about life in Greenland whilst enjoying a traditional Kaffemik, consisting of coffee, cake and conversation.

? Land by launch or tender.

Narsarsuaq ?, Greenland.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1800.

This settlement of under 200 people was founded as an American airbase in 1940. Narsarsuaq is less than four miles from Greenland’s Ice Sheet, which covers most of the country. Near to the airport is the unique Greenlandic Arboretum, an Arctic botanical garden home to more than 100 species and 50,000 trees. The surrounding hills are scattered with 10th to 15th-century Norse ruins and Qooroq ice fjord, where blue-hued icebergs have formed over thousands of years.

Optional excursion

The area surrounding Narsarsuaq is a tangle of fjords, islands and inlets through which the ice sheet seeps into the ocean. Board a smaller vessel to navigate Qooroq ice fjord and get up close to blue-tinged icebergs. Enjoy commentary about the natural history of the region on board and admire the Arctic scenery.

? Land by launch or tender.

Nanortalik ?, Greenland.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

‘The Place where the Polar Bear goes’ is an apt name for Greenland’s southernmost town as these fierce animals occasionally pass by on the ice floes. Set on a small island beside the Tasermiut Fjord, the historic quarter of colourful wooden buildings contrast against a backdrop of jagged mountains. The open-air Nanortalik Museum gives an insight into the area and its culture. The town is also a hub for mountain and rock climbing, hiking and kayaking.

Included excursion

Enjoy an ‘open-town’ visit in Nanortalik, with the opportunity to meet the people who call this small community home.

? Land by launch or tender.

Scenic cruising Prince Christian Sound.

Weave past craggy peaks and calving glaciers whilst cruising along this 66-mile-long fjord described as a “river of melted snow” by explorer John Cabot. This inland passage separates Greenland’s mainland from the Cape Farewell Archipelago, connecting the Labrador and Irminger seas. Granite cliffs on both sides close into just 1,650 feet apart at the narrowest point, and it is only accessible in summer.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Akureyri, Iceland.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Set on Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjordur, the self-titled ‘Capital of the North’ was settled by Vikings in the 9th century. Akureyri has since developed into Iceland’s most populous town outside of Reykjavik. Although just 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle, it is warmed by the Gulf Stream, lending it a relatively moderate climate. This is evident in the Botanic Gardens and the two-month-long annual Arts and Culture Festival’s outdoor summer events. From Akureyri, you can discover Godafoss Waterfall on an included panoramic excursion.

Included excursion

Admire Godafoss Waterfall on an included excursion.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Dover.

Arrive 0730.

Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.