Follow in the heroic wake of the earliest transatlantic voyagers on this 15-day expedition. Explore the routes once traveled by fearless explorers and colonists to discover the dramatic landscapes and rich traditions of Greenland and Iceland – in particular, Iceland’s untrammeled western coast – and visit fascinating Viking sites and settlements, each set against edenic backdrops.
Highlights
Follow in the wake of the 10th-century Viking explorers & see Viking sites
Meet Greenlanders who thrive in extreme ice conditions & maintain tradition
Actively explore Iceland’s Westfjord region & witness seldom-seen icebergs
Travel in the company of Arctic experts and photographers
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies only a fraction below the Arctic Circle and receives just four hours of sunlight in winter and 22 in summer. Take a guided overview of the Old Town, including Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower, and shed some light on Nordic culture at the National Museum, with its Viking treasures and artifacts. Embark National Geographic Explorer.
National Geographic Explorer navigates Iceland’s wild western frontier, sailing past the immense Latrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razorbills. The cliffs are an area once famous for egg collecting; the men were tied to ropes and lowered like spiders down onto the ledges. Continue to Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries, for walks around the charming little hamlet that grew here.
Cross the Denmark Strait and arrive at the mouth of Scoresbysund (the planet’s largest fjord system) in the afternoon. This area is marked by mountains that rise straight out of the sea, glistening tidewater glaciers, and is also a major area to capture the ice calving off from the east side of the Greenland ice cap. Depending on ice conditions explore the area by hiking, Zodiac, and keep an eye out for whales and other marine life.
Explore north over the next two days using the ship's tools for exploration to the fullest, taking Zodiac or kayak forays among the icebergs, deploying the ROV, and setting out on foot to hike. Ace spotters help you search for polar bears. If ice conditions are unrelenting, explore a bit further south, where there are spectacular fjords that are generally ice-free at this time of year.
The Greenland Ice Sheet is the second largest ice body in the world, after the Antarctic ice sheet, roughly 80% of the surface of Greenland. The high arctic-like climate is dominated by ice floes. Among the options for exploration are landings at Skoldungen fjord.
Prins Christian Sund is a major fjord on the southern coast of Greenland. Surrounded by mountain pinnacles and glaciers, the decks are perfect for viewing this landscape. Anchor off Nanortalik, Greenland’s most southerly town. Go ashore to the picturesque little town by the water’s edge.
Explore a remarkable site on the Viking Trail. Qaqortukulooq was settled by one of Erik the Red’s cousins in 986 AD. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is the most extensive Norse site in Greenland. The ship then continues to Qaqortoq. Inhabited since Norse times, the Scandinavian influence is still apparent in the colorful wooden buildings and town museum, displaying Greenlandic kayaks, hunting equipment, art, and crafts.
Eriksfjord is the area that Erik the Red chose for his farm when he settled here in 982 AD. Explore Brattahlid, site of the first Christian church in the western hemisphere, built by Erik’s wife, Tjodhilde. This region is also the starting point of the first voyages to North America by his son, Leif Eriksson, 500 years before Columbus.
Nuuk is the world’s smallest capital city with 15,000 inhabitants. Visit the National Museum with its famous 15th-century Qilakitsoq mummies, found near Uummannaq, and the subject of a NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC cover story.
Today is left open for exploration of this rugged coastline. You may take a Zodiac cruise, kayak, or hike across the tundra. Your Undersea Specialist may launch the Remotely Operated Vehicle to see the marine life inhabiting the fjord floor.
Day 14: Kangerlussuaq | Disembark | Fly to Reykjavík
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$15,390
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Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
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Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336.
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Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350.
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Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 167 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 167 reviews on
5 hours ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner
