Embark on a 14-day expedition cruise from Reykjavik to Toronto aboard the Sylvia Earle. Explore Greenland, the world's largest island, characterized by towering peaks and extensive glaciers. Trek across the tundra to spot arctic foxes and reindeer, tasting wild berries en route. Glide through fjords via Zodiac, spotting ringed seals and possibly encountering whales. Sail Prince Christian Sound past imposing mountains and witness human settlements and Viking ruins. Navigate through west Greenland, home to Nuuk, the world's northernmost capital and the country's most developed region.
Highlights
Visit the cultural activities and attractions in Qaqortoq
Explore the well-preserved Norse ruin of Hvalsey Church
Discover Aappilattoq, known for its jagged mountain peaks and surrounded by the towering mountains of Tasermiut Fjord
Experience the stunning scenery of Prince Christian Sound, with jagged mountain peaks and icebergs blocking the entrance
Discover the Kangertitivatsiaq Fjord, home to spectacular mountain peaks and essential big walls
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Having made your way to Reykjavik, meet the representative of Aurora Expeditions and transfer to your group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with the ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash, or purchase last-minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket.
The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.
Breakfast and check-out. Join your guided Golden Circle and Geothermal Energy tour. With 85% of its electricity sourced from renewable sources, Iceland sets an outstanding example for sustainable energy.
Your journey takes you to the famous seismic sights of the Golden Circle route—Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, and history-rich Thingvellir National Park—before you experience first-hand how green, sustainable energy is produced at one of the largest single-site geothermal power plants on the planet at the Geothermal Energy Exhibition and Ljósafossvirkjun Power Station.
You can also spend time in a true eco-village. Powered with thermal and solar energy, Sólheimar is fully sustainable, boasting greenhouses and forestry programs, while its sustainable workshops are dedicated to candle-making, carpentry, weaving, and soap-making. Late in the afternoon, return to Reykjavik for embarkation.
Get to know your fellow expeditioners, expedition team, and crew this evening.
Crossing the Greenland Sea, sail through the Polar Basin’s nutrient-rich waters, searching for encroaching pack ice, fin whales, and seabirds. The experts entertain you with informative talks about sea ice, glaciers, European arctic plants and animals, and epic tales of early explorers such as Nansen, Andreé, and Scoresby.
Popular among skilled rock climbers, Kangertitivatsiaq Fjord is home to spectacular mountain peaks and essential big walls that attract daring climbers. A discovery for Aurora Expeditions in 2022, the 26-kilometer (16-mile) fjord is filled with glaciers, including the Glacier of France. It’s an ideal place for ship cruising, zodiac excursions, and discovery hikes.
Continue south along Greenland’s King Frederik VI Coast, always looking for whales, especially the rare sperm whale occasionally seen here. Weaving through the narrow channels of Skjoldungen Fjord, land at the end of the fjord for a walk along a glacial river across a tundra valley covered in northern willow and blooming pink wildflowers. Kayakers can paddle across the front of a tidewater glacier and search for harp seals, ivory gulls, and whales.
Back on board, enjoy the stunning surroundings with a drink in hand, basking in the soft light of the setting sun.
Prince Christian Sound connects the Labrador Sea with the Irminger Sea. Approximately 100 km (60 mi) long and, in parts, as narrow as 500 m (600 ft) wide, the fjord is flanked by jagged mountain peaks, some reaching over 2,200 m (7,200 ft) high, with countless glaciers coming all the way down to the sea. Slowly cruise through the sound to enjoy the spectacular scenery. Icebergs sculpted into fantastic shapes often block the entrance to the sound, a great spectacle for photography.
Aappilattoq is a small settlement in the southern section of a sound. Aappilattoq means red in Greenlandic, and the town is named after the red mountains rising above it. Aappilattoq is well-known in Greenland for the jagged mountain peaks that surround it—a delight for photographers.
The towering, jagged mountains surrounding Tasermiut Fjord are why it's often called the 'Patagonia of the North.' At Klosterdal, you are surrounded by three giant mountains: Napasorsuaq, Ketil, and Nalumasortoq. You can walk to a Norse ruin, hike along the valley, or explore the bay by kayak.
Continue to Nanortalik, the southernmost town in Greenland, located on an island of the same name. Its name derives from the West Greenlandic word ‘Nanoq,’ meaning ‘the place where bears pass through,’ describing the polar bears that were once seen floating past on sea ice. Deep fjords, woodlands and grasslands, and rugged mountainside cliffs, some over 1,000 m (3,280 ft), attract enthusiastic climbers worldwide.
On arrival, receive a warm welcome from the local community, who have opened up their town for you to explore. Nanortalik is a town known for its love of singing and being treated to choir performances.
Visit Nanortalik Church, a wooden Danish Lutheran church built in 1916 that is currently the only church serving the Nanortalik congregation. The church is in the old colonial quarter of the town. Next to the church is a landmark boulder called the ‘Knud Rasmussen Stone,’ named after Greenland’s most famous citizen, Dr. Knud Rasmussen, an explorer and ethnologist.
Hvalsey Church is the best-preserved Norse ruin in Greenland. ‘Hvalsey’ is old Norse for ‘Whale Island.’ Christianity arrived in Greenland around 1,000 AD, and churches began gradually being built. Late medieval documents indicate up to 14 parish churches in the Eastern Settlement. Hvalsey was constructed in the early 14th century but was not the first church built on this site.
After exploring Hvalsey ruins, continue to Qaqortoq, where the Zodiacs shuttle you ashore. Qaqortoq is the capital of South Greenland. With a history dating back to 1775, the town offers various cultural activities and attractions, including an outdoor art project called “Man and Stone,’ which features stone carvings created by local artists scattered throughout the town. Qaqortoq is Greenland’s southernmost town and the administrative center of south Greenland. Built from yellow stone and dating back to 1804, the building that now houses the Qaqortoq Museum originally belonged to the town’s blacksmith. Qaqortoq’s landmark building is the Church of Our Saviour. This large wooden Lutheran church, known as the ‘Red Church,’ is near the harbor in the historic part of town.
Nestled on the shores of the Davis Strait, the town of Itilleq is located on a small island only 2 km (1.2 mi) north, close to the Arctic Circle. The island has no freshwater, so they must make it from a desalinization facility.
The Davis Strait is Itilleq’s prominent geographical feature. As a northern arm of the Labrador Sea, it stretches from the middle of Greenland to parts of Nunavut, Canada, in the High Arctic. The numerous glaciers along the Davis Strait are an impressive sight, and while they may not be as unique in size as the more enormous glaciers found in other parts of Greenland, their sheer volume here is impressive.
A self-guided hike through town reveals the beautiful, colored houses, which in the past represented the profession of their owners. Continue your walk just outside town to see the picturesque mountain ranges surrounding the town.
At Igaliku in Tunulliarfik Fjord, lush valleys filled with tall grass hint at Greenland’s first sheep farming settlement. Igaliku also guards the entrance to the well-preserved remains of Norse ruins, allowing visitors to explore Norse history and hike within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed surroundings to discover lakes, mountains, and hidden Norse ruins.
Narsarsuaq is the gateway to hiking trails through lush valleys and Norse ruins spotted along Tunulliarfik Fjord.
Narsarsuaq holds historical significance for Greenland’s history. The Norse Vikings settled in this area in the 12th century and named Narsarsuaq to suggest that an Arctic forest covered the immense plain. Taking home stories of lush valleys and plains nestled in deep fjords, the Vikings called this country Greenland. Marked trails allow hikers to enjoy the superb scenery, with one of the most popular hikes leading to the spectacular lookout over icebergs in the Tunulliarfik Fjord and the Qooroq Glacier.
At Qassiarssuk, located directly across the Tunulliarfik Fjord, follow in the footsteps of Erik the Red and discover why he made it his home. The remains of a church, stables, hall, and other buildings can still be seen. Visit the tall statue of Leif Erikson (son of Erik the Red), overlooking the town and fjord.
Sailing between Hvalsey, Igaliku, and Qassiarssuk allows you to connect the dots of Viking history in Greenland.
As you sail towards Nuuk, enjoy some free time relaxing or attending a presentation from the expedition team. This evening, share stories and celebrate with fellow expeditioners at the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Day 13: Nuuk | Disembark | Fly to Toronto
1 Breakfast
Disembark in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, where you farewell the crew and expedition team before transferring to the airport for your charter flight to Toronto.
Day 14: Depart Toronto
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, check out of your room and continue your journey with a transfer to the airport.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$16,6952-3 travelers
Aurora Stateroom Triple
22.67m2 (244ft2) - There are two Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
Aurora Stateroom Superior
19.9m2 - 20.8m2(214.2ft2 - 223.9ft2) - Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Balcony Stateroom C
19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2) - 11 Balcony Stateroom C cabins - most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 6.
Balcony Stateroom B
19.5m2 - 28.7m2 (209.9ft² - 308.9ft2) - 17 Balcony Stateroom B Cabins - standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
Balcony Stateroom A
19.5m² - 28.7m² (209.9ft² - 308.9ft²)- 23 Balcony Stateroom A cabins - premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
Balcony Stateroom Superior
29.2m2 - 35.2m2 (314.3ft2 - 378.9ft2) - Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Junior Suite
Up to 41.6m2 (447.8ft2)- 4 Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
Captain’s Suite
43.8m2 (471.5 ft2) - Captain's Suite - the largest of all our rooms, will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.
Initial deposit is $2,500 plus $250 USD deposit for any activities at the time of booking, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 Days prior to departure by Only Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
13 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
12 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Comprehensive pre-departure information
Beer, House Wine, and Soft Drinks with Dinner
Educational Lectures and Guiding Services from Expedition Team
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
Wifi
Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Reykjavik on Day 1
Full-day Golden Circle tour on Day 2
Charter flight: Kangerlussuaq-Toronto on Day 13
One night’s hotel accommodation with breakfast, in Toronto on Day 14
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, or phone charges
Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
Optional activity surcharges
Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
Passengers traveling with Aurora Expeditions are required to be covered by a reputable travel insurance policy that includes baggage loss, cancellation & curtailment of the holiday, medical, accident, and repatriation/emergency evacuation coverage worth at least $250,000 USD.
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
kevin Moore, our agent, is very knowledgeable about the tours and details, and researches quickly any follow up ?s.
Emory
3 months ago
Tilly was thorough and efficient in answering questions and getting us the right information to make a trip decision.
Nancy Turner
3 months ago
Clara Tort was fantastic to work with, very professional.
Dan Twomey
3 months ago
I've been working w/ Franny and Phen on the Heart of the Arctic Cruise next year. They've both been very friendly and helpful in answering my many questions as we work out the details for the trip. Thank you!
Nita Hoops
8 months ago
Love Adventure Life, Mary is very experienced in the cruise department. Their post follow up after booking is great too.
