Kangerlussuaq is a town surrounded by a UNESCO-listed hinterland and the second-largest ice shelf in the world. The area is filled with stunning landscapes, including glaciers, crevasses, and blue meltwater lakes. You can take a trek to the remote Russell Glacier, where you might see herds of musk oxen and witness the ice calving with a mighty crack. If you're interested in history, you can visit the Kangerlussuaq Museum to learn about the town's modern history and that of the Inuit, the indigenous peoples of the area. For those interested in science, the Kellyville Kangerlussuaq research facility is a great place to explore.

Ilulissat (Greenlandic for "icebergs") and its UNESCO-listed Icefjord are within the famous Disko Bay. The image of pure white, monolithic icebergs surrounding the colorful houses of the town invites you to traverse these wondrous lands. You may find an opportunity to kayak amid the icebergs as the Midnight Sun sits on the horizon, appearing as an eternal sunset. Navigating Disko Bay, Greenland's largest bay, you'll likely see a beluga, bowhead whale, or perhaps even a narwhal. You can see them up close, sitting just 30 feet above the waterline from Water's Edge while keeping warm with heated seating.

Within Greenland’s famed Disko Bay, you find the awe-inspiring Eqi Glacier. The mesmerizing blue ice shelves inspire a sense of wonder. Often referred to as the Calving Glacier – as it is one of the country’s most active glaciers – if you explore Eqi, you’re likely to see chunks of calving ice fall from the mass and into the water with a resounding crack. Lying only about 50 miles north of Ilulissat, you’re surrounded by towering icebergs upon navigating the glacier.
 

At the end of the Arctic Circle Trail sits Sisimiut, where modern and traditional cultures combine to create a rich tapestry of Greenland’s history. It also lies outside the UNESCO-listed Aasivissuit – Nipisat cultural area, home to Inuit hunting grounds. Take to the water with opportunities for kayaking, boat tours to abandoned settlements like Assaqutaq, or whale-watching excursions. Immerse yourself in local culture with the possibility of fishing and big game hunting opportunities to understand the city’s sustainable practices. Stop by the small store Qiviut to pick up an authentic muskoxen wool pelt, obtained from local hunters.
 

North of the Arctic Circle, only about 1,000 miles from the North Pole, lies the little town of Itilleq (formerly Itvdleq). Although small, the village holds a powerful allure with its beautiful scenes. A possible landing here allows you to wander the winding seaside trails, taking in the views, from the charm of the colorful houses to the landscape of snow-capped mountains surrounding the town. Itilleq is also the gateway village to Igaliku, Greenland's oldest sheep-farming settlement and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a two-mile walk from Itilleq to Igaliku to appreciate the breathtaking countryside and mingle with the locals. As part of the Qeqqata municipality, Itilleq sits close to the Fjord of Eternity, a stunning scene perfect for a possible kayaking adventure.

Sitting near Greenland's impressive Kangerlussuaq Fjord, the village of Kangaamiut is surrounded by soaring mountain peaks and expansive glaciers. Walking down the wooden stairs toward the colorful houses, you'll be greeted by an extraordinary view of the fjord made for a postcard. Hike the mountain trails of Kangerlussuaq Fjord, a region filled with Arctic hares, musk oxen, polar foxes, and reindeer. You may find opportunities to water ski and trek in desert lands throughout your explorations. The locals run their businesses within the settlement's hills and are always ready to invite you to learn more about them.
 

The capital of Greenland, Nuuk, sits in the fjord system of the same name and is best known for humpback whales, waterfalls, and icebergs. This unique city contains mountains and an expansive backcountry on one side and a thriving metropolitan on the other, filled with culinary experiences, museums, and fashion boutiques. Hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking can be found almost anywhere for more active explorers. Nuuk’s cultural center, Katuaq displays architectural prowess with a building designed to mimic the waves of the Aurora Borealis. You may find an opportunity to fish for cod or redfish and have it cooked for you at the gourmet restaurant Qooqqut Nuan.

Translating to "the beloved place" in the Greenlandic language, the village of Arsuk sits in the Sermersooq municipality where you may catch sight of the likes of snowy owls, kittiwakes, and other Arctic birds. Breathtaking landscapes abound, such as the Arsuk Fjord Waterfall, a beautiful cascade flowing into shimmering green waters, and the Arsuk Glacier with its blue ice shelves. Exploring icy waters and tundra scenes, a Zodiac safari may bring you up close to icebergs and other majestic vistas. Make your way through town to learn about the locals’ Saqqaq culture and traditions.
 

With possible opportunities for hiking, climbing, and sailing in the spectacular Tasermiut Fjord, the village of Nanortalik is the gateway to various nature excursions for active travelers. But it’s also home to Greenland’s most comprehensive local museum filled with exhibits of Viking clothing, healthcare and medicinal plants, radio communication, and more. Follow the island’s coastline, and you can find your way to the ruins of Sissarissoq, the site of Nanortalik’s first establishment. Along the way, look toward the waters and try to spot the minke whales that frequent the area.

Along the southern edge of Greenland sits the awe-inspiring Prince Christian Sound, also known as Prins Christian Sund. Snow-capped mountains on the horizon and borders of glaciers and icebergs make this a stunning waterway to navigate on an expedition. You may possibly make a landing in the tiny village of Aappilattoq, home to fewer than 100 people living in the colorful, yellow, red, and blue, Nordic-style houses. Around the sound wildlife is abundant, with frequent sightings of fin, minke, and blue whales, as well as bearded and ringed seals.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE - Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs, and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with our expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris. All itinerary routes serve as examples and are subject to change based on current conditions, prioritizing the safety and optimal expedition experience for all guests.
 

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones once you get to shore.

In the southwest of Iceland, near Faxaflói Bay, lies the country's capital, Reykjavík, simultaneously cosmopolitan and charming. The colorful houses on the horizon create a quaint scene that will make you want to stay forever. Kaleidoscopic views await you at the Harpa Concert Hall, a glittering, glass structure that perfectly exemplifies Iceland’s modern design and will fascinate your inner architect. One of Iceland’s most prominent landmarks is Perlan, originally a group of hot water tanks converted into a building that now hosts an exhibition, planetarium, restaurant, and observation deck atop Oskjuhlíd Hill..
 

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark in Reykjavik today. Then, head to the airport for your flight home.