East Greenland and Iceland Northern Lights
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the Arctic, starting in the vibrant city of Reykjavik, Iceland. This journey will take you across the Denmark Strait to the remote and stunning northeast coast of Greenland. Explore the world's largest national park, Northeast Greenland National Park, and witness the breathtaking beauty of Scoresbysund, the most extensive fjord system on the planet. Interact with the Inuit community in Ittoqqortoormiit, marvel at the striking red sandstone cliffs of Rode Oya, and keep an eye out for the elusive northern lights. This expedition offers a perfect blend of adventure, education, and natural beauty, making it an experience of a lifetime.
Included
11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners
Activities and services as stated in the itinerary
Hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (10 nights)
hotel: 1 night(s);
Ship , Zodiac
Your voyage will be led by an experienced Expedition Leader. In addition, a number of experts will be on board to add knowledge of their field to your experience. This will include a Marine Biologist, Ornithologist, Glaciologist or Geologist, Polar Historian, Kayaking guide and Naturalist guides. Voyages offering other adventure activities will have additional specialist guides on board.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Reykjavik
- Reykjavik - Arrival day
- More
- Seltún Geothermal Area
- More
Welcome to Iceland! Your Arctic voyage begins in Reykjavik, Iceland’s artistic capital city. You can arrive in Reykjavik at any time today and make your way to your hotel. You'll have the day to explore the city on your own, so you may want to visit one of the many museums, cathedrals, or galleries – or perhaps seek out one of Iceland’s famous hotdogs from a popular street stall. Accommodation: Hotel (or similar).
Day 2 – Day 2: Reykjavik
- Reykjavik
- More
After a free morning to continue exploring the city, you’ll make your way to your ship in the afternoon to board your vessel and begin your expedition. After you board the ship and set sail, you’ll be able to enjoy a range of activities on board – but don’t forget to keep an eye out for Arctic animals in the wildlife-filled water! Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship.
Day 3 – Day 3: Denmark Strait
Day 3: Denmark Strait
- Súgandisey Island Lighthouse
- More
As you 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. Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship.
Day 4 – Day 4: Northeast Greenland National Park
Day 4: Northeast Greenland National Park
The next week will be spent voyaging around Greenland’s remote northeast coast. Over the coming days, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. It’s worth keeping an eye out for grazing muskoxen, as 40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park. Sailing through spectacular Scoresbysund, 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 colourful 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, Rode Oya 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 Oya, renowned for its rugged cliffs and ice-choked waters, and flower-rich Botanikerbugt, on Ymer Oya.
Day 5 – Day 5: Northeast Greenland National Park
Day 5: Northeast Greenland National Park
You may visit the Bay of Flowers, or Blomsterbugten, which boasts a colorful and lush landscape that is quite different from other Arctic regions like Spitsbergen. Expect spectacular fall colors, with a possible hike to Noa Lake.
Day 6 – Day 6: Northeast Greenland National Park
Day 6: Northeast Greenland National Park
Go searching for muskoxen in C. Hofmann Halvo. The peninsula is also home to wheatears and snow buntings, and you may spot rock ptarmigans or great northern divers while at sea.
Day 7 – Day 7: Northeast Greenland National Park
Day 7: Northeast Greenland National Park
Encounter stunning icebergs before hiking across Denmark Island, which offers stupendous views of Scoresbysund and Fonfjord below.
Day 8 – Day 8: Northeast Greenland National Park
Day 8: Northeast Greenland National Park
Exploring the valley system of Frederiksdal on foot may offer views of muskoxen, glaciers and ancient Thule remains.
Day 9 – Day 9: Northeast Greenland National Park
Day 9: Northeast Greenland National Park
Toward the northern end of Scoresby Land is Kong Oscar Fjord (King Oscar Fjord). Holm Bay is a common landing site here, offering panoramic views of the fjord and surrounding area. Within the fjord, and hence within Northeast Greenland National Park, lies Ella O (Ella Island). The Danish navy unit called Sirius Sledge Patrol trains here in summer. Muskoxen may also be spotted.
Day 10 – Day 10: Northeast Greenland National Park
Day 10: Northeast Greenland National Park
Around 500 people call the northern settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit home. Traditional hunting and fishing ways are alive and well here, as are the northern lights! This is known as one of the best places to have a chance of seeing the mysterious aurora borealis.
Day 11 – Day 11: Northeast Greenland National Park
Day 11: Northeast Greenland National Park
As your Arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by your onboard experts, share your photos with fellow travellers, 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. Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship.
Day 12 – Day 12: Reykjavik
- Reykjavik - Departure day
- More
Your journey comes to an end today in Reykjavik, where you’ll disembark from the ship. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, you’ll be transferred to a central downtown location, otherwise you can make your way onward.
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.