Iceland to Greenland

Voyage Overview

Experience two fascinating Arctic regions on this two week voyage.

The Norse originally set sail from Iceland in search of plentiful farmland, and their search was rewarded in the beautiful and fertile fjords of Greenland. Follow Erik the Red’s original route to explore this seldom-seen coastline, visiting important archaeological sites and modern Greenlandic communities along the way. 

Trip Details

Duration: 13 Days

Ship: Ocean Nova , Expedition Ship, 75 Guests

Start: Reykjavík, Iceland

End: Toronto, ON, Canada

Itinerary

Day 1: Embarkation in Reykjavik, Iceland
Your journey begins in the late afternoon, following a day of independent exploration and arrival in the captivating city of Reykjavík. Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital was established in the year 874 CE. Powered by geothermal energy, Reykjavík is widely considered one of the cleanest, greenest cities on Earth. Food, culture, and nightlife abound. The National Culture House preserves treasures like the Poetic Edda and the Norse Sagas in their original manuscripts.

Day 2: At Sea 
Set Sail like the Vikings. Watch for whales and seabirds as we sail the Denmark Strait. You’ll be truly in the wake of the Vikings as we journey westward from Iceland. The on-board learning program will prepare you for the archaeology, history, culture, and wildlife that await you in Greenland!

Day 3: Sea Ice
Spend the day sailing through sea ice, taking in the dramatic beauty of the Arctic. This is the perfect opportunity to get out on deck to search for Arctic wildlife and seabirds—who sometimes follow our ship’s course! As we make our way towards Greenland’s rugged shores, enjoy fascinating facts and insights from your expert expedition team, who will bring this remote region to life.

Day 4-6: Southeast Greenland
Witness Fjords, Icebergs, and Whales. Explore the remote reaches of southeast Greenland by ship, in Zodiacs, and on land. Your first views of this seldom-visited region will reveal a stunning coastline traced with innumerable fjords and potentially dotted with pack ice. Whether on foot, on shore, or on the ship, our expert expedition team will be by your side, sharing their extensive knowledge and insights. Join them out on deck to keep a keen eye out for iconic Arctic wildlife, including the polar bears, seals, and humpback whales. Learn from their expertise as they provide fascinating interpretation and help you gain a profound connection to the stunning landscapes we traverse.

Day 7: Ikerasassuaq (Prince Christian Sound)
Marvel at Mountains and Glaciers. Make the most of your time out on deck, as our experts scout for opportunities to go ashore along this breathtaking landscape. Soak in the natural beauty of one of the world’s most majestic waterways, Ikerasassuaq (Prince Christian Sound), where the Irminger and Labrador Seas join through the islands of the Cape Farewell Archipelago. Here, craggy mountain peaks tower over still waters fed by calving glaciers.

Day 8: Brattahlíð
Tour a Reconstructed Norse Settlement. Visit the fascinating Brattahlíð, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the most fertile region of Greenland. Wander through a reconstructed Norse church and Viking longhouse to fully immerse yourself in the Viking experience. Once home to Viking explorer Erik the Red and his descendants until the 1400s, Brattahlíð is now managed by Greenlandic Inuit, who continue to work the sheep farms originally established by the Norse settlers.

Day 9-10: South Greenland
Explore Dramatic Landscapes. South Greenland lives up to its namesake; here, the land is fertile and agriculture thrives. Farms and vegetable husbandry contrast with the barren ice that covers so much of the country. This is a region where jagged mountains rise dramatically from green pastures, and sheep farms border the stunning ice fjords. The fjords here are nothing short of breathtaking, with their deep blue waters and towering cliffs creating an awe-inspiring backdrop for every adventure.
As we explore, whether by Zodiac or on foot, we’ll be surrounded by this remarkable landscape, where Norse history intersects with contemporary Greenlandic life. The fjords add an unparalleled sense of beauty and serenity to the journey, making every moment unforgettable.

Day 11: Sermersooq
Enjoy Birdwatching and Zodiac Cruising. Explore the Sermersooq region of Greenland by Zodiac or by foot, as landing conditions permit. Here you’ll find a stunning myriad of mountain peaks, glaciers, and deep fjords, with records of human habitation that stretch back over 1,500 years. Keep a look out for nattoralik (white-tailed eagles), seabirds, and marine mammals while you enjoy the lush vegetation of southwest Greenland.

Day 12: Nuuk
Visit Museums, Shops, and Cafés. Stop in at vibrant Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Visit the Greenland National Museum, one of the city’s many outstanding features, where the world-famous Qilakitsoq mummies rest. The old harbour includes many buildings dating from Danish colonial days, while contemporary Nuuk is known for art, shopping, pubs, and cafés.

Day 13: Disembark in Nuuk & Fly to Toronto
Here is where you will complete your journey. Transfer by Zodiac to shore, then ride to the airport by bus for your charter flight to Toronto, ON.

Published itineraries are examples only, weather, ice, government regulations, and community requests may necessitate changes to the planned schedules. These sometimes necessary adjustments present exciting opportunities for exploration, discovery, and adventure.