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Cruise - Greenland - ©greenland.com

Disko Bay & Southern Fjords - Greenland to Iceland

(14 days / 13 nights)

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Be an explorer!

Sail from Greenland to Iceland on this incredible expedition cruise exploring the highlights of the iceberg-filled Disko Bay and the coastal settlements of southern Greenland along with Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland. With a special on-board program and guided boat and land excursions led by the ship’s expert crew, you will gain deeper insights into the nature and culture of each shore stop. Ideal for nature lovers seeking adventure.

Contact us for details and availability today. We'll help you plan a memorable Arctic getaway.

Season

July

Departure

1 July 2016

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your arctic adventure.

  • Day 1: Arrival in Copenhagen

    On arrival at Kastrup Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Copenhagen. If you arrive early, we recommend getting the Copenhagen Card, which gives you access to most museums along with free transit on the local buses and trains. Copenhagen is home to such marvels as the Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, the old harbour of Nyhavn and Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks and among the city’s most famous attractions.

    Spend the night in Copenhagen.

    Attractions
  • Day 2: Journey to Kangerlussuaq

    Early in the morning you will be transferred from your hotel to Kastrup Airport for a chartered 4-hour flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland’s main gateway. Before embarking on the cruise in the afternoon, you will travel with fellow travellers in off-road vehicles to the massive Greenland Ice Cap, just 40 km from town. This 3 to 4-hour excursion covers a wide variety of natural scenery, including a grand view to the glacier wall. You will have about an hour to enjoy some coffee or tea and walk in the area next to the Ice Cap before returning to Kangerlussuaq, where you will have lunch.

    Later you will be taken by bus to the harbour to board the mighty MS Fram. Getting to the ship will be an adventure as you will ride on PolarCirkel boats, assisted by the Expedition Team.

    Spend the next 11 nights on board the cruise ship.

    Please note: as this is an expedition-style cruise, the planned landings depend on weather and ice conditions. We reserve the right to change the scheduled program and itinerary. Safety is always the first priority on our trips. We also recommend having rainproof jackets, trousers and mosquito repellent in your hand luggage to wear during the boat transfer to MS Fram.

  • Day 3: Northwest Greenland

    In the early afternoon we reach the small settlement Itilleq. Around 130 people live here, and they are mainly engaged in hunting and fishing. Visit one of the families that live here, buy some arts and crafts of the area or have fun playing soccer with the locals.

  • Day 4: Ilulissat

    Today the highlight is Ilulissat, about 250 km north of the Arctic Circle on Greenland’s west coast. This town (pop. 4,500) is well known for the nearby Ilulissat Icefjord, a sight to behold with its maze of icebergs calved from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. It is so remarkable that it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004.

    The weather and sea conditions today will determine whether MS Fram can use the PolarCirkel boats. Before arrival the Expedition Team will prepare you with information. On land you will enjoy a guided hike to the abandoned settlement of Sermermiut, situated 1.5 kilometres south of the town. In Ilulissat you can also visit the museum to browse the extensive collection from Knud Rasmussen’s expeditions and the history of the area.

    Attractions
  • Day 5: Sisimiut

    Next on the voyage is Sisimiut (pop. 5,200), the second largest town in Greenland and a major fishing port. On board you will get an introduction presentation to prepare you for discovering the town on your own with the help of a city map.

    One the highlights here is the Sisimiut Museum, which is focused on the town’s culture and history. The museum is housed in beautiful old buildings originating from the colonial period, situated close to the harbour. Also located close to the pier is a local handicraft workshop, where you can watch the artists make jewellery and arts from bone, leather and metal. If you’re feeling up to the challenge, you could also choose from one of various active excursions available in Sisimiut.

    Attractions
  • Day 6: Nuuk

    Today’s destination is Nuuk (pop. 16,000), Greenland’s friendly capital city that also happens to be the world´s smallest capital. Founded by the Danish-Norwegian missionary Hans Egede in 1728, Nuuk is also the oldest town on the island. Now it is renowned as a place where old and new traditions meet, from picturesque old buildings at the colonial harbour to cutting edge structures like the Katuaq is a cultural centre. Another point of interest here is the Greenland National Museum, where you can see the mummies from Qilakilsoq that date back thousands of years.

    Attractions
  • Day 7: Ivittuut

    The next stop is Ivittuut, a small former mining community of approximately 200 seasonal residents. In the summertime some of the old houses are used for tourism. Located here is an old cryolite mine that was used by Allied Forces during World War II and closed down in 1987.

  • Day 8: Narsaq and Qoassiarsuk

    Early in the day you can experience Narsaq (1,600), located at the beautiful shores of the Tunulliarfik Fjord, an area of South Greenland that has been inhabited for thousands of years. The glaciers north of town ensure that there are icebergs around and the fjord is rich in seals, salmon, trout and minke whales. In the afternoon the ships land in Qassiarsuk, a community with only about 56 people known best for the settlement of Eric the Red, the Viking banished from Iceland who called this land Greenland when he arrived in the year 982.

    Attractions
  • Day 9: Hvalsey and Qaqortoq

    Start the morning with a visit to Hvalsey, where you can find some of the best preserved ruins from the Norse period dating back over 500 years ago. From there the journey continues to Qaqortoq, the centre of the largest municipality in South Greenland.

    Attractions Attractions
  • Day 10: Prins Christian Sund

    Today’s part of the voyage takes you to Greenland’s southern shores, containing some of the most culturally and scenically diverse regions of the island. If conditions allow, the ship will try to enter the narrow, often ice-choked Prins Christian Sund channel that crosses the southernmost point of Greenland – an opportunity to enjoy some truly breath-taking scenery. If the channel is blocked the ship will instead sail around Nunap Isua (Kap Farvel).

  • Day 11: Denmark Strait

    Sail the route of the Vikings! Crossing the Denmark Strait today towards Iceland, the cruise follows the path of the Norse settlers who left the shores of Iceland and Norway more than 900 years ago.

    Attractions
  • Day 12: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

    Today the cruise makes land in Iceland, in the town of Grundarfjörður on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula of West Iceland. This area of the country is full of diverse nature, with different kinds of lava and rock formations, jagged mountains, abundant birdlife, dramatic basalt cliffs and the pristine slopes of the Snæfellsjökull glacier. The peninsula also shelters a number a small fishing hamlets and natural harbours.

    Attractions
  • Day 13: Reykjavik & Blue Lagoon Relaxation

    Arrive in Reykjavik in the morning and spend the afternoon on a relaxing trip to the Blue Lagoon, where you can soak in warm, radiant white-blue waters surrounded by unearthly lava formations. Enjoy a complementary silica mud mask on your cheeks in the lagoon or let your cares slip away as you unwind in the saunas and steam baths. Renowned for the healing properties of its mineral-rich waters, this geothermal spa also offers optional skin treatments or in-water massages.

    Spend the night in Reykjavik.

    Note: We recommend booking optional treatments at the Blue Lagoon well in advance.

    Attractions Attractions
  • Day 14: Departure from Iceland

    Transfer to Keflavik Airport via shuttle bus. If your flight is in the afternoon, you have time to visit some of Reykjavik’s boutiques and museums, or you may opt to take a short tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula (optional; not included).

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

Accommodation

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort

Rooms with private WC and shower (or bath) in a three-star hotel or well-appointed guesthouse. All provide breakfast (included in ..

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Tour Information

50% deposit required: This package requires a deposit payment of 50% of the total price at the time of booking since it contains certain travel arrangements. See details
 
Booking
We recommend booking at least eight weeks prior to departure.
 
Customizations
This package can be customized to meet your needs by adding extra nights and activities before/after the cruise, contact us for details.
 
 
Other
  • Embarkation in Kangerlussuaq is by Polarcirkel boats and therefore we regret that this voyage is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The daily itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the expedition team.
  • Suites include a range of additional complimentary amenities such as drinks with meals and a welcome gift.
  • Rubber boots may be rented on board.
  • Some activities and excursions will only be sold on board (not in advance).
  • We strongly recommend buying travel insurance.
What to bring on the voyage:
  • Wind and water resistant trousers
  • Shoes with a good grip on the soles
  • Warm cap or headband
  • Scarf
  • Gloves/mittens
  • Thermal underwear
  • Warm sweater/fleece jacket
  • Warm socks
  • Swimsuit
  • Sunscreen/sunglasses
  • Small backpack/rucksack
Currency rate
All bookings are charged in Icelandic Króna (ISK), the official currency of Iceland. Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate as issued by the Central bank of Iceland. Therefore, conversions from ISK to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.
 
After booking with Nordic Visitor
After booking your package with Nordic Visitor, you will be contacted within two working days by one of our travel consultants, who will serve as your dedicated contact person for all of your travel needs before, during and even after your holiday. Your travel consultant will provide you with details about your booking and your remaining payment (if not paid in full). You will also receive more information about what to expect during your holiday.
 
2016 Prices from
Category 1 Adult 2 Adults 3 Adults 4 Adults
Polar Inside - I Category 9452 EUR 5605 EUR 6732 EUR 5489 EUR
Polar Outside - N Category 10248 EUR 6060 EUR 7301 EUR 5944 EUR
Arctic Superior - U Category 11124 EUR 6561 EUR 7926 EUR 6444 EUR
Arctic Superior - F Category 10473 EUR 7111 EUR 8077 EUR 6995 EUR
Expedition Suites - M Category 13359 EUR 7838 EUR 9523 EUR 7721 EUR

 

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