Iceland to Greenland & the Glaciers of Disko Bay

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Welcome to Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital city. Your journey begins here in Iceland’s quirky and creative heart.   

This afternoon, you’ll meet the Captain and crew of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. Be welcomed on board with a glass of Champagne and explore your spacious suite. Meet your fellow guests for a drink in the Sky Bar as you toast to the start of an epic journey.

Please book your flight to arrive into Reykjavik prior to 02:00 PM.

Grundarfjörður is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Iceland's stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Surrounded by towering mountains and pristine fjords, Grundarfjörður offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and Icelandic charm. Explore the quaint streets lined with colourful houses, or venture into the nearby wilderness to discover hidden waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. Have your camera ready to catch a glimpse of the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, a favourite among photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Scenic Freechoice:
Snæfellsnes Peninsula Express: Journey to Djupalonssandur’s black sand beach, featuring lava formations and shipwreck remnants. Visit Malarrif’s historic lighthouse for photos, pass Londrangar’s volcanic towers and stroll Arnarstapi’s cliffs with seabird colonies and Bardur Snaefellsas’ statue, ending with a scenic drive back to Grundarfjörður.

Coves, Craters & Caves: Admire the Snæfellsjökull Glacier’s mystical 1,446m presence on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Ascend Saxhóll’s crater for mossy lava views, walk Djupalonssandur’s 1km coastal trail to Dritvík and descend Vatnshellir Cave’s 35m lava tunnels, inspired by Jules Verne’s classic tale: Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

Kirkjufellsfoss  Waterfall Hike (led by Discovery Team): Join your Expert Discovery Team for a scenic 6km hike from Grundarfjordur Port to Kirkjufells waterfall. Located at the foot of Kirkjufell Mountain, which rises 464m (1,519 feet) above sea level, it offers one of Iceland’s most picturesque waterfall scenes.

Unlike the rest of Greenland, the Sermersooq municipality (where the Fridtjof Nansen peninsula is located) is smooth and unbroken terrain. Here, the magnificent Greenland Ice Sheet flows right to the shore. The peninsula gets its name from famed explorer Fridtjof Nansen, who launched his pioneering Greenland venture from Umivik Bay. This 1888 expedition confirmed that Greenland was completely covered in ice.

Over the next seven days in Greenland, countless adventures await, from exhilarating whale watching to thrilling kayak excursions and invigorating polar plunges, promising unforgettable experiences.

Scenic Discovery:
Weather permitting and with harbour master approval, you may get the opportunity to enjoy immersive Discovery experiences including kayaking and Zodiac cruising.

The transit through the Sound is one of this voyage’s highlights. Connecting the Labrador Sea with the Irminger Seat, Prince Christian Sound or “Prins Christian Sund” in Danish is named after Prince (later King) Christian VII (1749-1808). 100 km (60 miles ), long and at times just 500 m (1500 ft) wide, this majestic and spectacular fiord throws you back into a Viking era – flanked by soaring snow-topped mountains, rock-strewn cliffs and rolling hills, it is as if time has stood still and one easily forgets that this is the 21st century. As you marvel at the sheer size of the mountains that surround you, with the Arctic waters lapping deceptively at the hull, revel in the silence enveloping you. Icebergs float serenely by, carrying with them the ages of time. Be sure to wear warm clothing as this is one spectacle that you do not want to miss.

Carving a breathtaking, naturally formed path that separates the mainland from the islands of Cape Farewell, Prince Christian Sound is one of Greenland's most scenic waterways and a highlight of any cruise in the region. Over a hundred kilometres in length, and flanked by magnificent glaciers and granite cliffs, this narrow passage is only accessible during summer, when the largest ice blockades melt away. 

With her elegant design and state-of-the-art technology, Scenic Eclipse brings you closer to the towering glaciers, icebergs and imposing peaks for unmissable photo opportunities.

Scenic Discovery: Weather permitting and with harbour master approval, experience a Zodiac landing at Herjolfsnes with the on-board Discovery Team. Once ashore, set out on a moderate hike across the tundra to explore 10th-century Norse ruins and a cemetery from a 500-year-old settlement. Keep a look out for Arctic fox and numerous birdlife.

Set on the southern tip of Greenland, Narsaq is a striking agricultural town located on the edge of a fjord. It’s known for its lush farmland, hardy sheep, legacy of Greenlandic cowboys and intriguing Norse history. In the 1960s, a long house was unearthed here, and it is believed to be the very first place Erik the Red settled in Greenland in the 10th century. Visit the Narsaq Museum, set in historic buildings around the old harbour, to learn more about the area’s rich heritage.

Scenic Freechoice:
Town Walk of Narsaq: Discover the charm of Narsaq, the “Pearl of South Greenland,” where colourful homes, sweeping wilderness views and rich Inuit heritage come together. Conclude your walk with free time at the local museum, exploring stories of the region’s past and present.

Food & Beer Tasting at Hotel Narsaq: Savour Greenlandic delicacies and local craft beers at Hotel Narsaq while learning about Inuit culinary traditions and their deep ties to the land and sea.

Brewery Visit & Beer Tasting: Stroll from Narsaq’s harbour to a local brewery for a guided tour with the brewmaster, then sample distinctive Arctic-inspired beers brewed with care in Greenland.

Iceberg Safari: From Narsaq, cruise among drifting icebergs to see their shifting hues, hear their crackle and touch ancient ice, an unforgettable glimpse of Greenland’s icy wonders.

Arctic Beach Walk to Dyrenæs: Enjoy a scenic guided walk along the Arctic coastline to Dyrenæs, exploring unexcavated Norse and Inuit ruins, including 1000 AD Viking Dyrnæs and Landnamsgård sites. Learn of early settlers in this untouched Arctic landscape.

Nuuk, meaning “the cape”, was Greenland’s first town (1728). Started as a fort and later mission and trading post some 240 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, it is the current capital. Almost 30% of Greenland’s population lives in the town. Not only does Nuuk have great natural beauty in its vicinity, but there are Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, the parliament, and the Church of our Saviour as well. The Greenlandic National Museum has an outstanding collection of Greenlandic traditional dresses, as well as the famous Qilakitsoq mummies. The Katuaq Cultural Center’s building was inspired by the undulating Northern Lights and can house 10% of Nuuk’s inhabitants.

Clinging to a jagged peninsula on the southwest coast of Greenland, Nuuk is the island’s capital and largest city. The area has been inhabited since 2200BC, though the present town was only established in 1728. Colourful wooden buildings can be seen around the shore, while more modern apartment buildings house most of the city’s 20,000 inhabitants. A guided tour through the picturesque Old Harbour reveals history and traditions that remain strong. Nuuk is also becoming known as a centre of modern Nordic culture, with edgy architecture inspired by the Northern Lights and innovative restaurants using local ingredients.

Scenic Freechoice:
Nuuk Guided Walk: Enjoy a leisurely guided walk through the local area before visiting a welcoming family home. Share coffee, cake and conversation for a warm glimpse into everyday life and local traditions.

Hike Quasussuaq: Embark on a guided hike up Quasussuaq, one of the region’s most iconic peaks, and take in panoramic views of the fjords crowned by the majestic Sermitsiaq.

Nuuk City Walk with Museum & Tasting: Discover Nuuk’s charm on a guided walk through its historic heart, then explore the National Museum’s famous mummies and captivating Inuit and Norse stories, ending with a relaxing tasting of Greenlandic delicacies at the Katuaq Cultural Centre.

Fjord Safari Boat: Cruise into the Ice fjord north of Nuuk to marvel at towering blue icebergs, as your captain finds the perfect spot for breathtaking views.

Enjoy a slow day cruising through Evighed Fjord, or ‘Eternity Fjord’, considered one of the most beautiful in Greenland. Stretching for more than 75 kilometres, you’ll be awed by the endless fields of ice glittering under the sun. Tall, jagged peaks threaded with glaciers rise straight up out of the calm blue waters. Many of the glaciers are very active and you will likely hear chunks of ice calving away and collapsing loudly into the ocean. In Evighed Fjord, you’ll feel the beauty and power of nature all around you.

Scenic Discovery:
Weather permitting and with harbour master approval, you may get the opportunity to enjoy immersive Discovery experiences including kayaking and Zodiac cruising. 

Known as the birthplace of icebergs, the Ilulissat Icefjord produces nearly 20 million tons of ice each day. In fact, the word Ilulissat means “icebergs” in the Kalaallisut language. The town of Ilulissat is known for its long periods of calm and settled weather, but the climate tends to be cold due to its proximity to the fjord. Approximately 4,500 people live in Ilulissat, the third-largest town in Greenland after Nuuk and Sisimiut. Some people here estimate that there are nearly as many sled dogs as human beings living in the town that also boasts a local history museum located in the former home of Greenlandic folk hero and famed polar explorer Knud Rasmussen.

Spectacular days await as you cruise Disko Bay. Ilulissat is the main town on the bay, named from the Inuit word for ‘iceberg’. It’s famous for the large number of icebergs breaking away from the nearby Ilulissat Icefjord, a World Heritage-listed site. The Icefjord is the mouth of the vast Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the world’s fastest moving and most active glaciers, calving a remarkable 46 cubic kilometres of ice annually. Listen for the rumbling sounds in the distance as huge chunks of ice break from the glacier and tumble into the water below.

Scenic Freechoice:
Town Walk of Ilulissat: Enjoy a guided walk of Ilulissat, exploring this town at 69°N, once called the town of 10,000 souls. Discover polar explorer Knud Rasmussen’s bust and birth home, and learn of the town’s cultural growth 400 km north of the Polar Circle.

Sermermiut Easy Hike: Hike through the ancient Inuit settlement of Sermermiut, approximately 3km, to a cliffside viewpoint over the iceberg-filled fjord, learning about its history and Arctic nature along the way.

Kangia Ice Fjord Cruise: Board a local boat for an unforgettable journey among the towering icebergs of Ilulissat‘s Kangia Fjord. Drift through this frozen wonderland and experience the pure, tranquil beauty of the Arctic.

Greenlandic Kaffemik: Visit a Local Family: Step inside a local home for coffee, cake and heartfelt hospitality. Hear stories of life in the far north, see traditional costumes and share in the warmth of Greenlandic traditions.

Sled Dog Visit: Visit a local dog site and meet Greenland’s sled dogs. Learn about their history, how they are trained and cared for, and their vital role in Arctic life from sledding to ice fishing, while hearing captivating stories of Greenlandic culture.

Scenic Discovery:
Weather permitting and with harbour master approval, you may get the opportunity to enjoy immersive Discovery experiences including hiking and Zodiac cruising.

The name Kangerlussuaq means "Big Fjord" in the local Kalaallisut language. The settlement of about 500 people is located in western Greenland on flat land at the head of a fjord with the same name. Kangerlussuaq is the site of Greenland's largest commercial airport and most of the economy here is dependent on the air transportation hub and tourism. The rugged lands around the settlement support terrestrial Arctic fauna including muskoxen, caribou, and Gyrfalcons.

The name Kangerlussuaq means "Big Fjord" in the local Kalaallisut language. The settlement of about 500 people is located in western Greenland on flat land at the head of a fjord with the same name. Kangerlussuaq is the site of Greenland's largest commercial airport and most of the economy here is dependent on the air transportation hub and tourism. The rugged lands around the settlement support terrestrial Arctic fauna including muskoxen, caribou, and Gyrfalcons.

Your journey concludes this morning in the small town of Kangerlussuaq. After one final sumptuous  breakfast on board, you’ll disembark your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Farewell the crew and your fellow guests, taking with you a wealth of memories from an unforgettable voyage.

For the final part of your journey you will be transferred to Copenhagen, Denmark for an overnight stay.

By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’.

After breakfast in your hotel, take the time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as you fly back to your own corners of the world.

^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions. Helicopter not in operation in Greenland. #Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board. ~Kayaking may not operate in all locations.

Helicopter not in operation in Greenland.

Please note the itinerary is a guide and may be subject to changes for operational reasons. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.