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23 Days Circumnavigating Iceland and the Fjords of East Greenland
  • 23 Days Circumnavigating Iceland and the Fjords of East Greenland

    $15,891.00Price

    Embark on an epic expedition cruise to explore the majestic and wild landscapes of Iceland and Greenland’s east coast—two northern lands straight out of the sagas.

     

    Reykjavik is your starting point to explore the so-called land of ice and fire. Journeying north, you’ll begin your circumnavigation of Iceland’s stunning coast in the picture-perfect fishing villages of Stykkishólmur and Patreksfjörður. Afterwards, discover Akureyri, ‘Iceland’s Northern Capital’.

     

    Cross the Arctic Circle to the windswept and isolated island of Grimsey, then sail to Bakkagerdi, home to breathtaking mountain views and (legend has it) numerous elves. Finally, explore ‘Iceland’s Pompeii’, Heimaey, before completing your circular journey in Reykjavik.

    Witness the majesty of Greenland’s pristine wilderness.

     

    From Reykjavík, we sail across the Denmark Strait to the wild and spectacular east coast of Greenland. Our destination is Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system, spanning over 14,000 square miles. Under the expert guidance of our Expedition Team, you’ll take an intimate look at this precious ecosystem through landings, nature walks, and kayaking tours.

     

    Wildlife abounds in this peaceful wilderness. Watch for whales and other marine wildlife as we glide through dark, placid waters at the feet of soaring mountains. Birding enthusiasts should look out for species that include Brünnich’s guillemots, snowy owls and Greenlandic gyrfalcons. We’ll then end your grand expedition where it all started, in Reykjavik.

        Early Bird Specials:

         

        • Save Up to 45% Off
        • Exclusive Onboard Credit of 90 Euro per person from Polar Dream Travel

         

        Please click "Prices and Departures" above for departure dates, cabin types and prices.

         

        DAY 1 - REYKJAVÍK - The adventure begins

        Your expedition cruise begins at Reykjavík, where MS Fram awaits in the harbor. Reykjavík means ‘Smoky Inlet’, coming from the steam rising from its hot springs. Today, the hot water from geothermal energy heats numerous pools and hot tubs.

         

        DAY 2 - STYKKISHÓLMUR - FULL DAY - Welcome to Sagaland

        Time has stood still at Stykkishólmur, the small fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay. Here, the colorful houses stand in contrast to the distant mountains.

         

        Nearby, you’ll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula’s western tip. Its wide array of landscapes has earned it the nickname ‘Little Iceland’.

         

        DAY 3 - PATREKSFJÖRÐUR - FULL DAY - The fjord of St. Patrick

        Patreksfjörður is unforgettably beautiful. Learn about the fishing traditions in Europe’s westernmost village. You can even enjoy a dip in the town’s outdoor pool, which features wonderful fjord views.

         

        Explore the surrounding area on a hike through the fjords or visit Rauðasandur beach and see seals. You can also join a tour to Dynjandi waterfalls. These are six combined falls that, together, comprise the largest and most spectacular in the Westfjords.

         

        DAY 4 - Explore Iceland, expedition-style.

        One of the best things about expedition cruising is the feeling of freedom. We plan to spend the day in Iceland’s northwestern region, but as conditions can vary, we won’t know exactly what’s in store until the day itself. Rest assured, your Captain and expedition team will find the best opportunities for adventure.

         

        Day 5 Djúpavík’s old factory

        The history of the herring entrepreneursThere is an eerie charm about the remote village of Djúpavík, at the edge of the Westfjords. A vast abandoned herring factory contrasts with a stunning rural setting. A guided tour of the old herring factory should not be missed.

         

        DAY 6 - AKUREYRI - FULL DAY - Capital of the North

        Today we cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord, to Akureyri, Iceland’s northern capital. It’s a prime area to see humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises.

         

        Stroll the interesting streets of Akureyri, which feature charming, colorful houses. Learn about the city’s history at the Akureyri Museum and visit Norðurslóð (Into the Arctic), a museum dedicated to Iceland’s settlement, culture, and daily life.

         

        Further afield you can visit the picturesque Goðafoss (‘God’s Waterfall’) where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You can also seek out eider ducks and Harlequin ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland’s most active volcanic areas.

         

        DAY 7 - GRIMSEY - FULL DAY - Step across the Arctic Circle

        For an unforgettable experience, you have to visit the small, grassy island of Grimsey. Steeped in folklore and legend, this island bisects the Arctic Circle, which means you can stand with one foot on each side of this important geographical feature. The Circle is marked by a large, concrete sphere.

         

        Day 8 Whale watching in Húsavík

        Today, you will discover Húsavík, a fascinating town that is one of the best places in the world for whale-watching.

         

        Húsavík looks out over Skjálfandi Bay, a hotspot for humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises – the elusive blue whale even makes appearances here. If you’re lucky, you might see one or more of these giants at sea. Learn more about them at Húsavík’s Whale Museum.You can also enjoy the geothermal waters at Geosea, which overlooks Skjálfandi bay, and pep yourself up with a beer at the local microbrewery.

         

        Day 9 - Hike in Bakkagerði

        Your Iceland cruise continues to Bakkagerði, a tiny settlement off the beaten track. According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of local land spirits or elves, known as huldufólk, meaning ‘hidden people’.

         

        This popular hiking area features lush valleys and gorgeous scenery among colorful rhyolite rocks. The coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eiders and puffins – a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.

         

        DAY 10 - HEIMAEY - FULL DAY - The Icelandic Pompeii

        Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, found off the south coast of Iceland. It has a fascinating history and still bears the scars of the powerful volcanic eruption that nearly destroyed the island in 1973.

         

        DAY 11 - REYKJAVÍK - The next leg of the journey is upon us.

         

        DAY 12 AT SEA - Crossing the Denmark Strait

         

        DAY 13-21- SCORESBYSUND FJORD SYSTEM - Largest fjord system on Earth

        Cruising peacefully against a backdrop of looming mountains, blue icebergs, and mirror-like waters, you’ll seek out wildlife like whales and Greenlandic gyrfalcons. We will make the most of current conditions and pack in as many shore landings, nature walks, kayaking tours, and wildlife sightings as possible.

         

        Visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote inhabited community in the Western Hemisphere. Conditions permitting, we’ll sail towards the ever-changing eastern ice edge of the Greenland Sea to scout for wildlife.

         

        If you want to do your part, participate in Citizen Science projects that help preserve the region for future generations.

         

        DAY 22 - DENMARK STRAIT - Heading back to Iceland

        After exploring the remote beauty of east Greenland, we’ll set our course back to Iceland. Spend time recapping your experiences with your new friends, studying nature in the Science Center, or just relaxing out on deck. Track the seabirds following the ship or see if you can spot some whales.

         

        As you reflect on your expedition cruise, you’ll now understand and fully appreciate the precious nature of Greenland. From the delicate ecology of the fjord systems to the ethereal elegance of the ice and glaciers, we hope that this beauty has impacted you and that your expedition cruise has been a life-changing experience.

         

        DAY 21 - REYKJAVÍK - End of the adventure

        MS Fram arrives back in the Icelandic capital early in the morning. After disembarking, check out some of the things you may have missed in this charming and compact city.

         

        You’ll have surely had an incredible experience exploring Iceland and Greenland’s east coast with us. We hope to see you again for another adventure in the future.

         

        Post-Program:

        Want to extend your adventure? If you want to discover more of Iceland, tack on a Post-Program before heading home or simply extend your stay to enjoy Reykjavík and the surrounding geothermal attractions. Iceland has so much to offer, so why not linger a bit longer?

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