Greenland - The Ultimate Fjord and National Park Expedition (Itinerary 1)
About Reykjavik
- Join an epic expedition cruise from Iceland to eastern Greenland
- Explore the rarely visited eastern coastline of Greenland and meet the locals who live here
- See spectacular scenery in the largest national park and the largest fjord in the world
- Chances of spotting a range of Arctic wildlife, including whales and polar bears
Expedition Cruise
- Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurant Aune
- À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
- English-speaking expedition team who organize and accompany activities on board and ashore
- Range of included excursions
Onboard Activities
- Experts on the expedition team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
- Use of the ship’s Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
- Citizen Science program allows guests to assist with current scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Use of the ship’s hot tubs, sauna, and indoor gym
- Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities
- Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers help with your camera settings before landings
- International flights
- Travel protection
- Luggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group activities with our expedition team
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Medical questionnaire is mandatory
- Please ensure you meet all visa entry requirements
- No gratuities expected
Itinerary
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Capital of Iceland - Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is the northernmost capital city in the world. The name means 'Smokey Bay', so called because of the columns of steam that rise from the many hot springs in the area. It is well worth booking a Pre-Program to explore the surrounding geysers, mountains, glaciers and geothermal baths before embarking MS Fram.
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Crossing the Denmark Strait - At sea
Learn how to protect the great wilderness, both during our expedition and in the future, as part of the mandatory safety and sustainability briefing. Check out the onboard Science Center to learn more about the wildlife and ecosystems of the Arctic.
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Largest Fjord on Earth - Scoresbysund fjord
Heading south, we will attempt a landing at the entrance to the Scoresbysund fjord. This is the world’s largest fjord system, which extends 218 miles inland and 1,970 feet deep. It offers spectacular scenery: White and blue icebergs float in the still waters of the fjord, surrounded by bare green and brown mountains.
The fjord’s steep basalt mountains, some reaching up to 6,600 feet, not only create a stunning backdrop, but also provide shelter from the winds. Add this to the availability of open water in the wide fjord mouth, and areas of water that do not freeze even in winter, and it explains why the fjord has become a haven for an unusual abundance of Greenlandic wildlife.
You might be able to spot musk oxem, Arctic foxes, mountain hares, and even reindeer. Little auks, Atlantic puffins, fulmars, snowy owls, the Greenlandic gyrfalcon, and great black-backed gulls are just some of the bird species that can be admired in the skies above. Various species of seal dominate the shores and the clear waters below. Keep on the look-out also for Atlantic walrus, narwhal, beluga whales, and the rare bowhead whale.
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The Largest National Park in the World - North East Greenland National Park
We begin our exploration of the largest national park in the world, which is also the least visited national park in the world. Only a small number of expeditions are permitted to visit the park over its very short summer season. Thanks to our expertise and experience here, we are always one of them.
Apart from trapper huts, some science research stations, and two military outposts, there are no traces of human life here. The only others we might be lucky to meet are the Sirius Patrol park rangers who supervise the area on dog-sleds.
Once inside the park, there are large fjords, giant icebergs, alpine landscapes, hanging glaciers, and vertical granite cliffs reaching as far as the eye can see. The likes of hares, musk oxen and Arctic foxes roam the coasts and tundra in the summertime. They are usually spread out across this enormous region, making it a real highlight if we do manage to spot one or more of them.
The captain and Expedition Leader will assess the ice conditions and choose the best locations for landings accordingly. You can also participate in exciting optional activities such as kayaking and long guided hikes.
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The Most Isolated Settlement - Ittoqqortoormiit
Located on a stunning peninsula that is encased by sea ice for nine months of the year, Ittoqqortoormiit is the most remote inhabited community in the western hemisphere. Less than 500 hardy souls call this home and they’ll be proud to show you around the community, including a museum, church and even a photo exhibition.
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Heading Back to Iceland - Irminger Sea
After exploring exhilarating Greenland, we set course back to Iceland. Spend the day at sea recapping your experiences, having fun in the Science Center or just relaxing on deck, looking at the sea birds which follow our ship or maybe even spotting whales.
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The Stylish Capital of Iceland - Reykjavik
You arrive back in the Icelandic capital early in the morning. If you want to explore more of the country, add one of our Post-Programs, or simply extend your stay to enjoy the city and its surroundings before you head home.
