12 Nights Iceland’s Wild West Coast to East Greenland

12 Nights Iceland’s Wild West Coast to East Greenland

$13,350.00Price
Board the brand-new National Geographic Endurance and discover a region of epic ice home to the Arctic’s iconic creatures: polar bears, whales, and vast seabird colonies. We will also be on the lookout for the Northern Lights along Greenland and Iceland at this time of year. Actively explore Iceland’s Westfjord region: hike through valleys awash in wild orchids, mountain aven, wild thyme, and woolly willow; make your way over layers of basalt visibly cracked and carved in the last ice age; feel the spray of thundering waterfalls. Venture into the largest fjord system in the world to cruise among magnificent icebergs and visit the welcoming communities where people live close to their ancestral traditions. Follow in the wake of the 10th-century Viking explorers along the ice cap learning of their bold, history-making expeditions.

  • DAY 1: Depart North America

    Depart from the New York area on an overnight flight to Reykjavík, Iceland. (New York is a convenient gateway for most, but other air alternatives are available.)

     

    DAY 2: Reykjavik, Iceland/Embark

    Upon arrival, explore Reykjavík’s Old Town, including Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral and the National Museum with its Viking treasures. Then, embark our ship. (L,D)

     

    DAY 3: Flatey Island, Iceland

    Explore Iceland’s wild western frontier. Visit charming Flatey Island, a trading post for centuries, for walks around the 19th-century hamlet, and opportunities to see and photograph numerous species of birds. Zodiac cruise the coast and see where Erik the Red sailed from in the year 982 A.D., bound for Greenland. (B,L,D)

     

    DAY 4: Crossing the Denmark Strait

    Cross the Denmark Strait, where the cold east Greenland current carries icebergs south. Enjoy presentations and be on the lookout for northern lights displays at this time of year. (B,L,D)

     

    DAY 5-10: Exploring Northeast Greenland & Scoresbysund

    Encompassing roughly 80% of the surface of Greenland, the Greenland ice sheet is the second largest body of ice in the world. Weather and ice will dictate our exact route, but we plan to explore well north of Scoresbysund, in the largest national park in the world—Northeast Greenland National Park. We will also set a course for Scoresbysund, the largest and longest fjord system on earth, with the village of Ittoqqortoormiit at its entrance. Being the end of summer, the ice will have retreated as far as it ever does, allowing us to explore the fjords, bays, nooks and crannies of this stunning coastline. We hope to see the iconic arctic wildlife: polar bears, seals and whales. We'll also be on constant watch for the Northern Lights, conditions permitting. (B,L,D)

     

    DAY 11-12: Crossing the Denmark Strait/Exploring the Westfjords, Iceland

    We return across the Denmark Strait headed just south of the Arctic Circle to the Westfjords, a remote area backed by majestic cliffs. Explore Ísafjörður and taste some Icelandic culinary delicacies, or visit a center dedicated to Arctic foxes. Learn about the fishing industry that was the mainstay of this town for generations. (B,L,D)

     

    DAY 13: Reykjavik, Iceland/Disembark/Home

    Disembark in Reykjavík with options to visit either the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths or a hot spring, a geothermal power plant, and an Icelandic horse farm, prior to the flight home. (B,L)