Our 15-day Iceland to Greenland: Mountains, Glaciers and the Westfjords itinerary explores iconic destinations in Iceland and Greenland.

In the seldom-visited Westfjords of Iceland— “Iceland’s best-kept secret”—you’ll get to explore the rugged peninsula that’s renowned for its fjords, towering mountains, bird-dwelling cliffs, gushing waterfalls and rolling green hills. Before leaving Iceland, you will also have an opportunity to visit the private island sanctuary of Vigur—which is home to 7,000 eider ducks and 100,000 puffins.

In East Greenland, after sailing the length of Ikerasassuaq (Prins Christian Sund), we’ll immerse ourselves in spectacular glaciers, mountainous landscapes, culturally-rich communities, and Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.

Together we’ll explore—by ship, Zodiac, kayak and on foot—some of the longest fjords in Greenland, such as Eternity, Kangerlussuaq and Tasermiut. With the help of expert guides, you will also get to learn about Norse and Viking cultures, traditional Icelandic ways of life, as well as contemporary Greenlandic customs in cities such as Nuuk.

Venture into the Westfjords, Iceland’s hidden gem
Sail the length of scenic Prins Christian Sund
Learn about Greenlandic fishing heritage at Aappilattoq
Experience Arctic Patagonia along the 70-km long Tasermiut Fjord
Visit Norse ruins at Hvalsey
Explore Nuuk, the charming capital of Greenland.

Map/Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive in the Icelandic capital and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the rest of the day to explore the city on your own.

Day 2Embarkation Day in Reykjavik

This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!

Day 3Exploring Westfjords, Icelands Hidden Gems

Each region of Iceland has its own appeal for nature seekers, birding enthusiasts and history-lovers, and the seldom-visited Westfjords, where the land meets the sea in the most dramatic fashion, is no exception. Often referred to as “Iceland’s best-kept secret,” this rugged peninsula at the country’s remote northwestern tip is rife with fjords, and mountains that slope gracefully down to the sea. We spend our time exploring the fjords and shores of Iceland’s oldest region, enjoying its kaleidoscope of diverse land and seascapes. Here, tumbling cliffs and gushing waterfalls alternate with colorful beaches, and rolling green hills lead up to high moorlands dotted with rocky outcrops, small lakes, and the occasional shaggy Icelandic sheep or pony grazing in the distance. A few modest outposts of civilization, in the form small fishing communities nestled along the fjords and shores of the Denmark Strait, face out into the mighty Atlantic—keeping alive a maritime heritage that dates back to the Viking days.

One of today’s highlights is a chance to visit Vigur, a private island that provides guests with unique opportunities to delve into Icelandic culture and heritage as early as the 11th century. Vigur is widely regarded as a capsule of Icelandic heritage.” Upon arriving on shore by Zodiac, we will be welcomed by the people who own this incredible island. One of the co-owners is polar explorer Felicity Aston, the first woman to ski solo across Antarctica. You’ll learn about the Icelandic tradition of eiderdown harvesting, and the wide array of Arctic birdlife and seals that are found in Vigur. It’s estimated that the island is home to over 7,000 breeding ducks, 100,000 puffins, Europe’s largest colony of black Guillemot, and huge flocks of Arctic terns. You’ll also have opportunities to ramble about the island, taste local food and visit the island café. Today’s adventure options include Zodiac cruising, sea kayaking, paddle excursion program, and, potentially, a guided shore hike. Right across the bay is Mongufoss, one of Iceland’s most remote and beautiful waterfalls, which we’ll visit by ship after our onboard lunch.

Day 4-5At Sea: Crossing the Denmark Strait

As we sail southwest across the Denmark Strait toward Greenland, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the exciting adventures ahead—both on and off-ship. Our team of polar experts will present on a wide range of topics, including the geology, wildlife, climatology and enthralling history of Greenland. The team will also search for (and identify) the seabirds soaring about the ship—and they’ll most certainly alert you whenever there’s a whale sighting.

Day 6-10Exploring Southeast Greenland

Your exploration of Greenland begins with South East Greenland, one of the least visited and most remote parts of the island. Your days sailing along the coast will be guided by weather and ice conditions, with each day and each excursion presenting new adventures. The region is a sight to behold, boasting a mesmerizing maze of vast glaciers, steep mountains and breathtaking fjords.

If you’re feeling even more adventurous, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an optional paddling excursion (extra cost), an unforgettable opportunity to glide past icebergs and glaciers and capture some photographs from a unique perspective.

Another possible destination is Lindenow Fjord (Kangerlussuatsiaq), and if conditions are favorable, it’s a great spot for hiking through lush and varied flora, surrounded by epic mountain vistas. This rarely visited deep fjord is fed by a number of glaciers and offers ample opportunities for your camera to get a workout.

Day 11At Sea

As our ship makes its way up the coast from South Greenland, we set our sights on the endless natural wonders—and small communities— along the rugged west coast of Greenland. We invite you to use this time to attend one of the expert-led polar presentations to learn more about this region of Greenland.

Day 12-13Venturing Into West Greenland

The sheer beauty of West Greenland can overwhelm first-time visitors: spectacular glaciers, mountainous landscapes, and thriving, culturally-rich communities. As we head north, we hope to embark on Zodiac daily excursions to explore local bays, channels and select landing sites. We’ll also explore some of the quaint settlements throughout the picturesque islands and fjords.

Nuuk, the charming Greenlandic capital, is a must-visit destination on the west coast. You’ll have time to wander the streets of the historic Old Nuuk neighborhood and see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede statue near the waterfront, both named after the 18th-century missionary who founded the settlement. History buffs will make haste to the national museum to view the famous Greenlandic mummies, which were found under a rock outcrop in 1972. The remarkably preserved mummies of six women and two children date back to the 15th century.

Pride of place for our seasoned expedition team is Eternity Fjord, which is home to the tallest mountains in all of West Greenland. This a favorite spot for us to launch our Zodiacs into the water to explore in-depth—where larger vessels can’t navigate. There are few settlements in this long fjord—but you will quickly appreciate nature in its rawest form as you hike among the towering mountains, and photograph the colorful tundra and other dramatic landscapes.

Day 14Exploring Kangerlussuaq and Disembarkation

Today we’ll explore 50 km (31 miles) above the Arctic Circle. Our destination is Kangerlussuaq, which is Greenlandic for “the long fjord.” At the end of this 180-km long fjord is a settlement bearing the same name. Fishing boats based in the town of Kangerlussuaq sail the full length of the fjord to access the ocean. The town is known for its stunning natural beauty— and for being the home of the largest airport in Greenland.

You will be ferried from ship to shore on one last Zodiac ride, then transferred to the airport where you will board your charter f light to Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport, approxmately 45 minutes from Reyjkavik. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your included hotel for the night.

Day 15Departing Iceland

After breakfast in your included hotel in Reykjavik, transfer independently to the Keflavik International Airport for your onward journey.

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