Itinerary
- Day 1
Reykjavik
Start your trip in Reykjavik, settling into Iceland's capital city. This morning you'll walk along Laugavegur, browsing through local boutiques and shops. Then head to Hallgrímskirkja Church, which has a pretty distinctive look from the outside. Stop by the Reykjavik Art Museum to see what's on before heading to your hotel for the night and getting some rest after travel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Overnight stay in Reykjavik
- Breakfast included
Optional Activities
- Stroll past boutiques and outdoor shops along Laugavegur
- Visit Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Explore Reykjavik Art Museum
- Book Pre-Program to discover Iceland's natural highlights before cruise begins
Landmarks/POIs Hallgrímskirkja Church Reykjavik Art Museum Laugavegur - Day 2
Reykjavik to Nuuk
Head out early for your flight from Reykjavik to Nuuk, Greenland's capital. Once you land, walk around the old part of town near the waterfront where you'll find Nuuk Cathedral. Make your way to the statue of Hans Egede up on the hill, and check out the striking Mother of the Sea statue by the shore. Later you'll board your expedition ship and have dinner on board.
- Meals
- Dinner (First dinner on board)
Included Activities
- Flight from Reykjavik to Nuuk
- Receive complimentary expedition jacket upon boarding
- First dinner on board included
Optional Activities
- Explore old part of Nuuk by the waterfront
- Visit Nuuk Cathedral
- See statue of Hans Egede on hill
- View Mother of the Sea statue
Landmarks/POIs Nuuk Cathedral Mother of the Sea statue Hans Egede statue - Day 3
Sailing towards Arctic Circle
After getting settled on the ship, you'll attend mandatory presentations about AECO rules and Arctic landing procedures. During the day, head to your cabin and get familiar with the ship's facilities. Join lectures on Greenland and Citizen Science projects. At some point you'll cross the Arctic Circle, officially entering the region of the Midnight Sun where the sun stays above the horizon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Mandatory AECO presentations and recommendations
- Access to ship's state-of-the-art facilities
- In-depth lectures on Greenland-related topics
- Citizen Science projects participation
- Crossing of the Arctic Circle
Landmarks/POIs Arctic Circle - Day 4
Ilulissat
Arrive at Disko Bay where whales and other wildlife live. Walk along the wooden gangway to Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO site where giant icebergs in white, gray and blue float in the water. You can visit the Icefjord Center to learn how the ice forms, or if you prefer hiking, head to Sermermiut for great views over the fjord and icebergs.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Ilulissat Icefjord
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Access to Icefjord Center
Optional Activities
- Hike to Sermermiut for panoramic views
Landmarks/POIs Ilulissat Icefjord Disko Bay Sermermiut Icefjord Center - Days 5 - 6
Far North: Thule Gateway
Sail beyond Nuussuaq peninsula into Greenland's Far North where things move slower and weather rules the day. See sites tied to 4,000 years of human life here, including the archaeological site of Qilakitsoq where famous mummies were found. Visit small communities like Uummannaq or Ukkusissat, do nature landings, or take RIB boats into inner fjords for ice-cruising adventures.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Potential visits to small communities including Uummannaq and Ukkusissat
- Nature landings via small expedition boats
- Ice-cruising in inner fjords (RIBs)
- Potential visit to Qilakitsoq archaeological site
Landmarks/POIs Nuussuaq peninsula Qilakitsoq archaeological site Uummannaq Ukkusissat - Day 7
Crossing Melville Bay
Spend today sailing across Melville Bay, a large stretch of water along the icy coast where ice caps meet the sea. Relax on the ship and join the Expedition Team on deck to watch for wildlife passing by. Continue learning through expert lectures on nature, geology and Arctic mythology as you sail well beyond 70 degrees north.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Wildlife watching with Expedition Team
- In-depth lectures on Arctic nature, geology and mythology
Landmarks/POIs Melville Bay Lauge Koch coast - Days 8 - 14
Thule and Kane Basin Exploration
Push as far north as the ship can go through Thule and Kane Basin regions, following routes taken by legendary polar explorers. Sail across Smith Sound into Kane Basin toward the Nares Strait between Greenland and Ellesmere Island. Experience the raw and challenging High Arctic, visit local communities, make nature landings by RIB, and watch for walruses, orcas, narwhals, belugas and polar bears.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Exploration of Thule region of northwest Greenland
- Crossing of Smith Sound into Kane Basin
- Sailing toward Nares Strait
- Nature landings via small expedition boats
- Wildlife observation for walruses, orcas, narwhals, belugas and polar bears
- Visits to local communities
- Ice-cruising through icy channels
Landmarks/POIs Thule region Kane Basin Smith Sound Nares Strait - Days 15 - 16
Sailing South
Start heading south as your High Arctic time ends. Relax on board, spend time in the Expedition Lounge and Bar meeting other travelers, and catch up on any lectures you missed. Soak in the hot tubs while icebergs drift past. The Expedition Team continues wildlife watches and talks about Greenland and Arctic topics. Help out with Citizen Science projects if you're interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Wildlife watching with Expedition Team
- In-depth lectures on Arctic, Greenland and related topics
- Citizen Science Program participation
- Access to ship's facilities including hot tubs
- Days 17 - 19
Central West Coast Settlements
Sail through central west Greenland, a region with dramatic landscapes, some of the country's longest fjords and small settlements. Stop at Sisimiut, which sits 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle and has roots going back over 4,000 years. Check out the local museum to learn about the ancient Saqqaq culture, and pick up traditional souvenirs like qiviut scarves, hats and mittens, which come from musk oxen and are much warmer than regular wool.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Sisimiut
- Access to local museum
Optional Activities
- Learn about ancient Saqqaq culture at local museum
- Purchase qiviut items (scarves, hats, mittens)
Landmarks/POIs Sisimiut Arctic Circle - Day 20
Nuuk to Reykjavik
Arrive back in Nuuk and say goodbye to MS Fridtjof Nansen, the crew and the Expedition Team. Spend some time exploring Greenland's lively capital and getting a feel for modern life here. Catch your flight back to Reykjavik, carrying all those memories from your Arctic voyage with you.
Included Activities
- Flight from Nuuk to Reykjavik
Optional Activities
- Explore Nuuk before departure
Landmarks/POIs Nuuk - Day 21
Reykjavik
Your Arctic adventure wraps up in Reykjavik, where you'll have another chance to explore Iceland's capital. Spend time in the city checking out shops and cafes, or if you have time and interest, visit some of Iceland's geothermal attractions around the area before heading home.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Overnight stay in Reykjavik
- Breakfast included
Optional Activities
- Explore Reykjavik
- Discover Iceland's geothermal attractions
- Join optional Post-Program
Landmarks/POIs Reykjavik
