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Peregrine Travel Centre

Discovering Greenland – Expedition From Reykjavík to Nuuk

Discovering Greenland – Expedition From Reykjavík to Nuuk

From AUD $12,762

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Description

Wild nature and traditional communities 
Sailing from Reykjavík, we cross the Denmark Strait and explore remote areas that few get to visit. There, you’ll discover Norse ruins, visit traditional communities, explore UNESCO-listed historical sites, and learn about the culture of the Arctic peoples. 
Wildlife and ice sculpted landscapes 
Witness the majestic landscapes of Greenland as we explore deep fjords cut into breathtaking mountain landscapes, cruise to cascading tidewater glaciers, delight in the otherworldly beauty of crystalline icebergs, and spot aquatic mammals along the way.

Trip Name
Discovering Greenland - Expedition From Reykjavík to Nuuk
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 140 m Passenger Capacity: 530 Built: 2020 MS Fridtjof Nansen, launched in 2020 and built by Kleven Yards in Norway, is a next-generation expedition ship designed for polar exploration. Accommodating 490 guests, the 140-metre vessel combines robust expedition capabilities with luxury, featuring Scandinavian-inspired interiors with natural materials like oak, birch, granite, and wool. All cabins are outside-facing, with 50% offering private balconies and select aft suites including outdoor hot tubs. Guests can choose from a range of accommodation types, from Arctic Superior and Polar Outside cabins to spacious Expedition and corner suites, many with private balconies, hot tubs, and seating areas. Each suite is equipped with ensuite bathrooms, toiletries, TVs, safes, coffee and tea facilities, and turn-down service, ensuring comfort and convenience during the voyage. The ship offers extensive amenities, including three restaurants serving Nordic-inspired and international cuisine, a pool bar, and a takeaway service. Public areas feature the Explorer Lounge & Bar, a gym and wellness center with spa treatments, and aft hot tubs and an infinity pool. The onboard Science Center provides interactive educational experiences, lectures, and workshops led by a hand-picked Expedition Team of experts. With daily excursions, state-of-the-art safety and sustainability features, and inclusive offerings covering meals, drinks, and activities, MS Fridtjof Nansen delivers a high-comfort, immersive expedition experience across some of the world’s most spectacular destinations.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Reykjavík
 Explore the world’s northernmost capital Your adventure begins in Reykjavík.  A laid-back city of art, culture and history, delightful Reykjavík is well worth spending some time getting to know.  Take a stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and outdoor shops, gaze in awe at the striking Hallgrímskirkja  Church, and drop in on the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum.   If you have the time, we recommend booking a Pre-Programme with us and discovering some of Iceland’s natural highlights before your cruise begins.
Day 2 - DAY 2-3 Crossing the Denmark Strait
 In the wake of Vikings We sail to Greenland across the Denmark Strait. This is the route taken by the Viking Erik the Red, who is credited as being the first European to have settled there. Sometimes we spot whales along the way, so keep a lookout. During the two-day crossing, you’ll have plenty of time to get to know the ship and all its onboard facilities. At the same time the Expedition Team will give presentations about the protocols of respectfully visiting the fragile natural areas and Indigenous Arctic communities. Now is the time to book excursions and maybe learn a few words of Greenlandic. Primarily, however, this is a time of adjustment and enjoyment. You’ll relish delicious meals in the onboard restaurants, listen to some amazing talks and simply get to relax and unwind on this comfortable ship. As we get closer to Greenland, or Kalaallit Nunaat as it is known you’ll feel the anticipation and excitement building … your adventure is about to begin!
Day 3 - DAY 4-7 Expedition days in south Greenland
 Get straight into adventure mode Over the next four days we’ll be going full-on expedition style as we explore the maze of fjords, channels and islands in this spectacular and wild region. Local weather and ice conditions will determine where and when we land, but the Captain and Expedition Team are used to these conditions and know the best places to go.  On our landings, excursions, and activities we’ll aim to visit Norse ruins, sail into majestic fjords where beautifully sculpted icebergs glisten in the sun, and go on community visits to picturesque towns. You might land at the colourful and tranquil settlement of Qaqortoq with its beautiful lake, drop by Erik the Red’s farm at Brattahlíð, and simply gaze in wonder at the spectacular mountainous landscapes of the scenic southern fjords.  As you’ll discover, southern Greenland’s rugged mountain ranges tower above scattered green meadows and fjords. It’s a landscape sculpted by ice and weather over billions of years. The Norsemen settled here over a thousand years ago, but the harsh living conditions eventually saw them leave after only four centuries. Now, in this vast and mostly unpopulated wilderness, you’ll enjoy a sense of tranquillity not often found in the modern world, so just relax, enjoy the nature, and learn all about what makes this region so special.
Day 4 - DAY 8-10 On expedition in southwest Greenland
 Fjords, glaciers, and ghostly mining towns  The stretch of coast between the fjord systems of southern Greenland and Nuuk is as wild as can be. Long distances separate the few scattered settlements. And although the climate is still mild by Arctic standards the topography is rough, segmented by high mountain ranges half covered by ice and cut through by deep turquoise fjords. With very few inside passages, travelling here has been a challenge since ancient times. And it still is. Mother Nature is in charge here, meaning it’s the perfect adventure playground for modern explorers. On our way north, and always adapted to the local conditions, we’ll get to know the landscapes of the so-called Mellembygden – the Middle Settlement of the Norse settlers. We’ll also look for the ghostly mining town of Ivittuut, where the historically important mineral cryolite was mined, but where today the only inhabitants are shy musk oxen. And we’ll sail into great fjords carved out over millennia by massive glaciers cascading down from the icecap.  Wildlife thrives in this isolated region. Join our Expedition Team on their wildlife watches either on board or on land, and keep your camera and binoculars ready for seabirds, nesting colonies, and whales feeding at sea. If we’re lucky, we may even see one of the few musk ox herds living on the west Greenland coast.
Day 5 - DAY 11-12 Into the depth of Nuuk Fjord
 Be on the lookout for wildlife and history Get ready to explore a grand fjord system. Locally known as the Nuup Kangerlua, the fjords around Nuuk fan out in a somehow parallel network of interconnected waterways. They’re topped by the Kangiussap Nunaa peninsula and the ice cap, most notably in the so-called Nuuk Isfjord. These are the lands of the ancient Norse Western Settlement, the northernmost area they managed to colonise in the Middle Ages. It was probably in Nuup Kangerlua where the descendants of the Vikings met the Thule people for the first time.  The fjords are dotted here and there by old Norse ruins and small Inuit settlements. Some are abandoned, like picturesque Qornoq, while others are thriving, such as Kapisillit and its 88 inhabitants. Relative proximity to Nuuk somehow disguises the fact that communities along Nuup Kangerlua were until very recently as isolated as any other in Greenland. Weather and ice permitting, during the next two days we will explore the fjord system and enjoy the ever-changing mountain landscapes. We’ll also try to reach the icy headwaters of Nuup Kangerlua and visit one of the Inuit villages, while always looking for hiking, ice cruising and wildlife watching opportunities.
Day 6 - DAY 13 Nuuk – the end of our expedition
 Get acquainted with a small capital in a grand setting We say a fond farewell to the ship, crew and Expedition Team as we end our voyage of discovery in Nuuk. The lively and compact capital is positively bustling compared to other places you will have visited – but at less than 20,000 residents, it’s hardly a metropolis.  Visit the national museum to get an insight into life here 500 years ago and see the fascinating Qilakitsoq mummies. Otherwise, there are plentiful shopping opportunities – by Greenland standards – and a mix of cafes and restaurants to drop in on. If you have time before flying back home, Nuuk offers a fascinating window onto modern Greenland. From here, you'll catch a flight back to Reykjavík, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will no doubt stay with you forever.
Day 7 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
Day 8 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
02-06-202615-06-2026AUD $16,347Polar Outside. From
02-06-202615-06-2026AUD $17,940Arctic Superior. From
02-06-202615-06-2026AUD $22,430Expedition Suite. From
02-06-202714-06-2027AUD $12,762Polar Outside. From
02-06-202714-06-2027AUD $14,166Arctic Superior. From
02-06-202714-06-2027AUD $18,123Expedition Suite. From

Inclusions

    • Sail from Reykjavík to southwest Greenland and witness spectacular glaciers and icebergs as we probe deep into little-visited fjords.
    • See awe-inspiring scenery and wildlife, visit colourful local communities, and delve into Norse history at ancient sites.
    • With an onboard science focus, learn about the geology that shaped the world’s largest island, as well as its biodiversity and mineral deposits.

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