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Peregrine Travel Centre

Iceland and Greenland: Edge of the Arctic

Iceland and Greenland: Edge of the Arctic

From AUD $26,230

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Description

More than a thousand years ago, the legendary Viking Erik the Red set sail from Iceland to Greenland and was exiled to a stark and spectacular land of endless ice, rocky pinnacles, and steep-sided fjords. On a voyage aboard National Geographic Explorer, follow his route from Iceland’s magnificent Westfjords peninsula across the Denmark Strait to the ice-sculpted shores of Greenland. Trace the coast of the world’s largest island from the rugged eastern fjords to the fishing villages of the western coast. Search for walrus, whales, and caribou, and use our ship’s exploration tools to discover the undersea. Visit archaeological sites of Viking and Thule settlements and learn about everyday life near the Arctic Circle in charming coastal villages from Flatey Island to Nuuk.

Trip Name
Iceland and Greenland: Edge of the Arctic
Days
18
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 108 meters Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins) Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008 National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world. Public areas: Bistro Bar; Chart Room; Restaurant; Global Gallery; Library, Lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; Mud Room with lockers for expedition gear, and Observation Lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair. Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls. Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, Crow’s Nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear. Special Features: A full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, LEX Photo Specialist and Video Chronicler, Internet Cafe and laundry. Wellness: The vessel is staffed by two Wellness Specialists and features a glass enclosed Fitness Center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and Sauna.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: Reykjavík, Iceland
Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmostcapital, which lies just south of the Arctic Circle.Take a walking tour of the Old Town, and ventureinto Hallgrímskirkja, a modern, Nordic-style churchwhose steeple soars to 210 feet, making it thetallest building in Iceland. Learn about Nordicculture at the National Museum and browse acollection of unusual whalebone carvings andViking treasures and artifacts. In the afternoon,settle into your cabin on the National GeographicExplorer. (L,D)
Day 2 - DAY 2: Flatey Island
Follow Iceland’s western coast north, stopping fora visit to the historic trading post of Flatey Island.Take walks around the charming hamlet thatsprung up here over the centuries and explore thecoast by Zodiac. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - DAY 3: Arnafjörður / Ísafjarðardjúp
Early this morning, glide into beautiful Arnafjörður,an inlet that reaches deep into the northernWestfjords. If you wish, disembark early and hikeseveral miles along the shore to the fjord’s end,where the spectacular Dynjandi Waterfall tumblessome 300 feet over many tiers of rock.Alternatively, join our expedition staff on the deckof the ship to watch our approach to the falls andgo ashore by Zodiac to see them close up. There’sa chance we’ll spot nesting arctic terns along theway. Later this evening, enter Ísafjarðardjúp andland at Vigur Island, a privately owned island thatis home to numerous species of seabirds,including a large colony of eider ducks. Visit thefamily farm to learn how they process and cleaneiderdown sustainably, without harming the birds.(B,L,D)
Day 4 - DAY 4: Ísafjörður
The capital of the Westfjords, Ísafjörđur lies on atiny spit jutting out into the fjord against abackdrop of steep hills. Take a culinary tour of thetown, stopping to taste local produce and Icelandicspecialties. Alternatively, hike through pristinelandscapes to a remote waterfall or cycle alongthe fjord to a charming maritime museum atBolungarvik. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - DAY 5: Crossing the Denmark Strait
Follow in the wake of the legendary Viking Erik theRed as National Geographic Explorer makes itsway across the Denmark Strait to Greenland.Listen to talks by our experts, relax with a book inthe lounge or the observation deck, and keep aneye out for wildlife. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - DAY 6: Exploring East Greenland
The Greenland ice sheet is the second largestbody of ice in the world after Antarctica and coversroughly 80% of Greenland’s surface. The island’scoast is etched with thousands of fjords, some ofwhich reach the ice’s edge. Spend the dayexploring the islands and inlets of the easterncoast, using our underwater cameras andRemotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to discovermarine life and fascinating underwater geology.Venture deep into Skjoldungen fjord orNapasorsuaq fjord and take a Zodiac or a kayakfor a foray among the icebergs. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - DAY 7: Prins Christian Sund & Nanortalik
Sail into Prins Christian Sund, which cuts far intothe southern tip of Greenland, passing betweensoaring pinnacles and glaciers. Anchor off thesmall fishing village of Nanortalik, and go ashoreto explore Greenland’s most southerly town, andmeet some of the residents for a performance oflocal folk music and dance. In the tundra outsideof town, walk among multitudes of wildflowers, orexplore Greenland’s only natural forest, where full-grown trees are only a few meters tall. Visitreconstructed longhouses and learn about theconstruction of traditional umiaks and kayaks.(B,L,D)
Day 8 - DAY 8: Hvalsey Ruins & Qaqortoq
Today, explore two remarkable sites on the VikingTrail. On the shores of Qaqortukulooq fjord lies theUNESCO World Heritage site of Hvalsey, one ofthe best-preserved Nordic sites in the world. Partof the settlement founded by Erik the Red’scousins in 986 AD, Hvalsey has yieldedfascinating clues to the daily life of the Vikings andtheir mysterious disappearance. Explore thechurch constructed in the 14th century, possibly byNorwegian stonemasons, and the living quartersand banquet hall for celebrations. Continue toQaqortoq, inhabited since the Viking era and nowthe largest town in South Greenland—with justover 3,200 residents. The Scandinavian influenceis apparent in the wooden houses painted primarycolors and scattered on the hillside, and colonialarchitecture dating back to the late 1700s can befound in the town center. Stroll through the townsquare and visit the museum, where Greenlandickayaks, hunting equipment, and local art andhandicrafts are on display. Sample traditionalGreenlandic food this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - DAY 9: Eriksfjörd & Brattahlíð
Follow the waterway known as Eriksfjörd toBrattahlíð, where Erik the Red established hisfarm in 982 AD after his exile from Iceland. Erik’swife, Þjódhild, built the first Christian church in thewestern hemisphere here. Visit replicas of thechurch and Erik the Red’s longhouse and see theshores from which their son, Leif Eriksson,launched the first voyages to North America—500years before Columbus. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - DAY 10: Nuuk
Perched on the seaside in the shadow of ice-capped Sermitsiaq Mountain, Nuuk is the world’ssmallest capital city by population, with some18,000 inhabitants. Watch for harp seals as weenter the harbor and take a walking tour with localresidents to learn how the community haschanged over the generations. At the NationalMuseum, examine the extraordinary 15th-centuryQilakitsoq mummies found near Uummannaq—adiscovery that was featured in a NationalGeographic magazine cover story in 1985. TheArctic ice preserved these mummies so well thatresearchers have been able to study their tattoos,their medical conditions, and even what they ate.(B,L,D)
Day 11 - DAY 11: Kangaamiut and Evighed Fjord
In the early morning, the ship enters EvighedFjord, which winds picturesquely past steepmountains and stunning tidewater glaciers. Take aZodiac cruise along the face of one of the manyglaciers or hike over glacial moraines to awaterfall. In the afternoon, visit the small fishingcommunity of Kangaamiut. Climb the smallmountain behind the village to take in the views orwalk through the village and photograph thecolorful houses clustered on the seaside slope.(B,L,D)
Day 12 - DAY 12: Sisimut
Dozens of deep fjords carve into Greenland’s westcoast, many with glaciers fed by the icecap thatcovers much of the island. At Sisimiut, a formerwhaling port, visit the museum and stroll among its18th-century wooden buildings. Choose from avariety of walks to explore the town and itssurroundings. (B,L,D)
Day 13 - DAY 13-14: Ilulissat & Disko Bay
Sail into Disko Bay and encounter the UNESCOWorld Heritage-designated Ilulissat Icefjord, atongue of the Greenland ice cap that calvesenormous icebergs into the bay. Take anextraordinary cruise among these toweringsculptures in ice. Enjoy views of the bay on a visitto the town of Ilulissat, and hike to anarchaeological site in the Sermermiut Valley.Spend the next day cruising Disko Bay as wemake our way north. Ice conditions permitting,we’ll follow the inside passage past Disko Island tothe Nuussuaq Peninsula. As we sail, join ourexpedition team in the lounge for presentationsabout Greenland’s Thule people. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - DAY 15: Uummannaq & Qilakitsoq
The colorful village of Uummannaq sits on a tinyisland in the Uummannaq Fjord. The dramaticpeak that rises abruptly from the island’s center isso remarkable that is has been depicted numeroustimes in paintings and drawings. Visit the excellentcommunity museum to learn about the area’sarchaeology and history and see traditional Inuitclothing and tools along with scenes of everydaylife. Then cross the fjord to the archaeological siteof Qilakitsoq, where the eight Thule mummieswere discovered in 1972. (B,L,D)
Day 15 - DAY 16: Ataneq Fjord
Enjoy a full day to explore the beautiful AtaneqFjord by water and on foot. Walk the metamorphicrocks at Tunúngassoq, covered in spongy tundra,and look for Arctic foxes and, with luck, caribou.Paddle a kayak along the steep sides of the fjordor ride a Zodiac to see the glacially carvedlandscape up close. (B,L,D)
Day 16 - DAY 17-18: Kangerlussuaq / Reykjavik / Keflavik / Home
Disembark in Kangerlussuaq and take a charterflight back to Iceland. Check into our hotel nearthe airport, the Courtyard by MarriottReykjavik/Keflavik. On our final morning, you maychoose to enjoy a soak in the Blue Lagoon or takea tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula. After lunch,transfer to the airport for flights home. (Day 17:B,L,D, Day 18: B,L)
Day 17 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
30-07-202316-08-2023AUD $26,230Category 1
30-07-202316-08-2023AUD $29,420Category 2
30-07-202316-08-2023AUD $30,640Category 3
30-07-202316-08-2023AUD $35,000Category 4
30-07-202316-08-2023AUD $36,770Category SA (solo)
30-07-202316-08-2023AUD $37,970Category 5
30-07-202316-08-2023AUD $38,300Category SB (solo)
30-07-202316-08-2023AUD $45,480Category 6
30-07-202316-08-2023AUD $52,630Category 7

Inclusions

    • Hike the dramatic Dynjandi Waterfall in Iceland's remote Westfjords peninsula, and visit a farm that produces eiderdown
    • Explore Hvalsey and Brattahlíð, 10th-century Viking settlements founded by Eric the Red and his family in Greenland, and see the incredible Qilakitsoq mummies, preserved by freezing temperatures for some 500 years
    • Cruise among the dazzling icebergs calved by the Ilulissat Icefjord and encounter impressive tidewater glaciers in West Greenland
    • Experience local culture through visits to fishing villages and longhouses, folk performances, and tasting tours of traditional Greenlandic and Icelandic foods

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