Arctic Sights and Northern Lights

After breakfast at the hotel, we will set off together on our exclusive pre-program. Discover the breathtaking Reykjanes Peninsula, where Iceland’s spectacular geology can be experienced up close. We travel through ancient lava fields, stopping along the way to take in the impressive views of Lake Kleifarvatn. From there, we continue to Krýsuvík, a geothermal area renowned for its steaming vents and colorful mud pools. As we pass through Grindavík, a town affected by recent volcanic eruptions, we will see the fresh lava flows that have dramatically reshaped the surrounding landscape. We then arrive at the world-famous Blue Lagoon, a unique wellness retreat set amid Iceland’s striking lava fields.

At LAVA Restaurant, a memorable culinary experience awaits us. We will enjoy a selection of Icelandic specialties, including lamb, traditional langoustine soup, and crème brûlée with an Icelandic twist. After relaxing in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, we make our way back and arrive at the pier in the late afternoon, where we will warmly welcome you aboard the expedition vessel Sea Spirit. Settle into your spacious suite and explore the ship that will be your comfortable home during the extraordinary adventure ahead. Once on board, a full program begins with informative briefings and presentations by your expedition team. After the first of many delicious dinners on board, step out onto the open decks and admire the views as we sail through Faxaflói, where, with a little luck, we may encounter our first whales.

As we sail north across the Denmark Strait to East Greenland, we celebrate our crossing of the Arctic Circle. We keep a continuous lookout for great whales and flocks of seabirds feeding in the productive waters near the sharp rise of Greenland’s continental shelf. After nightfall, we have our first of many opportunities to see the aurora borealis overhead.

This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Our itinerary and exploration opportunities in East Greenland are dependent on weather and sea ice conditions. Again you can be sure that our experienced captain and expedition leader will take advantage of every opportunity to experience excellent wildlife viewing, to discover incredible scenery, and to go ashore wherever possible. The Kong Oscar Fjord systems is part of Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s largest national park. Scoresby Sund is the largest and longest fjord system in the world. We anticipate exploring these fjord systems to the extent made possible by ever-changing ice conditions. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by ice-clad peaks up to 2000 meters high, reach far into the mountainous heart of Greenland. On shore, fields of multicolored tundra are home to musk oxen and Arctic hare. The landscape - vast, open, and seemingly untouched since the beginning of time - is a hikers’ paradise. Throughout this area we also find ancient Thule archeological sites, historical trappers’ huts, and modern Inuit hunters’ cabins. The Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit is the only permanent settlement in the region. The community boasts an excellent museum, a gift shop, a post office, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs, and of course the opportunity to meet Inuit people.

And there’s a chance to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights! As summer fades, the skies come alive with vibrant colors, offering a magical experience you won’t want to miss.

After our amazing time in Scoresby Sund, we head back across the Denmark Strait toward Iceland. Presentations and workshops by our expert staff, as well as our range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that this day at sea is not idly spent. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from panoramic open decks and balconies.

The Vestfirðir (Westfjords) of Iceland is a sparsely populated region characterized by rugged mountains and a deeply indented, crenulated coastline. Despite its dramatic beauty, it receives only 10% of Iceland’s visitors. The deep fjords are home to whales, while estuaries abound with seals and rich birdlife.

After filling up with one last buffet breakfast on board, we bid you a fond farewell in Reykjavík. We provide transfers to Keflavik international airport or to the city center in case you plan to extend your stay in Iceland.