Greenland Explorer(Ocean Victory) - 12 Days

Velkomin! Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, where you’ll board your ship, the Ocean Victory. Once you’ve settled into your cabin, you’ll have a safety and orientation meeting at 5 pm, where you’ll meet the Expedition Team and the other travellers who will be joining you for your voyage. Raise a glass as you set sail!

Cross the Denmark Strait – a narrow passage between Iceland and Greenland that’s teeming with marine life. Head to the ship’s outer decks for wildlife spotting with the Expedition Team. You might catch your first glimpses of Arctic foxes, reindeer and seabirds like Arctic skuas and terns. Learn about the region’s ecology and geology as you sail. You’ll also have an expedition safety briefing to prepare you for your upcoming Zodiac excursions.

Explore East Greenland’s largest settlement – Tasiilaq, a village on Ammassalik Island. This is where the legend of the tupilak – a mythological creature – originated. Tupilak has evolved into an artform involving small figures carved from bone or stone. Maybe browse the local souvenir shops for one of these small figures of your own – they make great mementos. Encounter the culture of the local Tunumiit people as you watch drum dancing and browse traditional handicrafts at the Stunk Artisan Workshop. Hike across the tundra and maybe even meet some sled dogs.

Spend the morning at Ikateq, also known as Bluie East Two. See the ruins of a US airbase that has remained here since it was abandoned in 1947. The airfield, port, hangars and supplies are a stark reminder of WWII, set amid Greenland’s striking mountainous landscape. This afternoon, travel to the fishing village of Kuummiit, where you’ll be greeted by warm East Greenlandic hospitality. Located in the 41-km-long Ammassalik Fjord, this fishing town is home to East Greenland’s only fish factory. Meet some of the locals and learn about the rhythm of daily life here.

Visit Sermilik Fjord, one of the largest fjords in southeast Greenland, fed by the highly active Helheim Glacier. Hop into a Zodiac and cruise through the fjord, soaking in an I’m-so-far-from-home moment as you watch huge icebergs drift by. Keep an eye out for seabirds like northern fulmars, thick-billed murres, Arctic terns and skuas.

Sail to Skjoldungen, a remote fjord known to locals as Saqqisikuik. Weather permitting, you’ll make a landing to explore the glacial valley of Dronning Marie Dal by foot and cruise past the Thryms Glacier. Whether you land or simply cruise past, this fjord offers views of soaring peaks and drifting icebergs – be sure to have your camera ready for some excellent photo ops.

Traverse the Prins Christian Sund, which links East and West Greenland. This waterway is 60 km long, filled with icebergs and surrounded by mountains, glaciers and valleys, so gear up for some striking views. By the afternoon, you’ll reach the small, remote village of Aappilattoq. Tucked beneath granite cliffs, this village is known for its traditional lifestyle, scenic hiking trails and local church choir.

Cruise through Tunulliarfik Fjord to Qassiarsuk – a sheep farming village with a rich Norse history. The village is built on the site where Norse explorer Erik the Red’s 10th-century farm, Brattahlio, once stood. This afternoon, head to nearby Itilleq – a small island with only around a hundred residents – for a hike to Igaliku, an even smaller farming settlement. You’ll also visit the ruins of the 12th-century Garoar Cathedral, which was the seat of the bishop during the former Norse settlement of Greenland.

Head north towards Greenland’s capital city, Nuuk. As you sail, keep an eye out for the wildlife that calls these waters home – you might see whales breaching, seals lazing on the shoreline or seabirds flying overhead. Maybe head to the outer decks with your camera and use this day at sea as an opportunity to sharpen your photography skills or do some wildlife spotting with the Expedition Team.

Arrive in Nuuk, affectionately known as ‘Nuuk York’ by locals. This city blends the ancient and the modern – first inhabited by Paleo-Inuit peoples starting in 2200 BC, then by Norse settlers, Nuuk is now Greenland’s cultural and political centre. You’ll have some free time to explore – maybe see the parliament building, the Katuaq Cultural Center, local art shops, cafes and the National Museum, which showcases 4500 years of Greenlandic history.

This morning, learn about traditional Greenlandic life in the village of Kangaamiut. You might set out on a hike to seek out panoramic views, watch a cultural performance, browse local handicrafts and taste traditional local dishes. This afternoon, visit Evighedsfjorden (AKA the ‘Eternity Fjord’), where you’ll go on a Zodiac cruise past glaciers and bird cliffs teeming with thousands upon thousands of seabirds.

Disembark your ship at Kangerlussuaq, then board your included flight to Copenhagen, where your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Copenhagen, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.