East Greenland Explorer: Icebergs & Northern Lights

Day 1: Arrival in Iceland 

Your journey begins in the morning with an optional chartered bus transfer from Reykjavík City Hall (Ráðhús Reykjavíkur) on Vonarstræti – your designated meeting point – to the ship in Akureyri, where you'll board in the afternoon. The scenic drive takes about six hours as you travel through the landscapes of northern Iceland. 

Please note: This transfer is not included and must be booked and paid for in advance.

Day 2: Crossing the Arctic Circle

While sailing north, keep an eye out for fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets and common guillemots. As you cross the Arctic Circle, there’s also a chance of spotting whales. By evening, the first icebergs may come into view as you approach the east coast of Greenland, close to Brewster.

Day 3: Scoresby Sund 

Today you'll arrive at the world’s largest fjord system and sail along the dramatic, glacier-carved coastline of Volquart Boons Kyst. Weather permitting, you’ll have the chance to take a zodiac cruise past one of the glacier fronts and explore the striking basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt.

In the afternoon, the plan is to navigate along the eastern coast of Milne Land, where towering icebergs drift through the fjord. If conditions allow, you’ll land at Charcot Havn and take a walk to the impressive Charcot Glacier. From there, the journey continues past Bjørneør and into the scenic Øfjord.

Day 4: Colours of the cape

The goal for the morning is a zodiac cruise near Sorte Ø, where you'll be surrounded by towering icebergs, their stark blue-white tones set against the nearby earthy sediment slopes. In the afternoon, the aim is to sail through the northern reaches of Røde Fjord and into Harefjord, where there's a chance to spot musk oxen grazing among the warm, autumnal colours of the tundra.

Day 5: Enormous icebergs 

You'll encounter truly massive icebergs today – some towering over 100 meters (328 feet) high and stretching more than a kilometre (0.62 miles) in length. Many of these giants are grounded, as the fjord here is only about 400 meters (1,312 feet) deep. After taking in the scale of the ice, you’ll land near Sydkap, where there are sweeping views over Hall Bredning and a good chance of spotting Arctic hares.

Day 6: Scoresby Sund settlement

Today begins with a tundra landing on Liverpool Land, in the scenic surroundings of Hurry Inlet. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresby Sund, home to around 500 people. At the local post office you can send postcards home, or simply wander through the village, where sled dogs rest and skins of seal and musk oxen hang out to dry.

Later in the day, you’ll begin sailing south, passing the striking, rugged landscapes of the Blosseville Coast.

Day 7: Stewart Ø

This remote island serves as an important hunting station for the people of Scoresby Sund. It’s also a great place to keep watch for polar bears and narwhals. While exploring, you may come across the beautifully preserved remains of ancient Thule houses, offering a glimpse into the region’s deep cultural history.

Day 8: Remote shores

Turner Sound and Rømer Fjord offer a rare chance to sail deep inland, as there’s no glacier front at their heads and little ice to block the way. This makes for smooth sailing – and possibly a fantastic opportunity to spot elusive narwhals in these sheltered waters.

Day 9: At sea

A sailing day gives you time to relax and take in the open ocean, with the hopes of spotting whales and seabirds along the way. As night falls, keep your eyes on the sky – there’s a chance you’ll witness the dazzling display of the Northern Lights dancing overhead.

Day 10: Disembark in Akureyri

On your final day, you’ll disembark in Akureyri, where you can transfer by chartered bus on request  - a six-hour drive that you’ll need to book in advance. It stops in Radhus Reykjavikur in Vonarstraeti, Reykjavik. 

PLEASE NOTE: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programmes may vary depending on ice, weather and wildlife conditions. The Captain and onboard expedition leader determines the final itinerary.