On the Trail of Erik the Red

Days 1-2: Reykjavik, embarkation

Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. For a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes, make your way to Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a large environmental structure located on Oskjuhlið hill. Look out for the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical centre where you can stroll along Skólavördustígur and Laugavegur. The little shops in these lively streets will entice you to do a bit of shopping. For some relaxation just outside of the city, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon. 

Day 3: At sea

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Travelling to Nansen Harbor is the guarantee of a voyage back in time and will enable you to discover a superb bay, into which the ice cap plunges directly. Arriving in these parts, you will immediately understand why Fridtjof Nansen chose this place for his ice cap crossing in August 1888. Indeed, it is particularly easy to access the cap from here and you will certainly be able to follow in some of this great Norwegian explorer’s footsteps. A unique experience, one that will definitely delight the most adventurous among you.

Day 5: Skjoldungen Fjord

Discover Skjoldungen Island on the south-east coast of Greenland. This uninhabited land boasts magnificent landscapes that are sure to dazzle you. The island is surrounded by a stunning fjord, a distinctive feature of which is its double entrance: it forms a bend before joining the sea on the other side. Mountains, glacial valleys, rocky outcrops, tundra and willow forests make up the beautiful scenery which you will be able to admire more closely when you land here. At this port of call, surrounded by wild and pristine nature, it is quite common to see bearded seals, orcas, but also birds such as the common redpoll, the northern wheatear, or the common raven. 

Day 6: Christian Sund and Herjolfness

Your ship glides silently towards the Greenland coast, in a setting punctuated by pointed peaks and majestic glaciers… You are on the verge of crossing the Prins Christian Sund, a narrow channel that stretches out and zigzags over some one hundred kilometres between Greenland’s south-east and south-west. Fall under the spell of the primitive beauty of these unique landscapes, including rocky cliffs and waterfalls that are fed by the ice sheet and plunge into the icy waters. Here, bearded seals love to lie on the floating ice to soak up the sunshine. If you are lucky, you may get to witness an aurora borealis, a stunning light show put on by the polar night…

---

Day 7: Narsaq

After sailing in the Kangerlluarssuk fjord, discover the town of Narsaq. You will be dazzled by the beauty of the surrounding icebergs − large masses of ice in different shapes and shifting colours. Dominated by lush mountains, this small town is typical of Greenland. It is known for its sheep farming, made possible by the rich, grassy plains to the town’s north. This rather rare activity reflects a past and a technique inherited from the Vikings. Admire the stunning interplay of colours between the multicoloured house facades and the glaciers with their myriad shades of blue, and dive into the Scandinavian history of Narsaq by visiting the local museum. A unique experience.

---

Day 8: Nuuk (Godthaab)

Inhabited by an entire population of Vikings from the 10th century, Nuuk has since become the refuge of Inuit populations. Established at the mouth of one of the world's largest fjords, Greenland's capital extends gradually over Davis Strait and boasts a historic centre with a particularly rich heritage. The bright reds, blues, greens and yellows of the houses contrast with the dark waters of Greenland to warm the heart and spirit of local inhabitants during the winter. The rich colours of the tundra mingled with the sea and sky create a stunning picture.

Day 9-10: Ilulissat

Sail into Disko Bay to explore the UNESCO site of Ilulissat Icefjord: meaning "iceberg" in Greenlandic, this is a gateway to another world and home of  the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the most active and fastest moving in the world calving more than thirty-five square kilometres of ice each year. The glacier has been the object of scientific attention for 250 years. In the traditional colourful town, founded in 1741, the sled dogs outnumber the people, while hiking trails offer magnificent vistas of the bergs as they approach the bay.

Day 11: Evigheds Fjord

Evighed Fjord, 100 kilometres long, owes its name (Forever Fjord) to the fact that, just as you think you have reached the end of the fjord, it goes on, seemingly forever. The landscape changes between steep cliffs and a long series of glaciers.

Day 12: Disembarkation in Kangerlussuaq

NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.