Travel Scandinavia Baltic Tours Antarctica Expedition Cruises

Categories Cruises Adventure & Eco Travel North Atlantic Islands

Discover the immense variety of the world’s biggest island on this grand tour of Greenland: the beautiful and fertile deep south with its fascinating Viking history; Nuuk, a modern capital in a traditional Inuit society; Ilulissat, the town of icebergs and its UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ilulissat Ice Fjord. All are part of unforgettable journey aboard the Ocean Diamond.

Itinerary

Use your leisure time in Reykjavík to uncover the unique charm of the world’s northernmost capital or book one of our pre-programs for a unique Iceland experience. The Ocean Diamond docks in Old Reykjavík Harbor in the heart of the city, a five minute stroll to the main squares, shopping and dining. The ship departs Reykjavík harbor at 6 p.m.

Located off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. Surtsey Island emerged from the sea in 1963 and is one the youngest land masses on earth. We go ashore on Heimaey, the only inhabited island, where half-buried houses remain from a violent 1973 eruption. During the shore landing there is time for bird watching and you might even spot whales.

* LAVA TOUR POMPEII OF THE NORTH

* GOLF IN A CRATER

Today we sail across the Denmark Strait towards Greenland, following the same maritime route used by Norse settlers more than 900 years ago. En-route you can attend fascinating presentations by our Expedition Team members to prepare for your visit to Greenland. Or of course, you can choose to just relax and watch whales, dolphins and seabirds from the deck of your cabin.

When conditions are favorable we travel along the 70 mile (112 km) long Prins Christian Sound which connects the Labrador and Irminger Seas. In this narrow, often ice-choked channel, we come so close to icebergs you can almost reach out and touch one. The force of Greenland’s massive, inland ice cap pushes glaciers towards the sea, where large hunks of ice break off and become floating icebergs.

Very close to the town of Narsarsuaq lies the small settlement of Qassiarsuk, founded by the legendary Viking rebel and leader Erik the Red. He named this area “green land” because the landscape around Qassiarsuk is characterized by inviting fjords and green, fertile valleys. During this stop you have the opportunity to learn more about the lives of the early Norse settlers and visit the reconstructions of a Viking longhouse and small turf church.

Optional Excursions:

* QOROQ ICEFJORD

* QASSIARSUK VIKING RUINS

* HIKE TO TASIUSSAQ

* HELICOPTER TO EQALUIT GLACIER

* HIKE AND KAYAK TASIUSAQ

Today we visit Ikka Fjord. The underwater world is like no other, it contains a forest of remarkable mineral columns growing on the seabed. The columns formed over 10,000 years ago of the extremely rare mineral Ikait.

With 16,000 inhabitants Nuuk is both capital and biggest city of Greenland. It combines Arctic traditions with European urbanity. Visit the city sights on a walking tour that ends at the National Museum, which exhibits the famous mummies of Qilakitsoq.

Optional Excursions:

* GRAND CITY TOUR, NATIONAL MUSEUM & GREENLANDIC TAPAS

* HIKING AROUND LILLE MALENE

* FOOD TASTING NUUK

With approx. 5,600 inhabitants, Sisimiut is the second largest town in Greenland. It is a modern settlement that maintains ancient traditions. The fishing industry still plays an important role. The natural harbor remains ice-free throughout the year which made it an attractive location for European whalers in former times.

Optional Excursion:

* HIKE AROUND SISIMIUT

In the morning we reach Ilulissat village in fabled Disko Bay. Ilulissat is located beside the Ilulissat Icefjord. Delight in the thunderous spectacle when icebergs break off from Sermeq Kujalleq glacier and plunge into the fjord. Sermeq Kujalleq is one of the most productive glaciers in the northern hemisphere. We spend the evening at the beautiful Eqip Glacier.

Optional Excursions:

* CITY WALK ILULISSAT AND VISIT TO THE MUSEUM

* HIKE TO THE ICEBERGS OF SERMERMIUT

* ICE FJORD CRUISE

* ICE FJORD ROUNDFLIGHT

Ummannaq is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland. Located on a small island about 300 miles (483 km) north of the Arctic Circle, this tiny, picturesque village lies at the foot of a heart-shaped mountain.

The small settlement of Qeqertarsuaq is located on the south coast off Disko Island. In 1773 the first whaling base was founded. Whaling has been of great importance to the town over the past two centuries. Hunting and fishing are still the primary occupations for the island's inhabitants.

Early morning we arrive at the 120 mile (193 km) long Kangerlussuaq Fjord and city of the same name. It’s time to bid farewell to the Ocean Diamond.

Notes