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Categories Cruises Adventure & Eco Travel North Atlantic Islands Scandinavian Cruises

Follow the trail of the Vikings from Iceland to South Greenland. Explore the bird oasis of Breidafjördur Bay, the silence and solitude of the Westfjords and the fascinating volcanic Island of Heimaey in the Westman Islands. Upon arriving in Greenland, the world’s largest island, view historical sites from the Viking Age, the inland icecap, and fertile coastal valleys with sheep farms, as well as deep blue fjords with multi-colored icebergs and calving glaciers.

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 8 p.m.

We begin our exploration of Snaefellsnes Peninsula from the cheerful town of Stykkisholmur in West Iceland. The peninsula is dominated by Snaefellsnes National Park which represents nearly every type of nature seen in Iceland. With our on board Zodiacs you explore thousands of islets among Breidafjördur Bay (UNESCO) which are teeming with exotic birdlife, unique basalt rock formations and marine wildlife. Adventurous spirits may opt to join an expedition to Snaefellsjökull glacier which sits atop a 700,000 year old dormant volcano and served as the mystical entrance to earth’s interior in Jules Verne’s novel, ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’.

Optional shore excursions in Stykkisholmur:

* SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA

* SNAEFELLSJÖKULL GLACIER

* VISIT THE „SHARK-FARMER“

Today‘s destination is Isafjördur, honorary capital of the Westfjords. This secluded peninsula is connected to the mainland by only a narrow strip of land and includes areas where cars have never been. The landscape provides jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains plunging into the sea and untouched vegetation. Enjoy the rarity of pure silence and the tranquility of nature while sea-fishing or watching thousands of puffins on the tiny island of Vigur, or visiting the massive cascade of Dynjandi waterfall.

Optional excursions in Isafjordur:

* SEA ANGLING FROM FLATEYRI/SUDUREYRI

* BOAT TRIP TO VIGUR ISLAND

* HIKING TO DYNJANDI WATERFALL

Today we sail across the Denmark Strait towards Greenland, following the same maritime route used by Norse settlers more than 900 years ago. Enroute you can attend fascinating presentations by our Expedition Team members.

When conditions are favorable we travel along the 70 mile long (112 km) 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.

Early morning we reach Greenland’s southernmost city of Nanortalik which are framed by steep cliffs, deep blue fjords and green coniferous forests. In the surrounding area you find various ruins from both Norse and Inuit settlers. While Norse settlers appreciated the fertile, green valleys, the Inuit preferred seal hunting in the local waters.

We continue our voyage to Qaqortoq, South Greenland‘s largest town. Located on an iceberg filled bay surrounded by countless colourful houses, Qaqortoq is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Greenland. Don’t miss the outdoor art installation “Stone and Man,” which was conceptualized by local artist Aka Høegh and comprises granite sculptures and reliefs by 18 Nordic artists located throughout the city centre.

Optional shore excursion in Qaqortoq:

* CITY WALK

Today we reach the small settlement of Qassiarsuk, founded by notorious Viking Erik the Red who named this area “green land” because of the inviting green valleys around Qassiarsuk. During our stop here you can learn about the lives of the island’s early Norse settlers and visit a reconstructed Viking longhouse and small turf church.

Optional tours while in Narsarsuaq:

* QOROQ ICEFJORD

* QASSIARSUK VIKING RUINS

* HIKE TO TASIUSSAQ

* HELICOPTER TO EQALUIT GLACIER

With Iceland set in our sights we cross the Denmark Strait again heading east. Review the impressions of the last days or visit interesting lectures presented by our Expedition Team. Keep your eyes open for whales, dolphins and seabirds!

Located off the coast of South Iceland, the island group Vestmannaeyjar was formed by submarine volcanic eruptions 10,000 years ago. Surtsey Island emerged from the sea in 1963 and is the youngest place on earth. We go ashore on Heimaey, the only inhabited island of the archipelago. Here the evidence of Iceland’s volcanic fury is on full display with half-buried houses in ash from a violent eruption in 1973 when the entire island had to be evacuated. Aboard Zodiacs we circumnavigate the island to take in the magical scenery and stop at places of interest to see the local bird life, visit caves and possibly spot whales. An epic experience here is to play a round of golf in a sunken volcanic crater.

Optional shore excursion on Westman Islands:

* LAVA TOUR POMPEII OF THE NORTH

* GOLF IN A CRATER

In the morning we return to the port of Reykjavík. After breakfast it’s time to bid farewell to the Ocean Diamond. Extend your stay in Iceland and book one of our post-cruise programs or explore Reykjavík and the surrounding area on your own. This chic capital of friendly citizens is the perfect city for those who want to refresh the spirit and combine invigorating activity, good food, nature appreciation and worldclass cultural entertainment.

Notes