Greenland to Iceland: Arctic Explorer (Ocean Victory)

Hej! Welcome to Denmark. Your adventure begins with an included flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq – Greenland’s only inland town with a history as a former US WWII air base. When you arrive, you’ll be transferred by Zodiac to your ship – the Ocean Victory. Settle into your cabin, then join your Expedition Team and fellow travellers for a safety and orientation meeting. Raise a glass as you set sail through Kangerlussuaq Fjord, getting your first look at icy waters framed by rocky mountain peaks.

Arrive in Kangaamiut, a traditional village where you can get an insight into the hunting and fishing practices that shape local daily life. Watch a cultural performance, browse handicrafts and sample some traditional dishes. It’s highly recommended you go on a hike to seek out panoramic views over the village and its surrounds. This afternoon, hop on a Zodiac and venture into Evighedsfjorden (AKA ‘the Eternity Fjord’), cruising past mighty glaciers and dramatic bird cliffs.

Today you’ll explore Nuuk – Greenland’s capital, 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. While you’re here, you might like to visit the parliament building, head to the National Museum to learn about Greenlandic history and see the famous Qilakitsoq mummies, see what’s on at the Katuaq Cultural Centre, pop into the local art workshops or stop for a warm drink at a cosy cafe.

Sail south along Greenland’s rugged coast. Nearly all of Greenland’s settlements lie on the western coast, facing the Davis Strait. The warm Atlantic currents here attract whales, seals and a variety of seabirds, so why not grab your binoculars, head to the outer decks and spend this day at sea doing some wildlife spotting on deck.

Cruise through Tunulliarfik Fjord to reach Qassiarsuk – a village known for its rich Norse history and long-standing sheep farming tradition. Founded in 1924, the village sits on the former site of Erik the Red’s 10th-century farm, Brattahlid. This afternoon, head to the nearby town of Itilleq to embark on a hike through lush green fields to reach the tiny settlement of Igaliku and the ruins of the Gardar bishopric – once the largest cathedral in Greenland.

This morning, arrive in the small, remote village of Aappilattoq. Set beneath granite cliffs, this village is known for its traditional lifestyle, scenic hiking trails and local church choir. In the afternoon, continue east through Prins Christian Sund. Framed by mountains, glaciers and valleys, this 60-km-long, iceberg-filled waterway links East and West Greenland. Be sure to have your camera charged and ready to go today!

Explore Skjoldungen, a remote fjord on Greenland’s southeast coast, known to locals as Saqqisikuik. Once visited by Inuit peoples and briefly settled in the 20th century, the fjord is now uninhabited. Weather permitting, you’ll make a landing to explore the glacial valley of Dronning Marie Dal by foot or cruise past the Thryms Glacier on a Zodiac.

Spend today exploring Sermilikfjord – a vast, icy fjord which drains the colossal Helheim Glacier. Take in the unforgettable sight of icebergs drifting out into the North Atlantic and join your Expedition Team on a Zodiac cruise to get closer to the gigantic icebergs. Keep an eye out – you might see seabirds like northern fulmars, thick-billed murres, Arctic terns and skuas.

This morning you’ll visit 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. In the 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.

Explore the village of Tasiilaq – East Greenland’s largest settlement, located 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 keepsakes. Encounter the culture of the local Tunumiit people as you watch drum dancing and browse wares at the Stunk Artisan Workshop, where local craftspeople make handicrafts from materials like bone, stone and wood. You can also go for a hike across the tundra, maybe even meeting some sled dogs along the way.

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. Tonight, toast to an incredible Arctic adventure at a farewell cocktail party with the captain and your fellow adventurers.

After breakfast, disembark your ship in Reykjavik – a vibrant city known for its excellent Nordic cuisine, museums and impressive architecture like Hallgrimskirkja Church, inspired by Iceland’s landscapes. Your adventure comes to an end here. If you’d like to extend your stay in Reykjavik, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.