Iceland & East Greenland Explorer

10 Days / 9 Nights On Board

Reykjavik to Reykjavik

Embark on Ocean Victory and Join a Thrilling Expedition Exploring the Best of the Arctic in Iceland and Greenland

Step aboard your expedition vessel in the vibrant Icelandic capital of Reykjavík and set a course for adventure as we visit the volcanic Westman Islands, the glacier-crowned Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the breathtakingly peaceful Westfjords region. Next, we strike out westward across the Denmark Strait to explore the jaw-dropping east coast of Greenland. Amid these iceberg-studded seas, we will explore the majesty of Sermilik Fjord, visit the charming little village of Kuummiit, and discover fascinating wartime heritage and stunning natural beauty at Ikateq.

Finally, we will visit the friendly town of Tasiilaq, the largest in East Greenland and a stronghold of the unique East Greenlandic language and culture, before returning to bustling Reykjavík. Exploring two jewels of the Arctic, this is a voyage for true Arctic explorers!

Expedition Dates

Activities: Kayaking, Citizen Science

Itinerary

Booking Info

Ocean Victory

Photo Gallery

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland: Embarkation
Day 2: Heimaey, Westman Islands, Iceland
Day 3: Grundarfjörður, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland
Day 4: Vigur Island and Ísafjörður, Westfjords, Iceland
Day 5: At sea, en route to East Greenland
Day 6: Sermilik Fjord, Greenland
Day 7: Ikateq and Kuummiit, Greenland
Day 8: Tasiilaq, Greenland
Day 9: At sea, en route to Iceland
Day 10: Reykjavík, Iceland: Disembarkation

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PLX_Highlights-of-Iceland-and-Greenland_Map

Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland: Embarkation

Our Arctic expedition begins in the bustling Icelandic capital of Reykjavík, one of the coolest capitals in the Nordic region. Renowned throughout the world for its modern Nordic cuisine, excellent shopping, and friendly, relaxed vibe, Reykjavík is the ideal starting point for any Arctic adventure. After boarding our expedition ship and completing the mandatory safety and lifeboat drills, join your Expedition Team on the outer decks (perhaps with an expertly crafted cocktail in hand) as we set sail along the Reykjanes Peninsula, following ancient Viking sea routes toward the wild Westman Islands.

Day 2: Heimaey, Westman Islands

Heimaey is the largest of the volcanic Vestmannaeyjar (Westman) Islands and the only one permanently inhabited. Visitors to this dramatic isle are spoiled for choice! Perhaps join local guides to explore the dramatic lava fields of Eldfell volcano—site of the infamous 1973 eruption, when heroic locals fought back, cooling the lava with seawater jets to save their community. Alternatively, grab your binoculars and head to the cliffs of the island to watch for puffins, fulmars, and gannets frolicking in the icy waters below. Weather permitting, we will cruise past Surtsey on departure, a young volcanic island strictly reserved as a natural laboratory for scientific research.

Day 3: Grundarfjörður, Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Today we arrive at the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often known as “Iceland in miniature” for its rich and varied attractions. The charming fishing village of Grundarfjörður, where we will make landfall, is a picture-perfect slice of Iceland: neat multicolored houses cluster around a bustling harbor, backed by the brooding presence of Kirkjufell, a striking peak made famous by the TV series Game of Thrones. This staggering backdrop can be explored on foot right from town, so be sure to pack your hiking boots! Grundarfjörður is also the gateway to the incredible Snæfellsnes National Park, the jewel in the crown of which is the enormous Snæfellsjökull volcano, a looming peak adorned with tumbling glaciers.

Day 4: Vigur Island and Ísafjörður

Words can barely capture the natural paradise of Vigur Island, a small, privately owned island nestled deep in the calm waters of the Westfjords. This tiny island holds some of Iceland’s largest bird colonies and is one of the few places where genuine eiderdown is still sustainably harvested. Avoiding the many nesting puffins, eider ducks, and Arctic terns here is far harder than spotting them! In the afternoon, we will visit the bustling harbor town of Ísafjörður, capital of the Westfjords, before we set out across the North Atlantic Ocean en route to East Greenland.

Day 5: At sea, en route to Greenland

Between Iceland and Greenland lies the Denmark Strait, a chilly section of the North Atlantic rich in marine wildlife. As we cross to Greenland, join your Expedition Team in the Theater to learn about the ecology, history, and wildlife of the region, or head onto the outer decks with a pair of binoculars to watch the waves for wildlife. Alternatively, work up a sweat in the gym, indulge in a relaxing spa treatment, or simply relax in the hot tubs as Greenland beckons beneath the midnight sun.

Day 6: Sermilik Fjord, East Greenland

This is it—this is why explorers young and old set out for the wilds of Greenland. Between Ammassalik Island and the edge of the vast inland ice sheet lies the majesty of Sermilik Fjord, a name simply meaning “icy” in Greenlandic. A number of large glaciers much farther inland deliver enormous quantities of ice to the coastline, where it breaks off as enormous icebergs. Join your Expedition Team on the water as we explore this jaw-dropping expanse of drifting ice; this is one of the best areas in Greenland to see whales, so remember to bring your binoculars!

Day 7: Ikateq and Kuummiit

In the morning, we will visit the incredible historic site of Ikateq, also known as Bluie Two East. This fascinating former American air base was used during the Second World War but abandoned soon after, in 1947, leaving everything behind, from hangars and vehicles to thousands of fuel drums. The site has since been cleaned up, leaving haunting remains amid breathtaking natural beauty. In the afternoon, we will visit Kuummiit, one of the larger villages in the area; here, we will meet the friendly locals and experience the beauty of East Greenlandic culture amid the beautiful surroundings of Ammassalik Fjord.

Day 8: Tasiilaq

The largest settlement on the eastern coast of Greenland, Tasiilaq is the only town on rugged Ammassalik Island and the heartland of East Greenlandic language and culture. The town was founded in 1894 as a trading post and has deep connections to Greenland’s shamanic traditions, as well as to the tupilak—a once-feared magical creature now preserved as a celebrated art form. Visitors are spoiled for choice, with options to meet the local sled dogs (safely, with their owners’ permission), witness a traditional Inuit drum dance, hike the flower-filled hills outside town, or pick up handcrafted souvenirs at the famous Stunk artisan workshop.

Day 9: At sea, en route to Iceland

As our expedition draws to a close, take the opportunity to relax and reflect on your thrilling voyage. Compare photos with your fellow explorers, join the final lectures from the Expedition Team, unwind in the hot tubs, and look forward to the final voyage slideshow presented at the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party. Skål!

Day 10: Reykjavík, Iceland: Disembarkation

The bustling city of Reykjavík may come as a bit of a shock to the system after spending time in the wilderness of the Arctic! After a hearty breakfast and a fond farewell to your fellow explorers and the Expedition Team, Officers, and Crew of Ocean Victory, descend the gangway back to dry land, ready to explore the Land of Ice and Fire anew or head home with memories to last a lifetime.

Activities
(available on select departures)

Discover Kayaking ($345)

Book in advance – pay on board

Citizen Science (Included)

Photography Coach (included)

Available to all

Important Details

Prices based on twin occupancy except for Singles (1), Triples (3), and the Brynhilde Suite (4). A limited number of twin cabins may be sold for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate.

See Voyage Inclusions

Traveling With a Group?

Reach out to our Sales team to inquire about groups of 10 or more.

Rates vary by cabin.

A Thoroughly Modern Ship, Built for Polar Waters

The sister ship of Ocean Albatros, Ocean Victory boasts the same strikingly unconventional profile as its sibling. It’s a look that reflects decades of Polar experience and design refinement, resulting in a vessel ideally suited for the challenges and opportunities of this unique part of the world. From its uber-stable X-Bow to its heated mudroom and four exterior doors that will get you out and exploring quickly and safely, this is the ship that the polar regions – and all would-be explorers – have been waiting for.