Denmark, Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom
9 nights 1 Departure Available
View All Dates & BookBookended by stays in Denmark’s vibrant capital, the heart of this tour is a 7-night cruise to the towns and villages, islands and icebergs, fjords and glaciers of Greenland’s Disko Bay, sharing the other-worldly wilderness with whales and seabirds
From the midnight sun to magnificent seascapes, ethereal islets, calving glaciers, and gigantic icebergs, Nature creates an ever-changing backdrop to Greenland’s wilderness. With 80% of its landmass covered by the icecap, the country maximises its inhabitable areas with clusters of houses tucked between fells and fjords and combines colonial character with an ancient Inuit culture of pragmatism and resourcefulness. The cruise explores its western shores, where whales, walruses and white-tailed eagles are company on the water, and reindeer, musk oxen and arctic foxes roam on land. Sailing on the polar ship MV Ocean Albatros, see the seas and shores from your cabin window or the observation deck, as you team comfort and fine facilities with an amazing adventure. The vessel has low-deck retractable platforms for almost water-level viewing of icebergs and marine wildlife; and its fleet of Zodiac landing craft safely navigate visits ashore. Focused on phenomenal Disko Bay, the tour includes Kangerlussuaq (Big Fjord), photogenic Sisimiut, and Qeqertarsuaq (Great Island); the little port town of Uummannaq, Eqip Sermia’s vast river of ice, UNESCO listed Illulisat Icefjord, and Itilleq, the core of Inuit culture.
Fly from London to Copenhagen for overnight at the 4-star Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport.
(D)
Flight to Kangerlussuaq. Its ‘Gateway to Greenland’ epithet may seem odd for the country’s only ‘inland’ town but, tucked at the eastern end of the 160km inlet, it does have a small harbour, Greenland’s largest international airport (a former US airbase), and a road leading straight to the stunning Ice Cap. Optional excursion to the mighty Reindeer Glacier by 4x4 buses including barbeque (pre-bookable only). Transfer to the port for a short Zodiac crossing to board the MV Ocean Albatros; and join your fellow travellers for the safety drill, dinner, and a glass of champagne, as the ship sails through the long fjord toward the open sea.
(B, D)
Morning arrival in Sisimiut. A settlement (of sorts) since 2,500BC, it is best known for the 18th-century buildings of its colonial past, including the iconic Blue Church; but today it is a progressive blend of contemporary Danish and traditional Inuit culture. With colourful houses sprinkled on headlands around the water’s edge, and a cultural centre, museum, and Artists Workshop in the town, Sisimiut’s remote and rugged setting serves as an adventure hub. Explore at your leisure until our evening departure for Disko Bay’s Qeqertarsuaq (‘Great Island’).
(B, L, D)
Nestled at the foot of 1,000m mountains, and hemming a naturally sheltered shore, the aptly named Godhavn (Good Harbour) was founded in 1773 and is the only town on the circular island. With its whaling days a distant memory, the typically Greenlandic town retains the hallmark edifices of its history, most notably the unique octagonal church, nicknamed “God’s Inkpot”. After time to explore the town, your vessel will reposition slightly to the east, launching the Zodiacs to visit the Kuannit (Angelica) coast, where the herb grows abundantly on south-facing slopes, mountain springs irrigate lush greenery, waterfalls splash over basalt rocks, and sapphire blue icebergs sprinkle the bay. Sail north tonight, bound for Uummannaq.
(B, L, D)
On a small island, in an iceberg-cluttered sea, almost 600km north of the Arctic Circle, Uummannaq is a characterful fishing port. Its houses cling to the precarious slopes of a mountain, which soars 1,170m high to dwarf the town at its base. Its name translates as ‘heart-shaped’, describing the outline of the peak; its fame comes in the form of a turf house, said to belong to Santa Claus, and a post box used exclusively for letters to the legendary saint; and there is a stone church, a fish market, and handicraft stalls in the grassy town square. Be sure to watch from the ship’s outer decks as you sail away from Uummannaq, where dazzling icebergs and the massive mountain create a staggeringly beautiful land-and-sea scape.
(B, L, D)
Returning to glorious Disko Bay, we reach Eqip Sermia, which translates as ‘the glacier at the end of the fjord’. Its river of ice flows down from the Greenland Ice Sheet for great chunks to crash from the glacier front into the ocean. If conditions allow, the Zodiac fleet will take you to watch at sea level and hear the roar of the frequent calvings (from a safe distance!). This evening, sail south to Ilulissat, undisputedly known as The Iceberg Capital of the World.
(B, L, D)
From the foot of the largest glacier in Earth’s northern hemisphere, Ilulissat Icefjord is choked with immense icebergs for the full stretch of its flow to its mouth on the sea, where Ilulissat is Greenland’s most visited spot and the principal town on Disko Bay. Centred on a buzzing harbour, its brightly painted buildings are tiered on the backdrop hillside, where there are shops for local art and crafts; the home of 19th-century explorer Knud Rasmussen is now a museum; and the striking Church of Zion is styled like a giant gingerbread. With well-marked hiking trails around the fjord, we also offer two optional excursions here: an up-close view of the skyscraper icebergs from the deck of a local boat (pre-bookable); or a flightseeing view of the Icefjord on a fixed-wing aircraft (pre-bookable).
(B, L, D)
Our visit today is to a little coastal island, where the Davis strait meets the mouth of Eriksfjord; and the hunting, farming and fishing village of Itilleq nestles between the fjord and the mountain foothills. Set at the heart of the Aassivisuit-Nipisat UNESCO site, which celebrates Innuit history and heritage, the hamlet has an earthy umber-painted church, a sprinkling of houses in cheerful hues, fewer than 100 residents, one statue of a bearded fisherman, and no freshwater source. Its Inuit way of life is apparent with Arctic charr fish hung out to dry and sled dogs as hardy as their owners, but, with smart phones, speedy wi-fi, and satellite tv, tradition is intermingled with modernity.
(B, L, D)
Having cruised through the night up the 100mile fjord, the Ocean Albatros returns to its mooring at Kangerlussuaq. After breakfast aboard, disembark the vessel, take the Zodiac shuttle to shore. Time to explore Kangerlussuaq or optional Kangerlussuaq sightseeing (pre-bookable). Transfer to the airport to
fly back to Copenhagen, for a final overnight stay at Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport.
(B)
Return flight to London.
(B)
Whilst the vessel carries more, the group size specified refers to transfers and excursions.
Excursions are by Zodiac or on foot, they may be over uneven ground and with some incline so a reasonable level of mobility is required. Landings will be dry.
The programme may be altered due to navigational factors, water levels or congestion at certain sites.
The primary focus of expedition cruising is contact with your natural surroundings, visiting remote and isolated sites often only accessible by zodiacs. Zodiacs are used on scenic and adventurous excursions among icebergs, surfacing whales and seabirds. These heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe and designed for Polar expeditions.
Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.
Modern 4-star hotel connected to Copenhagen Airport with easy access by train to Copenhagen. Restaurant, bar, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 383 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
The new luxury infinity vessel, MV Ocean Albatros, is one of the most modern small polar ships, part of a brand new generation of low-energy vessels. The 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines are all controlled electronically to optimize speed, lower fuel consumption and manage fewer emissions. Holding the highest Polar code 6, Ice class 1A and a pioneering new design and bow shape, X-Bow®-Infinity class, inverting typical cruise ship design, splitting wave energy and providing faster, more comfortable travel. This luxury cruise vessel, ideally suited for small ship expeditions, has a total of 95 comfortable cabins, all with a view of the ocean allowing you to behold the magnitude of the open waters and polar landscape, a wellness area, a bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge and two restaurants. The MV Ocean Albatros features unique viewing platforms, custom-built for the this new class of vessel, the two platforms fold out hydraulically for unobstructed views of passing marine life and seabirds. The vessel will implement the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for all guests.
CABIN CATEGORIES:
Category G: Single cabin with porthole18 sq.m.
Category E: State cabin with French balcony 16 sq.m.
Category C: State cabin with balcony 24 sq.m.
Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.
The Ice Sheet Is one of Greenland’s biggest attractions. It covers 80% of the surface of the country, but the size of this mass of ice is reduced every year, because it melts more than it rebuilds. Our destination is a place we call Reindeer Glacier, which stands tall like an ice wall – in some places up to 60 meters high – displaying a clear contrast between land and ice. The name is due to the frequent sight of reindeers here, but even without the presence of the animals, this location is a world-class spectacle, with a myriad of motives for the camera and a calmness that brings to our thoughts nature’s pristine, immaculate beauty. Our journey to one of the area’s most remarkable glaciers requires transport via a tundra coach, a 4WD vehicle, which is designed to take on the rocky, changeable terrain and gravel roads. Along the way, keep your eyes open for the wildlife that resides in the area, namely reindeer and musk oxen, while you let your mind wander while listening to the history and stories of the area narrated by our guide. During the warm summer months, glacial thinning and instability within the colossal walls of ice happens more often. These structures can calve and break suddenly; therefore, it is important to maintain a safe distance from the ice giants. After approx. 90 minutes of driving, we will reach the resplendent Reindeer Glacier, where one can walk parallel to the glacier edge up from the waterfall, and there is the opportunity to photograph the scenery from many different good angles, or just enjoy the greatness and silence, interrupted only by the roaring sound of the melting ice water. The area where we spend most of the time is equipped with about twenty benches with tables and primitive but practical mobile toilets for those in need. After an appropriate amount of time in front of the fascinating glacier, we leave the unique nature as it was when we got to it: Untouched, magnificent and unforgettable.
Discover huge iceberg pushing towards the mouth of the Kangia Icefjord, and breaching their way into the Disko Bay. Get to see the very small settlement of Ilimanaq just south of the icefjord, and if you are lucky, you might get a glimpse of the many whales in the bay on your way back to Ilulissat. We fly Vulcanair Partenavia P68 airplanes. These airplanes are ideal for the purpose of sightseeing flights. Being high wing mounted with large windows at each seat, you have the perfect conditions for taking pictures and bringing your memories back home, as well as giving you a clear view of the landscape. The Partenavia, can carry up to 5 passengers plus the pilot Duration: approx. 40 min.
On this day, you will also have the opportunity to join a boat trip to the Icefjord. The journey takes about two and a half hours in total, and presents an opportunity to gain a closer look at the amazing ice-sculpted scenery. The trip is definitely something out of the ordinary and a great natural experience that you will remember for years to come - but be sure to remember warm clothes!
The small settlement of Kangerlussuaq is home to about 500 residents, which is less than 1% of Greenland’s entire population, yet through the years (thousands, in fact!), the residents of Kangerlussuaq have played a significant role in Greenland’s history and global contributions. Present-day Kangerlussuaq was first established in 1941 as an American-operated military base. When the military base became inactive, the facilities were re-purposed into Greenland’s international airport. This increased accessibility incited an upsurge in Kangerlussuaq’s popularity among nature lovers, researches and adventurous spirits. Filled with wanderlust, they arrive to Kangerlussuaq inspired by its unique surroundings and culture, determined to partake in unique experiences, such as witnessing the northern lights and hiking along one of the world’s only two ice sheet
On this sightseeing excursion, we will hear fascinating stories about the earliest populations of primitive Kangerlussuaq and fast forward to the settlement’s significance during World War II, the Korean and Cold Wars, and today.
One of Greenland’s most extensive roadway systems, which happens to surround Kangerlussuaq, will provide us with access to several interesting landmarks, including panoramic vistas from the harbor overlooking Kangerlussuaq Fjord, the researchers’ community of Kellyville and the old military base facilities.
In between our itinerary stops, we will witness Greenland’s amazing nature and hear about its unique floras and wildlife.
This excursion will also provide you with greater insight into Greenlandic culture and the community’s way of adapting to life in the Arctic. Your guide will surely share stories about the local culture, and the enormous pride Kangerlussuaq’s locals feel for their home.
You can find out more about the county on the travel guide.
Expedition Antarctica
18 Nov 25,16 Feb 26
An unforgettable 15-day journey taking discerning travellers to distant lands
From £9395 pp
incl Flight
Ice & Lights
27 Feb 25,13 Mar 25 and 5 more
With dramatic landscapes at your feet and the brilliant Aurora Borealis in the skies above, this is a tour to remote locations and remarkable sights, from Iceland’s glacial lagoon to its largest icecap, steaming geysers, gleaming icebergs, and frozen waterfalls
From £3025 pp
incl Flight
'Ice' Land of the Northern Lights
18 Nov 25,20 Jan 26 and 2 more
Icelandic winters are a wonderland of hot springs and frozen waterfalls, glaciers and growling volcanoes, and the ethereal Aurora Borealis dancing in dark skies. This five-night tour takes you through the unique topography of ‘the land of ice & fire'
From £2095 pp
incl FlightWe need to check availability for this departure date. Please proceed with the reservation, and we will get in touch within 72 hours to confirm and take payment.
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Aug 25 (9 nights) | £8495pp | £13790pp | Book now |
Air travel and taxes, all port charges, AECO fees, transfers, 2 nights’ hotels, 7-night cruise, breakfast daily, full board on cruise including complimentary tea and coffee, on board lectures, excursions, services of expedition leaders, local expert guides and representatives. Complimentary house wine, beer and soda at dinner during the cruise. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
Extra nights are priced per person, per night.
Please contact us to check availability and book alongside your tour.