Iceland to Greenland Cruise

13 Days from
$8,995 $6,296 USD
Ship Trip
Highlights

Highlights

  • Search for whales while following the Viking route across Denmark Strait to Greenland
  • Experience east Greenland’s pristine, stunning fjords
  • Get close to glaciers, and calving mighty icebergs
  • Experience village life in Greenlandic fishing hamlets
  • Visit the Norse ruins at Hvalsey, abandoned in the 1400s
  • Visit Erik the Red’s former estate at Brattahlíð Explore Greenland’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fertile farmlands of Kujataa
  • Wander the streets of Nuuk, Greenland’s dynamic capital
Map

Map

Map for Iceland to Greenland Cruise

Tour Overview

Like the Vikings of old, we sail west from Reykjavík, into a region of mountains, glaciers, fjords, and icebergs. The icy realm of Greenland awaits.

Greenland’s east coast is just a day’s voyage from Reykjavík. Breathtaking fjords define this seldom-seen region. Whales and seabirds are abundant here. Photographers, birders, and hikers will be in awe.

Villages around Greenland’s southern tip offer glimpses of the island’s remarkable culture. Bask in the Unartoq geothermal springs. Explore the ruins of Brattahlið—a settlement founded by Erik the Red!

Heimaey is home to a bustling puffin colony and rich volcanic history! Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, offers shopping and dining. We’ll sail the mighty Sondre Stromfjord to our final destination, Kangerlussuaq.

Departures & Cabins

DEPARTURES & CABINS

What's Included

Tour Price Includes

  • Passage aboard the ship
  • Applicable taxes and credit card fees
  • Complimentary expedition jacket
  • Special access permits, entry, and park fees
  • Expert expedition team
  • Guided activities
  • Sightseeing and community visits
  • All Zodiac excursions
  • Port fees
  • Pre-departure materials
  • Educational program
  • Interactive workshops
  • Evening entertainment
  • All shipboard meals
  • Internet access

Tour Price Does Not Include

  • Commercial and charter flights
  • Program enhancements/optional excursions
  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
  • Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
  • Possible fuel surcharges and administrative fees
  • Pre- and post-trip hotel accommodation

Itinerary

Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland

Your journey begins in the late afternoon, following a day of independent exploration and arrival in the captivating city of Reykjavík. Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital was established in the year 874 CE.

Powered by geothermal energy, Reykjavík is widely considered one of the cleanest, greenest cities on Earth. Food, culture, and nightlife abound.

The National Culture House preserves treasures like the Poetic Edda and the Norse Sagas in their original manuscripts.

Reykjavík, Iceland

Day 2: At Sea

Watch for whales and seabirds as we sail the Denmark Strait. You’ll be truly in the wake of the Vikings as we journey westward from Iceland.

The on-board learning program will prepare you for the archaeology, history, culture, and wildlife that await you in Greenland!

whale watching Iceland

Day 3: Sea Ice

Spend the day sailing through sea ice, taking in the dramatic beauty of the Arctic. This is the perfect opportunity to get out on deck to search for Arctic wildlife and seabirds—who sometimes follow our ship’s course! As we make our way towards Greenland’s rugged shores, enjoy fascinating facts and insights from your expert expedition team, who will bring this remote region to life.

Pack ice in Nansen Fjord, east Greenland

Day 4–6: Southeast Greenland

Explore the remote reaches of southeast Greenland by ship, in Zodiacs, and on land.

Your first views of this seldom-visited region will reveal a stunning coastline traced with innumerable fjords and potentially dotted with pack ice.

Whether on foot, on shore, or on the ship, our expert expedition team will be by your side, sharing their extensive knowledge and insights. Join them out on deck to keep a keen eye out for iconic Arctic wildlife, including the polar bears, seals, and humpback whales. Learn from their expertise as they provide fascinating interpretation and help you gain a profound connection to the stunning landscapes we traverse.

Iceland to Greenland sea ice

Day 7: Ikerasassuaq (Prince Christian Sound)

Make the most of your time out on deck, as our experts scout for opportunities to go ashore along this breathtaking landscape.

Soak in the natural beauty of one of the world’s most majestic waterways, Ikerasassuaq (Prince Christian Sound), where the Irminger and Labrador Seas join through the islands of the Cape Farewell Archipelago.

Here, craggy mountain peaks tower over still waters fed by calving glaciers.

Prince Christian Sound

Day 8: Brattahlíð

Visit the fascinating Brattahlíð, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the most fertile region of Greenland. Wander through a reconstructed Norse church and Viking longhouse to fully immerse yourself in the Viking experience.

Once home to Viking explorer Erik the Red and his descendants until the 1400s, Brattahlíð is now managed by Greenlandic Inuit, who continue to work the sheep farms originally established by the Norse settlers.

Longhouse Brattahlid

Day 9–10: South Greenland

South Greenland lives up to its namesake; here, the land is fertile and agriculture thrives. Farms and vegetable husbandry contrast with the barren ice that covers so much of the country. This is a region where jagged mountains rise dramatically from green pastures, and sheep farms border the stunning ice fjords. The fjords here are nothing short of breathtaking, with their deep blue waters and towering cliffs creating an awe-inspiring backdrop for every adventure.

As we explore, whether by Zodiac or on foot, we’ll be surrounded by this remarkable landscape, where Norse history intersects with contemporary Greenlandic life. The fjords add an unparalleled sense of beauty and serenity to the journey, making every moment unforgettable.

Hvalsey, Greenland

Day 11: Sermersooq

Explore the Sermersooq region of Greenland by Zodiac or by foot, as landing conditions permit.

Here you’ll find a stunning myriad of mountain peaks, glaciers, and deep fjords, with records of human habitation that stretch back over 1,500 years.

Keep a look out for nattoralik (white-tailed eagles), seabirds, and marine mammals while you enjoy the lush vegetation of southwest Greenland.

zodiac cruise

Days 12-13: Nuuk

Stop in at vibrant Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Visit the Greenland National Museum, one of the city’s many outstanding features, where the world-famous Qilakitsoq mummies rest.

The old harbour includes many buildings dating from Danish colonial days, while contemporary Nuuk is known for art, shopping, pubs, and cafés.

Here is where you will complete your journey. Transfer by Zodiac to shore, then ride to the airport by bus for your charter flight to Toronto, ON.

Nuuk, Greenland

What to Expect

Our small ship Iceland to Greenland cruise program allows you to experience the best of the natural world, while enjoying the comforts of our friendly floating hotel. The ship generally makes crossing between islands at night, so every morning you awake to new vistas and discoveries. Every day we offer a combination of interesting shore excursions and fun shipboard activities. You can choose which elements of the program you want to participate in.

This expedition cruise necessitates passengers to be in reasonably good health. Zodiac cruises and transfer times can be lengthy. You must be able to climb stairs between decks on the ship, as well as the external gangway stairs to transfer between the zodiac and ship.

Some of our shore landings will be ‘wet’, requiring waterproof boots. Once you have left the zodiac, you’ll find our shore excursions accommodate both those who wish to enjoy a gentle stroll and those who prefer more active hikes. The excursion may involve walking over uneven or sandy terrain in variable weather conditions. Our onboard specialists will join us on these shore excursions to provide interpretation and narration to these wonderful landscapes and experiences.

Each evening we will gather in the lounge to recount the day’s events and share memorable stories. Our onboard musician will provide some lively entertainment during happy hour and the expedition leader will outline the following day’s schedule. Our resource staff of naturalists, historians, and other guest speakers will give informative talks at various times throughout the voyage.

Meals in the ship’s dining room are a great opportunity to meet new friends and recount the day’s adventures. Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice. Safety is also a top priority with Eagle-Eye Tours – our team has extensive experience in the field, and all of our Voyages are run in conjunction with operators with the highest safety standards.

When the ship is underway, it is a wonderful time to join a naturalist on deck, take photos of the stunning scenery, or get caught up on some reading in the library.

Weather, ice, government regulations, and community requests may necessitate changes to the planned itineraries and/or the cancellation of certain shore excursions and enhancements. Published itineraries are examples only and we reserve the right to change or modify the itinerary and landing sites at any time prior or during an expedition. Changes will be communicated at your expedition orientation or during your onboard expedition briefings.

We know that everyone travels for different reasons. Over the years, however, we have found one common element among the guest who choose to travel with us – a thirst of knowledge and authentic experience. Knowing this drives us to ensure the highest quality learning experience on our trips, by taking time to carefully design each trip we offer.

Ship & Deck Plan: Ocean Nova

Ocean Nova

Ocean Nova

The Ocean Nova offers a classic expedition experience. Built in Denmark in 1992 for Greenland’s icy waters, this compact ship sails with a lighter carbon footprint than most expedition vessels.

Designed for intimate and immersive journeys, this nimble and sturdy ship accommodates just 78 guests. With the ship’s shallow draft and ability to anchor close to shore, you’ll spend less time ferrying and more time exploring.

Cosy cabins feature large windows for breathtaking views, while a glass-enclosed lounge offers sweeping 200-degree views—perfect for whale watching and seabird spotting. The open decks are a dream for photographers and scenery lovers. Meals feature open seating and ocean views, with globally inspired options to suit all tastes.

With one of the best guide-to-guest ratios, the Ocean Nova is perfect for those seeking an enriching experience.

 

 

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