Day 1: Embarkation in Reykjavik, Iceland
Welcome to Reykjavik, Iceland! Spend the morning exploring this vibrant capital city, whether that’s strolling the streets to look for street art, visiting landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja church or the Sun Voyager sculpture, or touring museums like the National Museum of Iceland or the Perlan Museum.
In the afternoon, you’ll embark upon the Polar Angel, our home for the next 14 days. Get to know the ship and your fellow expeditioners as you settle in, then wave goodbye to Reykjavik as we set sail at 6 p.m.
Day 2: Crossing the Denmark Strait
During our time at sea, our expedition staff will share their knowledge about the region’s wildlife and history, both human and natural, through a series of lectures. But don’t forget to spend time on deck to watch seabirds circle the ship, or to scan the surface of the sea for whales. If whales are spotted, the science team may deploy a suite of instruments to study them, from drones to
hydrophones.
Our crossing is also an excellent time to make use of the ship’s amenities, whether that’s the bar in the lounge or the sauna and plunge pool in the «whaleness center.»
Days 3–5: Exploring East Greenland
For the next three days, we’ll explore East Greenland. The expedition team will ensure your safety and enjoyment during your time here, considering weather, sea, and land conditions as they decide your activities for the day. You might be offered a Zodiac cruise through an iceberg filled fjord surrounded by glaciers and mountains, or perhaps go on a hike to a scenic overlook.
We’ll also visit the remote town of Tasiilaq, the largest community in East Greenland with a population of some 2,000 people, where our medical team will provide services to residents. You’ll have a chance to go ashore and stretch your legs in this colorful town.
Day 6: Southeast Greenland
This is a true expedition day—our expedition leader and captain will make game-time decisions about your activities today. One possibility is venturing out to the edge of the sea ice to look for wildlife. Or we might stick closer to shore, exploring the shoreline in Zodiacs.
Days 7–11: South Greenland
We’ll enter South Greenland via Prins Christians Sund, a waterway surrounded by towering cliffs, dramatic peaks, and crackling glaciers. Here, we’ll visit several communities, including the most populous town in the region, Qaqortoq. Locals might invite us in for a kaffemik, a Greenlandic traditional social occasion, where you’ll be served tea, coffee, and local treats.
In a fairly short distance, the landscape will change—and you’ll find out why the island is called Greenland. Though about 80 percent of the island is covered by an ice sheet, South Greenland is known for its lush, green hills, many of which are now sheep farms. It’s no wonder the Vikings
chose this part of Greenland for their settlements! We’ll see several Viking ruins, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hvalsey Church, built around the year 1300. We also plan to spend time ashore in various fjords, offering hikes when conditions allow, plus Zodiac cruises.
And just because there are rolling hills here doesn’t mean there isn’t ice! In Tasermiut Fjord, the Sermeq Glacier is taller than the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Days 12–13: Crossing the Denmark Strait
Sadly it’s time to make our return journey to Reykjavik, but the fun isn’t over yet. As we cross the Denmark Strait once more, we still have ample time to spot wildlife. Plus, the expedition staff and scientists will again regale you with their knowledge during lectures. During our two days at sea, we encourage you to reflect on your trip of a lifetime and share memories with your new friends.
Day 14: Disembarkation in Reykjavik, Iceland
The time has come to say farewell to your fellow expeditioners, expedition staff, scientists, and crew. Disembarkation is at 8 a.m., leaving you the day to explore Reykjavik or head to the airport for your flight home.