Elife Travel - Europe Tours - Iceland Tours - Iceland South Coast Tours - Iceland (Western) Tours - Explorer Tours - Iceland to Greenland: Mountains, Glaciers and the Westfjords

Iceland to Greenland: Mountains, Glaciers and the Westfjords

Name: Iceland to Greenland: Mountains, Glaciers and the Westfjords
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 18790 USD
Availability: InStock

Country:

Iceland

Flight:

Not included

Favorite

Tour id:

302616

Operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels
Length:

15 days
Group size:

138 pax
Age:

18 to 99
Difficulty:
Difficulty levels:
- Relaxing
- Easy
- Moderate
- Serious
- Heart-pumping

26.07-09.08.26 guaranteed

Itinerary

In the seldom-visited Westfjords of Iceland − ‘Iceland’s best-kept secret’ − you explore the rugged peninsula of fjords, towering mountains, bird-dwelling cliffs, gushing waterfalls and rolling green hills. Before leaving Iceland, you can also visit the private island sanctuary of Vigur, home to 7,000 eider ducks and 100,000 puffins. In East Greenland, after sailing the length of Ikerasassuaq (Prins Christian Sund), immerse yourself in spectacular glaciers, mountainous landscapes, culturally rich communities, and Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Together, we explore − by ship, Zodiac, kayak and on foot − some of the longest fjords in Greenland, such as Eternity, Kangerlussuaq and Tasermiut. With the help of expert guides, you also learn about Norse and Viking cultures, traditional Icelandic ways of life, as well as contemporary Greenlandic customs.

Tour program

Day 1

Start Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive at the international airport in Keflavik and transfer independently to your included hotel in Reykjavik. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore Iceland’s fascinating capital. Many cultural and historic landmarks are in or near the walkable city centre.

Day 2

Embarkation Day in Reykjavik

This afternoon, you board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!

Day 3

Exploring Westfjords, Iceland’s hidden gems

Each region of Iceland has its own appeal for nature seekers, birding enthusiasts and history-lovers, and the seldom-visited Westfjords, where the land meets the sea in the most dramatic fashion, is no exception. Often called Iceland’s best-kept secret, this rugged peninsula at the country’s remote northwestern tip is rife with fjords, and mountains that slope to the sea. We spend our time exploring the fjords and shores of Iceland’s oldest region, enjoying a kaleidoscope of diverse land and seascapes. Here, tumbling cliffs and gushing waterfalls alternate with colourful beaches, and rolling green hills lead to high moorlands dotted with rocky outcrops, small lakes, and the occasional shaggy Icelandic sheep or pony grazing in the distance. A few modest outposts of civilisation, in the form small fishing communities nestled along the fjords and shores of the Denmark Strait, face out into the mighty Atlantic − keeping alive a maritime heritage that dates to the Viking days.

Day 4

At Sea: Crossing the Denmark Strait

As we sail southwest across the Denmark Strait toward Greenland, your expedition team prepares you for the exciting adventures ahead, both on- and off-ship. Our team of polar experts present on a wide range of topics, including the geology, wildlife, climatology and enthralling history of Greenland. The team also searches for (and identifies) the seabirds soaring about the ship – and they’ll alert you whenever there’s a whale sighting.

Day 5

Exploring Southeast Greenland

Your exploration of Greenland begins with East Greenland, one of the least-visited and most remote parts of the world’s largest island. Our journey along the coast is influenced by weather and ice conditions, with each day and each off-ship excursion – presenting new adventures. Expect glaciers, steep mountains and breathtaking fjords. Transiting the 62mi (100km) long Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq) – one of the world’s most scenic fjords – reveals incredible views. Expect dramatic mountain and seascapes with glaciers tumbling to the sea, and captivating vistas stretching along the entire fjord. The South Greenlanders who live on this frontier are as unique as the region they inhabit. This is where the migrating hunting people from the east eventually settled around the European trading posts.

Day 6

At Sea

As our ship heads up the coast from South Greenland, we set our sights on the endless natural wonders – and small communities – along the rugged west coast of Greenland. We invite you to use this time to attend one of the expert-led polar presentations to learn more about this region of Greenland.

Day 7

Venturing into West Greenland

The sheer beauty of West Greenland can overwhelm first-time visitors: spectacular glaciers, mountainous landscapes, and thriving, culturally rich communities. As we head north, we hope to embark on daily Zodiac excursions to explore local bays, channels and select landing sites. We also explore some of the quaint settlements throughout the picturesque islands and fjords.

Day 8

Exploring Kangerlussuaq and disembarkation

Today, we explore 31mi (50km) above the Arctic Circle. Our destination is Kangerlussuaq, which is Greenlandic for ‘the long fjord’. At the end of this 110mi (180km) long fjord is a settlement bearing the same name. Fishing boats based in the town of Kangerlussuaq sail the full length of the fjord to access the ocean. The town is known for its stunning natural beauty – and for being the home of the largest airport in Greenland.

Day 9

End Reykjavik

After breakfast in your hotel in Reykjavik, transfer independently to Keflavik International Airport for your onward journey.

Day 15

End Reykjavik (breakfast)

After breakfast in your hotel in Reykjavik, transfer independently to Keflavik International Airport for your onward journey.

Tour Details

Accommodation

The Iceland to Greenland: Mountains, Glaciers and the Westfjords voyage is offered on the Ocean Explorer which is a Polar Adventure Ship. Polar Adventure Ships These are small ice-rated vessels well qualified for Polar waters. Intimate adventures are always more enjoyable with like-minded passengers and staff, so these voyages are for people who like flexible itineraries and plenty to keep them busy. Activities include frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking and many hours on deck in areas that other ships only dream about accessing. Food and staff are superb and every guest benefits from the technical advances of this superb fleet. Rest assured our Polar Adventure Ships enable any traveller to maximize their experience sensitively in the Poles.

All accommodation

Transport

During the expedition, you visit remote and isolated sites that are accessible only by Zodiac landing craft. Designed for expedition work, these large and heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe.

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Additional services

Beer and house wine during dinner

Mandatory transfer package including

Additional services

— Travel insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations

Meals

All meals while on the ship included.Typical mealsThe ship’s galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale.Breakfast: Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.Lunch: Three-course set meal or the occasional buffet or barbecue.Dinner: Three courses with a starter of soup, salad or anti-pasto, a choice of three mains with at least one vegetarian and one seafood option and a dessert of sweet pudding or ice cream or fruit, tea and coffee.Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.

Guide

The Exodus group forms part of the ship’s complement, enjoying the relaxed, intimate and informal atmosphere, which breaks into smaller groups to facilitate the frequent excursions. We offer these cruises in conjunction with our partner, Quark Expeditions, and Exodus participants will join an international group, not all of whom have booked through Exodus. Occasionally some of these may be younger than 12 years old, the Exodus’ stated minimum age for this trip. We work with many fine Expedition Leaders and Polar Experts, bringing a diversity of interests including zoology, Polar history, geology, ornithology and ocean sciences. The ship’s operating crew have many years of experience in Polar Regions and are committed to ensuring a safe and memorable journey. Each day your cabin will be serviced by the housekeeping crew, and your meals served by the friendly and attentive restaurant staff. There is also a resident medical officer.

Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff

Good to know

Currency

ISK

Iceland Krona

Iceland

Customer reviews

Operator

4.4

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?

You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.

Which payment options are available?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.

Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.

Iceland to Greenland: Mountains, Glaciers and the Westfjords

Tour type:

Itinerary