Hurtigruten Expeditions Grand Greenland - Mythical Lands of the North

17-day itinerary

Day 1: Discover Iceland’s modern capital city, Reykjavik

Located in southwestern Iceland, Reykjavik will be the first destination on your captivating expedition cruise.  A city which boasts a rich variety of cultural, historical, and artistic context, Reykjavik is a place worth immersing yourself in.

Take a scenic walk along Laugavegur wits its charming boutiques and outdoor shops, or drop in at the fascinating Reykjavik Art Museum – before you travel to Nuuk on the second expedition day.

Depending on how much time you have, there are pre-programme packages available to travellers who wish to experience the highlights of Reykjavik in greater depth.

Day 2: Embarking in Nuuk

Despite its population of less than 20,000 residents, Greenland’s vibrant capital is an enticing mix of old and modern buildings. If you’re a fan of the former, take a leisurely stroll down to the old part of town, where you’ll be able to see the picturesque Nuuk Cathedral, as well as the statue of Hans Egede standing on a hill.

Gain an insight into life here from 500 years ago in the National Museum, whilst taking advantage of the many shopping opportunities and the variation of cafes and restaurants you can drop in to. From here, you will be boarding the MS Fridtjof Nansen ahead of your expedition cruise, brimming with excitement as your unforgettable adventure awaits.

Day 3: Sailing towards Disko Bay

As the cruise journey’s on towards the Arctic Circle, the onboard Expedition Team will take you through the AECO regulations to ensure that operations and landings are carried out safely and respectfully in the fragile Arctic environment. Make sure you set aside time to attend these meetings if you wish to join the planned landings ahead.

Just as importantly, take time to familiarise yourself with the ship’s layout and take advantage of the excellent facilities, including sumptuous restaurants, an onboard gym, and sauna and pool areas.

As you pass through the Arctic Circle, experience the surreal beauty of the midnight sun as the real expedition commences.

Day 4: UNESCO recognised Ilulissat Icefjord

A modern-day utopia for a wide variety of wildlife, Disko Bay will be the next stop on your adventure. With the waters scattered by icebergs in many shapes and sizes after coming from the Ilulissat Icefjord, this outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see destination on this cruise. Immerse yourself in the scenery as you walk along the wooden gangway towards the eye-catching icefjord.

Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to capture stunning images of the pristine landscape, while marvelling at the giant icebergs floating in the serene blue waters. Once back in Ilulissat, visit the icefjord Centre to learn more about the history of the ice is in this otherworldly area, whilst also taking a hike to Sermermiut to revel in some more of the fascinating views.

Day 5: Exploring Uummannaq Fjord

Beyond the Nuussuaq peninsula, distances start to mean everything, because it’s here that Greenland’s ‘Far North’ begins. It’s the perfect place for your expedition as weather and ice conditions are firmly in charge. Your experienced Captain and Expedition Team will lean on their wealth of knowledge to monitor the surroundings to ensure that all waters are navigated safely and any landings are carried out in suitable conditions.

The first settlers in the area came down the coast more than 4,000 years ago, with the land’s sheer beauty and the surprising productivity of the landscape attracting people ever since the arrival of the first settlers. The incredible skills and abilities of the Arctic people to thrive in such a challenging environment are still clear to see in the intriguing archaeological sites remaining in the area.

As part of the expedition, possible activities include calls into some of the local communities such as Uummannaq – a scenic island with a heart-shaped mountain, also known as Ukkusissat. You may visit archaeological sites, take part in nature landings, or with weather permitting, make ice-cruising attempts in the inner fjords with the ship’s small expedition boats.

Day 6: Sea day

The sixth day will be a time for relaxation and tranquillity as the expedition crosses the Melville Bay. Referred to by the locals as Qimusseriarsuaq, meaning ’The Great Dog Sledding Place‘, this is a huge bay which borders the icy coast of Lauge Koch, where the ice caps meet the sea. During the mid-19^th century, the bay was renamed after Robert Dundas, 2^nd Viscount of Melville by British explorers, with the expedition aiming to sail 70 degrees north of this region.

Take advantage of MS Fridtjof Nansen’s outstanding facilities to relax and de-stress before the next leg in your journey. Learn more about the Arctic with the ongoing series of lectures held by the Expedition Team on topics such as nature, geology and mythology, or join in with wildlife watches out on deck.

Day 7-11: Discovering the Thule region

Referred to by the Greek explorer, Pytheas, in the 4^th Century BC as ‘Ultima Thule’ to describe the mythical land in the far north, the Thule region represents life at the edge of the world. With the extremely challenging climatic conditions creating a tough living environment for the inhabitants all year round, experience a true expedition in one of planet Earth’s harshest and remote areas.

Being the first region in Greenland to be colonised around 4,500 years ago by the Inuit forerunners, Arctic archaeologists are still perplexed as to how the colonisers were able to survive such difficult circumstances. The abundance of bird and animal life provides a resistance against the icy backdrop, while Greenland’s traditional hunting culture has survived well over the course of history. The outstanding knowledge and expertise of the locals to continually navigate the conditions efficiently has led to them being highly sought after to work on European and American expeditions, working as either guides or saviours. Due to its geographical location, the region has been a natural starting point for many expeditions towards the North Pole.

As the weather conditions are so extreme at times, the Captain and Expedition Team will be continually adapting the programme to suit the surroundings. The main aims of the expedition will be to visit unique local communities, make landings with small expedition boats, and sail through the misanthropic icy channels. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for some of the so-called giants of the Arctic, including walruses, whales, orcas and even the elusive polar bear.

Day 12-13: Sailing south

After completing the wondrous adventures in the north, the cruise expedition will then be sailing south between day twelve and thirteen. Spend this time broadening your knowledge of the Arctic by attending one of the fascinating lectures held by the onboard Expedition Team, or visit the Science Centre to check out some of the Citizen Science on offer for you to contribute towards.

Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely day making the most of the hot-tub and sauna facilities on the MS Fridtjof Nansen as you sail serenely past the iceberg-studded waters. The onboard team will also be on hand to carry out wildlife watches so that you can witness more of the Artic ecosystem, with the Explorer Lounge and Bar being open to travellers who wish to catch up with their fellow travellers over a refreshing drink.

Day 14-15: Landscapes and communities of Western Greenland

A land of stark contrasts, the Central West Coast of Greenland is home to some of the longest fjords in the country and a scattering of charming settlements. Due to the vastness of the land in comparison to the sparsely populated region, the sense remoteness and tranquillity is just a part of everyday life.

During your journey south, you’ll be visiting traditional local communities including Sisimiut, which lies 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The modernised town is built around reminders of the very ancient remains which are more than 4,000 years old. Be sure to visit the local museum to learn more about Saqqaq culture, and also do a spot of souvenir shopping. Pick up a scarf, hat or mittens made from qiviut, which is said to be 10 times warmer than sheep wool.

The expedition will also be visiting other traditional communities, depending on suitable weather conditions. Potential calls include Qeqertarsuaq, the main settlement on Disko Island, and Itilleq, a small fishing and hunting village on a tiny island just over a mile north of the Arctic Circle. Whether you are participating in hikes on land, meeting with the friendly Greenlanders, or scanning for the intriguing Arctic wildlife, all these experiences will culminate in unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Day 16: Expedition concludes in Nuuk

The voyage of discovery will sadly conclude in Nuuk, saying a fond farewell to the ship, crew and Expedition Team. Despite its population of less than 20,000 residents, the vibrant capital is positively bustling compared to the other settlements and villages you have visited on this trip.

From here, you will be boarding a flight back to Reykjavik, taking with you a wealth of excellent experiences and memories you will likely never forget.

Day 17: Back in Reykjavik

Your Greenland expedition cruise ends back in the fascinating city of Reykjavik. Miss any sights when you first arrived? This is the best opportunity to experience more of what the city has to offer.

Immerse yourself in more of the Icelandic culture by visiting a geothermal pool or a ‘heittur pottur’, translating to a ‘hot-pot’. Still feel as though you haven’t quenched your desire to fully experience Iceland’s natural beauty? If so, be sure to visit the ‘Blue Lagoon’, often regarded as one of the true natural wonders of the world with the blend of silica, algae and minerals in its geothermal waters.

Guests will also have the option to join one of the post-programme packages to explore more of the joys of Iceland.

Hotel

• Overnight in Reykjavík before and after the expedition cruise, including breakfast

Flights

• Flights in economy class between Reykjavík and Nuuk

Transfers

• Transfers between the hotel and airport in Reykjavík before and after the flight to Nuuk
• Transfers between the airport and the ship in Nuuk

Expedition Cruise

• A stay in a cabin of your choice
• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
• All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
• Meals and take-away available throughout the day during Fredheim restaurant opening hours
• Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
• A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
• A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit
• Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
• Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
• Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more
• Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
• Range of included activities

Onboard Activities

• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Full access to the ship’s Science Centre
• Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
• Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
• Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

Landing Activities

• Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

Notes

• All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
• Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)

What’s not included

• International flights
• Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
• Travel insurance
• Luggage handling
• Optional shore excursions with our local partners
• Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
• Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area

Until the 11th November 2024, HX Hurtigruten are offering a flight inclusive alternative to the expedition.

This will include

• Economy flights between the UK and Reykjavik

The itinerary remains the same

For applicable dates, please enquire

MS Fridtjof Nansen