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Home » destinations » Arctic Ocean » Greenland & the Northwest Passage » HX Expeditions Grand Greenland – The Icy Giants of Disko Bay
*Flight inclusive option available
13-day itinerary
Day 1: Starting in 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 your early flight to Nuuk.
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: Sea day
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 5-6: 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 knows 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 7-9: Stunning ice sculptures of Disko Bay
Disko Bay is like nothing you have ever imagined. The deep blue waters are studded with a variety of icebergs in different shapes and sizes, with some of them weighing up to a staggering seven million tonnes. The ice fjord in the area also pumps out more water in the form of glacial ice in a day than New York city uses in a year.
This vast wilderness offers a seemingly endless amount of opportunities for exploration in the region. Over the coming days, the team will aim to show you the wonders of the bay, including Vaigat Sound, Disko Island, as well as the eastern fjords. As Mother Nature remains in charge in these parts, any plans the team will have may need to adapt or change to suit the harsh conditions.
Be prepared to take part in nature landings in the expedition boats, navigating between ice floes and icebergs, whale spotting from the ship’s deck and more intriguing lectures delivered by the Expedition Team. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled when on landings for a sight of a reindeer herd, an elusive Arctic fox, and the powerful gyrfalcon.
Day 10-11: West Greenland’s landscapes and communities
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.
Day 12: 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 13: Ending 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.
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Expedition Cruise
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Landing Activities
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What’s not included
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