Hurtigruten Iceland, Greenland and the Viking Heritage

• Experience true wilderness and amazing birdlife on Iceland
• Explore some of the most spectacular and unspoilt scenery on earth on Greenland
• Visit historical sites from the Viking era
• Discover the heart of Greenland – villages, islands and spectacular fjords.

• Hurtigruten Expedition in cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
• Transfer ship to airport in Kangerlussuaq
• Excursion towards Icecap including dinner after the voyage
• Economy flight Kangerlussuaq to Copenhagen
• Wind- and water-resistant jacket
• Landings with small boats and activities on board and ashore
• Professional English-speaking Expedition team that gives lectures as well as accompany landings and activities
• Free tea and coffee

Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city. Norwegian settlers named the place Reykjavik (meaning ‘Smoky Bay’) after the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area and made a profound impression.

Day 2: Heimaey, Iceland

Heimaey, or “Home Island” welcomes us for our first landing.  The harbor has a very narrow entrance, caused by a volcanic eruption in 1973.  As the lava flow threatened to completely close the haven, the ingenious islanders pumped thousands of litres of sea water to cool and slow the progress of the molten rocks.

Day 3: At Sea

We leave Iceland behind and sail across the Denmark Strait to reach Greenland. The Denmark Strait connects the Greenland Sea to the Erminger Sea. This crossing was used by the Vikings to migrate from Iceland to South Greenland some 1,000 years ago.

Day 4: Umivik, Southeast Greenland

History and scenery combine to make today special!  Umivik bay is fringed by many glaciers which calve their icebergs into the sea.  On the northern shore of the bay are two abandoned settlements: little remains today.

Day 5: Skjoldungen, Greenland

Skjoldungen Island has been carved from Greenland by mighty glaciers, which we can see as we enjoy a cruise through the deep fjords.  Stare up at the steep rock cliffs, rising to the magnificent peak of Azimuthbjerg over 1,700 metres high at the north west point of the island.

Day 6: Exploration Day

Our Captain and Expedition leader will be on the lookout for opportunities today: nature will dictate our activity programme.  It may be possible to land at Igdlukulik in Lindenow fjord or take a cruise among the icebergs.

Day 7: Prince Christian Sound, Greenland

Prince Christian Sound, located nearly at the tip of the huge island, separates mainland Greenland with Sangmissoq and other islands of the Cape Farewell Archipelago. We sail through this narrow channel and enjoy the spectacular scenery here.

Day 8: Uunartoq, Greenland

Come ashore on the uninhabited island of Uunartoq. This small island is blessed with natural hot springs warm enough to bathe in. Scattered around the island are a number of pools fed by hot springs bubbling up from the ground below, keeping the water temperature a balmy 34-38 degrees, even during the freezing winter.

Day 9: Qassiarsuk, Greenland

In Qassiarsuk you will find green fields dotted with white sheep, lush vegetation and busy farmsteads; all this forms a colourful contrast to the icescapes at sea. Join a guided walk through the settlement, where you will learn more about the history of the region.

Day 10: Igaliku and Hvalsey, Greenland

Igaliku is one of the most beautiful villages in Greenland. This is the oldest sheep farming settlement on the island, and on arrival you will see tall mountains with peaks covered by snow during summer, lush valleys with flowers and, of course, sheep.

Day 11: Ivittuut, Greenland

The abandoned mining town of Ivittuut is a stronghold for musk oxen. The settlement was built on top of the so-called Norse Middle settlement. More than a thousand years ago, Vikings settled the area with about twenty farms.

Day 12: Nuuk, Greenland

Nuuk is the oldest town in Greenland and is situated at the mouth of one of the largest and most spectacular fjord systems in the world. Today this is where old and new traditions meet, from picturesque historic buildings in “Kolonihaven” to the centre for  Greenland Home Rule.

Day 13: Kapisillit, Greenland

Kapisillit, which means Salmon in Greenlandic, is a small settlement of just under 100 people at the head of the Nuuk fjord.  The real attraction today is the cruise journey along the fjord to reach and leave Kapisillit.

Day 14: Maniitsoq, Greenland

Since Maniitsoq is situated in an archipelago, intersected by small natural canals, the locals have dubbed the town the “Venice of Greenland”. Still, situated between the rugged peaks of the Eternity Fjord and huge glaciers, this is where all comparisons to Venice ends.

Day 15: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

As we reach Kangerlussuaq, your expedition with MS Roald Amundsen has come to an end. After disembarkation you will join a final excursion towards the Greenland Ice Sheet.

Day 16: Copenhagen, Denmark

You arrive in the Danish capital early in the morning and may even have the time to explore Copenhagen” before you head home.

In 2019, Hurtigruten will add a brand new ship to its fleet: the MS Roald Amundsen. The state of the art vessel features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption and show the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible.

Packed with state of the art technology and high tech gadgets such as touch screens and science equipment, the immersive edutainment area will be the place guests and staff/crew meet, mingle and create a deeper understanding for the areas they explore. The flexible venue will feature lecture spaces, a small library, and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology, and more.

All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor Jacuzzis with spectacular views.

This voyage is departing on the following dates:

• 6th August 2019

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote. Prices shown are based on a lead-in cabin.