Greenland Encompassed

Arrive in Iceland's vibrant capital and make your own way to the Reykjavik Harbour to board the MV Ocean Albatros. After a mandatory safety briefing and lifeboat drill, the ship will set sail from Reykjavík, heading towards the wild east coast of Greenland.

Today we cross the Denmark Strait from Iceland to Greenland. Days at sea are never dull. There's a variety of activities onboard to enjoy and engage the mind, body and soul. Join lectures led by the expedition team in the theatre, unwind with a massage in the Albatros Polar Spa, or watch seabirds gliding alongside the ship as you relax in the hot tub.

Our first port of call in Greenland is Tasiilaq, East Greenland's largest settlement. Unlike the west coast, which had European contact since the 1700s, East Greenland remained isolated until 1894 when a Danish trading post was established. The vast Arctic distances kept the Tunumiit people here distinct, with different language, traditions, and culture. Tasiilaq, is nestled in a natural harbour on Ammassalik Island, and offers a rugged landscape, fewer people, and numerous sled dogs.

There's plenty to do in Tasiilaq. Scenic hiking routes such as the Flower Valley are easily accessible from town. Those wishing to delve into Tunumiit culture can visit the museum in the old church or perhaps watch a drum dancer in traditional East Greenlandic costume perform a millennia-old spiritual tradition. The Stunk Artist's Workshop is the ideal place for some retail therapy, where skilled craftsmen create beautiful pieces from natural local materials. Otherwise, hike up the hill towards the hotel to enjoy some of the best views anywhere in the country.

This morning we sail slightly eastwards towards Ikateq, a spectacular fjord with a rich history. During the Second World War American forces established an airbase here, which they then abandoned in 1947, leaving almost everything behind. Over 75 years later however, almost everything remains as it was on the day the Americans left. Ikateq is a truly unique place, a time warp to the Second World War: eerie, fascinating and surrounded by staggering natural beauty.

We spend the afternoon in the small village of Kuummiut, in the breathtaking Ammassalik Fjord. This isolated village is the perfect place to experience life in an East Icelandic settlement. Instead of traffic, Kuummiut has yowling of sled dogs. It is a perfect place to simply sit, watch the icebergs pass, and perhaps see the whales which often frolic in the calm waters offshore.

Today we cruise to the Sermilik Fjord with its vast awe-inspiring icebergs which mostly originate at the vast Helheim Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in Greenland. This is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the region! The volume of ice will dictate our precise activities in Sermilik Fjord, although options include coming ashore to marvel at the spectacular scenery or marvelling at the natural ice sculptures of the area on a Zodiac cruise through the icebergs.

Beginning today's adventure, we sail into the breathtaking Skjoldungen, a stunning fjord on Greenland's southeastern coast. Named after Skjold, an ancient Danish King of Norse legend, the many archaeological finds on the island that sits in the fjord suggest past visits by nomadic Inuit groups. Settlers from Tasiilaq briefly inhabited the island in the 1930s, the the remains of houses on the southern side.

Now uninhabited, the fjord boasts saw-toothed mountains with opalescent glaciers, and the chilly waters can even freeze in the summer. At the fjord's head lies the spectacular Thryms Glacier, a majestic river of ice flowing from the ice sheet. On the southern side, Dronning Maries Dal is a picturesque U-shaped glacial valley. Here we join the expedition team for a walk in the flower-lined valley and marvel at the stunning scenery.

Today we head further south of Skjoldungen to Cape Farewell, not only Greenland's southernmost point but also renowned for its notoriously challenging weather. Opting for a more comfortable and spectacular route, we cruise through the inside passage of Prince Christian Sound to reach West Greenland. This 60 km waterway stretches from the east coast to Aappilattoq in West Greenland.

Prince Christian Sound ranks among Earth's most spectacular waterways, free of ice year-round due to strong tidal currents. Towering mountains, some exceeding 2,000m, flank the strait on both sides. Glaciers from the ice sheet flow into the sea on the northern side, while sapphire blue mountain glaciers and vast icebergs dot the glassy waters from the southern side.

In the afternoon we visit Aappilattoq, a small village nestled beneath towering mountains at the end of Prins Christians Sound. Life here unfolds at a slower pace, in harmony with the wind, waves, and tides. Aappilattoq offers excellent hiking opportunities, and its local choir is renowned throughout Greenland.

In the early morning, we cruise below the majestic mountains of Tunulliarfik Fjord towards the small beach of Itilleq. Coming ashore we follow a farm trail to the village of Igaliku. Here we trek through the lush green hills to see the remains of the Norse Bishop's palace at Gardar - once a place of great power and influence in this remote corner of the Norse world.

During the afternoon we cruise around to the other side of the fjord to visit the sheep farming village of Qassiarsuk. Founded in 1924, Qassiarsuk has a rich history dating back a thousand years, with legendary Norse explorer EriK the Red settling here after being banished from Iceland. Here we will visit the ancient remains of Brattahlid, Erik the Red's former farmstead.

From South Greenland, we trace the rugged coastline of this expansive island northwards. In Greenland, all settlements (except Kangerlussuaq) are situated directly along the ocean coast. The majority of the population, approximately 50,000 residents, resides on the narrow west coast facing the Davis Strait.

As ocean currents bring warm water from the Atlantic to the west coast, these waters teem with wildlife. Throughout our day at sea stay vigilant! Whales, seals, and a diverse array of seabirds are found in these nutrient-rich waters.

Nuuk, Greenland's vibrant capital, blends skyscrapers with traditional wooden houses, offering a mix of the quaint and the cosmopolitan. Despite its 19,000 inhabitants, Nuuk feels larger, rich in contrasts and experiences. Inhabited since 2200 B.C., the calm fjords bear witness to Paleo-Inuit cultures, Norse colonists, and later, the Inuit. Nuuk's bustling cosmopolitan vibe, larger than any other Greenlandic city, hosts top attractions.

Explore the Kolonihavn district with the Greenlandic National Museum, showcasing history from the Paleo-Inuit to Norse periods. Immerse yourself in Greenlandic culture at Katuaq, the city's cultural centre. Shop for authentic Greenlandic artworks in boutique shops or relax at a curbside café with a Greenlandic coffee, soaking in the vibrant city atmosphere. Known as Nuuk York, this city stands apart, offering a unique Greenlandic experience.

On our expedition's final full day, we reach the charming village of Kangaamiut in Greenland's central Qeqqata region. Nestled amid cold rich waters and a vast hinterland teeming with game, life in Kangaamiut embraces a slower pace, rooted in traditional hunting and fishing. We can hike to the heliport for panoramic views or engage with locals, experiencing traditional clothing, foods, and seal-flensing. Kangaamiut's renowned artists showcase their splendid work in the town's small museum.

In the afternoon, we sail inland into Evighedsfjorden/Kangerlussuatsiaq, aptly named 'The Eternity Fjord' in Danish and 'The Rather Large Fjord' in Greenlandic. Stretching around 100km into glacier-clad mountains, it bisects the ice cap between Nuuk and Sisimiut. We will try to use the Zodiacs to explore in front of the Evigheds Glacier, witnessing calvings and observing guillemots and kittiwakes on the nearby bird cliffs.

Overnight, we navigate the 160-kilometer/100-mile Kangerlussuaq Fjord. After breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to the ship's crew, Expedition Team, and fellow travellers. We then shuttle ashore by Zodiac.

Kangerlussuaq, with its military history and role as a key air travel hub, stands somewhat isolated from Greenland's cultural traditions. While cultural experiences are still available, the true highlight lies in the surrounding nature, inviting exploration. Constructed by the American military in the 1950s, Kangerlussuaq retains a Cold War atmosphere. As our Arctic adventure concludes, we arrive at the sleek modern airport terminal, each of us carrying memories to last a lifetime.

Included flight to Keflavik or Copenhagen via Keflavik. Arrangements end upon arrival.