Welcome to Iceland! When you arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, make your way to your hotel for a free afternoon and evening. You can arrive at any time, as you have the full day at leisure to settle in and explore the city at your own pace.

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a free morning in Reykjavik before your transfer to the ship this afternoon. When you arrive at the port, you’ll embark and be introduced to your Expedition Team. Then, set sail for the Westfjords.

Often referred to as ‘Iceland’s best-kept secret,’ the seldom-visited Westfjords is where the land meets the sea. This rugged peninsula at the country’s remote northwestern tip is rife with fjords, and mountains and today you’ll explore the cliffs, waterfalls, beaches and rolling hills of the area, looking out for the Icelandic sheep or pony grazing in the distance. See the small fishing communities along the fjords and shores of the Denmark Strait and visit Vigur – a private island where you can learn about Icelandic culture from as early as the 11th century. When you arrive by Zodiac, you’ll be welcomed by the people who own the island. One of the co-owners is polar explorer Felicity Aston – the first woman to ski solo across Antarctica. You’ll learn about the Icelandic tradition of eiderdown harvesting and the wide array of Arctic birdlife and seals that are found in Vigur. It’s estimated that the island is home to over 7000 breeding ducks, 100,000 puffins, Europe’s largest colony of black Guillemot and huge flocks of Arctic terns. You’ll also taste local food and visit the island café. Today’s adventure options include Zodiac cruising, sea kayaking, paddle excursions and a guided shore hike. Right across the bay is Mongufoss – one of Iceland’s most remote and beautiful waterfalls, which you’ll visit by ship after your onboard lunch.

Over the next few days, expect glaciers, steep mountains and breathtaking fjords. Transiting the 100-km long Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq), one of the world’s most scenic fjords, will reveal incredible views of dramatic mountain and seascapes with glaciers tumbling down to the sea. This is where the migrating hunting people from the east eventually settled around the European trading posts. The handful of villages in this region are renowned for their inhabitants’ strong commitment to traditional hunting and fishing. Visit Aappilattoq on the shores of Ikerasassuaq and listen to the locals’ stories, hear their music, taste local food, learn about the fishing and hunting heritage and perhaps even join a friendly game of soccer.

As your ship makes its way up the coast from South Greenland, set your sights on the endless natural wonders and small communities along the rugged west coast of Greenland. Use this time to attend one of the expert-led polar presentations to learn more about this region of Greenland.

Head north and embark on daily Zodiac excursions to explore local bays, channels and select landing sites of West Greenland. Maybe visit Nuuk, the Greenlandic capital, and wander the streets of the Old Nuuk neighbourhood to see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede statue, both named after the 18th-century missionary who founded the settlement. History buffs will make haste to the national museum to view the famous Greenlandic mummies, which were found under a rock outcrop in 1972. The remarkably preserved mummies of six women and two children date back to the 15th century.

Today you’ll explore 50 km above the Arctic Circle in Kangerlussuaq (The Long Fjord). At the end of this 180-km 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 natural beauty and for being the home of the largest airport in Greenland.

After breakfast, transfer independently to the Keflavik International Airport for your onward journey home. If you’d like to extend your time here, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.