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.

This afternoon, board your vessel in Reykjavik and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead on your technologically advanced ship – the Ultramarine, which is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters and a fleet of 20 quick-launching Zodiacs to deliver unique off-ship experiences in South Greenland. Settle in and make yourself at home!

As you cruise north across the Denmark Strait, soak up the views of Greenland in the distance. Your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures ahead while you’re at sea. Learn about the storied history of the Arctic, the fascinating wildlife, geology, glaciology, ecology and climate, as well as the incredible sights you’ll soon explore. The team will also help you search for seabirds soaring around the ship, as you look out for the whales that frequent the surrounding waters.

As you arrive in Greenland, the first natural features you’ll see will be the towering steep-walled fjords and hanging glaciers. This area is great for wildlife sightings, including the possibility of polar bears and humpback whales. Your activities over the next two days will include heli-landings, hiking, paddle excursions, Zodiac cruises and shore landings in this remote, ice-laden landscape of glaciers and alpine landscapes. Set out for the wild fjords of the uninhabited east coast – including Lindenow Fjord, also known by its Greenlandic name, Kangerlussuaq. Thousands of years ago, groups of PaleoInuit hunters and fishermen made their home in these isolated fjords, living off the land and surviving mostly on the resources provided by the sea. Traces of these early inhabitants can be found today against the backdrop of glaciers and mountains.

Over the next couple of days, you’ll head south along the spectacular west coast of Greenland on the way to the Westlands. Following in the footsteps of the Greenlandic Norse into the Western fjords, it’s easy to appreciate why Erik the Red chose this land as his home and gave Greenland its name – every direction has vistas of blue, ice-strewn waters against a backdrop of lush valleys and pastures bursting with blooms. Unique to Greenland and the Arctic, warm microclimates deep in the fjords have created a surprisingly fertile Arctic Garden of Eden. South Greenlandic farming traditions dating back to Viking days are still alive and many families work their remote sheep farms along the shores of the fjords.

Visit Aappilattoq on the shores of Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq) and listen to the stories of locals, hear their music, taste their food, learn about their hunting traditions and perhaps join a game of soccer.

As your Arctic adventure winds down, you can take in a polar presentation by your onboard experts, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie. This is a great opportunity to ask members of Expedition Team any remaining questions you have about your voyage.

When you arrive back in Iceland’s Reykjavik, you’ll disembark, marking the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, you’ll be transferred to a central downtown location. If you need help extending your booking, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.