Classic Travel

8 Day - Greenland & Iceland: A Nordic-Inspired Voyage Tour

Dramatic landscapes, dynamic cultures & epic travels await

Package Details

Overview

From AU$6,709 pp*

Tour Provider: Collette
Region:
Duration: 8 Days


Itinerary

Day 1 / Reykjavík, Iceland - Tour Begins

Your Nordic tour opens in Reykjavík. Step into Icelandic culture and explore the historic side of this capital city during a guided walking tour. As we make our way through the old section of the city, see the towering Hallgrimskirkja Church, City Hall and the Harpa Concert Hall, with its famous glass façade. Continue on to the Blue Lagoon, located on the rugged lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Enjoy time at leisure to take a dip in the pleasantly warm, mineral-rich waters of the geothermal pool. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a delectable Icelandic dinner at a distinctive local restaurant. Accommodation: Centerhotel Midgardur Meals: Dinner

Day 2 / Reykjavík - Golden Circle - Kangerlussuaq, Greenland - Board Ship

Travel the Golden Circle. This spectacular route takes you to many of Iceland's most renowned natural wonders. Begin at Thingvellir National Park, where Icelanders gathered in A.D. 930 and established one of the world’s first parliaments. Here, at Thingvellir’s Rift Valley, stand at the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the point where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Next, lose yourself in the beauty of the Gullfoss Waterfall. Stop at the famous thermal area of Geysir and see the fountain geyser known as Strokkur. Then visit Friðheimar, a family-run greenhouse cultivation center. Learn how the Icelanders grow delicious vegetables with the aid of the island’s geothermal energy; you’ll also learn about their family tradition of breeding Icelandic horses. This evening, board your flight* to Greenland and board the MV Ocean Atlantic. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner as your ship glides through the frosted blue waters of the Kangerlussuaq Fjord. Accommodation: MV Ocean Atlantic Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3 / Sisimiut

Today you’ll be introduced to the vibrant town of Sisimiut, where humble wooden homes in a rainbow of hues cling to the craggy terrain. With 5,400 inhabitants, Sisimiut is considered Greenland’s second-largest "city" and an epicenter for education and industry. On a walking tour, discover the historic Colonial Quarter, Sisimiut Museum, the iconic Blue Church and the bustling city center. This afternoon, you’ll return to your ship and continue north of the Arctic Circle into the southern waters of Disko Bay. Accommodation: MV Ocean Atlantic Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 / Qeqertarsuaq, Disko Island - Eqip Sermia Glacier

Drop anchor in Qeqertarsuaq, Disko Island (or “The Large Island”). Nestled in Disko Bay, the island’s landscape is a delightful combination of steep basalt mountains, verdant swathes of greenery, and glittering glaciers. You’ll have time to wander through town, pausing to admire the intriguing Lutheran octagonal church, nicknamed “God’s Inkpot.” Stop at a local community center where you’ll attend a Greenlandic kaffemik, a traditional celebratory gathering complete with coffee, cake, dancing and music. As the day draws to a close, head back to the ship and venture on to see a magnificent natural highlight – the enormous Eqip Sermia Glacier.** Situated 50 nautical miles north of Ilulissat, the Eqip Sermia Glacier is one of the most active glaciers in Greenland and renowned for its jaw-dropping beauty. Your ship will sail close to the glacier’s face in order to safely discover its brilliant shades of white and blue. Accommodation: MV Ocean Atlantic Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 / Ilulissat

Today you cruise to the town of Ilulissat – the “Iceberg capital.” In the bay, discover massive icebergs floating along the waters – a result of the natural marvel, the Ilulissat Icefjord (UNESCO). The icebergs produced by this glacier represent more than 10% of all icebergs in Greenland. With free time to explore, you may spend the day discovering Ilulissat’s array of cultural attractions, or enjoy a leisurely hike to take in incredible views of the surrounding nature. You may also choose to embark on an optional boat trip to the Icefjord to get an up-close view of this ice-carved marvel, or perhaps take an optional helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view of the stunning glacier from high in the sky. Accommodation: MV Ocean Atlantic Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 / Itilleq - Kangerlussuaq

Leave the resplendent Disko Bay behind for the remote settlement of Itilleq. Approximately 100 people live here, making their living off of fishing, trapping and hunting. Take a stroll through this charming hamlet and learn how locals have worked to preserve their unique traditions and Inuit heritage. Board your ship again and make your way to Kangerlussuaq. Along the way, be dazzled by panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys and raw tundra. Accommodation: MV Ocean Atlantic Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 / Kangerlussuaq - Disembark Ship - Reykjavík, Iceland

Disembark your ship and be shuttled to shore by Zodiac. Head off by 4WD tundra coach to Reindeer Glacier.*** View the colossal walls of ice as your guide talks about the history and folklore of the area. Back in Kangerlussuaq, enjoy time to explore the natural beauty that surrounds you and the rich landscape that has been shaped by glaciers. This evening, bid farewell to Greenland and return to Iceland via charter. Accommodation: Centerhotel Midgardur Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 / Reykjavík - Tour Ends

This morning, head home reflecting on the magical natural wonders of two breathtaking Nordic countries. Meals: Breakfast


Description

Cruise through fjords aboard the MV Ocean Atlantic and amble across geological wonders to discover two enchanting Nordic countries - Greenland and Iceland. Encounter vibrantly colored homes sprinkled throughout rugged terrain in Sisimiut. Make your way through the Arctic Circle and encounter magical Disko Bay. See the Eqip Sermia Glacier, Greenland’s most active and arguably most breathtaking glacier. In Iceland, travel along the Golden Circle - a spectacular route that takes you to many of Iceland's renowned natural wonders. Discover the capital city of Reykjavík on a guided walking tour. Relax in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. Witness the Icelandic farm-to-table culinary culture. Dramatic landscapes, dynamic cultures and epic travels await.


Your Guided Holiday Includes:

  • 7 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels
  • 17 meals - 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 6 dinners
  • Select sightseeing + more

Price is based on 8 August - 18 August 2020 departures

At a glance:

Discover the unique traditions of Greenland’s native Iniut during a visit to a remote fishing village. Partake in a traditional Greenlandic kaffemik social gathering.

Blue Lagoon

In 1976, a geothermal spa was formed during operations at the nearby geothermal power plant. Soon after, people began to bathe in the unique water and apply silica mud to their skin. Blue Lagoon opened its facilities in 1987. Following the opening was the opening of a special clinic for psoriasis patients. Blue Lagoon even started producing its own skin care products. Today, the Blue Lagoon is recognized as one of the wonders of the world.

Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is the most popular tourist route from Reykjavík in South Iceland. Two main stops on the route are the national park Thingvellir and the waterfall Gullfoss (Golden Falls). The route covers about 300 kilometers looping from Reykjavík into central Iceland and back.

Gullfoss Waterfall

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland is Gullfoss, an incredible waterfall located in the canyon of Hvita river in southwest Iceland. As one first approaches the falls, the crevice is obscured from view, so that it appears that a mighty river magically vanishes into the earth. The falls offer a spectacular view of the forces and beauty of the untouched nature in Iceland. On a sunny day, a rainbow can be seen over the falls. In 1907, Gullfoss was owned by a local farmer, who was approached by an Englishman who wanted to buy it to produce electricity. Although the farmer declined the Englishman’s generous offer, he leased it to him. After the farmer’s passing, his daughter went to great lengths to save Gullfoss to stop construction that would damage it. She is often called Iceland’s first environmentalist. In 1979, Gullfoss was designated as a nature preserve and permanently protected for the public to enjoy.

5-Night Greenland Cruise

Board the MV Ocean Atlantic ship in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, and cruise on to remote villages, the Eqip Sermia Glacier, the “Iceberg Capital” of Ilulissat, and the remote settlement of Itilleq.

Disko Bay

Drop anchor in Disko Bay, the frosted blue waters surrounded by a landscape that is a delightful combination of steep basalt mountains, verdant swathes of greenery and glittering glaciers.

Traditional Kaffemik Social Gathering

Stop at a local community center where you’ll attend a Greenlandic kaffemik, a traditional celebratory gathering complete with coffee, cake, dancing and music.

Eqip Sermia Glacier

Venture on to see the enormous Eqip Sermia Glacier. Situated 50 nautical miles north of Ilulissat, it is one of the most active glaciers in Greenland and renowned for its jaw-dropping beauty.

Ilulissate Icefjord

Discover massive icebergs floating along the subzero waters – a result of the Ilulissat Icefjord (UNESCO). The icebergs produced by this glacier represent more than 10% of all icebergs in Greenland.

Terms & Conditions

Conditions apply. Subject to availability and change without notice. Full supplier conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at the time of publication. Prices are per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated and displayed in AU$. Member savings are calculated using the original advertised price.

Enquire Now

1300 765 305 (AUST) 0800 956 363 (NZ)

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