Greenland

Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel before gathering with fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner this evening.

Today, embark on a tour of Reykjavík's famous Golden Circle with stops at Thingvellir National Park, where Iceland's first parliament convened and the Eurasia and North American tectonic plates meet. We also visit Gullfoss waterfall and explore Iceland's renowned geothermal fields and geysers. In the late afternoon, return to Reykjavík to board the Sylvia Earle.

As we navigate the Greenland Sea, our voyage takes us through the nutrient-rich waters of the Polar Basin, where we keep a lookout for advancing pack ice, as well as fin whales and seabirds. Throughout the journey, our team of experts provide informative talks on sea ice, glaciers, and Arctic flora and fauna, as well as share fascinating stories of early explorers like Nansen, André, and Scoresby.

Kangertittivatsiaq Fjord boasts stunning mountain peaks and breathtaking scenery. Newly explored by Aurora Expeditions in 2022, this 16-mile fjord is adorned with glaciers, including the impressive Glacier of France. It offers excellent opportunities for ship cruises, Zodiac excursions, and enriching discovery hikes.

Heading south along Greenland's King Frederik VI Coast, we keep an eye out for whales, especially the rare sperm whales known to frequent this area. We then navigate the intricate channels of Skjoldungen Fjord. Disembark to walk alongside a glacial river through a tundra valley adorned with northern willow and vibrant pink wildflowers. Kayaking enthusiasts can paddle near the tidewater glacier face, with the chance to spot harp seals, ivory gulls, and more whales.

Prince Christian Sound, a 60-mile-long fjord connecting the Labrador Sea to the Irminger Sea, features narrow sections as slim as 600 feet. It's lined with towering mountain peaks, some over 7,200 feet high, and glaciers that reach the sea. Our leisurely ship navigation offers a chance to view the stunning scenery and spot captivating icebergs often blocking the entrance.

Visit Aappilattoq, a small settlement in the southern section of Prince Christian Sound. "Aappilattoq" means red in Greenlandic, named after the striking red mountains that soar above the town. Renowned for its jagged mountain peaks, Aappilattoq is a delight for photographers in Greenland. Tasermiut Fjord, often referred to as the 'Patagonia of the North,' is famous for its towering, jagged mountains surrounding Klosterdal (Monastery Valley). Immerse yourself in the rich history by exploring a Norse ruin, hiking the valley, or kayaking in the bay.

Today, explore Nanortalik, Greenland's southernmost town situated on an island of the same name. Nanortalik boasts deep fjords, woodlands, grasslands, and steep cliffs, some reaching over 3,280 feet high. The local community, renowned for its passion for singing, welcomes us with a choir performance. Wander through the town and stop at Nanortalik Church, a wooden Danish Lutheran church constructed in 1916.

Hvalsey Church, the best-preserved Norse ruin in Greenland, is named after Whale Island in old Norse and dating to the time when Christianity arrived in Greenland around 1000 CE. After exploring Hvalsey's ruins, head to Qaqortoq, South Greenland's capital, established in 1775. It offers various cultural attractions, including the outdoor art project, Man and Stone, featuring local artists’ stone carvings throughout town. Tour the Qaqortoq Museum, originally a blacksmith's residence from 1804, and the Church of Our Saviour, a wooden Lutheran church often called the Red Church.

In Igaliku, within Tunulliarfik Fjord, lush valleys adorned with tall grass reveal Greenland’s first sheep farming settlement. Igaliku also guards the entrance to well-preserved Norse ruins, where we delve into Norse history. Embark on a hike within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed surroundings to uncover lakes, mountains, and hidden Norse ruins.

Today, we cruise to Narsarsuaq, where Norse Vikings settled in the 12th century. The surrounding lush valleys and fjords inspired the Vikings to name the land Greenland. In Qassiarssuk, situated directly across Tunulliarfik Fjord, follow in the footsteps of Erik the Red and see what led to his choice to make this home. Venture ashore to see the remains of a church, stables, hall, and various other buildings, as well as the tall statue of Leif Erikson, son of Erik the Red, that stands overlooking the town and fjord.

Our lecture program continues as we sail toward Nuuk, enjoying the leisure time to follow our ship’s navigation. This evening, toast our voyage at a festive Captain's farewell dinner.

Disembark in Nuuk, Greenland's vibrant capital, and transfer to the airport for our charter flight to Toronto, Canada, where we check in to a conveniently located airport hotel.

After breakfast, return to the airport for flights returning home.