Skip to main content

Overview

A thrilling journey through icy waters

Voyage through the astonishing coastlines of Greenland, the largest island on the planet. This exciting adventure includes Zodiac excursions along spectacular sounds, dotted with harp, hooded, and ringed seals lazing about the ice. We’ll also hike across the tundra in search of Arctic fox, reindeer, and muskox, foraging and sampling delicious wild berries along the way.

Cruise the fjords of East Greenland and South Greenland's breathtaking Prince Christian Sound, flanked by imposing mountains and green pastures dotted with wildflowers. Delve into Norse history with a visit to the settlement of Qassiarsuk, the homestead of Erik the Red and starting point of expeditions to North America in 1000 CE.

Dates

August 4–17, 2025

Duration

14 days

Price

From $18,395 per person

Trip size

40 participants

Minimum age

12 years
Reserve(opens new window)

Faculty leader

A different kind of classroom

With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

Rob Dunbar

Earth Systems Science

The Keck Professor of Earth Sciences and a Bass University Fellow in Undergraduate Education, Rob is interested in global climate change and how we translate scientific knowledge into better policies and practices to promote the sustainable use of the Earth.

“Rob proved an incredible force for curiosity and inquiry throughout the trip. His formal lectures were diligently tailored to our geographical setting and handily humorous and stimulating to all. I loved his impromptu discussions of our geological landscapes day to day."

—Emma Fowler, ’18

Itinerary

Exploring the wonders of Greenland

Spend a day touring Reykjavík’s Golden Circle before setting sail for Greenland’s eastern shore. After two days exploring breathtaking fjords, head to South Greenland to Zodiac-cruise along spectacular sounds where ringed, harp, and hooded seals laze on the sea ice. Marvel at the remote yet modern fishing and hunting communities, and hike across the tundra in search of arctic fox and reindeer.

  • Reykjavík, Iceland

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

    Accommodations:

    Fosshotel Reykjavík

    Included meal: Dinner
  • Reykjavík, Iceland

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Sylvia Earle

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • At Sea

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Sylvia Earle

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Kangertittivatsiaq Fjord, East Greenland

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Sylvia Earle

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Skjoldungen Fjord, East Greenland

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Sylvia Earle

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Prince Christian Sound, South Greenland

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Sylvia Earle

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Tasermiut Fjord, South Greenland

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Sylvia Earle

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Nanortalik, South Greenland

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Sylvia Earle

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Qaqortoq, South Greenland

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Sylvia Earle

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Tunulliarfik Fjord, South Greenland

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Sylvia Earle

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Tunulliarfik Fjord, South Greenland

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Sylvia Earle

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • At Sea

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Sylvia Earle

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Nuuk, West Greenland / Toronto, Canada

    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.

    Accommodations:

    Westin Toronto Airport Hotel

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
  • Toronto, Canada / Home

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

    Included meal: Breakfast

Trip details

Start preparing for the trip of a lifetime

From top to bottom, we’ve taken care of all the details, so you can enjoy a no-stress, worry-free travel experience.

Pricing

Secure your spot today

The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours, and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

Category D

Aurora stateroom on Deck 7 with French balcony, floor-to-ceiling window, and desk area.

Size: 214–224 sq. ft.

  • Double: $18,395 per person

  • Single: $27,675 per person

Category C

Balcony stateroom on Deck 4 or 6 with private balcony, floor-to-ceiling window, and desk area.

Size: 210–309 sq. ft.

  • Double: $18,895 per person

  • Single: $28,425 per person

Category B

Fore or aft balcony stateroom on Deck 4 or 6 with private balcony, floor-to-ceiling window, and desk area.  

Size: 210–309 sq. ft.

  • Double: $19,795 per person

  • Single: $29,775 per person

Category A

Midship balcony stateroom on Deck 4 or 6 with private balcony, floor-to-ceiling window, and desk area. 

Size: 210–309 sq. ft.

  • Double: $21,295 per person

  • Single: $32,025 per person

Category AA

Superior balcony stateroom on Deck 4 or 6 with private balcony with floor-to-ceiling window, and desk area.

Size: 314–379 sq. ft.

  • Double: $23,295 per person

Junior Suite

Junior suite on Deck 7 with private balcony, floor-to-ceiling window, desk, separate lounge area, and stocked minibar.

Size: 448 sq. ft.

  • Double: $29,195 per person

Captain's Suite

Captain’s suite on Deck 4 with private balcony, floor-to-ceiling window, desk, separate lounge area, walk-in closet, and fully stocked and replenished minibar.

Size: 472 sq. ft.

  • Double: $34,495 per person

Join us in Greenland

Have a question for us?

Get in touch with someone at Travel/Study.