Iceland & Greenland Passage Cruise

Day 1 - Copenhagen, Denmark

Arrive: Sat 29 June 2024 / Depart: Sat 29 June 2024 at 15:00

Copenhagen is one of the easiest European capitals to fall in love with. The sights of old buildings, cobbled streets and the tower- and turret-dotted skyline lend fairy-tale charm—this was, after all, the home of author Hans Christian Andersen. But make no mistake: This is a thoroughly modern city with international clout. Restaurants around the world draw inspiration from the New Nordic cuisine pioneered by Noma and other Copenhagen restaurants, while Danish design from this century and the last is universally admired and coveted. Urban planners flock here to try to work out just how the city remains so livable and yet so functional, and despite its wealth of old buildings, Copenhagen’s not locked in the past; there are also thrilling examples of modern architecture. Copenhagen is a city that’s easy to find things to do and explore on foot or by excellent public transport, where everyone speaks perfect English, the food is fresh and innovative, and there’s plenty of locally brewed beer—which, of course, is best enjoyed sitting by the water on a sunny day.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Alesund

Arrive: Mon 01 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 01 July 2024 at 16:00

Ålesund, a quaint fishing town of approximately 45,000 in western Norway, has been called Norway’s most beautiful city. A fire in 1904 destroyed much of it, resulting in the town being rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style—also known as Jugendstil—that was popular around the turn of the 20th century. A year after the fire, Norway gained its independence from Sweden, which led to a campaign to build a "Norwegian town" to mark the creation of the new nation. The colorful buildings feature castlelike turrets and spires with intricate facades of ornamental flowers, gargoyles and Viking-inspired decorations. Bordering the Norwegian Sea, this area is also famous for its mountain ranges and fjords. For those looking for a more active visit, Ålesund offers great hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. One of the highlights is climbing the 418 steps that lead up Mount Aksla for a spectacular view of the city and the Sunnmøre Alps. Nearby is the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful waterfalls. This is also home to Atlanterhavsparken, or the Atlantic Sea Park, one of the largest aquariums in Europe.

Day 3 - Scenic Cruising

Day 4 - At Sea

Day 5 - Husavik

Arrive: Wed 03 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 03 July 2024 at 17:00

Visitors should take a trip to downtown Husavik to visit the Husavik Whale Museum. The museum set itself the task of educating the public about whales with a focus on the North Atlantic species. One of the main attractions of the city is the whale watching tour. The waters of the region are filled with different types of whales. Adventurers and nature lovers should visit Lava Horses. Here, visitors are assigned a guide and horses for a tour of the region on horseback. The unique experience rewards visitors with spectacular views of the region's landscapes.

Day 6 - Isafjordur

Arrive: Thu 04 July 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 04 July 2024 at 14:00

Bordered on three sides by dramatic mountains that form a natural harbor, the idyllic town of Ísafjörður—population 2,600—serves as a charming exploration hub for the surrounding Westfjords peninsula. Settled since the 16th century, and traditionally dependent on fishing as its main source of income, its streets are today lined with old wooden houses interspersed with occasional shops, restaurants and cafés. Despite its low-key atmosphere, Ísafjörður offers plenty to do, from visiting local museums and enjoying a game of golf, to hiking, biking and kayaking around the town and harbor. The town also hosts several notable events, such as Iceland's oldest cross-country ski race, the mud-football European Championships and a classical music festival, Við Djúpið. The rugged and remote Westfjords offer many more attractions. A daily summer ferry transports visitors to the scenic Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and to Vigur, an island that's home to many protected bird populations. Follow the region’s striking coastline and you’ll find snow-streaked mountains, waterfalls and beaches.

Day 6 - Scenic Cruising Isafjardurdjur

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - Nanortalik

Arrive: Sat 06 July 2024 / Depart: Sat 06 July 2024

Greenland's southernmost town, Nanortalik is surrounded by the steep mountain peaks of Tasermiut Fjord - whose rugged landscape and lush vegetation attracts serious climbers all year long. Inside the fjord are the ruins of an Augustinian monastery and the towering trees of the Qingua Valley. In this region, the northern lights dance across the sky in the evenings and polar bears have been known to drift by on ice floes. Visit the old town around the colonial harbor where the museum includes exhibits of rare Norse clothing. This harbor is thought to be the last point of departure of the Norse voyagers when they sailed to or from Greenland. The importance of the site is evidenced in the ruins of boathouses. Take a chilly trip to the ice cap by boat, or warm up in the natural hot springs at Uunartoq.

Day 9 - Qaqortoq, Greenland

Arrive: Sun 07 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 07 July 2024 at 17:00

The name "Qaqortoq" means "the White Place," and indeed, 85% of the area is under ice. Explore the small town of 3,400 and learn how people survive on this immense, remote island administered by the Danes but desperate for individual recognition of its distinctive culture.

Day 10 - At Sea

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive: Wed 10 July 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 10 July 2024

See dramatic evidence of Iceland's volcanic origins: geysers, hotsprings, vast fields of cooled lava. Swim in the naturally-warmed Blue Lagoon.