The rock-like columns of Hallgrímskirkja Church loom over the city of Reykjavík, a hip Scandinavian capital which needs little introduction. With new Nordic cuisine, excellent shopping, fantastic excursions and an easy relaxed vibe, Reykjavik is one of Scandinavia's most welcoming and exciting cities. Situated in the centre of the North Atlantic, Reykjavík is the perfect place to start Arctic adventures! 

Ocean Albatros vessel awaits you in the city's bustling harbour. After the mandatory safety drill, enjoy dinner and a glass of champagne as the ship follows the thousand-year-old Norse sea route towards Greenland.

As Norse explorers once did, you will cross the Denmark Strait from Iceland to Greenland. Days at sea are never dull. Join your knowledgeable Expedition Team lecturers in the Theatre to hear specially-crafted lectures on local history, wildlife, geology, culture and more, unwind with a massage in the Albatros Polar Spa, or simply watch the seabirds gliding along with the ship from our hot tubs, as your expedition vessel flies across the Denmark Strait. 

Tasiilaq, the largest settlement in East Greenland, is home to the Tunumiit people, who have a unique language, traditions, and culture. The region was once home to the last Angakkuit (Shamans) and the tupilak, a monster crafted from animal and human body parts. The first Europeans were intrigued by these creatures, leading to the creation of tupilaat, considered among the best in Greenland. Tasiilaq is located in a rugged natural harbor on Ammassalik Island, offering excellent opportunities to explore, including hiking routes, Tunumiit culture museums, choir performances, and the Stunk Artist's Workshop. You can also enjoy stunning views from the hill towards the hotel.

You will sail east towards Ikateq, a fjord with a fascinating history. During WWII, American forces established an airbase in this region to serve as a stepping stone for aircraft transiting between Europe and North America. The base, known as Bluie 2 East, had a 5,000ft runway, hangar, barracks, and port. After Germany's defeat, improvements to intercontinental aircraft, and increasing tensions with the Soviet Union, the US abandoned the base in 1947. The Danish Government agreed to remove hazardous waste but left the rest of the equipment in place. Ikateq remains a unique and fascinating place, surrounded by natural beauty.

You will then visit the small village of Kuummiut, one of the largest and most prosperous in East Greenland. It has no roads and is an ideal place to experience life in an East Greenlandic settlement.

Separating Ammassalik Island from the Greenlandic mainland lies the vast Sermilik Fjord. Sermilik is a typically descriptive Greenlandic placename, roughly meaning 'the Glacial Fjord' and it is no mystery why: this waterway is choked with vast icebergs, and surely ranks among the most spectacular natural wonders of the region. The icebergs here mostly originate at the vast Helheim Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in this icy country. The Helheim and other glaciers which empty into the fjord pour directly off the Greenland Ice Sheet, the edges of which can be seen to the east, rising thousands of metres towards the frozen core of this vast island. 

The volume of ice will dictate our precise activities in Sermilikfjord, although options include coming ashore to marvel at the spectacular scenery and untouched nature of the area, or exploring on the water and marvelling at the natural ice sculptures of the area on a Zodiac cruise through the icebergs. Whatever we do, prepare to be amazed by the jaw-dropping beauty of this otherwordly place. 

Your adventure begins with sailing into Skjoldungen, a stunning fjord on Greenland's southeastern coast. Named after Skjold, an ancient Danish King, the fjord has historical significance, with archaeological finds suggesting nomadic Inuit groups and settlers. Today, uninhabited, Skjoldungen features vast mountains and glaciers, with Thryms Glacier at its head and Dronning Maries Dal glacial valley on its southern side. Join your expedition team for a walk on the valley's flower-lined floor and be sure to be on the outer decks during the journey.

Prins Christian Sund is one of the most spectacular waterways anywhere on Earth. Kept free of ice year round by strong tidal currents, the strait is hemmed in on either side by mountains which rise straight out of the water some reaching over 2,000m in height. Large glaciers flow from the ice sheet into the sea on the northern side of the strait, while sapphire blue mountain glaciers loom over the water from the southern side, and vast icebergs stud the glassy waters. 

In the afternoon, you will approach the small village of Aappilattoq, which sits hunkered beneath the towering mountains at the end of Prins Christians Sund. The village is a world away from busy Tasiilaq or even Kuummiut; life here moves at a slower pace, following the rhythms of the wind, waves and tides. Aappilattoq (meaning 'Red' in Greenlandic, referring to the stark granite bluffs above) offers excellent hiking opportunities, and the local choir is renowned throughout Greenland.

During the early morning, Ocean Albatros will sail through the majestic mountains of Tunulliarfik Fjord towards the small beach of Itilleq. Once arrived, you will trek through the lush green hills to see the remains of the Norse Bishop's palace at Garðar - once a place of great power and influence in this remote corner of the Norse world. Then, the ship will reposition to the other side of the fjord to the sheep-farming village of Qassiarsuk, where legendary Norse explorer Eric the Red settled after being banished from Iceland. Here, you can visit his small farmstead in typical Norse style, named 'Brattahlíð'.

From South Greenland, Ocean Albatros will follow the rugged coast of this vast island northwards. All settlements in Greenland (with the exception of Kangerlussuaq) are situated directly on the ocean coast of the country, and the vast majority of residents (some 50,000 or so) live on the narrow strip of coast on the west of the country, facing the Davis Strait. Keep your eyes on the sea, as whales, seals and a huge variety of seabirds are common in these rich waters.

Nuuk has a bustling cosmopolitan vibe, and hosts some of Greenland's best attractions. Swing by Kolonihavn district to visit the Greenlandic National Museum, a treasure trove of history stretching back to the first inhabitants of this icy island - including artefacts from the Paleo-Inuit and Norse periods, as well as the spellbinding Qilakistoq mummies. Explore Greenlandic culture at Katuaq, the city's cultural centre and an architectural marvel, shop for authentic Greenlandic artworks in the city's many boutique shops, or simply relax at a hip curbside café with a Greenlandic coffee and watch this vibrant city in action.

On the final day of the expedition, you will visit the picturesque village of Kangaamiut in Greenland's Qeqqata region. The locals live a traditional lifestyle, surviving by hunting and fishing. Hike to the heliport atop the hill for stunning views over the town and the surrounding fjordlands. In the afternoon, sail inland into Evighedsfjorden/Kangerlussuatsiaq, which stretches around 100km into the glacier-clad mountains, bisecting the large ice cap which overlies much of the land between Nuuk and Sisimiut.

During the night, Ocean Albatros will sail up the 160-kilometer/100 mile Kangerlussuaq Fjord. After breakfast aboard the ship, you will bid a fond farewell to the ship's crew, Expedition Team and fellow travelers before shuttling ashore by Zodiac.

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000