Reykjavik, Iceland

In the southwest of Iceland near Faxaflói Bay lies the capital of the country, Reykjavík, simultaneously cosmopolitan and charming. The colorful houses on the horizon create a quaint scene that will make you want to stay forever.Kaleidoscopic views await you at the Harpa Concert Hall, a glittering, glass structure that perfectly exemplifies Iceland’s modern design and will fascinate your inner architect. One of Iceland’s most prominent landmarks is Perlan, originally a group of hot water tanks that was converted to a building that now hosts an exhibition, planetarium, restaurant and observation deck, located atop Öskjuhlíð hill..

Isafjordur, Iceland

Amid the enchanting Westfjords of Iceland stands Ísafjörður, a fishing town thriving with local energy and culture. Summer months here are brisk, but it’s this cool climate combined with breathtaking and quaint scenery that makes the village feel like an undiscovered treasure. The massive depression among the flat-topped mountains called Naustahvilft – known colloquially as the troll seat – combines Iceland’s natural beauty with the town’s rich folklore. Make a stop at Dokkan Brugghús, the only brewery in the entire Westfjords, and sample the local beers, crafted with naturally filtered spring water from the nearby mountains. For those for whom the sea’s siren call beckons, you must visit the Westfjord History Museum, based on Ísafjörður’s maritime heritage and its rise in the fishing industry.

Grundarfjordur, Iceland

Amid the wondrous features of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula lies the small town of Grundarfjörður, home to fewer than 1,000 inhabitants. Its shining star of a landmark, Kirkjufell, translating to “Church Mountain,” beckons explorers to come and discover the beauty of Iceland. Together with the mountain, a three-pronged waterfall called Kirkjufellsfoss creates an exquisite scene straight out of fantasy. Taking a walk through the center of town, you will come across an orca on land. It’s actually a sculpture created by Unnsteinn Guðmundsson and it was modeled after Thunderstorm the orca, a male whale who often greets visitors during whale watching tours.

At Sea

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Prince Christian Sound – Captain’s Choice

Along the southern edge of Greenland sits the awe-inspiring Prince Christian Sound, also known as Prins Christian Sund. Snow-capped mountains on the horizon and borders of glaciers and icebergs make this a stunning waterway to navigate on an expedition. You may possibly make a landing in the tiny village of Aappilattoq, home to fewer than 100 people living in the colorful, yellow, red and blue, Nordic-style houses. Around the sound wildlife is abundant, with frequent sightings of fin, minke and blue whales, as well as bearded and ringed seals.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice landings add to the sense of exploration and an element of surprise. Your ship’s Captain takes you to the best areas for wildlife viewing and expertly navigates to remote and hidden landings for a more intimate destination immersion. All Antarctica expedition itineraries are subject to change based on weather conditions to ensure a safe expedition.

Narsarsuaq, Greenland

As a gateway to South Greenland’s Norse ruins of Qassiarsuk and having played an important role among the Allies of World War II, Narsarsuaq holds a rich history. Home of the Greenland Arboretum, find lush hiking trails resplendent with Greenlandic wildflowers in the summer. These paths lead to viewpoints overlooking glaciers that make for a stunning scene. Nearby sits another small town, Igaliku, where you find another old Norse settlement but a more tranquil scenery away from the crowds. From Narsarsuaq you may access the Greenlandic Ice Sheet by way of the Flower Valley.

Nuuk, Greenland

The capital of Greenland, Nuuk, sits in the fjord system of the same name best known for humpback whales, waterfalls and icebergs. This unique city contains mountains and expansive backcountry on one side and a thriving metropolitan on the other, filled with culinary experiences, museums and fashion boutiques. Hiking, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking can be found most anywhere for more active explorers. Nuuk’s cultural center Katuaq displays architectural prowess with a building designed to mimic the waves of the Aurora Borealis. You may find an opportunity to fish for cod or redfish and have it cooked for you at the gourmet restaurant Qooqqut Nuan.

At Sea

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Ilulissat, Greenland

Within the popular Disko Bay sits Ilulissat (Greenlandic for “icebergs”) and its UNESCO-listed Icefjord. The image of pure white, monolithic icebergs surrounding the colorful houses of the town invites you to traverse these wondrous lands. You may find an opportunity to kayak amid the icebergs as the Midnight Sun sits on the horizon, appearing as an eternal sunset. Navigating Disko Bay, Greenland’s largest bay, you’re likely to catch sight of a beluga or bowhead whale, or perhaps even a narwhal. You can see them up close sitting just 30 feet above the waterline from Water’s Edge while keeping warm with heated seating..

Eqi Glacier (Disko Bay), Greenland

Within Greenland’s famed Disko Bay you find the awe-inspiring Eqi Glacier. The mesmerizing blue ice shelves inspire a sense of wonder. Often referred to as the Calving Glacier – as it is one of the country’s most active glaciers – if you explore Eqi you’re likely to see chunks of calving ice fall from the mass and into the water with a resounding crack. Lying only about 50 miles north of Ilulissat, you’re also surrounded by towering icebergs upon navigating the glacier.

At Sea

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

Surrounded by a UNESCO-listed hinterland and the second-largest ice shelf in the world, Kangerlussuaq is filled with breathtaking landscapes of glaciers, crevasses and blue meltwater lakes. Take a possible trek to the remote Russell Glacier, where herds of musk oxen roam free, the Arctic Circle Trail hike begins and you may witness the ice calving with a mighty crack. Back in town at the Kangerlussuaq Museum you find a look at the town’s modern history, as well as that of the Inuit, the indigenous peoples of the area. For scientific minds, discover the Kellyville Kangerlussuaq research facility..