Iceland/Greenland

Voyage From Iceland to Greenland by Small Ship

Program No. 24371RJ
Visit Iceland and Greenland’s biggest cities and coastlines, exploring fjords and glaciers aboard a small ship as your search for whales, seals and other spectacular wildlife!

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At a Glance

Iceland and Greenland are home to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world. Discover their beauty as you journey along Iceland’s stunning coastline to the island nation of Greenland onboard the Ocean Endeavor. In Iceland, take in endless acres of ice churning among the islands via Zodiac or kayak, explore Prince Christian Sound with its enormous crags that envelop you as you float past, and marvel at glittering glaciers spitting icebergs into the sea. Visit Nuuk, with its charming harbor reminiscent of Denmark, to explore Greenland’s cosmopolitan capital, from coffee shops to local markets.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
I like to spend much of the day exploring. Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full. Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Surround yourself in the volcanic terrain of Iceland as you soak in the mineral-rich, geothermally-heated waters of the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik, and visit the Viking World Museum.
  • Take in ice-capped mountains from the ship, and board Zodiacs to scan the wild coastline up-close for seals, whales and seabirds.
  • Visit the best-preserved Norse structure in Greenland, Hvalsey Church, a fjord-side stone ruin, and discover the story of its fascinating past.
  • Take in onboard presentations by special guest Margaret Atwood, author of “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “The Year of the Flood.”
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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17 days
16 nights
43 meals
15 B 14 L 14 D
DAY
1
In transit to program.
In flight
DAY
2
Arrive in Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon, Viking Museum
Reykjavik
L,D
Hotel Reykjavik Marina

Activity note: Walking with luggage from airport terminal to bus; driving to Viking World, Blue Lagoon, hotel; about 50 miles throughout the day, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time. Those who wish to swim in the Blue Lagoon, pack bathing suit in carry-on luggage; towels provided, slippers, bathrobes, spa treatments are available at an additional cost. Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Breakfast: At Viking World depending on arrival flights.

Morning: Once all participants have joined the group at Viking World we will board our motorcoach and drive south through the Reykjanes Peninsula to our lunch venue, Salthusid in Grindavik. The Reykjanes Peninsula runs along the Mid-Atlantic Rift, a geological wonder that is still volcanically active. After remaining dormant for more than 800 years, Mount Fagradalsfjall, a volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula, erupted in March 2021. The eruption lasted for several months, altering the nearby landsape by adding 10.3 million cubic feet of new lava.

Lunch: At Salthusid in Grindavik.

Afternoon: We will reboard the bus and continue our Icelandic learning adventure at the Blue Lagoon, where we will have an opportunity to soak in the mineral-rich, geothermally-heated waters. (Entrance fee and towels included at Blue Lagoon; slippers and bathrobes available at additional cost.) There are other “blue lagoons” but this one is truly unique. The stark volcanic terrain that surrounds it creates an otherworldly feeling. The lava field is surely natural, but in fact the lagoon owes its existence to a geothermal power station built in 1975. Superheated water from a nearby lava flow feeds into the power plant system and finally flows into the lagoon, where the temperature stays between 98°-104°F (36°-40° C). Minerals from the underground geological layers account for the coloration. Not only is lounging in the waters delightfully comfortable, the minerals and white silica mud are reputed to provide benefits for skin conditions. Next, we’ll continue our ride to central Reykjavik to check in to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. The remainder of the evening is at leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
3
Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Falls
Reykjavik
B,L
Hotel Reykjavik Marina

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 60 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven, hilly terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll set out from the hotel by bus for a full-day field trip around the Golden Circle. Our field trip will begin with an exploration of Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. It was here that the Althing, an open-air representative assembly, was established in 930 CE. It is the world’s oldest existing parliament. Thingvellir is considered the most sacred place in Iceland due to its historical significance and for the fact that this is also the meeting point of the American and European continental plates.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Moving on, we’ll reach Gullfoss — golden falls — the most famous waterfall in Iceland. Water from the Langjökull glacier flows into the Hvítá (White) River. When it reaches the great Gullfossgljúfur canyon, it falls in two stages more than 100 feet (32 meters). We’ll then continue our ride to Geysir, where the active Strokkur geyser bursts forth every few minutes in a cloud of steam. Returning to our hotel in the late afternoon, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
History of Reykjavik, Embark Ocean Endeavour
Reykjavik
B,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven, hilly terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will enjoy an expert led lecture on Iceland’s past and present at the hotel. We’ll then check out of the hotel and depart for a drive through Reykjavik. We will see sites such as the historic Höfði House, site of the 1986 summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev that precipitated the end of the Cold War. We will also drive by Lake Tjornin, a small lake in downtown Reykjavik known for its birdlife, Parliament House and City Hall with its large topographic map of Iceland.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: We will meet this afternoon for a briefing with Adventure Canada, during which we will meet our Resource Staff and fellow travelers before embarking the Ocean Endeavour. While on board, rotating members of the ship's resource staff will offer educational presentations on a variety of topics. Many are active researchers with expertise in areas such as history, paleontology, geology, and biology. At each expedition port of call, you will have a choice of field trips that will vary by location such as nature activities (minimal walking), short walks (about .5 - 1.5 miles), longer walks (2-3 miles) and photography sessions led by resource staff. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Updates will be provided aboard ship. Thank you for your understanding. Expedition ships — more rugged than traditional sailing vessels — are designed to venture into remote landscapes, enabling us to seek opportunities for getting up close to nature and wildlife. These educational adventures have flexible schedules. The itinerary may change daily based on weather, sailing conditions, and potential wildlife sightings. There may also be serendipitous occasions to experience something unexpected. Due to the remote location of the ports, each embarkation and disembarkation will be done via zodiac rafts. Staff will be available for assistance. Should you require medication during the day, please ensure you keep this with you.

Dinner: Aboard ship meals consist of meat, seafood, and vegetarian options, plus water, coffee, and tea. Additional beverages are available for purchase. The chefs try to incorporate local delicacies when possible.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
5
At sea
At Sea
B,L,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Possibility of rough seas.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today we cross the Denmark Strait. We'll look for whales and wildlife from the ship deck. There will be opportunities to participate in different workshops and listen to lectures that will prepare us for our exploration of Greenland.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: We'll continue to learn about the history, culture, wildlife, and archaeology of Greenland through workshops, discussions, and lectures on board.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
6
East Greenland
East Greenland
B,L,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: For the next three days we will explore the remote parts of East Greenland. Take in the views of the coastline while on a Zodiac cruise. Our choice of landing will depend on the weather and sea conditions.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: We'll watch for arctic wildlife from the ship deck and enjoy interpretation from the on board experts.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
7
East Greenland
East Greenland
B,L,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today we'll take a Zodiac to land where we'll have a choice of walks and hikes to choose from.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: This afternoon enjoy a lecture by one of the ships knowledgeable staff.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
8
East Greenland
East Greenland
B,L,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We'll take in the views of fjords from the Zodiac as we make our way to shore to explore by foot.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: We'll continue our exploration of East Greenland. Our choice of landing will depend on the weather and sea conditions.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
9
Ikerasassuaq (Prince Christian Sound)
Ikerasassuaq
B,L,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning the ship experts will scout for the best location for us to go to shore. While heading to shore via Zodiac, we'll take in the stunning views of tall mountain peaks and glaciers.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: This afternoon enjoy a lecture by one of the ships knowledgeable staff.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
10
South Greenland
South Greenland
B,L,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today we'll visit the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we'll learn about how two cultures shaped the land into what it is now. The Norse and Inuit farmers laid the foundation for farming in Greenland.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: This afternoon we'll continue our exploration of Kujataa.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
11
Hvalsey
Hvalsey
B,L,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today we'll have a chance to learn about Norse archaeology. We'll visit one of the first Christian churches on the North American continent. Hvalsey Church was likely built in the 14th century and is one of the best preserved churches from that period.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: This afternoon enjoy a lecture by one of the ships knowledgeable staff.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
12
Brattahlíð
Brattahlíð
B,L,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today we'll have the pleasure of visiting another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Brattahlíð is the most fertile region of Greenland. Here we'll have the chance to explore a reconstructed Norse settlement and learn about the Viking explorer, Eric the Red.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: We'll continue our exploration of Brattahlíð.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
13
Sermersooq
Sermersooq
B,L,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today we'll take in the wonderful views of glaciers, mountains, and fjords as we explore Sermersooq. Today's landing and choice of activity is dependent on weather and sea conditions. We'll explore via Zodiac and if we can make it to shore, we'll have a chance to explore by foot.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: We'll continue our exploration of Sermersooq via Zodiac and keep an eye out for wildlife including nattoralik (white tailed eagles), marine mammals, and seabirds.

Dinner: Aboard ship

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
14
Nuuk
Nuuk
B,L,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We’ll land on shore for a field trip to explore Nuuk. The town itself is home to the University of Greenland, a cathedral dating back to 1849, and Greenland’s National Museum. A local expert will introduce us to this bustling metropolis and, together, we’ll walk to the Greenland National Museum and Archives. This museum houses the largest cultural history collection in Greenland, featuring seven permanent exhibits that span more than 4,500 years.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: We'll have a chance to explore Nuuk independently before heading back to ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
15
Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord (Evighedsfjorden)
Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord
B,L,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard Ship.

Morning: We'll explore Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord by Zodiac. We'll have a chance to view bird cliffs, calving glaciers, and majestic mountains. Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord is also known as Evighedsfjorden (its Danish name) which means "the fjord of eternity".

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: This afternoon enjoy a lecture by one of the ships knowledgeable staff.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
16
Kangerlussuaq, Disembark, Charter flight to Toronto
Toronto
B,L,D
Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport

Activity note: Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain. Flight times are subject to the unpredictable Arctic weather and the vagaries of flight servicing in remote destinations. Delays can, and often do occur. Should you require medication during the day please ensure you keep this with you.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Sondre Stromfjord is one of the longest fjords in the world and boasts 168 kilometers of superb scenery. We end our adventure by sailing up this dramatic fjord as the sun rises to greet us. Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern head, is a former US Air Force base and Greenland’s only international flight hub. Here we will disembark the Ocean Endeavour and transfer to shore by Zodiac. We will then ride to the airport for our return charter flight to Toronto.

Lunch: Boxed lunches available prior to disembarkation.

Afternoon: In flight to Toronto.

Dinner: Served onboard en route to Toronto.

Evening: Evening arrival to Toronto. We'll gather our baggage and check-in at the hotel as a group. Relax for the rest of the evening after a full day of travel and prepare for check out and departure in the morning.

DAY
17
Program Concludes
Toronto
B

Activity note: Hotel check out 12:00 p.m.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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