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Greenland/Iceland

Iceland & Greenland: An Arctic Expedition Voyage

Program No. 25380RJ
Two Arctic islands, one incredible voyage — experience the volcanic and frozen landscapes of Iceland and Greenland on this learning adventure via expedition ship.
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  • 25380-MS-Fridtjof-Nansen-ship-3c.jpg
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Adventures Afloat Study CruiseExpeditionNew
Length
15 days
Rating
New
Activity Level
Starts at
11,999
Flights start at
750

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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
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.
Duration
15 days
14 nights
What's Included
39 meals ( 14B, 13L, 12D )
6 expert-led lectures
10 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
An experienced Group Leader
13 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.
Breakfast:
At Park Inn by Radisson near Keflavik Airport. If arriving independently, plan to arrive at the Park Inn by Radisson Reykjavik Keflavik Airport no later than 9:00 a.m.
Morning:
Upon all participants arrival in Iceland, we will board the motorcoach to ride to an enchanting lagoon. Take in the stunning views and relax with a soak in the geothermal heated waters, just like the locals!
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will drive to our hotel for the evening. Located in the geothermal area in the Haukadalur Valley. Enjoy the natural surroundings before our Orientation meeting at the hotel early evening.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
We will have an Orientation. Your 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.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach.Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will depart the hotel this morning and set out for a full-day field trip around the Golden Circle. Our field trip will begin with an exploration of Geysir, where the active Strokkur geyser bursts forth every few minutes in a cloud of steam. 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).
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll then continue 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 its historical significance and for the fact that this is also the meeting point of the American and European continental plates. Then drive to the capital city of Reykjavik. Enjoy a walking exploration of the city before checking into our hotel in the late afternoon. This evening enjoy the opportunity to continue exploring Reykjavik independently.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
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:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Depart the hotel for Reykjavik Airport and board a flight to Nuuk, Greenland. Upon arrival into Nuuk we will transfer to the ship. 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. 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. The schedule that follows is tentative and a representative outline. Changes in the schedule, including ports of call, can be expected due to weather and other local conditions. Updates will be provided aboard ship. Thank you for your understanding.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Relax, unpack and enjoy the amenities on the ship.
Dinner:
Aboard ship, we'll have an a la carte meal. Still or sparkling water, soft drinks, draught beers and house wines are included with all meals. Hot drinks, such as tea and coffee – as well as alcoholic drinks – are available for free throughout the day. Premium beverages, including cocktails, champagne and vintage wines are available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Full day at sea.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Enjoy a lecture on topics relevant to our program. PLEASE NOTE: all lectures noted are subject to change, due to the nature of expedition cruising, the itinerary including the lecture times and dates are always subject to change.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
The onboard expedition team will offer a presentation on AECO rules and recommendations regarding operations and landings in the fragile Arctic environment. Today we will cross the Arctic Circle, entering the lands of the Midnight Sun at the height of summer. A special ceremony will take place onboard to commemorate our first crossing into the Arctic Circle.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Zodiac cruise; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today, we reach Disko Bay, a haven for whales and other wildlife. The water here is dotted with icebergs in many shapes and sizes, and they all come from one place – the Ilulissat Icefjord. Marvel at giant icebergs floating placidly in the deep blue water as they take on different hues of white, gray and blue.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
We will explore the third largest city in Greenland, Illulissat. We will join our Road Scholar Expedition Leader for a hike to the old Inuit-settlement of Sermermiut.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Zodiac cruise; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
As we sail further north, weather and ice conditions will determine our itinerary. Uummannaq Fjord was first settled 4000 years ago. There are several interseting archaeological sites in the region which include sites where the famed Qilakitsoq mummies were discovered.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Potential activities around here include stops at small communities such as Uummannaq – a beautiful island town with a heart-shaped mountain – or Ukkusissat. We may visit the archaeological site of Qilakitsok, go on nature landings or attempt ice-cruising in the inner fjords with small RIB boats.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Zodiac cruise; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today, we will continue exploring Uummannaq Fjord. Weather and ice conditions will determine our itinerary.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Enjoy the amenities on the ship, later in the afternoon enjoy a lecture on topics relevant to our program. PLEASE NOTE: all lectures noted are subject to change, due to the nature of expedition cruising, the itinerary including the lecture times and dates are always subject to change.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Zodiac cruise; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Traditional communities, massive glaciers, and seemingly endless stretches of wilderness await us during our exploration of the Disko Bay region. Over the next two days, we will explore the Vaigat Sound, Disko Island, and the eastern fjords. The itinerary will be adapted according to local weather and ice conditions. We will enjoy nature landings, and scenic cruising on RIB boats, experiencing the colossal icebergs up close. These nutrient-rich waters are home to a wide range of animal life including migratory seals such as the Harp, Hooded, Ringed and Bearded seals. The area is also known for various whale species.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Enjoy the amenities on the ship, later in the afternoon enjoy a lecture on topics relevant to our program. PLEASE NOTE: all lectures noted are subject to change, due to the nature of expedition cruising, the itinerary including the lecture times and dates are always subject to change.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Zodiac cruise; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today we will continue exploring the icy waters of Disko Bay. Weather and ice conditions will determine our itinerary.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Enjoy the amenities on the ship, later in the afternoon enjoy a lecture on topics relevant to our program. PLEASE NOTE: all lectures noted are subject to change, due to the nature of expedition cruising, the itinerary including the lecture times and dates are always subject to change.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Zodiac cruise; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today we will continue exploring the icy waters of Disko Bay. Weather and ice conditions will determine our itinerary.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Enjoy the amenities on the ship, later in the afternoon enjoy a lecture on topics relevant to our program. PLEASE NOTE: all lectures noted are subject to change, due to the nature of expedition cruising, the itinerary including the lecture times and dates are always subject to change.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Zodiac cruise; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today we sail to the central west coast of Greenland, home to some of the longest fjords in the country. We will visit the town if Sisimut, located 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. We will learn more about the ancient Saqqaq culture in a local museum.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Free time to enjoy the amenities on the ship.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Zodiac cruise; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Today we will continue exploring the fjords of West Greenland. Weather and ice conditions will determine our itinerary.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Enjoy the amenities on the ship, later in the afternoon enjoy a lecture on topics relevant to our program. PLEASE NOTE: all lectures noted are subject to change, due to the nature of expedition cruising, the itinerary including the lecture times and dates are always subject to change.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation tomorrow.
Activity Note
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:
We will disembark the ship in Nuuk and join a flight to Reykjavik.
Lunch:
During flight.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival in Reykjavik, transfer to the hotel and check in.
Dinner:
Farewell dinner at hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for departure tomorrow.
Activity Note
Hotel check out by 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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