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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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Adventures Afloat Study CruiseExpeditionNew
Length
15 days
Rating
New
Activity Level
Starts at
11,999
Flights start at
750
Itinerary
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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 from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
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. We’ll 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:
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. During the cruise portion of the program, the ship’s educational staff will lead field trips and give lectures. Program-related ground travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. We will take zodiac boats to and from shore excursions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. 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. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will depart the hotel this morning and set out on the motorcoach 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 continue to 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. We’ll then drive to the capital city of Reykjavik to enjoy a walking exploration before checking in to our hotel in the late afternoon.
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:
We will 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.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Full day at sea.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We’ll 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:
We will 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 interesting 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, we’ll 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:
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.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
Enjoy the amenities on the ship; later in the afternoon, we’ll 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, we’ll 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, we’ll 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 of Sisimut, located 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle, and learn more about the ancient Saqqaq culture at 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:
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, we’ll 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
Getting on/off an aircraft. 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:
Aboard the plane.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival in Reykjavik, we will transfer to the hotel and check in.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
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 like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!