Expedition to the Wilds of Greenland & Iceland
Hop onboard Seabourn’s newest ship, the Seabourn Pursuit, for her inaugural sailing in July 2023 to traverse the polar paradise of Greenland. Hike across the tundra, weave through icebergs in a Zodiac, and search for the elusive King of the Arctic: the majestic polar bear.
Photo courtesy of Hans Jurgen Mager on Unsplash
Seabourn has been busy to say the least while the travel world has been quiet for the past couple of years. They have been working diligently to build two new luxury polar-class expedition ships, the Seabourn Venture (slated for delivery later this year) and the Seabourn Pursuit (to follow in 2023).
Be one of the first to board the Seabourn Pursuit on an epic journey through the wild shores of Iceland and Greenland in July 2023. You'll be accompanied by a top-notch team of expedition leaders and will have the finest luxury cruise ship to call home along the way. There is a reason Condé Nast Traveler has called Seabourn the best in small-ship cruising, and this is your chance to find out for yourself.
Iceland & Greenland Wild Shores
July 16-31, 2023
Reykjavik – Reykjavik
Day 1 – July 16, 2023
Reykjavik, Iceland
The journey of a lifetime begins in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik. We can arrange any pre-cruise time you might like to explore Iceland, whether you want to stay in Reykjavik or venture out to discover the land of ice and fire in-depth. This evening, you’ll board the Seabourn Pursuit and strike out toward Greenland.
Day 2 – July 17, 2023
Cruising the Denmark Strait
Today will be spent at sea. Join the expedition team on deck to look for migratory sea birds and marine mammals, or head to the Bow Lounge to learn about the ship’s navigation systems. You’ll also find the expedition team in the Discovery Center offering fascinating talks to enhance the adventures to come.
Photo courtesy of Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Days 3-5 – July 18-20, 2023
East Greenland
Spend three days exploring the wonders of East Greenland at the Northeast Greenland National Park. This is the world’s biggest national park, and it is home to more wildlife than human inhabitants. Admire ice in its myriad of shapes and forms, search for polar bears in this vast icy terrain, and hike across pristine tundra landscapes.
The top of this park encompasses the northernmost piece of land on our planet. Its vast size and miles of wilderness are breathtaking and humbling. There are very few more wild and untouched places on our planet than those found here. Your time here is an adventurer’s dream and will be entirely expedition-focused, with no set itinerary or program. A variety of experiences will be offered, based on the best conditions and potential wildlife experiences.
Zodiac cruises and tundra walks/hikes will be included. You can choose to head out on optional kayaking and submersible excursions.
Days 6-7 – July 21-22, 2023
Cruising the Denmark Strait
Spend a couple of days back onboard. Relax in your plush suite, dine in the specialty restaurants, and attend lectures. There will be plenty of marine wildlife and birds to spot from the deck of the ship.
Photo courtesy of Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Day 8 – July 23, 2023
Skjoldungen Fjord
Skjoldungen Fjord is a narrow and bordered by rugged peaks, vertical rock walls, and serpentine rivers of ice. Tidewater glaciers release chunks of ice, sending them plunging into the fjord. Above, crevasses and free-standing pillars of ice are silhouetted against a blue Greenlandic sky.
Explore the incredible geology in a Zodiac with the expedition team or head off on optional expeditions, such as kayaking past Thryms Glacier or joining a dive to explore this unknown area.
Day 9 – July 24, 2023
Prince Christian Sound/Aappilattoq
This morning’s transit of Prince Christian Sound is one of the highlights of cruising in Southern Greenland. The sound is narrow, sometimes only 1,500 feet across, and numerous glaciers reach the sea on its shores, calving icebergs into the water. Experience the magic of this crossing on deck.
In the afternoon, land at Aappilattoq. With only 100 inhabitants, this tiny town and its brightly painted houses are located at Greenland’s southern tip. The sound is enfolded by steep mountains rising from the water. Head ashore on Zodiacs to explore this remote Greenlandic village, meeting local people and taking an exploratory walk through town or a hike up a nearby hill for a view of the town and its fjord. Alternatively, paddle along the coastline of the Prince Christian Sound in a kayak, exploring the rugged coastline of this seldom-visited area.
Day 10 – July 25, 2023
Qaqortoq/Hvalsey
Spend the morning in Qaqortoq, the largest city in Southern Greenland. It is best known for its open-air art exhibition, the Stone & Man project, which transforms the town into an outdoor gallery with its 40 stone sculptures created using the existing rock faces and boulders.
Head out on foot with a local guide to explore the fish and meat market, where you’ll learn about traditional hunting and fishing methods. Visit the old church to learn about Christianity in Greenland and stop at the city’s administrative buildings to learn about its politics. There will be time to take in the famous exhibition. Alternatively, watch an expert kayaker demonstrate maneuvers and the importance of kayaking to this region. If neither of these options suits, take a boat tour of Uunartog Hot Springs, board a helicopter for an unforgettable flight to the Qalerallit Glacier (including a landing!) or explore Qaqortog by kayak or submersible.
The afternoon brings you to Hvalsey, one of the most prominent Norse archaeological sites in Greenland. A wedding held in the church in 1408 comprises the last written record of the Norse adventure in Greenland. It’s no wonder UNESCO has made Hvalsey Church and other nearby sites a World Heritage Site. Explore ashore with the expedition team, kayak your way around the coastline, or head out on a submersible adventure.
Day 11 – July 26, 2023
Brattahlid/Itilleq
Paamiut (photo courtesy of Visit Greenland on Unsplash)
Spend the morning in Brattahlid, which Norse farmers first settled in the 10th century. It was from this farmstead that Leif Eriksson set sail and discovered Vinland, reaching the North American continent at Newfoundland and Labrador. Explore the nearby settlement of Qassiarsuk with local guides who will regale you with Viking tales or explore the fjord in a kayak.
This afternoon, head to Tunulliarfik Fjord to visit the village of Igaliku and its nearby Norse ruins, Garðar, once the center of the religious community for the Norse settlers of the 12th century. Hike ashore to see the ruins for yourself or kayak the fjord, keeping an eye out for birdlife.
Day 12 – July 27, 2023
Paamiut
Spend the day in the small town of Paamuit, remote Greenland at its best. People have lived here since 1,500 B.C.E, and it is still home to around 1,600 inhabitants. Today, the sea remains ice-free during the winter, providing inhabitants with year-round fishing. The town itself is a multitude of brightly colored buildings, and its church is considered one of the finest in Greenland. Explore on a walking tour of the town, in a kayak past rock islets, or via submersible (for possible whale sightings!).
Day 13 – July 28, 2023
Nuuk
Today brings you to Greenland’s capital city: Nuuk. Home to the University of Greenland and the Greenland National Museum, this city celebrates Greenlandic culture. Go on a city walk and visit the museum with a local guide, or head out on a high-octane adventure such as a helicopter flight to Sermitsiaq, hiking around Quassussaug, or a SUP experience in the Nuuk Fjord.
Nuuk underneath the Northern Lights (photo courtesy of Visit Greenland on Unsplash)
Day 14 – July 29, 2023
Itilleq
Tiny Itilleq is located on an island in the Davis Strait on Greenland’s west coast. The island has no freshwater source, so the town’s population of just over 100 depends on desalination. The narrow strait experiences dramatic tide changes of 30 to 60 feet, and the differences in temperature and salinity create far-reaching effects on the global oceanic currents and weather patterns. You’ll have the opportunity to explore and meet the local people.
Day 15 – July 30, 2023
Kangerlussuaq
Disembark the Seabourn Pursuit in Kangerlussuaq to board a privately chartered flight to Reykjavik, where you’ll spend the night before boarding your flight home the next day. If you’d like to spend more time in Iceland, we can design a customized itinerary to make that happen.
This sounds like an adventure and a half! Poe Travel clients will, of course, receive VIP treatment at every turn, with extra amenities and upgrades being applied wherever possible.
If you would like to Go Away on this Seabourn expedition, simply contact us. We will design a personalized itinerary to set you on your way.