Compare Reykjavik, Iceland to Kangerlussuaq by Silversea vs Scenic Iceland & the Northern Lights - Small Group, Winter 2022 2023 Small Group by Insight Vacations

 Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland

Embark the Silver Explorer and depart on your exciting 9-day Silversea Expedition — “Expedition Greenland”. After settling into your suite and having attended a mandatory safety briefing Silver Explorer will be setting sail. Meet the members of your Expedition Team in The Theatre and attend the first of many memorable dinners in The Restaurant.

Day 2: At Sea Crossing the Denmark Strait

Spend the day crossing the Denmark Strait, which connects the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. Meet some of your fellow explorers, attend a Zodiac briefing, and become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found on board Silver Explorer. Tonight, we invite you to attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party where at the Captain will introduce his senior officers and various members of the crew.

Day 3: Skoldungen Fjord (Thrym Glacier)

Cruising along Greenland’s rugged eastern coast, the Silver Explorer explores the Skoldungen Fjord. We will spend much of the day out on deck to take in the enchanting scenery: towering mountains tipped with snow, ice-scraped valley sides and sculptured icebergs in shades of white and blue. Upon arriving at the top of the fjord where we can easily see the retreating state of the Thrym Glacier Here we will have our first Zodiac-cruise of the journey, allowing us to explore this picturesque setting from a unique, up-close perspective. On our return journey, exiting this U-shaped fjord, join your Expedition Team out on deck to marvel at the spectacular scenery.

Day 4: Cruise & Explore Prince Christian Sound, Greenland

Our plan for today is to explore one of South Greenland’s most dramatic natural features: Prince Christian Sound. The water is placid and the crisp scent of ice fills the air. On either side of us, waterfalls stream down sharp, wrinkled mountainsides as we navigate the sound through a sea of icebergs that glitter in the sun. Born of compacted ancient snows that calve into the sound at the glacier’s edge, each iceberg is different from the next. Time and weather conditions permitting, we plan to set out via the Zodiacs to explore even more. In the afternoon we will arrive to the first settlement (and one of the southernmost) of Greenland —Aappilattoq. This small village of 130 inhabitants, hidden behind a prominent rock, offers a good insight into the life of Greenlandic Inuit. There is a small school and a church, where the local choir has performed heart-rending Greenlandic songs. A stroll through the village will most probably reveal some Polar Bear skin drying in the wind, while a strenuous hike up the mountain-slope to the west will permit spectacular views of the area and Prince Christian Sound. While the sun sets we will be exiting the channels to make our way up the west coast of Greenland.

Day 5: Nanortalik, Greenland

Nanortalik lies in a scenic area surrounded by steep mountainsides and is Greenland’s most southerly town. The town’s name means the “place of Polar Bears”, which refers to the Polar Bears that used to be seen floating offshore on summer’s ice floes. Nanortalik has an excellent open-air museum that gives a broad picture of the region from Inuit times to today. At the summer hunting camp, Inuit in traditional clothing will describe aspects of their ancestor’s customs and lifestyle including an impressive kayak demonstration. Time permitting, we will enjoy the tradition of kaffe-mik (coffee and cake) and a folk dancing presentation at the Cultural Centre. In the afternoon, Silver Explorer will drop anchor at Uunartoq. Since the days of the Norse, the hot springs here have been renown for their healing effects. Take this opportunity to relax and unwind in steaming waters, watching iceberg floating by. Remember to pack swimwear! If conditions permit, we will have a Zodiac-cruise around the icebergs stranded found near Uunartoq Island.

Day 6: Qaqortoq, Greenland

This morning we arrive at the picturesque harbour town of Qaqortoq (pronounced ka-kor-tok). The town’s name translates to ‘white place’, but today, instead of snow, we will admire the hillsides of colourful houses painted in bright primary shades. Our local guide will take us to the charming town square, home to Greenland’s oldest fountain built in 1928. Surrounding it are two churches, one old and one new, an open-air fish and meat market, and the Qaqortoq Museum. This modest museum houses a superb collection of historical artefacts associated with Inuit hunting and fishing, a whaler’s gun and a collection of contemporary artwork. Qaqortoq is also famous for its street art: the Stone and Man open air gallery has more than 40 sculptures and designs carved into or out of local rock. During the town walk you will see quite a number of these objects. In the afternoon Silver Explorer anchors off Hvalsey. Once ashore, we will learn how Christianity spread its influence throughout Europe and eventually reached remote Greenland, where it established itself in the country in 1000 AD. Hvalsey Church was built in the 14th century and is the best preserved of the churches in Greenland from that period. Together we will visit these historical ruins from the time of the Vikings.

Days 7: At Sea

Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields and their informative topics will prepare you for the many adventures that lie ahead. Binoculars and camera in hand, head out on deck to watch for marine mammals and to identify the seabirds that will follow our passage.

Day 8: Nuuk, Greenland

This morning we arrive in Greenland’s first town (1728) and current capital, Nuuk, which means “the heartland”. Our leisurely walk through this picturesque harbour town allows us to take in Nuuk’s natural beauty, and also to see Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, parliament, and the Church of our Saviour. At the Greenlandic National Museum we have the fantastic opportunity to see the famous Qilakitsoq mummies.

Day 9: Maniitsoq, Greenland

Greenland’s sixth-largest town (of less than 2700 inhabitants) is our morning’s destination. Its local name (meaning ‘place of rugged terrain’) contrasts somewhat with the name given by the Danish in 1782 (‘New Sugarloaf’). During our walk we will reach the small museum and old cemetery at the northern end of town and at the community hall will have an opportunity to see some of the local beadwork — souvenirs that take a lot of patience while they are being produced. But beadwork is not just for souvenirs and visitors — the national dress of the West-Greenlandic women uses a collar made of beadwork. Before we leave a demonstration of how to use a kayak might take place in the small harbour. During the afternoon we will head north for Kangerlussuaq (formerly known as Sondresstrom). The Kangerlussuaq fjord has a length of 190 kilometres and at its end is the major airport of Greenland, which dates back to WWII and the American Air Force’s presence. While we cruise up the coast and enter the fjord, our on-board videographer will present his voyage-DVD letting you re-live the special moments and different adventures you will have had during this voyage.

Day 10: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

After breakfast, disembark Silver Explorer via Zodiac. Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather and wildlife activity. Expedition Team members scheduled for this voyage are subject to change or cancellation.

Day 1: The Viking City of Reykjavík

Welcome to Iceland. At Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.Join your Travel Director and travelling companions at 18:15 for your Welcome Reception and enjoy the opportunity to get to know each other, over a pleasant evening of wine and a light buffet. Afterwards, search for the most spectacular show on Earth—the northern lights. See the breathtaking night sky filled with the aurora borealis and its vast spectrum of colour.Please note the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Day 2: South Shore Adventure to Vík Relaxed Start

Take a journey through the stunning landscape of Iceland's south coast and through the land of Njál‘s Saga–a region of breathtaking scenery and legendary stories. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, heading east to visit Iceland’s newest geothermal and electric power station at Hellisheiðavirkjun Your journey continues, as you witness the majesty of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Stand awestruck by the beauty of these thundering waterfalls, before venturing on to view more spectacular phenomena. See the magnificent Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes and visit the Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur, dedicated to Iceland's history of volcanic activity and earthquakes. Arrive in the welcoming community of Vík. Later, perhaps enjoy another chance to go in search of the mystical northern lights?

Day 3: The Golden Circle to Flúðir

Embark on a day of discovery around Iceland's Golden Circle, taking in some of the famous landmarks this magical country has to offer. Experience the exploding hot springs at Geysir before continuing on to the mighty Gullfoss waterfalls, the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara Falls. Next stop is Friðheimar, to learn about Icelandic greenhouse horticulture. Visit a family-run vegetable farm, specialising in tomatoes. Explore their greenhouses and sample the sweet, unique flavour of their lovingly grown crop. Continue on to your hotel in Flúðir for another chance to catch nature's theatre unfolding in the night sky.

Day 4: Thingvellir, Borgarnes and Húsafell Relaxed Start

Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Fontana on a visit to a geothermal bakery. Here, sample delicious rye bread, dug out from the steaming hot ground and served with butter. Continue to Thingvellir. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge line, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The first meeting of the Icelandic parliament was held here in A.D. 930. Journey along the trail of Viking warrior and poet Egill Skallagrímsson and stop at Reykholt for an orientation with your Travel Director. In Borgarnes, learn about Iceland's history with a fascinating visit to the Icelandic Settlement Centre. Enjoy views of the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls as you drive through glorious landscapes.  Your travels continue to Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring.

Day 5: Reykjavík sightseeing Relaxed Start

Journey back to the Icelandic captial, where a Local Expert will show you Old Reykjavík, the 19th century parliament building and Höfði House. In 1986, US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev met here for the famous Reykjavík Summit. Later, visit the colourful harbour and the Hallgrímskirkja, a modern church and landmark that can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.The afternoon is at leisure.

Day 6: Choice in Reykjavik Relaxed Start

Explore Reykjavik with Insight Choice. Choose to experience the magic of Iceland on an exhilarating flight-ride at FlyOver to see incredible scenery from sweeping glaciers to stunning fjords. Alternatively, relax in the Blue Lagoon. Surrounded by lava fields and snowcapped mountains, the lagoon is a wonder of nature and offers a unique experience for both body and soul. With your newfound friends, toast to the culmination of your fascinating journey of discovery during a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7: Farewell Reykjavík

Your Icelandic adventure comes to an end, with a transfer to Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport.