Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Southern Greenland: On the Trail of the Vikings

On this Polar Expedition, experience the enormity of Greenland—the world’s largest island—where jagged peaks pierce azure skies, and countless glaciers snake their way towards the coast. Delight in hikes across tundra in search of arctic fox and reindeer, tasting delicious wild berries along the way. Zodiac-cruise along fjords where you might glimpse ringed seals lazing on sea ice calved from Greenland’s enormous ice sheets—the largest in the Arctic, and perhaps encounter whales feeding in the nutrient-rich waters.

Sail along Prince Christian Sound flanked by imposing mountains. Green pastures in south Greenland signal the presence of human settlement, and where Viking ruins of Erik the Red still stand at Hvalsey. Weaving through the fjords and channels, enter west Greenland, the country’s most developed region and home to the nation’s capital, and the world’s northernmost capital: Nuuk.

Two alternative itineraries pair back-to-back polar itineraries for an ultimate adventure. The 21-day Discovery Expedition Iceland & Greenland: Following Erik the Red offers a combination of the main Southern Greenland: On the Trail of the Vikings + Iceland’s Westfjords & North Coast, adding time exploring Iceland’s famed west coast. Discovery Expeditions are jam-packed with guided, choose-your-own-adventure excursions that highlight local nature, culture and history.

The 26-day Greenland In Depth—a Polar Expedition—combines the main Southern Greenland: On the Trail of the Vikings + Wild Landscapes of West Greenland, adding time exploring west Greenland’s dramatic ice.

Adventure-ready polar expedition ship Sylvia Earle offers state-of-the-art design and technology, plus excursion-minded preparation rooms and multiple boarding platforms for efficient embarkation and disembarkation. This small ship averages 132 guests, with an educational and engaged team of expedition guides providing programming aimed at immersion into the surrounding polar wilds.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Greenland cruises, Iceland cruises and other Arctic cruises and Arctic trips.