Quest to the Arctic Circle

Nose pressed to window, we ascend Blafjoll mountain and hike through dusty moonscapes to Thrihnukagigur, ‘Three Peaks Crater’, where a Your World experience awaits.We stop at Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Station before arriving at Hotel Ranga. Four four nights, we stay in log-cabin-style quarters within the wilds of south Iceland. 

At Thorsmork, the spectacular mountain ridge named after the Norse god of thunder, Thor, we join a Your World experience.

Glorious scenery transpires as we head further along the south coast. Pass Solheimajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers on the way to the Eyjafjallajokull volcano.Sustenance between the sights is enjoyed at Restaurant Gamla Fjosid, before visiting the Skogar Museum. Tread the black sand beaches along the shores of Reynisfjara. View the puffins, fulmars and guillemots and basalt sea stacks.

Once home to the Viking’s first parliament, Thingvellir National Park is now a World Heritage-listed region. Here, we explore the natural wonder of Almannagja gorge.We tour the greenhouses at Fridheimar Farm before continuing to the region’s geothermal pools and geysers. Watch Strokkur erupt in a flurry of mist and journey to Gullfoss, a famous Icelandic waterfall tinged milky green in colour.

At Deildartunguhver hot springs, steam spirals up towards the heavens against a backdrop of rugged peaks. The day takes us to two of the country’s most famous waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Nearby, board eight-wheel trucks to travel along the ice cap of Langjokull glacier. Back in Reykjavik we enjoy a genuine Icelandic culinary experience. Dinner is served at Thrir Frakkar.

Explore Reykjavik. Or, embark on a Your World experience.Embark Silver Cloud and meet the Expedition Team. 

Crossing the Denmark Strait today, we skirt the border of the Arctic Circle. Tonight, we attend a cocktail party on board.

We arrive at Skjoldungen island and observe the Thrym Glacier. From here, we will have our first Zodiac cruise along the base gaining a unique, close-up perspective.

Prince Christian Sound is one of Greenland’s most dramatic natural features. From our ship, we see waterfalls cascading down both sides and navigate between icebergs.Step ashore at the small settlement of Aappilattoq. Walk through the village and climb a hill for views of the surrounding mountains.

Visit the open-air Nanortalik Museum and uncover the region’s history. Inuit in traditional clothing will teach us their ancestor’s ancient customs and lifestyle. Traditional coffee and cake are enjoyed after.Anchoring at the island of Uunartoq Qeqertaq in the afternoon, we relax and ease into the steaming waters of hot springs renowned for their age-old healing effects.

We dock in Qaqortoq in the morning. Admire hillside houses of colourful, primary shades. From the town centre we discover two churches, old and new. An open-air fish and meat market awaits, as do the Qaqortoq Museum and Greenland’s oldest fountain. Later, we uncover the island of Hvalsey. Churches and ruins from Viking history remain preserved in this authentic area.

Today we tour abundant Norse ruins, including the foundation remains of the manor house belonging to Erik the Red, founder of Greenland. Christian churches and a recently uncovered Norse graveyard are hidden in this settlement. Also admire Hans Lynge’s bronze sculpture of Erik the Red.

We make landfall after lunch and walk to Igaliku. Here we are introduced to 30 inhabitants. Proud of their rare village, our local guides take us on a private tour to Gardar, which was once the religious heart of Norse Greenland.

With a glass of Champagne and the Arctic air on deck, identify the sea birds and other creatures that follow in our wake.

We walk through the capital of Greenland, Nuuk. See Inuit ruins and the Church of Our Saviour. At the Greenland National Museum, we glimpse the rare Qilakitsoq mummies. Here, the sun never sets. Days are long, rolling gloriously into each other. Admire the harbour glitter under the evening sun as we sail onwards to our final port of call.