Iceland & Greenland in Depth - Cruise & Land Journey
The Arctic region is a magical place with majestic glaciers and wildlife - and you can explore them all on board the Scenic Eclipse, The World's First Discovery Yachts™.
Explore the spectacular landscapes, unique wildlife and culture of the High Arctic. Join your expert Discovery Team of up to 20 specialists for awe-inspiring exploration.
- Fully escorted small group land journey of up to 20 guests and an intimate Discovery Yacht experience for only up to 228 guests
- Memorable destination hotel stays
- Spacious all-verandah ultra-luxury suites with personalised butler service for every Scenic Eclipse cruise guest and a close to 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio
- Up to 10 dining experiences and up to nine bars and lounges with included beverages+, all day, every day on board Scenic Eclipse
- Indulgent 550sqm Senses Spa# facilities, gym, yoga and Pilates studio and Vitality Pools on board Scenic Eclipse
- Included program of Zodiac and guided kayaking Discovery Excursions in the Arctic
- Expert Tour Director, knowledgeable local guides and Scenic Eclipse Polar Discovery Team of up to 20 experts
- Complimentary Scenic Eclipse parka and water bottle, plus use of special polar boots
- Internal transfers to meet the cruise and return airport transfers
- All tipping and gratuities
Welcome to Reykjavík. Your wondrous land journey begins in the vibrant capital of Iceland with a two-night stay.
Reykjavik is the gateway to Iceland’s Golden Circle, a volcanic landscape of geysers, waterfalls and glaciers. The city is the country’s quirky and creative heart, filled with colourful buildings, a buzzing night scene and is brimming with museums.
Today, explore the city’s hidden gems on an informative walking tour with an expert guide. Admire the stunning architecture of Harpa Concert Hall, see the enchanting Sólarið Sculpture, and visit Hallgrimskirkja Church, which dominates the city skyline.
After leaving the vibrant capital behind, embark on an exploration of Iceland's enchanting south coastal region. First up, you’ll enjoy a horse show where Icelandic horses demonstrate their unique gaits.
Continue on with a visit to ancient man-made caves, believed to be Iceland's oldest archaeological remains. Here you will learn about the caves' history and sample Icelandic whisky, local beer and delicacies. You’ll also stop to admire the beauty of some of the country’s best-known waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss.
Board an amphibian vessel at Jökulsárlón for a thrilling adventure on Jökulsárlón, Iceland’s largest glacial lagoon. This excursion offers an up-close encounter with majestic icebergs, the chance to taste 1000-year-old ice, and the opportunity to spot wildlife such as playful seals. You’ll also witness massive ice blocks laying on the black sand of Diamond Beach, named so for the way the ice chunks glisten in the sunlight like diamonds.
Continue this sensory feast along Iceland's south coast, marvelling at dramatic landscapes, steep canyons, meandering rivers, and ancient volcanic lava fields. Take a leisurely stroll on Reynisfjara, a renowned black sand beach where incredible basalt columns rise from the sea. You may also spot charming Icelandic puffins here. Afterwards, explore the country’s southernmost town of Vík and indulge in the flavours of Iceland at a local brewery with a tasting of exquisite craft beers.
Enjoy an unforgettable journey along Iceland's legendary Golden Circle, starting with Thingvellir, a site of historical and geological significance, where Iceland's nationhood was established. Continue to Gullfoss, the iconic 'Golden Waterfall'. Experience the awe of 100,000 litres of glacial water plummeting 31 metres into the Gullfossgljúfur canyon every second.
Conclude your exploration at Haukadalur, a geothermal wonderland, home to active geysers such as the Great Geysir and Strokkur. Witness Strokkur's reliable eruptions from the windward side every 8-10 minutes, reaching heights of up to 30 metres.
Return to Reykjavik for a one-night stay in the very heart of Iceland’s lively capital.
Scenic Enrich
Experience Reykjanes Geopark, a World Heritage-listed Global Geopark, the only place on Earth where the Mid-Atlantic ridge rises above the ocean's surface, showcasing volcanic and geothermal activity. Encounter dormant volcanoes, fissures and faults, experiencing the wonders of geological formations.
In the afternoon, enjoy a panoramic view of Hafnarfjordur then partake in an Icelandic bathing tradition, the Seven-Step ritual at Sky Lagoon. Soak in the lagoon's hot waters and feel the fresh ocean air on your face as you take in captivating views from the 70-metre infinity edge pool.
Today, your escorted land journey ends and your discovery will continue by sea.
This afternoon, you’ll meet the Captain and crew of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. Be welcomed on board with a glass of Champagne and explore your spacious suite. Meet your fellow guests for a drink at the Scenic Lounge Bar as you toast to the start of an unforgettable journey.
Today, prepare to feel freezing mist on your face as you admire the jewel of the Westfjords. Appropriately nicknamed ‘the thunder’ as it tumbles down seven tiers over 100 metres, Dynjandi Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Weather permitting, marvel at nature’s grandeur and keep an eye out for local wildlife as you sail through this remote corner of the country.
Characterized by deep, blue fjords, separated by flat-topped mountains, Ísafjörður is the largest settlement in the Westfjords of Iceland. Explore remote Iceland from one of the most stunning towns in the country, with old timber framed houses and architecture. Bursting with a wealth of wildlife, keep your eyes peeled for birds and Arctic foxes on the cliffs, seals on the coast and whales cruising in the surrounding ocean.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as you make your way west towards Greenland. Perhaps ask your butler to bring breakfast to your suite, to be enjoyed as you watch the icy ocean slip by from your private verandah. Then explore some of the indulgent spaces on board, from the welcoming Observation Lounge to the indulgent Senses Spa# with its sauna and heated therapy lounge.
Join the experts from the Discovery Team for a lecture or talk about upcoming ports, then sit back with your favourite cocktail for an evening of entertainment in the state-of-the-art-theatre.
Unlike the rest of Greenland, the Sermersooq municipality (where the Fridtjof Nansen peninsula is located) is smooth and unbroken terrain. Here, the magnificent Greenland Ice Sheet flows right to the shore. The peninsula gets its name from famed explorer Fridtjof Nansen, who launched his pioneering Greenland venture from Umivik Bay. This 1888 expedition confirmed that Greenland was completely covered in ice.
Over the next seven days in Greenland, countless adventures await, from exhilarating whale watching to thrilling kayak excursions and invigorating polar plunges, promising unforgettable experiences.
Glaciers calving, rivers flowing, towering rock walls and colourful forests - the Skjoldungen Fjord is spectacular. Look up to admire huge crevasses and freestanding pillars of ice standing silhouetted against the blue Greenland sky. On the lower slopes, Arctic wildflowers will bloom amongst the dwarf birch and willow trees. Join the Discovery Team on the Observation Deck as nimble Scenic Eclipse weaves through numerous icebergs in this narrow channel and learn about the archaeological remains that have been found in this region, suggesting people lived here over 4,000 years ago.
Carving a breathtaking,naturally formed path that separates the mainland from the islands of Cape Farewell, Prince Christian Sound is one of Greenland's most scenic waterways and a highlight of any cruise in the region. Over a hundred kilometers in length, and flanked by magnificent glaciers and granite cliffs, this narrow passage is only accessible during summer, when the largest ice blockades melt away.
With her elegant design and state-of-the-art technology, Scenic Eclipse brings you closer to the towering glaciers, icebergs and imposing peaks for unmissable photo opportunities.
After a restorative night of rest in your ultra-luxury suite, wake on your own time. The day is yours to spend exactly as you wish.
Take the time to acquaint yourself with the exceptional range of facilities on board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Each indoor and outdoor space has been carefully curated with you in mind. Relax and slow down to the rhythm of the ocean, perhaps using the complimentary binoculars in your suite to scan the horizon in search of whales.
Clinging to a jagged peninsula on the southwest coast of Greenland, Nuuk is the island’s capital and largest city. The area has been inhabited since 2200BC, though the present town was only established in 1728.
Nuuk’s colourful wooden buildings are a visual standout on your guided tour of the Old Harbour. The picturesque site reveals history and traditions that remain strong today, making Nuuk a hub of modern Nordic culture. Discover innovative architecture inspired by the Northern Lights and restaurants showcasing local recipes and ingredients.
Enjoy a slow day cruising through Evighed Fjord, or ‘Eternity Fjord’, considered one of the most beautiful in Greenland. Stretching for more than 75 kilometres, you’ll be awed by the endless fields of ice glittering under the sun. Tall, jagged peaks threaded with glaciers rise straight up out of the calm blue waters. Many of the glaciers are very active and you will likely hear chunks of ice calving away and collapsing loudly into the ocean. In Evighed Fjord, you’ll feel the beauty and power of nature all around you.
Today, we arrive in the breathtaking Disko Bay, a true paradise for whales and Arctic wildlife. Here, shimmering icebergs of all shapes and sizes drift gracefully across the water, each one a stunning creation of the legendary Ilulissat Icefjord.
Stand in awe on the Observation Terrace or your private verandah, where you can marvel at the sheer grandeur of the surroundings.
Scenic Discovery:
Weather permitting, explore with the Discovery Team by Zodiac, kayak, submersible^ or helicopter^.
Ilulissat is the main town on the Disko Bay, named from the Inuit word for ‘iceberg’. It’s famous for the large number of icebergs breaking away from the nearby Ilulissat Icefjord, a World Heritage-listed site. The Icefjord is the mouth of the vast Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the world’s fastest moving and most active glaciers, calving a remarkable 46 cubic kilometers of ice annually. Listen for the rumbling sounds in the distance as huge chunks of ice break from the glacier and tumble into the water below.
After days of exploration, enjoy some much-needed relaxation as you cruise the waters of West Greenland today. Towering cliffs and serene waters create a mesmerizing backdrop as you graze the day away. Scenic Eclipse’s all-inclusive premium beverages ensure you’ll find something that suits your taste perfectly.
As this is your last full day on board, take some time for a dip in the temperature-controlled Vitality Pools, a treatment in the Senses Spa#, an aerial yoga class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates studio or an exquisite tea in the Observation Lounge.
Your journey concludes this morning in the small town of Kangerlussuaq. After one final sumptuous breakfast on board, you’ll disembark your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Farewell the crew and your fellow guests, taking with you a wealth of memories from an unforgettable voyage.
For the final part of your journey you will be transferred to Copenhagen for an overnight stay.
After breakfast in the morning, feel free to depart at your leisure, taking with you a wealth of memories from an unforgettable voyage.
#Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board. ^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions.
The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.
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