East Greenland Small Ship Adventure

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland

After arriving independently in Reykjavik and checking in to your hotel for an included night stay, spent time unwinding and soaking in the charm of Iceland’s tiny capital.

Day 2: Fly to Kulusuk, Greenland

Your expedition begins in earnest. As you explore this wild and rarely visited coastline, your route will be shaped by ice and weather conditions. The locations below are examples of what you may experience on this true exploratory voyage:

Tasiilaq

Home to around 2,000 people, this is the largest community in East Greenland and a vibrant centre of Inuit tradition. Here, you'll hear tales of local myths and legends, including the eerie tupilaqs – spiritual figures crafted through ancient forms of sorcery.

The town is also a hub for Greenlandic art. During your guided visit, you'll explore a local gallery or art shop, visit the church, join a traditional kaffemik (coffee gathering) and enjoy a performance of the hypnotic drum dance.

Kuummiut

Tucked within the Ammassalik fjord system, the small settlement of Kuummiut is a hidden gem. Surrounded by majestic peaks, its network of fjords offers spectacular hiking, complete with cascading waterfalls and sweeping views. With strong Inuit roots, Kuummiut offers insight into traditional life in East Greenland.

Ikateq Fjord – Bluie East Two

Further north lies Ikateq fjord, where we may land at the ghostly remains of a World War II US military base, Bluie East Two. Once a key refuelling stop between North America and Europe, the base is now a relic, its rusting fuel drums, abandoned vehicles and weatherworn buildings slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Karale and Knud Rasmussen Glaciers

Sailing eastward, reach two powerful tidewater glaciers. With luck, you'll witness dramatic calving events, as massive chunks of ice shear off into the sea with thunderous echoes.

Sermilik Fjord & Tiilerilaaq

Continue into the vast and glacier-carved Sermilik Fjord, a 56-mile (90-km) passage filled with dazzling icebergs, many born from the mighty Helheim Glacier at its head.

On its southern shore lies Tiilerilaaq, a tiny village perched on a hillside, overlooking the ice-choked fjord. Local life here still revolves around traditional fishing and hunting practices. Before departing, you'll take a scenic hike with views over the dramatic landscape and drifting ice.

Johan Petersen Fjord & Qeertartivatsiaq Island

If ice conditions permit, you'll enter Johan Petersen Fjord. At its entrance, Qeertartivatsiaq Island hides ancient Inuit ruins along its southern shoreline. Deeper in the fjord, outlet glaciers spill down from the inland ice – one of the few places where the ice cap meets the sea.

Wildlife sightings are likely throughout our journey. Keep watch for Arctic foxes, seals and various species of whale.

Day 9: Fly from Kulusuk to Reykjavik

After breakfast, disembark for one final Greenlandic highlight: a visit to an ice cave. Travelling by boat and then on foot across the glacier, you'll reach a surreal frozen cavern glowing in shades of blue.

After exploring the cave, continue on to a viewpoint overlooking the calving glacier front, where icebergs are born from the slow march of the ice sheet.

Back in Kulusuk, take a short walking tour through the town, visiting the cemetery, church, and, if open, the small museum.

A farewell dinner rounds off your time in Greenland before an evening flight back to Iceland. On arrival in Keflavik, you will be transferred to your included hotel for a well-earned rest.

Day 10: Leaving Reykjavik 

After breakfast, say your goodbyes and begin the journey home or onward to new adventures.

NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.