Day 1 – Flight from Reykjavik to Nuuk, embarkation

Welcome to the capital of Greenland

Flight from Reykjavík to Nuuk.

Nuuk is Greenland’s colourful and compact capital. With a population of fewer than 20,000, it’s a striking mix of old and modern buildings. If you’re more a fan of the former, head down to the old part of town by the waterfront, where you’ll find Nuuk Cathedral and the statue of Hans Egede standing on a hill. In the water below, you’ll see the beautiful Mother of the Sea statue.

Your expedition ship awaits you in the harbour. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it’s time to settle into your cabin and enjoy your first dinner aboard.

Day 2 – Sailing towards Disko Bay

At sea through the Arctic Circle

As we set sail towards the Arctic Circle, you’ll have time to settle into life on board. There will also be mandatory AECO briefings on the rules and recommendations for exploring the fragile Arctic environment, which are essential if you wish to join our planned landings further north.

Our Expedition Team will also take lectures to introduce to Greenland, and explain the Citizen Science projects you can participate in.

At some point during the crossing, we’ll pass over the Arctic Circle, entering the realm of the Midnight Sun at the height of summer.

Day 3 – UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord

See the jaw-dropping beauty of nature’s artworks

Today we’ll reach Disko Bay – a haven for whales and other wildlife. The waters here are scattered with icebergs in many shapes and sizes, and they all come from one place – the Ilulissat Icefjord. This spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site regularly tops the list of things to see and do in Greenland, and today you’ll find out why. Enjoy the scenery as you walk along the wooden path to the breathtaking ice fjord.

Marvel at giant icebergs floating placidly in the deep blue waters as they take on different hues of white, grey and blue. All photographers, regardless of skill, will return to the ship with the most enviable images. Back in pretty Ilulissat, visit the Icefjord Centre to learn more about the ice in this fascinating area and take a hike to Sermermiut to take in the incredible views.

Day 4 – Exploring Uummannaq Fjord

Entering through the gateway to the north

Greenland’s tar north begins beyond the Nuussuaq peninsula. Here, life moves at the rhythm of the Arctic; unhurried and guided by the elements.

This rugged, beautiful land has drawn people for over 4,000 years. Early settlers navigated its coastline and carved out a life in conditions few could endure. Today, archaeological sites stand as quiet markers of their resilience, including the famous Qilakitsoq mummies discovered in this very region.

Potential landings may include visits to small, remote communities like Uummannaq, watched over by its striking heart-shaped mountain, or Ukkusissat. Weather and ice permitting, we’ll explore the Qilakitsoq site, cruise into secluded fjords, or step ashore to take in Greenland’s raw Arctic landscapes.

Day 5 – At Sea

Relax and learn at sea

We’ll spend the day on the open seas crossing Melville Bay. This is a huge bay bordering the icy coast of Lauge Koch, where the ice caps meet the sea. Known by the locals as Qimusseriarsuaq, meaning ’The Great Dog Sledding Place‘, the bay was renamed by British explorers after Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount of Melville in the mid-19th century.

As we sail well beyond 70 degrees north, relax on board and join wildlife watches out on deck with the Expedition Team. You could also learn more about the Arctic with the ongoing series of lectures covering its nature, geology and mythology.

Day 6 – 10 – Thule

Explore life at the edge of the world

Ultima Thule is the term used by Greek explorer Pytheas in the 4th century BC to describe a mythical land in the far north. Nobody knows for sure which land he meant, but the name has come to refer to the far north in Greenland.

Even by Arctic standards, the Thule region is harsh. And yet, it was the first region in Greenland to be populated, some 4,500 years ago, by the forerunners of the Inuit. How they managed to survive and thrive here still puzzles archaeologists, but the abundant bird and animal life provides sustenance, and the traditional hunting culture has survived better here than elsewhere in Greenland. The polar travel know-how of the locals has been highly sought after on European and American expeditions, either as guides or saviours.

Over the coming days, we’ll explore the region, always adapting our programme to the weather and ice conditions as we go. Expect visits to local communities, Zodiac landings, and sailing through icy channels.

Day 11 – 12 – At Sea

Crossing Baffin Bay

We’re now sailing south, our adventures in the north complete. These sea days invite a slower pace: long lunches, conversations with new friends, or a soak in the hot tubs while icebergs drift quietly past.

Meanwhile, make sure you watch for wildlife on deck, and join the Expedition Team for lectures and science sessions, to gain fresh insights on Greenland, the Arctic, and the wider themes of our voyage.

Day 13 – 14 – Landscapes and communities of west Greenland

Visit modern towns on the edge of the wilderness

The central west coast of Greenland is a land of contrasts, home to some of the longest fjords in the country and a sprinkling of settlements, including the second-largest town on the island. However, the vastness of the land makes this stretch of the coast a sparsely-populated region, where huge distances are the norm, and the sense of remoteness and isolation is just a part of daily life.

As we sail south, we’ll visit communities where Greenlandic traditions remain strong. Possible calls include Qeqertarsuaq, the main settlement on Disko Island, and Itilleq – a small fishing and hunting village perched just north of the Arctic Circle.

Further along the coast lies Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-largest town. Though modern in appearance, its roots run deep, with archaeological remains dating back over 4,000 years. Visit the local museum to learn more about the ancient Saqqaq culture, or browse for qiviut scarves, hats, and mittens – crafted from the soft inner wool of musk ox, said to be 10 times warmer than sheep wool.

Whether hiking ashore, meeting Greenlanders, or scanning the horizon for wildlife, these final days offer a fitting epilogue to your Arctic expedition.

Day 15 – End of expedition in Nuuk, flight to Reykjavik

A small capital in a grandiose setting

Today, as we arrive at Nuuk, you will say a fond farewell to MS Fridtjof Nansen, her crew, the Expedition Team and the new friends you will have made. The lively capital of Greenland is a metropolis compared to all other towns in the country you have visited over the last couple of weeks. If you have time before flying back home, it is a fascinating window onto modern Greenland.

From here, you’ll catch a flight back to Reykjavík, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will no doubt endure.