Arctic Odyssey - Iceland, Greenland, and Canada
16 Days - National Geographic Explorer
Sail in the wake of early Viking explorers on a compelling journey that mixes Arctic wildlife and landscapes with a riveting history that comes alive in well-preserved ruins and local communities continuing to thrive on the edge of the Arctic. Start your adventure in Iceland’s remote Westfjords before charting a course for southern Greenland, where you’ll glide into dramatic fjords flanked by towering, jagged mountains; and visit colorful Qaqortoq, the unofficial capital of the region. In Canada, trace wild coastlines, keeping an eye out for polar bears, whales, and migrating birdlife.
from USD $27064pp
Home » 16 Day National Geographic Explorer: Arctic Odyssey – Iceland, Greenland, and Canada
Itinerary Highlights
- Take in picturesque views as we sail through dramatic fjords and past glaciers and ice floes in southern Greenland
- Hike in Iceland's remote Westfjords to observe migrating seabird colonies
- Step back in time at Viking ruins, like Erik the Red’s farm in Greenland and the 11th-century village at L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Canada
- Navigate across the Denmark Strait, home to the world's largest underwater waterfall, and the Labrador Sea, known for its nutrient rich cold water currents
- Keep watch on the open Bridge for polar bears, falcons, whales, and other wildlife along the stunning coast of Labrador
- Witness a total solar eclipse on the 2026 voyage as we navigate to the best position within the path of totality (conditions permitting)
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland / Embark Ship
- Day 2: Flatey Island
- Day 3 and 4: Crossing the Denmark Strait
- Day 5: Prins Christian Sund, Greenland
- Day 6 and 7: Southern Greenland Fjords
- Day 8 and 9: At Sea / Crossing the Davis Strait
- Day 10 to 13: Exploring the Labrador Coast, Canada
- Day 14: L’Anse aux Meadows
- Day 15: Northern Newfoundland
- Day 16: St. John’s, Newfoundland / Disembark Ship
This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.
Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland / Embark Ship
Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport and visit the Old Town, including Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower, before embarking the ship in the afternoon.
Day 2: Flatey Island
Explore Iceland’s western frontier, visiting Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries, turned sleepy summer islet. Walk around the charming little hamlet that has survived, and hike across trails that trace the cliffs past a seasonal puffin population.
Day 3 and 4: Crossing the Denmark Strait
Sail away from the Westfjords of Iceland and across the Denmark Strait. Connecting the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean, the Strait is home to the world's largest waterfall, caused by powerful currents and glaciers. Listen to talks by our experts, relax with a book in the lounge or the observation deck, and keep an eye out for wildlife as we sail across the continental shelf.
A total solar eclipse will occur in the region on August 12, 2026. We will navigate to the best position within the path of totality to witness this rare, natural wonder (conditions permitting).
Day 5: Prins Christian Sund, Greenland
Sail into Prins Christian Sund, which cuts into the southern tip of Greenland, passing between soaring pinnacles and glaciers, allowing our ship to sail through the sheltered waters of this dramatic landscape. Glimpse hanging glaciers through the fjords that stretch back to the Greenlandic Ice Sheet and keep an eye out for marine and bird life in these sheltered waters.
Day 6 and 7: Southern Greenland Fjords
Home to some of the best preserved ruins of the Viking era in Greenland, Qaqortoq and Tunulliarflik Fjord provide us with two days of insight, culture, and local interactions. Walk through the ruins of Bratthlid, Erik the Red's farm, visiting replicas of the church and the family's longhouse. Explore the same shores from which their son, Leif Eriksson, launched the first voyages to North America—500 years before Columbus.
Visit the unofficial capital of southern Greenland at Qaqortoq, with just over 3,200 residents. The colonial influence is visible throughout the town, with houses painted in primary colors and architecture dating back to the 1700's. Stroll through the town square and visit the museum, where Greenlandic kayaks, hunting equipment, and local art and handicrafts are on display. Finally, walk through the walls of Hvalsey church, located in the fjords behind Qaqortoq, the best preserved Norse ruins in all of Greenland.
Day 8 and 9: At Sea / Crossing the Davis Strait
Spend time on the bow of the ship watching for whales, polar bears, and other wildlife; enjoy the ship’s amenities; edit your photos alongside our professional photographers; and attend expert-led talks about the Arctic as we navigate the massive icebergs of Davis Strait on the way to Baffin Island.
Day 10 to 13: Exploring the Labrador Coast, Canada
Spend four days tracing the beautiful, wild coast of Labrador, exploring on foot and by kayak and Zodiac. Weaving our way through the Lower Savage islands, keeping a watchful eye for the polar bears that call these islands home, we will use our Zodiacs as safe havens to experience their environment firsthand. Watch for peregrine falcons and other birds soaring over the rocky shorelines of the spectacularly narrow Mugford Tickle and take in the impressive sight of the 4,000-foot-high Kaumajet Mountains. Continue to scenic Battle Harbour to discover the reconstructed 19th-century buildings and legacy of this historic fishing village.
Day 14: L’Anse aux Meadows
In the 1960s, the remains of a Viking village established in the 11th century were excavated at L’Anse aux Meadows, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk among the Norse ruins and reconstructed sod huts and learn the saga of the Vikings in North America, who arrived here nearly 500 years before the explorations of Columbus.
Day 15: Northern Newfoundland
Cliffs, fjords, and beaches grace the northwestern tip of Newfoundland. Hike, kayak, or explore by Zodiac with our experts amid this stunning scenery and keep an eye out for migrating birds and whales.
Day 16: St. John’s, Newfoundland / Disembark Ship
Today, disembark in St. John’s and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
09 Aug 2026 - 24 Aug 2026 | USD $27064pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | USD $27064pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | USD $28865pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | USD $29809pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | USD $31394pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo A | USD $35995pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Cabin | USD $36324pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo B | USD $39646pp | Contact us | |
Category 6 Suite | USD $40725pp | Contact us | |
Category 7 Suite | USD $45584pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Category 1 Cabin
17.5m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, non-smoking, 1-2 portholes, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category 2 Cabin
16m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category 3 Cabin
19.5m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category 4 Cabin
15.5m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category Solo A
12m², single bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category Solo B
12m², single bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category 5 Cabin
16.5m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, balcony with sliding glass doors, non-smoking, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category 6 Suite
33m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, balcony with sliding glass doors, non-smoking, writing desk, reading lamp, large private bathroom, shower, 2 wash basins, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, TV, A/C, luggage storage.
Category 7 Suite
36m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, sofa bed, balcony with sliding glass doors, non-smoking, seating area, writing desk, reading lamp, large private bathroom, shower, 2 wash basins, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, TV, A/C, luggage storage.
National Geographic Explorer Deckplan
Specifications
- Crew: 86
- Officers: International
- Guests: 148
- Tonnage: 6471
- Length: 367 Feet / 112 Metres
- Width: 54 Feet
- Speed: 15 Knots
- Passenger Decks: 6
- Built: 1982
- Registry: Bahamas
Whats included?
- Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
- Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
- Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
- Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
- 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
- Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard all ships, with the exception of Sun Goddess and Oberoi Philae. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors available for purchase.
- Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, Sun Goddess, and The Jahan.
- Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard our National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media. Enhanced and Premium internet packages are available for purchase, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting).
- Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
- Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
- The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
- Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
- 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
- Complimentary National Geographic parka or jacket on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages
- Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert (National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Resolution) and National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships)
- Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard our National Geographic fleet)
- Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
What’s not included?
- Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
- Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
- Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
Notes
Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.