21 Day Iceland & Greenland Voyage
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ All airport and port transfers
✓ 4 nights in comfortable four-star accommodation in the heart of Reykjavik
✓ 15 nights aboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen by Hurtigruten, enjoying a thrilling expedition cruise along the rugged, remote Greenland coast
✓ Most meals included, with daily breakfast, 14 lunches, 15 dinners
✓ Fully escorted by English-speaking guide for land touring
✓ Your expert Expedition Team onboard your Hurtigruten cruise will help you discover each exciting destination
✓ Incredible sightseeing, including the wonder of UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, the remote settlements of the Greenland coast, Iceland’s magical Vatnshellir lava cave and iconic Kirkjufell Mountain
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Halló! Welcome to Iceland. The world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavik, lies just below the Arctic Circle.
On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation. After settling in, the rest of the day is yours. This fascinating Nordic city is hip, cool and has a quiet, small-town vibe to it. Reykjavik is close to nature, nestled between volcanic mountain ranges and the scenic Icelandic coastline.
Being so small, it’s a great city to explore on foot, with lots of street art to admire too. The main shopping street of Laugavegur is where you’ll find the city’s famed nightlife, dining scene and excellent shopping. Perhaps stroll around the city’s quaint, narrow streets and visit the old harbour with its brightly coloured buildings. Stroll the waterfront walkway – be prepared for the wind – and try to take in the sunset from here.
You can’t miss the famous Hallgrimskirkja church. At 75 metres tall, from the top of the steeple you can enjoy sweeping views across the city and beyond. Its iconic jagged grey spire, resembling a mountain peak, can be seen from most parts of Reykjavik.
Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.
Check-in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.
It’s a free day for you to explore Iceland’s capital.
There are plenty of museums to visit, including the Settlement Exhibition to learn more about Iceland’s Viking history – it’s home to remnants of the original 10th-century houses that were built when they arrived. There are still many Viking influences around the city, blending seamlessly with modern icons like the Harpa concert hall, with its distinctive honeycomb exterior. The Perlan Museum – Wonders of Iceland is situated in one of Reykjavik’s most impressive buildings, with a planetarium and a replicated ice cave to explore.
Experience a quintessential Icelandlic tradition by taking the waters. There are 17 thermal pools in the city, filled with the natural geothermal water this country is renowned for.
Hungry? You’ll find an abundance of quirky cafes with a laidback vibe. Perhaps try a traditional Nordic delight, like fish stew or salted cod. If you’re feeling brave, fermented shark – yes, rotten shark – is an Icelandic delicacy. An Icelandic hot dog is the street food of choice, made from lamb meat. Visit Reykjavik institution Bæjarins Beztu, by the old harbour, and ask for “eina með öllu” (“one with everything”).
Today we’ll head north for the diverse landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, home to volcanic craters, black and golden sand beaches, lava fields and a glacier. A subglacial volcano towers over the scenery. It’s also known for its colourful wildlife, like birds and seals.
We’ll visit the black beach near Ytri Tunga farm, a favourite spot for local seals. We’ll continue to Snæfellsjökull National Park before arriving at the Vatnshellir lava cave, under the glacier, where you’ll descend into a magical world of stalactites, stalagmites and strange lava formations. This 8000-year-old lava tube reaches over 200 metres.
The day will continue visiting volcanic settings and black pebble beaches before finally arriving at the beautifully symmetrical Kirkjufell Mountain. One of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks, it rises 463 metres above the shoreline.
Before heading back to Reykjavik, you’ll make your way through the dramatic lava fields of Berserkjahraun, created some 3,000 to 4,000 years ago.
Today you’ll head down the South Coast of Iceland, stopping first at the remote seafront village of Vik. It’s a photographer’s dream, set on a dramatic stretch of coastline wedged between glacier-topped mountains, cliffs and black sand beaches.
From here we’ll continue to the roots of Kötlujökull glacier, where you’ll be greeted by layers and layers of different coloured ice. If any of the smaller ice caves are accessible, your guide will take you through them.
On the way back, we’ll stop by the waterfalls Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Skógafoss, with a cascade of 60 metres and an enormous width of 25 metres, is one of Iceland’s biggest and most beautiful waterfalls. There’s usually a rainbow here on sunny days!
Today you’ll be transferred to the port at the appropriate time to board the MS Fridtjof Nansen, your expedition ship and home for the next 16 days.
Eighty per cent of this country is covered by ice – the Greenland ice sheet is the second largest in the world, after Antarctica. As we sail under the midnight sun, a beautiful Arctic phenomenon, we’ll enjoy long days to discover this fascinating country’s pristine beauty. Experience Greenland’s thrilling scenery as you cruise these remote waters – long fjords, glistening icebergs, lush meadows and isolated communities who thrive in some of the world’s most remote and harsh environments.
Spot whales, seals and sea birds on your journey. When you’re not exploring on land, enjoy the onboard amenities, entertainment and experiences – like port presentations and in-depth lectures that provide interesting context to your voyage.
We’ll leave Iceland behind and sail across the Irminger Sea. This crossing was used by the Vikings to migrate from Iceland to Greenland some 1,000 years ago.
Enjoy introductory lectures on local history and biology and get to know the innovative expedition ship.
It’s a day at sea today.
Only accessible by boat or helicopter, many consider colourful Qaqortoq one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland with its bright houses and lovely setting. Think icebergs in the bay, whales in the fjord and huge mountains either side. It may be the biggest town in South Greenland, with some 3,000 inhabitants, but this village is easy to explore on foot. Climb one of the many hilltops for stunning views of the fjord below.
The local museum offers an insight into early fishing and whaling life in the area. Qaqortoq’s open-air art exhibition transforms the town into an outdoor gallery, with around 40 stone sculptures and carvings found throughout the city.
You can join one of the excursions to gain even more insight into local culture.
We’ll discover the beautiful region Kvanefjord, near Paamiut, by sailing deep into the fjord on this exploration day. Your experienced captain will take advantage of the conditions to identify landing sites for onshore walks, locate places to launch our kayaks, scout ideal communities to visit, or find the best spots to scan for wildlife.
Maniitsoq was founded in 1755 and its name means `the uneven place´, thanks to the rocky hills and mountains that shape the town. It’s known as the `Venice of Greenland´ as it is situated in an archipelago, intersected by natural canals. The town sprawls over several small islands, linked by bridges. Fishing, kayaking and whale-watching are popular here.
There are three local museums to learn more about the town’s rich history and Greenlandic culture, including an art museum with an extensive collection of sculptures and paintings by local artists.
Sisimiut is situated 40km north of the Arctic Circle. The name means ‘the people living in a place where there are fox dens’. This is the second-largest town in Greenland; a modern, picturesque settlement that maintains ancient traditions.
The Sisimiut Museum is housed in beautiful old colonial buildings close to the harbour. The town is also home to two skin workrooms, with workers preparing sealskin in the traditional way for items like jackets and slippers, available for purchase.
The town is renowned as an adventure travel hub, from mountain biking in the summer to dog sledding (an important part of Greenlandic culture) and skiing in the winter. Impressive hills make for great hiking.
There are several exciting excursions to discover the many things to do in Sisimiut.
Disko Bay is the largest open bay in western Greenland and the region is a haven for excellent whale and bird-watching. You’ll get up close to its renowned giant floating icebergs.
Brace yourself for the stunning scenery of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the mouth of the fjord you can see enormous icebergs that have run aground. These ice masses originate from the Jakobshavn Glacier, one of the fastest flowing glaciers in the world. This is where most of the icebergs in the northern hemisphere are formed.
We’ll visit a glacier valley east of Saqqaq that was without an official name until 2013 – this place is special to your crew, as it’s been named after one of their former Expedition Team members, Friederike Bronny.
We’ll land at the beach to explore this most northerly destination of our voyage, with its breathtaking landscape and Arctic flora.
Today’s exploration takes us to the meandering Evighed Fjord (Eternal Fjord), surrounded by tall mountains – up to 2,000 metres high! Conditions on the day will determine the final program and activities on offer.
Only 240 km south of the Arctic Circle, the capital of Greenland is situated at the mouth of one of the most spectacular fjord systems in the world, that stretches over an area of 2,000 square kilometres.
This is where old and new traditions meet, a fascinating blend of Inuit tradition and modern comforts. The Greenland National Museum and Archives is home to the famous mummies of Qilakitsoq. Here you’ll find exhibitions covering all of Greenland’s history over 4,500 years. Head to the Katuaq Cultural Center to see the changing art exhibitions on the walls of the foyer and the cafe.
Stroll through the old colonial harbour, take an art walk around the city to discover several artworks created by Greenlandic artists in the public space, or dine on traditional food with a twist in one of the local restaurants. The gastronomy scene in Nuuk is thriving – musk ox burger, anyone?
The abandoned mining town of Ivittuut is a stronghold for musk oxen, Greenland’s biggest land mammal.
More than a thousand years ago, Vikings settled the area, but left no written records behind. Archaeologists believe this was the last Norse settlement in Greenland to be established, and the first to be abandoned.
Prince Christian Sound separates mainland Greenland from Sammisoq and the Cape Farewell Archipelago.
If conditions allow, we’ll sail through this narrow channel and enjoy the spectacular scenery. The towering jagged mountains can reach up to 1,700 metres high. If the channel is blocked with ice, we will sail around Nunap Isua (Cape Farewell).
After exploring exhilarating Greenland, we’ll set course back to Iceland. Spend the day at sea reflecting on your expedition, having fun in the science centre or just relaxing on deck, watching the sea birds following our ship – or maybe even spotting whales.
It’s a day at sea today.
Our voyage of discovery and adventure ends in Reykjavik. Upon disembarking you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!
Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.
For detailed cruise itinerary, click HERE.
For information on what to pack for Expedition Cruises to Antarctica and beyond, click HERE.
For further information on 'Life on Board' the MS Fram ship, click HERE.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN ADVENTURE
PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT
Polar Outside - INCLUDED CABIN
The Polar Outside cabins are primarily on the middle decks with windows, most are spacious, have flexible sleeping arrangements and TV for excellent and high standard accommodation. Can accommodate two to four passengers.
Arctic Superior - UPGRADE FOR AN ADDITIONAL $2,500 per person twin share ($5,000 single share) - subject to availability
Arctic Superior class cabins are comfortable and roomy accommodation and most have balconies. Flexible sleeping arrangements, sofa beds, TV and other features make this one of our most popular categories. Our Arctic Superior concept includes a kettle, tea and coffee. Can accommodate two to four passengers.
Expedition Suite - UPGRADE FOR AN ADDITIONAL $3,700 per person twin share ($7,400 single share) - subject to availability
These suites are large, well-appointed cabins with expansive windows and most have balconies. Some have a private outdoor hot tub. The suites feature flexible sleeping arrangements with comfortable sofas, sitting areas and TV. They can accommodate up to four people. Expedition suites are exclusively in upper and mid-deck locations. Our Expedition Suite concept includes a bathrobe, espresso maker, and more.An exciting welcome gift awaits all suite guests in their cabin.
Cabin Upgrades and prices are subject to availability upon booking. Please note your upgrade option as a special request when booking and our team will be in touch with a confirmed quote. If we are unable to confirm your request, we will quote alternative options.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Full-service airline used will be Finnair, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, China Southern, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa or similar
Flights are not direct and include a maximum of two connections
If you would like to travel with a preferred airline, please ensure you mention this in the special request field. Please note that appropriate fare and tax difference will be applicable in order to confirm your request.
All tickets will include 20 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage.
Despite the airlines baggage allowance, we recommend travelling with 20 kilos per person due to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Also, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters is not included. If travelling over this amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable direct.
Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable. Any changes will be subject to the airline rules and change fees.
Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required.
Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control.
Any airline 'extras' such as pre-allocated seating are at your own arrangement (additional charges apply)
Deviating from flights booked for the group is possible. A $150 fee plus any airfare price difference will apply. You will also forfeit any group airport transfers, however we can assist you make alternative transfer bookings instead. The $150 fee doesn't apply when booking extra services through Inspiring Vacations (extra accommodation, transfers, stopover packages, extensions, etc). See a full list of options under "Extensions & Extra Services"
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only Discount
A $1,600 per person reduction from the twin share price applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, please refer to the ‘Extra services’ section for pricing.
Extending Your Stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour or including a stopover in another destination. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
By choosing to extend your stay, please note that a supplement of $150 per person, plus applicable fare and tax differences will apply. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post tour accommodation (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Please note, the transfers are not private and you may be grouped with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
Please note gratuities are not included on the cruise BUT they are not expected. It is typical throughout the Arctic and Scandinavia that tipping is not expected nor is it a requirement. It is at the customer's discretion. You may consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $10,800 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Australian passport holders do not require a visa for travel to Iceland and Greenland.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements. Visas should not be applied for before receiving final documentation.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
2-40 people.
Trip Style
Expedition Cruise - These trips are for the true explorer. Expedition small ship cruising is the best way to get off-the-beaten-track and see some of the world's most unspoilt and remote destinations. The experience on an expedition cruise is very different from that of a conventional, larger cruise ship. The focus is not about the ship’s creature comforts but very much about about the destination, it’s nature and wildlife. Daily shore excursions by zodiac inflatable boats allow you to step on to shore in the world's most remote locations where few have ever been before. These trips will be a mix of fully guided or self-guided depending on your chosen package, on board your small ship you'll have an expert expedition team giving you informative lectures and educational lectures in many different scientific fields.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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