ITINERARY
10 July 2024
Dover, England
Embark Spirit of of Discovery. Depart 17:00
11th July 2024
At Sea
Spend the first few days at sea exploring your "new home", relaxing and playing bridge
14th July 2024
Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrive 08:00 Depart 17:00
Reykjavik, or ‘Smoky Bay’, was named after the area’s numerous hot springs by its Viking founder, Ingólfur Arnason, in AD 874. Although Iceland’s oldest permanent settlement and capital, it retains a friendly small-town atmosphere. Glimpse Old Reykjavik’s colourful houses capped by corrugated roofs and the imposing Hallgrimskirkja church on an included panoramic excursion.
The city’s historic heart is full of boutiques, numerous museums and art galleries. Excavations have revealed many Viking artefacts in this area around city-centre Lake Tjörnin – known locally as The Pond. Find out more about the city’s development at the National Museum and Saga Museum or visit the famous Blue Lagoon.
Included sightseeing excursion
Tour this quirky capital on a panoramic drive, highlighting the striking Hallgrimskirkja church built out of concrete.
Optional excursions
The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most famous sites, where natural geothermal energy heats the artificial lagoon. The mineral-rich waters make it a favourite spot for a rejuvenating dip. Alternatively, join a full-day visit to a trio of natural wonders: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Strokkur and Gullfoss Waterfall.
15th July 2024
Isafjördur , Iceland
Arrive 08:00 Depart 17:00 -Land by launch or tender.
Dwarfed by stark mountains on either side, the small town of Isafjördur is tucked away on an arm of the fjord of the same name. It boasts the largest harbour in Iceland’s Westfjord region, which saw it thrive as a trading hub from the 16th to 19th centuries.
Wooden 18th-century merchant houses still stand along the harbourfront, including the oldest in Iceland, which now houses a folk museum. Another historic home is now the Maritime Museum, which further attests to Isafjördur’s close ties to the sea. An included panoramic excursion provides a great introduction to this compact town. Boat trips to the nearby island of Vigur are popular with birdwatchers as it has an array of birdlife.
Included sightseeing excursion
Join this excursion for an introduction to Isafjördur before independent exploration.
16th - 17th July 2024
At Sea
More time to relax at sea, chat to friends old and new and of course play bridge.
18th July 2024
Qaqortoq, Greenland
Arrive 08:00 Depart 20:00 - Land by launch or tender.
South Greenland’s largest settlement features brightly painted colonial buildings dating back to the 18th century. The oldest building, once a blacksmiths, displays harpoons and kayaks that reflect the country’s Norse heritage. Next to it stands Greenland’s oldest fountain, Mindebrønden, which was built in 1932.
The open-air ‘Stone and Man’ sculpture gallery encompasses a collection of motifs carved in stone and rock throughout the town. Qaqortoq is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts as walking trails lead around the lake and into the surrounding wilderness. Alternatively, board a helicopter for a bird’s-eye view of this Arctic landscape.
Optional excursions
With a very limited road network, locals and visitors alike rely on air travel to get around. A helicopter trip will give you a bird’s-eye view of the Arctic mountains, fjords and glaciers. During the trip the helicopter will land close to the Qalerallit Glacier. Explore the surrounding ice fields and experience the peaceful atmosphere.
19th July 2024
Narsarsuaq, Greenland
Arrive 08:00 Depart 18:00 - Land by launch or tender.
This settlement of under 200 people was founded as an American airbase in 1940. Narsarsuaq is less than four miles from Greenland’s Ice Sheet, which covers most of the country.
Near to the airport is the unique Greenlandic Arboretum, an Arctic botanical garden home to more than 100 species and 50,000 trees. The surrounding hills are scattered with 10th to 15th-century Norse ruins and Qooroq ice fjord, where blue-hued icebergs have formed over thousands of years.
Optional excursions
The area surrounding Narsarsuaq is a tangle of fjords, islands and inlets through which the ice sheet seeps into the ocean. Board a smaller vessel to navigate Qooroq ice fjord and get up close to blue-tinged icebergs. Enjoy commentary about the natural history of the region on board and admire the Arctic scenery.
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20th July 2024
Nanortalik, Greenland
Arrive 08:00 Depart 17:00 - Land by launch or tender.
‘The Place where the Polar Bear goes’ is an apt name for Greenland’s southernmost town as these fierce animals occasionally pass by on the ice floes. Set on a small island beside the Tasermiut Fjord, the historic quarter of colourful wooden buildings contrast against a backdrop of jagged mountains. The open-air Nanortalik Museum gives an insight into the area and its culture. The town is also a hub for mountain and rock climbing, hiking and kayaking.
Included excursions
Enjoy an ‘open-town’ visit in Nanortalik, with the opportunity to meet the people who call this small community home.
21st July 2024
Scenic cruising in Prince Christian Sound
Weave past craggy peaks and calving glaciers whilst cruising along this 66-mile-long fjord described as a “river of melted snow” by explorer John Cabot.
This inland passage separates Greenland’s mainland from the Cape Farewell Archipelago, connecting the Labrador and Irminger seas. Granitecliffs on both sides close into just 1,650 feet apart at the narrowest point, and it is only accessible in summer.
22nd & 23rd July2024
At Sea
Two more days at sea to enjoy the lectures and entertainment on board and play bridge with your fellow group members.
24th July 2024
Akureyri, Iceland
Arrive 8:00 Depart 17:00
Set on Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjordur, the self-titled ‘Capital of the North’ was settled by Vikings in the 9th century. Akureyri has since developed into Iceland’s most populous town outside of Reykjavik.
Although just 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle, it is warmed by the Gulf Stream, lending it a relatively moderate climate. This is evident in the Botanic Gardens and the two-month-long annual Arts and Culture Festival’s outdoor summer events. From Akureyri, you can discover Godafoss Waterfall on an included panoramic excursion.
Included sightseeing excursion
Admire Godafoss Waterfall on an included excursion.
25th - 27th July 2024
At Sea
More time to relax and play bridge before our return to the U.K.
28th July 2024
Dover
Arrive 0730.
Disembark Spirit of Discovery after breakfast.
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