Expedition
National Geographic Endurance - 138 Guests
A Circumnavigation of Iceland
Reykjavík to Nuuk

Blanketed in ice and carved by glaciers, Greenland is a dazzling tableau of the Arctic’s epic glory. Witness the centuries of tradition and ingenuity of Arctic farmers, from the ruins of Brattahlíð, the estate of Eric the Red, to the modern landscape of Kujataa, the UNESCO World Heritage region of Southern Greenland. Explore these storied fjords as the ship cruises through the dramatic cliffs of Prins Christian Sund and Skjoldungen Island, and experience them up close through hikes and kayaking alongside locals. This is an expedition deep into wilderness, rich Inuit culture, and Norse lore.


 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Experience the ice floes and deep fjords of southern Greenland by Zodiac, kayak, and hiking excursions
  • Navigate the spectacular majesty of Prins Christian Sund, flanked by soaring snow-topped mountains, rock-strewn cliffs, and icebergs
  • Discover the Western and Eastern Settlements of Erik the Red, the great Norse explorer credited with naming Greenland
  • Discover Inuit tradition and history along the southern fjords in Qaqortoq and Nanortalik through music, food tastings, and demonstrations
  • Witness the volcanic landscapes and breathtaking waterfalls of Iceland’s Snaefellsnes Peninsula

DATES / RATES

Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
Start DateEnd DateCategory 1Category 2Category 3Category 4Category 5Category 6Category 7
Jan 11, 2027Jan 26, 202713,95514,65318,31619,04919,81122,78222,782
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
Start DateEnd Date(Starting from)
Category 1
(Mid-range)
Category 4
(High-end)
Category 7
Jan 11, 2027Jan 26, 202713,95519,04922,782


ITINERARY

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 to the city and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship.

Day 2 : Grundarfjörður
Serving as the center of trade on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula since the 15th century, Grundarfjörður is now best known for its Kirkjufell Mountain and picturesque waterfall. Alongside the National Geographic Photography Expert, capture your own images of this dynamic landscape and the weather swirling around the peninsula. Alternatively, hike through a local lava field or explore the town's Saga Center.

Day 3 : Crossing the Denmark Strait
Sail away from the Peninsula 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 experts, relax with a book in the lounge or the observation deck and keep an eye out for wildlife as the ship sails across the continental shelf.

Day 4 : Exploring East Greenland
The coast of the world's largest island is etched with thousands of fjords, some of which reach back to the Greenlandic ice sheet. Spend the day exploring these stunning inlets of the eastern coast, using underwater cameras and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to discover marine life and fascinating underwater geology. Ice permitting, sail deep into Skjoldungen fjord and soak in your arrival to Greenland on a Zodiac cruise or in a kayak among the icebergs.

Day 5 : Prins Christian Sund and Tasermiut Fjord
Sail into Prins Christian Sund, which cuts into the southern tip of Greenland. Pass between soaring pinnacles and glaciers and through the sheltered waters of this dramatic landscape. As you round the southern coast of Greenland, enter Tasermiut Fjord, known as Arctic Patagonia, for its sheer granite rock faces and dramatic valley filled with glaciers or their moraines. Spend time exploring by foot, kayak or zodiac along its shores.

Day 6 : Qaqortoq
Your exploration of Erik the Red’s Eastern Settlement continues in the fjords around Qaqortoq. The Sissarluttoq World Heritage Center is dotted with ruins of Inuit and Norse farm, stables and storerooms made of sandstone and granite blocks, allowing you to imagine what farming was like on the edge of the ice cap over 1,000 years ago. Explore the ruins of the 14th-century Hvalsey Church, and venture deep into the fjord to witness how these ancient remnants create the backdrop for daily farming life in southern Greenland. Continue to Qaqortoq, inhabited since the Viking era and now the largest town in South Greenland, with just over 3,200 residents. Stroll through the town square and visit the museum, where Greenlandic kayaks, hunting equipment and local art and handicrafts are on display. Sample traditional Greenlandic food this afternoon.

Day 7 : Qassiarsuk
Spend your last day in what was known as Erik the Red's Eastern Settlement, present-day Qassiarsuk. Visit Brattahlíð, where Erik the Red established his farm in 982 A.D. after his exile from Iceland. Erik’s wife, Þjódhild, built the first Christian church in the western hemisphere here. Visit replicas of the church and Erik the Red’s longhouse and see the shores from which their son, Leif Eriksson, launched the first voyages to North America—500 years before Columbus. Later, visit a local family farm that continues the farming tradition which has earned this region a UNESCO World Heritage designation for Arctic farming on the edge of the ice cap.

Day 8 : Paamiut and Kuannersooq Fjord
Lying at the unofficial boundary between western and southern Greenland, Paamiut serves at the gate keeper to a fjord system filled with hundreds of islands, fjords and bays, as well as terminal glaciers stretching out from the Greenlandic ice sheet. Enjoy an exploration day in these fjords, on the lookout for a view of the ice sheet as well as the wildlife that calls the fjords home, such as fin whales and sea eagles.

Day 9 : Nuuk
Perched on the seaside in the shadow of ice-capped Sermitsiaq Mountain, Nuuk is the world’s smallest capital city by population, with some 19,000 inhabitants experiencing tremendous cultural and economic growth. Watch for harp seals as you enter the harbor, and hear from local residents to learn how the community has changed over the generations. At the National Museum, examine the extraordinary 15th-century Qilakitsoq mummies found near Uummannaq—a discovery that was featured in a National Geographic magazine cover story in 1985. The Arctic ice preserved these mummies so well that researchers have been able to study their tattoos, their medical conditions and even what they ate.

Day 10 : Nuuk / Disembark Ship / Reykjavík, Iceland
This day has a recommended group flight.

Disembark in Nuuk and join the recommended group flight to Keflavik; transfers to the nearby hotel and luggage assistance will be provided. Upon arrival, enjoy an included dinner and overnight.

Day 11 : Reykjavík
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home.

National Geographic Endurance (Luxury Expedition, 138-guests)

The first new polar build in Lindblad's 50-year history, National Geographic Endurance is named to honor explorer Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Transantarctic Expedition. A fully-stabilized vessel of the highest ice class (PC5 Category A), she will enable adventurous guests to go where few have or can. National Geographic Endurance's most striking exterior feature is her distinctive profile, the patented X-Bow®, a game-changing design that guarantees the smoothest, most comfortable ride in all kinds of conditions; and since it eliminates bow impact, a quieter ride, as well.

(Click image to view Ship details)

WHAT'S 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 the National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander II, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, and The Jahan. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors, available for purchase.
  • Beer and wine on all 2023 departures aboard National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird, and National Geographic Sea Lion, and specialty cocktails with meals aboard Delfin ll.  Starting in 2024, spirits and cocktails are also included aboard these ships, with super premium wines and liquors available for purchase.
  • Beer and wine with meals aboard Oberoi Philae and Sun Goddess. Additional alcoholic beverages are 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.
  • Laundry services aboard Oberoi Philae and Sun Goddess.
  • Free Wi-Fi aboard Lord of the Glens and The Jahan.
  • Free Wi-Fi, up to one hour a day per person, aboard National Geographic Islander II and National Geographic Endeavour II 
  • Lindblad Expeditions is currently activating Starlink-enabled internet on each of our ships, enabling us to offer free Wi-Fi—in addition to paid tiers for faster internet speeds—to all of our guests fleetwide by the end of 2023.
  • 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 
  • 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 Lindblad Expeditions-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 Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships) 
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (all Lindblad-National Geographic ships except in Galapagos)
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes 
Pricing Does Not Include
  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • Crew gratuities aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Islander II, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, and Delfin II
Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.

 

Contact Epic Polar!
We can assist in finding you the right trip, and provide exclusive discounts not advertised on our site. Find out more by completing the form or call toll free USA 1 888 423 4535 or Mobile/WhatsApp +1 604 970 0165
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DISCLAIMER: Rates are per person and subject to change.