Iceland to Greenland & the Glaciers of Disko Bay

Welcome to Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital city. Your journey begins here in Iceland’s quirky and creative heart.

This afternoon, you’ll meet the Captain and crew of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. Be welcomed on board with a glass of Champagne and explore your spacious suite. Meet your fellow guests for a drink in the Sky Bar as you toast to the start of an epic journey.

Please book your flight to arrive into Reykjavik prior to 02:00 PM.

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Grundarfjörður is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Iceland's stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Surrounded by towering mountains and pristine fjords, Grundarfjörður offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and Icelandic charm. Explore the quaint streets lined with colourful houses, or venture into the nearby wilderness to discover hidden waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. Have your camera ready to catch a glimpse of the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, a favourite among photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Nestled on the breathtaking Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Grundarfjörður is home to the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain and cascading waterfalls that make every photo unforgettable. Experience the charm of a traditional Icelandic fishing village, where friendly locals and serene landscapes create the perfect escape. Explore dramatic coastlines, volcanic vistas, and abundant wildlife - Grundarfjörður is your gateway to Iceland’s most captivating adventures.

Weather permitting, today we'll visit the jewel of the Westfjords, Dynjandi Waterfall. Feel the freezing mist on your face as you admire the cascading bridal veil falls and discover why it was nicknamed ‘the thunder’. Tumbling down seven tiers over 100 metres, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Marvel at nature's grandeur and wildlife spectacle as you sail through this remote corner of Iceland.

At sea, life is both exciting and challenging. Ships travel across vast stretches of water, carrying people and goods from one place to another. Sailors spend many days away from land, facing changing weather and strong waves. The endless view of the ocean can be beautiful and peaceful. After their journey, they feel happy and relieved when they finally reach shore.

Unlike the rest of Greenland, the Sermersooq municipality (where the Fridtjof Nansen peninsula is located) is smooth and unbroken terrain. Here, the magnificent Greenland Ice Sheet flows right to the shore. The peninsula gets its name from famed explorer Fridtjof Nansen, who launched his pioneering Greenland venture from Umivik Bay. This 1888 expedition confirmed that Greenland was completely covered in ice.

Over the next seven days in Greenland, countless adventures await, from exhilarating whale watching to thrilling kayak excursions and invigorating polar plunges, promising unforgettable experiences.

Glaciers calving, rivers flowing, towering rock walls and colourful forests - the Skjoldungen Fjord is spectacular. Look up to admire huge crevasses and freestanding pillars of ice standing silhouetted against the blue Greenland sky. On the lower slopes, Arctic wildflowers will bloom amongst the dwarf birch and willow trees. Join the Discovery Team on the Observation Deck as nimble Scenic Eclipse weaves through numerous icebergs in this narrow channel and learn about the archaeological remains that have been found in this region, suggesting people lived here over 4,000 years ago.

Located on Greenland’s relatively rarely visited rugged east coast, Skoldungen Fjord has enchanting scenery with towering mountains tipped with snow, ice-scraped valley sides and sculptured icebergs in shades of white and blue. At the top of the fjord one can easily see the retreating state of the Thrym Glacier. The U-shaped fjord offers spectacular scenery and as an extra perk, it is not uncommon to see whales in the fjord.

Carving a breathtaking, naturally formed path that separates the mainland from the islands of Cape Farewell, Prince Christian Sound is one of Greenland's most scenic waterways and a highlight of any cruise in the region. Over a hundred kilometres in length, and flanked by magnificent glaciers and granite cliffs, this narrow passage is only accessible during summer, when the largest ice blockades melt away.

With her elegant design and state-of-the-art technology, Scenic Eclipse brings you closer to the towering glaciers, icebergs and imposing peaks for unmissable photo opportunities.

The transit through the Sound is one of this voyage’s highlights. Connecting the Labrador Sea with the Irminger Seat, Prince Christian Sound or “Prins Christian Sund” in Danish is named after Prince (later King) Christian VII (1749-1808). 100 km (60 miles ), long and at times just 500 m (1500 ft) wide, this majestic and spectacular fiord throws you back into a Viking era – flanked by soaring snow-topped mountains, rock-strewn cliffs and rolling hills, it is as if time has stood still and one easily forgets that this is the 21st century. As you marvel at the sheer size of the mountains that surround you, with the Arctic waters lapping deceptively at the hull, revel in the silence enveloping you. Icebergs float serenely by, carrying with them the ages of time. Be sure to wear warm clothing as this is one spectacle that you do not want to miss.

Herjolfsnes is a historical Norse settlement located in southern Greenland. It was founded during the Viking Age as part of the Eastern Settlement established by Norse explorers from Iceland. The site is best known for its medieval church ruins and archaeological remains, which reveal details about early European life in Greenland. Herjolfsnes was once an important coastal landing point for ships traveling between Greenland, Iceland, and Europe. Today, it is an archaeological site that helps researchers understand Norse exploration, adaptation to Arctic conditions, and settlement history in the North Atlantic.

Set on the southern tip of Greenland, Narsaq is a striking agricultural town located on the edge of a fjord. It’s known for its lush farmland, hardy sheep, legacy of Greenlandic cowboys and intriguing Norse history. In the 1960s, a long house was unearthed here, and it is believed to be the very first place Erik the Red settled in Greenland in the 10th century. Visit the Narsaq Museum, set in historic buildings around the old harbour, to learn more about the area’s rich heritage.

Clinging to a jagged peninsula on the southwest coast of Greenland, Nuuk is the island’s capital and largest city. The area has been inhabited since 2200BC, though the present town was only established in 1728. Colourful wooden buildings can be seen around the shore, while more modern apartment buildings house most of the city’s 20,000 inhabitants. A guided tour through the picturesque Old Harbour reveals history and traditions that remain strong. Nuuk is also becoming known as a centre of modern Nordic culture, with edgy architecture inspired by the Northern Lights and innovative restaurants using local ingredients.

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.

Enjoy a slow day cruising through Evighed Fjord, or ‘Eternity Fjord’, considered one of the most beautiful in Greenland. Stretching for more than 75 kilometres, you’ll be awed by the endless fields of ice glittering under the sun. Tall, jagged peaks threaded with glaciers rise straight up out of the calm blue waters. Many of the glaciers are very active and you will likely hear chunks of ice calving away and collapsing loudly into the ocean. In Evighed Fjord, you’ll feel the beauty and power of nature all around you.

Evighedsfjorden, also called “Eternity Fjord,” is a dramatic fjord located on the eastern coast of Greenland. It features steep, glaciated cliffs and deep, icy waters, typical of Greenland’s rugged fjord landscapes. The fjord is largely uninhabited and remote, offering pristine scenery and opportunities to observe Arctic wildlife such as seals, seabirds, and occasionally whales. Its isolation and striking natural beauty make it a destination primarily for adventurous explorers and scientific research.

Spectacular days await as you cruise Disko Bay. Ilulissat is the main town on the bay, named from the Inuit word for ‘iceberg’. It’s famous for the large number of icebergs breaking away from the nearby Ilulissat Icefjord, a World Heritage-listed site. The Icefjord is the mouth of the vast Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the world’s fastest moving and most active glaciers, calving a remarkable 46 cubic kilometres of ice annually. Listen for the rumbling sounds in the distance as huge chunks of ice break from the glacier and tumble into the water below.

Disko Bay is a large bay located on the western coast of Greenland, opening into the Baffin Bay. It is known for its dramatic Arctic landscapes, floating icebergs, and cold, clear waters. The bay is surrounded by glaciers and coastal settlements, with Ilulissat being one of the most well-known towns nearby. Disko Bay is famous for the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where massive icebergs calve from the Greenland Ice Sheet. It is also an important area for Arctic wildlife, including whales and seals, and is a popular destination for polar tourism and scientific research.

After days of exploration, enjoy some much-needed relaxation as you cruise through the Kangerlussuaq Fjord today. Towering cliffs and serene waters create a mesmerising backdrop as you enjoy breakfast on your verandah or lunch at the relaxed Azure Bar & Café. Graze the day away and enjoy Scenic Eclipse’s all-inclusive premium beverages to ensure you’ll find something that suits your taste perfectly.

As this is your last full day on board, take some time for a dip in the temperature-controlled Vitality Pools, a treatment in the Senses Spa#, an aerial yoga class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates studio or an exquisite tea in the Observation Lounge.

The name Kangerlussuaq means "Big Fjord" in the local Kalaallisut language. The settlement of about 500 people is located in western Greenland on flat land at the head of a fjord with the same name. Kangerlussuaq is the site of Greenland's largest commercial airport and most of the economy here is dependent on the air transportation hub and tourism. The rugged lands around the settlement support terrestrial Arctic fauna including muskoxen, caribou, and Gyrfalcons.

Your journey concludes this morning in the small town of Kangerlussuaq. After one final sumptuous breakfast on board, you’ll disembark your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Farewell the crew and your fellow guests, taking with you a wealth of memories from an unforgettable voyage.

For the final part of your journey you will be transferred to Copenhagen for an overnight stay.

The name Kangerlussuaq means "Big Fjord" in the local Kalaallisut language. The settlement of about 500 people is located in western Greenland on flat land at the head of a fjord with the same name. Kangerlussuaq is the site of Greenland's largest commercial airport and most of the economy here is dependent on the air transportation hub and tourism. The rugged lands around the settlement support terrestrial Arctic fauna including muskoxen, caribou, and Gyrfalcons.

By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’.