Complete East Greenland (Ocean Albatros)

Velkomin! Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins in Reykjavik – the northernmost capital city in the world. This afternoon, you’ll board your ship, the Ocean Albatros. Once you’ve settled into your cabin, you’ll have a safety and orientation meeting at 5 pm. If you arrive in Reykjavik with time to spare, maybe head downtown to explore the local boutiques and cosy cafes or visit Hallgrimskirkja Church for views over the city and architecture inspired by Iceland’s volcanic landscape.

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Sail through the Denmark Strait, a narrow passage between Iceland and Greenland that's teeming with wildlife. Join the Expedition Team for some birdwatching – you might catch your first glimpses of seabirds like Arctic skuas and terns. Learn about the region’s ecology and geology as you sail. As you approach Greenland, you’ll have an expedition safety briefing to prepare you for your upcoming Zodiac excursions.

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Visit the village of Kuummiut, nestled in the 41-km-long Ammassalik Fjord. This fishing town is home to East Greenland’s only fish factory. Witness the quiet thrum of traditional East Greenlandic life, filled with sled dogs and motorboats. Meet some of the locals and learn about Inuit culture and daily life. This afternoon, continue to Ikateq – a fjord rich in wartime history. During WWII, a large US airbase was built here as part of a transatlantic air route. The base was abandoned in 1947 and most of the site was left behind, including an airfield, port, hangars and supplies. Today, you’ll see the remnants of the site – a well-preserved relic of WWII set against Greenland’s striking natural scenery.

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Founded as a trading post in 1894, Tasiilaq is East Greenland’s largest settlement. Today, explore this village that showcases traditional Inuit culture. This is where the tupilak originated – originally a mythical creature, tupilak has now evolved into an artform involving small figures carved from bone or stone. These can be found in souvenir shops and make great keepsakes. See packs of sled dogs, watch some drum dancing, hike through meadows and check out the Stunk Artisan Workshop, where local craftspeople make handicrafts from materials like bone, stone and wood.

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Keep your binoculars handy as you sail towards Ittoqqortoormiit. Watch seabirds like northern fulmars, eiders, Arctic terns, Arctic skuas and thick-billed murres soaring overhead. Deepen your knowledge of this ecosystem with educational talks given by the Expedition Team or maybe kick back for a day of relaxation – you could watch wildlife passing by from the ship’s hot tubs or even treat yourself to a spa treatment.

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Encounter one of the most remote communities in the world at Ittoqqortoormiit. This town only receives supply shipments once or twice a year – the locals still largely rely on licensed hunting. Experience the strong sense of community and local culture here during a visit to the town’s museum and church. Ittoqqortoormiit is positioned on the fringes of the Northeast Greenland National Park – get ready to start your expedition into the Arctic wilderness tomorrow!

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Cruise past the Liverpool Land peninsula to reach Northeast Greenland National Park – the largest national park in the world, spanning nearly one million square kilometres. The itinerary for your three days here will depend on weather, wind, sea and ice conditions. The captain and Expedition Team will maximise the opportunities for expeditions depending on these factors. You might visit Ella Island for dramatic views of 1300-m-tall cliffs, or Blomsterbugten (AKA ‘Flower Bay’) on Ymer Island for vistas of Teufelsschloss mountain (known as ‘Devil’s Castle’). Maybe you’ll see Waltershausen Glacier, Muskox Fjord or the abundant wildlife at Jameson Land. Your Expedition Team will always be on hand to provide insight and guide you in spotting wildlife.

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Travel south along Greenland’s Blosseville Coast. Weather permitting, you’ll have the rare opportunity to land in this now-uninhabited region – make sure you have your camera ready for views of towering basalt peaks and spectacular glaciers.

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Reflect on your Arctic expedition as you begin your journey back to Reykjavik. Celebrate your adventure by joining your fellow travellers and the Expedition Team for a slideshow of memories from the trip. This evening, enjoy a farewell cocktail party with the captain and your new travel friends.

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Disembark the Ocean Albatros this morning, then transfer to Reykjavik Airport or downtown Reykjavik, where your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.