Welcome to Reykjavik, where your Arctic adventure begins. Arrive into the city any time today, and independently transfer to the group hotel (accommodation for the night is included). On arrival at the hotel, you'll receive a welcome letter outlining the departure information for the following day’s flight. An agent will be available in the lobby to answer any questions you may have. There’s plenty to see and do if you arrive early into the world's northernmost capital city. Reykjavik boasts vibrant art, music, food and nightlife scenes, and a visit to the city would be incomplete without a soak in one of the area's geothermal springs, the Blue Lagoon being the most famous. Notes: If you arrive earlier or wish to extend your stay and need accommodation, please ask Intrepid or your agent for details and costs. Special Information

After breakfast today, the group will take a transfer to the airport and board a charter flight to the northern Icelandic town of Akureyri. Although the flight time will be communicated to you on Day 1 when you arrive at the hotel, weather conditions can sometimes lead to a change in the schedule. Please be ready to depart the hotel at any time. It's important to note that on the flight to Akureyri, there's a strict luggage limit: 20 kilograms (44 pounds) of checked luggage and five kilograms (11 pounds) of cabin baggage. Should you have additional luggage, it can be stored at the hotel in Ottawa (you can't take it with you on the plane). On arrival into Akureyri, you'll transfer to your ship, get settled and meet your Expedition Team, captain and crew. As you sail out to sea, take in your new surroundings up on deck. Have your binoculars and camera ready, as you may spot birdlife and whales!

Sailing into the peaceful bay of Hornvík, you’ll reach the northernmost point of Iceland. This area is encircled by two of the largest bird havens in Europe. You can hike an old path, once used by fowlers, out to the majestic Hornbjarg cliffs, which are dominated by millions of seabirds, such as Brünnich’s guillemots, kittiwakes and puffins. Encounters with Arctic foxes are also common here. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES The following optional activities are available on some or all of this trip's departures. Please note that they must be booked in advance (additional costs may apply), and that space is limited. KAYAKING Taken in small groups of maximum 16 people, multiple times per voyage, kayaking adventures are only conducted during calm weather conditions. Travellers with all levels of kayaking experience can take part, however if you are a novice, please take an introductory course prior to the voyage (and make sure it covers how to do a wet exit). Even if you do have some experience, we recommend doing some pre-trip practice, so you're comfortable out on the icy waters. HIKING Hiking is a great way to appreciate the immense windswept landscapes of the Arctic. The tundra comes alive with colourful shrubbery during the brief Arctic summer. Whether you're exploring communities, glacial shorelines or animal habitats, each hike is different. Your Expedition Team will advise you as to the difficulty levels of each optional hike when you're there.

As we cross the Denmark Strait, your Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with educational presentations about the wildlife, history and geography of Greenland. Join your crew up on deck and on the bridge as they look out for whales and seabirds, get to know your fellow guests or simply take in the natural beauty surrounding you.

Sail south, dipping beneath the Arctic Circle. We’ll attempt our first Greenlandic shore landing on the island of Ammassalik, one of the most isolated inhabited islands on Earth. Keep your camera ready as you explore the region by Zodiac, venturing deep into the Sermilik Fjord. With a population of just over 2,000, Tasiilaq is the largest community in East Greenland. Situated on the banks of the King Oscar Harbour, the town offers picturesque views and is the perfect place to pick up traditional crafts such as soapstone figures, wooden masks and tupilaks (carved figures that protect their owners against enemy attack). Experience an Arctic ghost town at the abandoned Skjoldungen settlement. In the early 1960s, as part of a nationwide program to concentrate Greenland’s population in a few select sites, the inhabitants were relocated to larger, more accessible communities. After exploring the town’s remains, cruise the Skjoldungen Fjord in a Zodiac or take part in an optional kayaking activity.

Ships rarely venture into Lindenow Fjord, the least-occupied fjord in Greenland. Led by your Expedition Team, cruise to an arm of the fjord in search of bearded seals. You may also spot waterfalls along the sheer rock face. If the ice conditions allow, we'll explore Prins Christian Sund, which features a series of massive tidewater glaciers. Rounding the southern edge of Greenland, land at Narsaq Kujalliq (also known as Narsarmijit). Founded by Herrnhut missionaries in 1824, it’s the country’s southernmost settlement. Explore Herjolfsnes, the site of an excavated Norse farm, where you can take a hike or soak in a natural hot spring while icebergs float by. Thermal springs are a common natural phenomenon in Greenland. On the uninhabited island of Uunartoq, bubble away in a warm stone-dammed pool while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains. In the fertile South Greenland, visit the well-preserved ruins of a Norse church in Hvalsey. As you walk amongst the stone walls, you may just feel the presence of the settlers who used to gather here before the site was abandoned in the 15th century.

Sail towards Paamiut. Known for its mysterious fog and blend of old and new culture, the town has its own guardian: the white-tailed eagle. Inhabitants feel a strong connection with the king of the birds, and legend has it that good luck will come to those who spot it (easy to do, as they’re seen in large numbers here). The friendly locals and fishermen will happily talk about their town, and you may be able to see fin, humpback, minke or killer whales from shore. You’ll also have the opportunity to hike along a thousand-year-old nature trail. History and culture buffs will find plenty to do in the bustling Greenlandic capital of Nuuk. Wander along to the waterfront to see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede statue, both named after the missionary who founded the settlement in 1728. At the Greenland National Historic Museum, you can view the 500-year-old remains of fully dressed mummies, found after two brothers out grouse hunting discovered their graves under a rocky outcrop. Also worth exploring are the Katuaq Culture Centre and Nuuk Art Museum.

Today, sail across the Davis Strait, a major summer feeding ground for walruses and narwhals. On-board presentations by your Expedition Team will prepare you for your upcoming Baffin Island adventures. During this time at sea, it’s easy to stay entertained: learn to identify seabirds, share photos and swap stories with shipmates, lounge with a book in the ship's library, savor a glass of wine in the bar or get active in the exercise room. Or, simply stay up on deck, enjoying the impressive sea views.

Trace the southeastern coast of Baffin Island, the largest island in Canada and the fifth largest in the world. In this land of glacial lakes, wildflowers such as Arctic poppies and purple saxifrage are scattered across the landscape. Your time here will be spent going on wildlife excursions by Zodiac, hiking the tundra and visiting fishing villages and traditional Inuit settlements to learn about the local history and culture.

Dubbed the Switzerland of the Arctic, the Inuit hamlet of Pangnirtung is nestled beneath the frosty peaks of Mount Duval at the mouth of the Pangnirtung Fjord, which merges with the Cumberland Sound. Artists in Pang, as locals call it, are renowned for their traditional woven tapestries and lithographs. Here, you can visit the internationally acclaimed Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts and Crafts to watch craftspeople in action in the tapestry studio, purchase a limited-edition litho at the print shop, and even pick up a colourful Pang hat (with matching scarf and mittens) to keep you warm during the rest of your Arctic adventure. Nearby, explore the remains of a whaling station on the uninhabited island of Kekerten. During the height of bowhead whaling in the late 1800s, the station was the most important of its kind in the Cumberland Sound area. The site represents the impact that the industry had on the culture and economy of the Inuit in the sound, as locals adapted to the rhythm of the whaler’s year.

Expect more wildlife sightings at Monumental Island, located off the southern coast of Baffin Island. Though uninhabited by people, the island is a wildlife playground. As you cruise in a Zodiac along the shoreline, keep your eyes peeled for hauled-out walruses and prowling polar bears.

This uninhabited archipelago was, for several centuries, the location of an annual trading fair between the Inuit and the Europeans. Explore the narrow channels separating the three rugged islands by Zodiac. Polar bears can often be seen prowling the steep slopes along the coast.

The ship is scheduled to arrive back at the pier in Iqaluit between 7 and 8 am local time today. After breakfast, bid farewell to your Expedition Team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. The whole process takes about an hour. After disembarking, you'll be transferred to the airport for the return charter flight to Ottawa (hotel accommodation is included for the night).

Today, your Arctic adventure comes to an end after breakfast at the hotel. Make your way to Ottawa's airport for your flight home, or spend a relaxing day exploring in the city. Please note that weather conditions may delay our arrival, and airline schedule changes have also been known to occur. Booking flexible tickets is always encouraged, as we cannot be held responsible for delays due to unforeseen circumstances. Special Information