Grímsey is a small island north of the Icelandic mainland, home to approximately only 100 people and one million seabirds. Nesting on the high cliffs that surround the island, the chatter of seabirds here is at its peak during the breeding season in summer, when the island enjoys 24 hours of daylight. This grassy outcrop straddles the Arctic Circle, making it one of the few places on earth where you can cross the Arctic Circle on foot – truly a once-in-a lifetime experience.

The friendly town of Sauðárkrókur is located in a fertile valley along the southwestern shore of Skagafjörður Fjord. Although Sauðárkrókur was officially settled in 1871, it is linked to history dating back to the ancient Grettir’s Saga of the 13th-century. It’s the largest town in northwest Iceland, though is home to just over 2,500 people. The charming downtown will welcome you as you stroll through the small collection of distinctive, traditional buildings where the past seems to be brought back to life.

A true culinary journey awaits every day on board with up to 10 extraordinary all-inclusive culinary experiences and nine bars and lounges. As dusk falls, choose between steak and seafood at Elements, channel the spirit of Asia at Koko’s, or journey to France at Lumière+.

On the northern side of the entrance to the Scoresbysund fjord system stands Ittoqqortoormiit, the only permanent settlement in the region. The population here is approximately 430 people, largely dependent on a subsistence lifestyle. The inhabitants make their living hunting seals, narwhals, muskoxen and polar bears. Ittoqqortoormiit is the northernmost settlement on Greenland’s east coast, apart from a few meteorological and military stations. Brightly colored, quaint little houses and dogsled enclosures dot the rocky slopes of the settlement. It must be incredible to live here every day enjoying the magnificent views of Kap Brewster and the Volquart Boon Coast to the south.

Today you enter the vast wilderness of Northeast Greenland National Park, the largest national park on Earth. This immense Arctic realm is defined by towering glaciers, jagged mountain ranges and silent fjords that stretch endlessly into the distance. From the deck of your Scenic Discovery Yacht, take in the scale and stillness of one of the planet’s most remote and unspoilt environments, where nature remains truly untouched.

Another day unfolds within this extraordinary polar sanctuary. Icefields shimmer under shifting light, snow-draped peaks rise above mirror-like waters, and drifting ice creates ever-changing patterns across the fjords. The profound sense of isolation and serenity offers a rare chance to experience the Arctic in its purest form, far removed from the modern world.

As your journey through the high Arctic continues, keep watch for the remarkable wildlife that inhabits these extreme latitudes, from seals and seabirds to Arctic foxes and, on rare sightings, polar bears. Surrounded by sculpted ice formations, dramatic cliffs and vast open spaces, every view is a reminder of the raw beauty and untamed spirit of this remarkable region.

Scoresby Sund is the largest and deepest fjord system in the world, and the birthplace of many of Greenland’s glaciers. Be amazed by the mountainous surrounds, the lively wildlife and the memorable discoveries. Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, the sailing and expedition schedule is flexible. Your experienced Captain and Discovery Team Leader will use their expertise to give you the best experience in this extraordinary part of the world.

As we enter this magnificent fjord system, stand in awe on the Observation Terrace or your private verandah, where you can marvel at the sheer grandeur of your surroundings.

Experience an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscape of Scoresby Sund, a fjord that reaches a staggering 350 kilometres in length and plunges down 600 metres. On board Scenic Eclipse, you will navigate through a maze of towering icebergs that gently drift under Arctic waters, calving from parent glaciers from the Inland Ice.

Take in this awe-inspiring landscape from the Observation Deck alongside your expert Discovery Team, who can answer any questions you may have. Or perhaps you’d like to take it all in from the comfort of your private verandah.

Scenic Discovery:
Weather and conditions permitting, you may have the opportunity to join the Discovery Team on a hike across the tundra, looking for muskoxen and blue Arctic foxes blending into the basalt rock. Cruise in a Zodiac to view hauled-out walruses and seals resting along the shoreline, and keep watch for migratory minke, humpback and fin whales.

Two colossal terraces of sheer rock stand either side of this extraordinarily located town - which rides a jutting spit onto an immensity of black fjord water. Surprisingly, considering the remoteness of its location and its compact size, Isafjordur is a modern and lively place to visit, offering a great choice of cafes and delicious restaurants – which are well stocked to impress visitors. The town is a perfectly located base for adventures amongst Iceland's fantastic wilderness - with skiing, hiking and water-sports popular pursuits among visitors.

Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Grundarfjörður exudes charm with its quaint fishing village atmosphere and vibrant, colourful houses. As you wander its winding streets, you'll be captivated by the picturesque scenery at every turn.

Dominating the skyline is the iconic Kirkjufell, affectionately known as Church Mountain, which stands as a majestic backdrop to this idyllic coastal community. Its distinctive silhouette, often shrouded in mist or bathed in the golden glow of sunset, has made it one of the most photographed mountains in all of Iceland, adding to the allure of this enchanting village.

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.

Iceland is well-known for its spectacular waterfalls. The iconic Dynjandi waterfall, located in the Westfjords region, is regarded as one of Iceland’s most impressive and majestic waterfalls. At the top, the cascading water is roughly 100 feet wide and tumbles down about 330 feet into the fjord. Its name Dynjandi means, “the thundering one” and its vast size, enormous sound, and sheer force is overwhelming. It has also been nicknamed, ‘The Bridal Veil’ because of the way the water sprays and spreads over the rocks.

Two colossal terraces of sheer rock stand either side of this extraordinarily located town - which rides a jutting spit onto an immensity of black fjord water. Surprisingly, considering the remoteness of its location and its compact size, Isafjordur is a modern and lively place to visit, offering a great choice of cafes and delicious restaurants – which are well stocked to impress visitors. The town is a perfectly located base for adventures amongst Iceland's fantastic wilderness - with skiing, hiking and water-sports popular pursuits among visitors.

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 several days in Greenland, countless moments 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 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 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.

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.

Nuuk, meaning “the cape”, was Greenland’s first town (1728). Started as a fort and later mission and trading post some 240 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, it is the current capital. Almost 30% of Greenland’s population lives in the town. Not only does Nuuk have great natural beauty in its vicinity, but there are Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, the parliament, and the Church of our Saviour as well. The Greenlandic National Museum has an outstanding collection of Greenlandic traditional dresses, as well as the famous Qilakitsoq mummies. The Katuaq Cultural Center’s building was inspired by the undulating Northern Lights and can house 10% of Nuuk’s inhabitants.

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. 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.

Today, you’ll arrive in the breathtaking Disko Bay, a true paradise for whales and Arctic wildlife. Here, shimmering icebergs of all shapes and sizes drift gracefully across the water, each one a stunning creation of the legendary Ilulissat Icefjord.

Stand in awe on the Observation Terrace or your private verandah, where you can marvel at the sheer grandeur of the surroundings.

Scenic Discovery:
Weather and conditions permitting, join the Discovery Team for exploration by Zodiac or kayak, venturing into pristine waters and along remote coastlines to experience wildlife, glaciers, and stunning landscapes up close.

Known as the birthplace of icebergs, the Ilulissat Icefjord produces nearly 20 million tons of ice each day. In fact, the word Ilulissat means “icebergs” in the Kalaallisut language. The town of Ilulissat is known for its long periods of calm and settled weather, but the climate tends to be cold due to its proximity to the fjord. Approximately 4,500 people live in Ilulissat, the third-largest town in Greenland after Nuuk and Sisimiut. Some people here estimate that there are nearly as many sled dogs as human beings living in the town that also boasts a local history museum located in the former home of Greenlandic folk hero and famed polar explorer Knud Rasmussen.

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’.

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’.