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All pictures and videos of wildlife were taken with a professional zoom lens from a distance required under environmental laws, ensuring the safety of both the wildlife and the environment. The website (www.swanhellenic.com) is owned and operated by Swan Hellenic Travel Limited (20, Themistokli Dervi, Flat/Office 301, 1066, Nicosia, Cyprus)
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Design by Charmer
All pictures and videos of wildlife were taken with a professional zoom lens from a distance required under environmental laws, ensuring the safety of both the wildlife and the environment. The website (www.swanhellenic.com) is owned and operated by Swan Hellenic Travel Limited (20, Themistokli Dervi, Flat/Office 301, 1066, Nicosia, Cyprus)
© 2025 Swan Hellenic. All Rights Reserved
AECO
USTOA
CLI
ACTA
ACTA 2
IAATO
Cousteau
Virtuoso

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FOLLOW US
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Swan Hellenic
Design by Charmer
AECO
USTOA
CLI
ACTA
ACTA 2
IAATO
Virtuoso
Cousteau
All pictures and videos of wildlife were taken with a professional zoom lens from a distance required under environmental laws, ensuring the safety of both the wildlife and the environment. The website (www.swanhellenic.com) is owned and operated by Swan Hellenic Travel Limited (20, Themistokli Dervi, Flat/Office 301, 1066, Nicosia, Cyprus)
© 2025 Swan Hellenic. All Rights Reserved

Deep Greenland Expedition: Glaciers, Fjords, and the Disko Bay Circuit

Kangerlussuaq→Kangerlussuaq
20.08.27 - 01.09.27

Deep Greenland Expedition: Glaciers, Fjords, and the Disko Bay Circuit

Kangerlussuaq→Kangerlussuaq
20.08.27 - 01.09.27
Book now
V2627082012SH VEGA
Ports11
Countries1
Nights12

Follow the Viking routes into one of the world's last truly wild frontiers. This 12-night expedition aboard SH Vega traces the northwest coast of Greenland — from the glacial corridors of Eternity Fjord to the remote Polar Inuit communities of Qaanaaq and Siorapaluk, among the northernmost permanently inhabited places on Earth. Witness Greenland's most active calving glaciers, sail through Disko Bay, and step ashore in communities where Arctic traditions have endured for centuries. Expert-led talks, citizen science programmes and immersive shore time bring depth to every destination

Follow the Viking routes into one of the world's last truly wild frontiers. This 12-night expedition aboard SH Vega traces the northwest coast of Greenland — from the glacial corridors of Eternity Fjord to the remote Polar Inuit communities of Qaanaaq and Siorapaluk, among the northernmost permanently inhabited places on Earth. Witness Greenland's most active calving glaciers, sail through Disko Bay, and step ashore in communities where Arctic traditions have endured for centuries. Expert-led talks, citizen science programmes and immersive shore time bring depth to every destination

V2627082012SH VEGA
Ports11
Countries1
Nights12

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Itinerary route map

NOTE: This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

Overview

Day 1. Kangerlussuaq

Day image 1
Once a WWII airbase at the head of Kangerlussuaq Fjord, Kangerlussuaq's history is told at the airport’s museum, showcasing Inuit artefacts. This ice-filled glacial area and tundra is a haven for wildlife, including reindeer, arctic foxes, arctic hare, gyrfalcons and around 10,000 muskoxen

Day 2. Evigheds Glacier

Day image 1
The Evigheds Glacier, a majestic outflow from the Greenland Ice Sheet, carves through the dramatic Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord, also known as Eternity Fjord. This 75-km-long waterway is a haven for wildlife, with white-tailed eagles and black-legged kittiwakes soaring above. Calving icebergs showcase Greenland's raw beauty, but sadly like many glaciers, it is slowly retreating due to global warming's impact on this fragile Arctic ecosystem

Day 3. Qeqertarsuaq

Day image 1
Qeqertarsuaq is the largest town on Disko Island, Greenland’s largest island, where colourful houses pop against dramatic red basalt mountains. Overlooked by striking Lyngemark Glacier, the area is shaped by its volcanic origin, unique terrain featuring dramatic basalt columns, rolling hills black sand beaches. Thanks to its relatively fertile landscape, it supports unique plant species, such as wild angelica, rarely found elsewhere in Greenland

Activities:

Activity image 1
Included

Open Town Qeqertarsuaq

1.5 hour
Explore the picturesque town of Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island, surrounded by towering mountains and pristine waters. Visit the local museum to uncover the island's rich history and the historic church for a glimpse into its spiritual heritage. End your journey with a stroll through colorful streets and a treat at a charming hotel café.
Activity image 1
Included

Meet the Greenlandic Sledge Dog

2 hours
Join a local guide to learn about Greenlandic sled dogs, their culture, laws, and care, while exploring handmade sled dog equipment. Hear fascinating stories of dog sledding adventures and the effort behind building a successful team. Capture memorable photos with these beautiful dogs before bidding farewell.
Activity image 1
Included

Kuannit Hike

5 hours
Embark on a guided 5 km hike to Kuannit, featuring basalt columns, lush flora like wild angelica, and the unique volcanic terrain of Qeqertarsuaq. Pass local landmarks before enjoying panoramic views of Disko Bay, icebergs, birds, and possibly whales. The 4–5 hour hike offers gradual elevation and scenic resting spots.

Day 4. Uummannaq

Day image 1
The word Uummannaq means ‘heart-shaped’ in Greenlandic and refers to the twin-peaked granite mountain shaped like a heart, which covers narly the whole northern half of the island. Folklore has it that a piece of your heart remains on the island forever, calling you back. Sheltered by glaciated mountains, this charming fjord region is referred to as the sunniest spot in Greenland and has been a refuge for Inuit migrations for over 4,500 years

Activities:

Activity image 1
Included

Uummannaq community visit

Legend has it that once you visit Uummannaq, a piece of your heart remains behind, calling you back for the rest of your days. Some say it’s the magic of the towering mountain that watches over the town, while others believe it’s the joyful chorus of children’s laughter echoing through the harbor. Whatever the reason, Uummannaq’s charm is undeniable and captures visitors almost instantly. The name Uummannaq itself means ‘heart-like’, inspired by the 1,175-meter heart-shaped mountain that rises behind the town. Bathed in over 2,000 hours of sunshine each year, the town radiates warmth—not just from the sun, but from the friendliness of its people. Strolling through the streets, you’ll witness daily life unfold as locals carry groceries from the shop, pausing to exchange greetings with neighbours. On bright summer days, women display handcrafted goods along the harbour while fishermen unload their boats, filled with the day’s fresh catch. During your stay, you’ll have the chance to explore the Uummannaq Museum, housed in a historic hospital from 1880, where fascinating artifacts, replicas of the Qilakitsoq mummies, and exhibits on Alfred Wegener’s Greenland research await. You’ll also visit the town’s beautifully preserved stone church, built in 1935, as well as traditional peat houses—one of which remained inhabited until 1980. With its rich history, breathtaking scenery, and welcoming community, Uummannaq is more than a destination—it’s a place that stays with you forever.

Day 5. Day at sea

Day image 1
Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts

Day 6. Thule

Day image 1
Day image 2
Once home to one of the world's most strategically significant air bases, Thule sits at the edge of the habitable world — a place where Arctic wilderness and 20th-century history collide. Surrounded by vast frozen landscapes and dramatic coastal scenery, this remote corner of northwest Greenland offers a rare glimpse into a land shaped by ice, wind, and extraordinary human endurance. The area is rich in wildlife, with opportunities to spot seabirds, Arctic foxes and marine mammals against a backdrop of glaciers and open sea

Day 7. Siorapaluk

Day image 1
One of the northernmost permanently inhabited settlements on Earth, Siorapaluk is home to a small community of Polar Inuit who have called this remote Arctic outpost their home for centuries. Life here revolves around the rhythms of the sea and seasons — dog sledding, hunting and fishing remain central to daily existence. A visit to Siorapaluk offers a rare and humbling encounter with a culture that has thrived at the very edge of the world, maintaining traditions largely unchanged despite the passage of time

Day 7. Qaanaaq

Day image 1
The main hub of northwest Greenland, Qaanaaq is the heart of Polar Inuit culture — a small but vibrant community perched above a stunning fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and sea ice. Known as one of the most isolated towns on the planet, it offers an extraordinary window into Arctic life, where dog sleds remain a primary mode of transport and the hunting traditions of the Inuit have been preserved for generations. The landscape around Qaanaaq is breathtaking in scale and silence, with icebergs drifting through the fjord and the possibility of wildlife encounters in every direction

Day 8. Day at sea

Day image 1
Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts

Day 9. Upernavik

Day image 1
Colourful homes dot the hillside of this harbour town. Upernavik's history unfolds at the open-air Upernavik Museum with a church, grocers and original colonial buildings, alongside whale hunting, sea kayaking and Viking and Norse history with the Kingittorsuaq Runestone. To the north, the Upernavik Icefjord is dotted with icebergs. Nearby Apparsuit Island hosts the world's largest seabird cliffs, teeming with black-legged kittiwakes

Day 10. Eqip Sermia Glacier

Day image 1
Eqi Glacier, or Eqip Sermia in Greenlandic, is one of Greenland's largest and most active calving glaciers, spanning nearly 4 km wide and towering over 200 m. Visitors can almost always witness calving, where pieces of ice break off the glacier's face, creating deafening bangs and giant splashes that send waves across the bay. The contrast between thunderous calving and the ensuing silence provides a glimpse of Greenland's dynamic icy landscape

Day 11. Ilulissat, Disko Bay

Day image 1
Sailing through the iceberg capital of the world to Disko Bay, the Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the cruise highlights. Given UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the Ilulissat Icefjord is a popular tourist destination, and thanks to the productive Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, thousands of gargantuan icebergs calve from the Greenland ice cap into the sea. The city of Ilulissat is home to many sled-dogs

Activities:

Activity image 1
Included

Museums of Ilulissat

3 hours
Immerse yourself in Ilulissat’s rich heritage with free access to the Icefjord Centre, Art Museum, and History Museum, where Knud Rasmussen’s legacy unfolds. Enjoy a complimentary shuttle connecting all locations and a free drink at Icefjord Centre. Stroll the UNESCO-protected Sermermiut boardwalks, leading to stunning fjord viewpoints.
Activity image 1
Included

Arctic Tundra Hike

3.5 hours
Ready for a long Arctic tundra hike? We will start from the pier and walk our way through town where you will see the well-known Arctic colourful houses and continue to the town's power station. Your guide will tell you about the things you see along the way. From here we start the Arctic Tundra hike in rocky terrain and on small paths, having the view of the Disko Bay with you, all along. Your guide will take small stops along the way to tell you about the Arctic nature, what you see and tell you about the Kujalleq Ice fiord. When reaching a little more than halfway you will have a stop at a viewpoint, approx. 20-30 min., to enjoy a local refreshment, take some pictures, talk about the area or just a silenced break. This is also the time where your guide will tell you more about the UNESCO heritage site, which you have an overview on from this spot. After hiking the rest of the way with the Sermermiut area on your right/back side, you will reach the Ilulissat Ice fiord centre where you can take the shuttlebus back, or you can visit the UNESCO heritage site on your own. Note: Hilly terrain, a wooden boardwalk, and small rocky paths. You can choose to avoid the rocky sections by returning via the boardwalk on your own. The route offers an easy walking pace and covers 4–5 km.
Activity image 1
Included

UNESCO Icefjord Cruise

1.5 hour
Meet your local captain and board a boat at the pier to set off on your 1.5-hour journey to see the magnificent icebergs, laying at the mouth of the Ilulissat Ice fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These icebergs come from one of the fastest and most active glaciers in the world, Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, moving around 130ft per day. The size of 66,000 football fields, the glacier is responsible for creating 10% of the icebergs in Greenland. When you reach the icebergs, your captain will navigate through the ice, bringing you as close as safely possible, so you will have plenty of time to take pictures of these enormous chunks of ice, some being as tall as skyscrapers! Please note: It is essential that you wear warm, layered clothing to fully enjoy and participate in this excursion. Outer layer should be waterproof and windproof. Bring gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf. Wear sunglasses and sunscreen. There are steps to negotiate when (dis)embarking the boat, with assistance offered. Tour generally operates rain or shine but may be cancelled in the event of extremely bad weather or unsuitable conditions.

Day 12. Sisimiut

Day image 1
The second largest town in Greenland, just above the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut remains remarkably ice free in winter and is known as an adventure sports hub all year round. Inhabited for more than 4,500 years by the Dorset, Thule and eventually the Inuit people, dog sledding remains a vital form of transportation. The area is home to humpback whales and Arctic foxes in their summer coat

Activities:

Activity image 1
Included

Local cultural event incl. entrance to the Old Museum area

2 hours
Immerse yourself in Greenlandic culture through a tasting tent with authentic delicacies, a singing tent showcasing Greenlandic melodies, and a Greenland Dog Adventure to connect with sled dogs and their cultural significance. Experience the rich heritage, camaraderie, and traditions of Greenland in this unforgettable event.
Activity image 1
Included

Mountain Discovery Hike

3 hrs 20 min
Experience Greenland’s breathtaking landscapes on a guided hike along the Arctic Circle Trail, starting at the town border. Traverse rugged terrain, cross creeks, and admire the vibrant Arctic flora. At the highest point, take in panoramic views of Sisimiut and distant fjords before returning to the cruise ship.
Activity image 1
Included

ATV Backcountry Tour

2 hours
Explore Sisimiut’s rugged backcountry on an ATV adventure along its rare gravel road. Pass through the town, cross a river with pristine water, and reach a breathtaking viewpoint before retracing the scenic route. This thrilling experience requires an 18+ driver’s license and good physical fitness.
Activity image 1
Included

Inuit Historical Hike

2 hours
Explore Tele Island (Sallinnguit), where ancient Inuit artifacts and modern telecommunication installations coexist. Learn about Inuit life before European arrival, early colonization, and visit ruins from various eras. Enjoy breathtaking views of the town and historic hunting grounds.

Day 13. Kangerlussuaq

Day image 1
Once a WWII airbase at the head of Kangerlussuaq Fjord, Kangerlussuaq's history is told at the airport’s museum, showcasing Inuit artefacts. This ice-filled glacial area and tundra is a haven for wildlife, including reindeer, arctic foxes, arctic hare, gyrfalcons and around 10,000 muskoxen

Endless ways to spend your day

There’s no such thing as a typical day with Swan Hellenic. We bring you endless possibilities to tailor every moment to your interests and mood, so you’ll always have your dream day on board.

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Suite

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Expedition highlights

Follow the Viking routes across high-latitude coasts where glaciers, fjords, and shifting light set the pace, and wildlife watching is part of the day from deck and shore.

Ice Fjords 1
Eternety Fjord, Greenland

Ice Fjords

Listen to the symphony of nature as towering icebergs and colossal glaciers crack and calve.

Wildlife Watching 1

Wildlife Watching

Look for seabirds, marine life, and coastal species from deck and shore, with the expedition team helping spot and identify what you are seeing.

Expert-led Talks 1

Expert-led Talks

Learn more about this isolated polar region from our on board team of experts.

Citizen Science Workshops 1

Citizen Science Workshops

During your trip, join Swan Hellenics Citizen Science programs and contribute to real-world environmental research.

Viking Heritage 1

Viking Heritage

Sail through the North Atlantic world where Norse seafarers left a lasting mark. Walk ports and coastal sites tied to Viking routes, with stories of settlement, trade, and exploration that still shape local identity.

SH Vega at a glance

Boutique Cruising 1

Boutique Cruising

SH Vega’s bespoke interiors are spacious and tasteful, with plush furnishing, and floor-toceiling windows that give you unobstructed views of some of the world’s most incredible landscapes. Bold clean lines blend with wood, metal and natural fabrics to create welcoming spaces.

Culinary Excellence 1

Culinary Excellence

Our top chefs have come together to create a unique gastronomic experience, with creative Italian and Asian fusion dishes, and diverse menus of exceptional quality.

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Beauty & Spa

Choose from one of the many beauty and wellness treatments at our Balinese spa, including hot stone and bamboo massages, and pampering body care.

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Fitness & Sauna

Our state-of-the-art gym has everything you’ll need for an invigorating workout, from cardio machines to stretch bands and free weights. Enjoy sessions with personal trainers and relax in sauna with a view.

Onboard Discoveries 1

Onboard Discoveries

Immerse yourself in the nature, history and culture of every locale you visit on your cruise with special briefings, lectures and presentations. Our experienced expedition guides are sure to make your time on board both fascinating and informative.

Heated Outdoor Pool 1

Heated Outdoor Pool

Our heated infinity pool was designed for you to unwind after a busy day, and immerse yourself in the inspiring scenery.

Personal Service 1

Personal Service

Swan Hellenic is all about personal service and genuine hospitality. Our warm and welcoming crew aim to please, and nothing more than to give you the best experience possible.

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Your Home Away from Home

Relax in the understated elegance of your stateroom or suite. A sophisticated blend of muted tones, natural textures and intuitive technology, the Scandi-inspired design seamlessly blends the natural world with exceptional comforts.