From Reykjavik to Nuuk · Northern Europe · 13 nights
Sleek and stylish, Le Boréal, Le Soléal, L’Austral and Le Lyrial are wonderful small ships that blend luxury and intimacy with a discreet elegance and tasteful décor.
These chic sisters are amongst the most stylish ships at sea,
with muted natural tones, minimalist interiors and playful splashes
of colour. The accommodation is flexible, with the option to
combine staterooms and create expansive suites, while the
restaurants deliver the sort of outstanding gastronomic experience
that you would expect from a French flag cruise line.
Capital of Iceland and gateway to this extraordinary volcanic island, modern Reykjavik is home to an impressive collection of interesting attractions and places of historic significance. Visit the impressive Hallgrímskirkja church, relax in a thermal pool, potter around the old harbour, and with 24 hour daylight in the summer months, you can play golf at midnight, or choose the perfect place to view the midnight sun such as the lighthouse at Grotta or on the waterfront by Sólfar - the Sun Voyager sculpture. If you're like us, you will find travelling out of Reykjavik by land or sea to be unforgettable.
Tasiilaq is the largest town on Greenland’s sparsely populated east coast, and is home to around 2,000 hardy souls. Walking around town you’ll see dog sleds and kayaks made from animal hides, while the surrounding landscape is home to glaciers, caves and wildlife including seals and dolphins.
The spectacular Prince Christian Sound provides a protected passage for ships rounding the southern tip of Greenland, at times narrowing to just 1,500 feet across. Waterfalls cascade down the rugged mountain sides, and you can often spot whales and seals amongst the icebergs.
Norse settlers were exploring the coasts of North America long before Columbus made his journey across the Atlantic, and Hvalsey is home to some of the most important Norse ruins in Greenland. The 14th-century church here is remarkably well preserved, on the site of a major medieval farmstead.
The sheep farming settlement of Igaliku is home to fewer than 30 permanent residents, in a picturesque spot surrounded by mountains in the south of Greenland. The village is notable for its Norse ruins and sandstone architecture, quite different to the wooden houses you see elsewhere in Greenland.
Narsarsuaq is the gateway to southern Greenland, a region scattered with ancient Norse settlements, icy fjords and wildflower-speckled meadows. Activities available here include kayaking, hiking and boat tours, and the town also has an interesting history as a former American air base.
Paamiut is known for its warm community spirit and remarkable wildlife, home to the country’s largest population of white-tailed eagles. Here, ancient trails wind through dramatic landscapes dotted with colourful historic houses that recall a past shaped by whaling and fur trading, while nearby waters offer chances to spot whales.
Disko Bay is one of Greenland’s most spectacular sights, where calving glaciers send huge icebergs floating out across the water. These bergs can be several kilometres in length, and are sculpted into weird and wonderful shapes by the weather. Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera!
Greenland’s capital and largest town, Nuuk is positively cosmopolitan compared to the rest of this remote and isolated country. The setting amongst mountains and fjords is striking, and attractions include the Greenland National Museum and the picturesque Old Harbour.
