From Nuuk to Reykjavik · Northern Europe · 13 nights
This little ship has an intimate style and personal service, and following a refurbishment in 2021 now offers both expedition and classic itineraries.
Silver Wind is a lovely size; with just 274 guests, she’s a
cruise ship in miniature, and an ice-strengthened hull allows her
to offer both expedition and classic voyages. You can expect all
the facilities and space of a larger ship, with the intimacy of a
small yacht. She’s comfortable in the middle of a great ocean, but
can also slip up rivers and into tiny harbours.
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.
Maniitsoq means ‘the rugged place’ in the Greenlandic language, and it’s an apt description. This colourful settlement is situated amongst deep fjords, towering mountains and islands separated by narrow natural canals, and the nearby Eternity Fjord is one of the most beautiful in Greenland.
The spectacular Ilulissat ice fjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's the source of the many icebergs that float out across Disko Bay. The town of Ilulissat itself is Greenland’s third largest settlement, and activities on offer here include dog sledding and whale watching.
The name Sisimiut means ‘the people living in a place where there are fox dens’, though these days the town is better known for being Greenland’s northernmost year-round ice-free port. Around 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle, it’s a common stop for ships making the journey north to Disko Bay.
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.
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 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.
The Westman Islands lie just off the south west coast of the Icelandic mainland, and most visitors head for the largest island, Heimaey. The jagged landscape is a reminder of Heimaey's volcanic origins; the most recent eruption, back in 1973, created the volcano now known as Eldfell, which looms over the island.
Capital of Iceland and gateway to this extraordinary volcanic island, modern Reykjavík 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 enjoy 24 hour daylight in the summer months.
