12D9N Iceland & Greenland Cruise Tour Special Dep: Aug 5

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1 12D9N Iceland & Greenland Cruise Tour Special Dep: Aug 5 From wondrous fjords to monumental glaciers, steaming geysers and exquisite ice sculptures, the natural wonders of Iceland and Greenland are simply sublime. The sheer beauty of Iceland will take your breath away and your cruise around the world s largest island, Greenland, promises to be a voyage of a lifetime. This is what it means to visit heaven on earth. Inclusions: Return Airfare to Iceland & Greenland Return Airport Transfers 3N Accommodation in Reykjavik Reykjavik City Tour Golden Circle Classic Tour South Coast & Waterfalls Tour Blue Lagoon Comfort Admission 5N Shipboard Accommodation onboard Ocean Diamond with ensuite facilities Fullboard meals onboard ship Shore landings as per itinerary with walks, museum and church visits Information briefings and lectures by englishspeaking expedition team 1N Post-Cruise Accommodation in Reykjavik Daily Breakfast

2 ICELAND: LAND OF THE FIRE & ICE Grand glaciers, lava landscapes, black beaches, gushing geysers. The list is long and once you ve been to Iceland, you leave hungering for more. This is a land where seemingly normal activities are transformed into extraordinary experiences taking a stroll and ending up hiking across majestic mountains, dipping into the pool means soaking away the blues in a geothermal hot spring. Add ancient sagas, mystical folklores and an intriguing cultural mix of Nordic sensibilities and Celtic pride, Iceland is undoubtedly one of the world s most thought-provoking and awe-inspiring destinations. Highlights Reykjavik City Sightseeing Golden Circle Classic Tour South Coast & Waterfalls Tour Soak in Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal spa GREENLAND: THE WORLD S LARGEST ISLAND The vast thousand-year-old ice sheet, endless ice and snow, and the diverse arctic wildlife are the main draws of this magnificent land. Come and see for yourselves! With 80 percent of its land mass covered in ice and its whole perimeter surrounded by vast ranges of unfenced wilderness, Greenland is the perfect utopia for adventurers to wander at will, conquer mountains and glaciers, sail through some of the planet smost spectacular fjords all in one setting. Exploring Greenland by sea is a rewarding and fulfilling way of discovering this vast land. As most of the country is covered in ice, only the coastal regions are inhabited. This allows you to get closer to the stunning glacial formations and the inaccessible villages, to see the graceful whales that fill the icy waters and breathe in the pure Arctic air on deck. On this cruise we will go to the iceberg capital, Ilulissat, the UNESCO-protected Ice Fjord and the ethereally beautiful islands around Eqip Sermia in Disko Bay. Highlights Majestic beauty of Disko Bay Islands Whale & Wildlife Watching Visit to Iceberg Capital Ilulissat Calving Eqip Sermia Glacier Cultural Kaffemik Experience Giant Icebergs & Glaciers Visit to Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

3 DAY 1 SINGAPORE REYKJAVIK (Meals on board) Depart Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik. DAY 2 REYKJAVIK (D) Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Today, embark on a guided city tour of Reykjavik including the futuristic glass-domed Perlan, historical Hofdi House, sports and recreation centre Laugardalur and Parliament House. Continue on to Hallgrimskirkja, one of the key landmarks in the city with its remarkably unique design inspired by Iceland s characteristic lava flows cooling into basalt rock. This evening, join in a delectable Welcome Dinner. Thereafter, you can spend the rest of the night at leisure exploring the cosmopolitan city of Reykjavik. DAY 3 GOLDEN CIRCLE (B, D) After breakfast, depart Reykjavik and embark on a Golden Circle tour for an adventure through southern Iceland s most popular tourist route. Stop by Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, head to the magnificent two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall, followed by visits to the geothermal hot springs of The Great Geysir and Strokkur. Thereafter, visit Fridheimar Greenhouse, a place reputed for producing the sweetest tomatoes in Iceland, before proceeding to an Icelandic horseshow. Stop by Laugarvatn Lake to savour geothermally prepared bread and boiled eggs. DAY 4 SOUTH COAST (B, D) This morning, head to Iceland s South Coast where you will be enthralled by the picturesque Seljalandsfoss, arguably Iceland s most famous waterfall. Be sure to take a short hike to the back of the waterfall for breathtaking views of the water as it plummets 65 metres into the plunge pool below. Next, visit Eyjafjallajokull Glacier, an impressive ice-capped volcano that gained notoriety for disrupting air traffic across Europe when it erupted in Then, stop by Skogar to see the spectacular Skogafoss waterfall followed by the charming village of Vik, Iceland s southernmost village with black sand beaches and magnificent natural surroundings. See the dramatic Reynisdrangar, spiky basalt sea stacks jutting out from the ocean under the Reynisfjall mountains, which also serve as the visual trademark of Vik. DAY 5 REYKJAVIK BLUE LAGOON KANGERLUSSUAQ (B, D) Start your day with a relaxing dip in the Blue Lagoon using your comfort package admission. Enjoy the therapeutic geothermal spa water with unique minerals and salts, unwind in the saunas and steam baths or sign up for a one-of-a-kind massage by Mother Nature at the Blue Lagoon waterfall. Feeling fully refreshed, transfer to your flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland in the evening. Upon arrival in Greenland, travel to the harbour to board the Ocean Diamond cruise. After checking in, dinner will be served onboard as you set sail on your voyage up the 160km long fjord. DAY 6 SISIMIUT (B, L, D) This morning, you will arrive at Sisimiut, Greenland s second largest town with a little over 5,000 residents. Located just 40km north of the Arctic Circle, soak up the rugged and adventurous atmosphere that permeates this Arctic Circle backcountry and learn all about Greenland s famed tradition of dog sledding. Experience the town s history and culture by exploring the older part of town where the buildings date back to the 16 th century, then see how Musk Ox wool is made and taste some local specialty snacks. In the afternoon, continue your voyage further north of the country. DAY 7 QEQERTARSUAQ & EQIP SERMIA GLACIER (B, L, D) Today, the ship will dock in Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island so that you can explore this exceptional town. Visit the distinguished octagonal church, a Lutheran church also known as God s Inkpot. Then, experience a Greenlandic tradition called Kaffemik, literally meaning via coffee and refers to social engagement by a group of people typically in a community house over coffee, Greenlandic specialties and story-telling. In the evening, sail west past Disko Island into Uummannaq Bay. Today you will have the opportunity to witness a spellbinding natural phenomenon known as glacial calving when chunks of ice break off glaciers into the water, leaving a thunderous rumble and giant swathes of ice or icebergs behind. As you drift close to the active calving Eqip Sermia Glacier, you will find the thrill of watching and waiting for the chunks of ice to break off amidst the deafening crash and curious seals who sometimes pop their heads above water after the ruckus to be more addictive than you expect. DAY 8 ILULISSAT (B, L, D) This morning, head to the town of Ilulissat in the municipality of Qaasuitsup. Located on the shores of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Icefjord and its resplendent collection of icebergs, it s no surprise Ilulissat is known for being an Iceberg Paradise. Start your visit with a Guided Walk at the town s Old Settlement where you will see buildings belonging to the first Danish settlement. Proceed to the abandoned settlement Sermermiut and see the relics and artifacts of the Inuit cultures from the past 4,000 years and learn about the Inuit way of life and customs before the Europeans came to Greenland. During your hike, you will pass by the Witches Gorge which allows you a sweeping view of the stunning ice sculptures of Icefjord before you head back to the ship. DAY 9 AT SEA (B, L, D) Sail along the coast towards Kangerlussuaq Fjord and keep a lookout for wildlife such as seals and whales as you admire the gorgeous landscape of Greenland and enjoy your last day at leisure onboard the ship. DAY 10 KANGERLUSSUAQ REYKJAVIK (B) Today, your memorable voyage around Greenland comes to an end as you land in Kangerlussuaq. Proceed to take a flight to Reykjavik, where you will spend the rest of the day at leisure.

4 DAY 11 REYKJAVIK - SINGAPORE If time permits, you can do some last-minute shopping before you transfer to your airport for your flight home. DAY 12 ARRIVE IN SINGAPORE

5 The ship: Ocean Diamond Its ice-strengthened hull and relatively small size makes this ship perfect for sailing in the ice-choked polar seas. Without compromising on safety, the ship is designed with top-notch passenger experience and comfort in mind. The vessel s wellequipped 101 cabins are tastefully decorated and with exterior views. The ship also boasts spacious lounge and common areas, an elegant restaurant, a well-stocked polar library and a bright panorama lounge perfect for observing arctic wildlife. Category B The category B suites are 37 m2 large and features double bed or 2 twin beds plus two more beds, 2 private bathrooms with shower or bathtub, sitting area, TV with DVD-player, wardrobe, safe, refrigerator, individual temperature controls, satellite telephone access, hairdryer and picture window. They are located on deck 4. Category D Cabin with window, size m2. Cabin features double bed or 2 twin beds, private bathroom with shower and bathtub, TV with DVD-player, wardrobe, safe, refrigerator, individual temperature controls, satellite telephone access, hair dryer, picture window. Located on decks 5, 6 and 7. Category P Cabin with porthole, size 19 m2. Cabin features double bed, private bathroom with shower, TV with DVD-player, wardrobe, safe, refrigerator, individual temperature controls, satellite telephone access, hairdryer and 2 portholes. Deck 3.

6 FACILITIES: Restaurant Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in your tour price. All meals are served in the restaurant where you can enjoy the spectacular view from all tables. You have free seating at all meals. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, while dinner is a la carte. Meals, including daily snacks, are prepared by a professional chef. Coffee, tea and water are free during the entire cruise; other drinks can be purchased in the restaurant and at the bar. For the case you are not onboard at lunch time we prepare a lunch bag for you in the morning which you can take ashore. In the afternoon we offer tea and coffee in the lounge on deck 4. We moreover offer a midnight snack also on deck 4 between 22:00 h and 24:00 h. Bar The bar is staffed by a professional bartender. Sundeck/Pool Enjoy the time on our wooden sundeck while relaxing in a deckchair and take a swim in the pool. The pool bar offers refreshments.

7 Library Our board library offers a wide range of multilingual books reaching from fiction to travel literature. Auditorium A large auditorium is used for presentations and information meetings. Activities Onboard facilities include wellness programmes such as yoga classes, massage therapy, aromatherapy treatments and a photography programme with an in-resident expert. The access to the gym is free of charge. Appointments for spa treatments can be made directly on deck 3. The library is well-stocked with polar books and DVDs, and internet access can be purchased on board the vessel Shop Besides Greenlandic souvenirs and postcards, our onboard shop offers a small range of cosmetics and other articles for daily use. All major credit cards are accepted (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx). Cash payment is possible in US$ and EUR.