Exploring Rugged & Remote Greenland & Iceland

Facilities in Liverpool are constantly being improved to make boarding, stopping off or leaving your cruise ship easy, enjoyable and stress-free.

Reykjavik – Iceland’s stunning coastal capital and cultural centre – is the world’s most northerly capital. The city combines colourful buildings, impulsive, creative people, extraordinary design, and some of the country’s most beautiful natural wonders. The cosmopolitan city with big heart is home to the Althing – the world’s oldest parliament, and the National and Saga Museums, which trace Iceland’s Viking history. The impressive Hallgrímskirkja Church bell tower and the rotating Perlan glass dome offer panoramic views off island. Reykjavik’s galleries and exhibitions, including the outstanding Reykjavík Art Museum and National Gallery, feature radical Icelandic design, and there are many public art installations. The capital has benefited from a surge in high-quality restaurant openings, offering a broad mix of creative cuisine. Daytime cafés switch to restaurants and bars at night – tapas, concept-dining and burger joints all sit comfortably together. And then there’s the wonderful nightlife. Located in southwest Iceland – characterised by vast peninsulas, coves, straits and islands – Reykjavik is in easy reach of several must-see geological attractions. The iconic Golden Circle Trail includes the Blue Lagoon Spa, the Thingvellir National Park, the renowned Gullfoss Waterfall, and the incredible Geysir hot springs. Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach – Reykjavik’s little bit of paradise – is also unmissable. The popular sandy beach and geothermal lagoon, where cold sea and hot geothermal waters meet to produce higher temperatures, offers hot-tubs, steam baths and various water sports to try.

Meaning the Great Plain this city enjoys unimpeded views of endless green fields and verdant slopes and explains why Erik the Red chose the name Greenland when he settled here in 985. To this day the ruins of the Norse era are clearly visible, as are the reconstructions of Erik’s farmstead and Thjodhildur’s Church. In the village of Igaliku lie the ruins of the Viking’s Cathedral and the Episcopal Bishop’s Farm.

Frequently isolated by winter sea ice, the ‘White Palace’, Qaqortoq, is southern Greenland’s largest town. Founded by Norwegian traders in 1775, Qaqortoq still retains some beautiful colonial buildings from that time. The challenging landscape and harsh climate have ensured the preservation of Greenland’s traditional culture, and the many ancient Inuit skills of fishing, hunting and kayaking.

Qaqortoq is very proud of its ancient fountain – for many years the only one in Greenland – which has carvings of whales spouting water out of their blowholes, and the names of all of the town burghers in brass letters around its base. The Stone and Man project is also fascinating, featuring natural rock that’s been carved by local artists into abstract shapes and figures.Show less
The charming Church of Our Saviour, dating from 1832, is found in the town centre, and the two local museums are also worth seeing. The ancient but well preserved Hvalsey Norse ruins are just outside the town. Hvalsey is mentioned in the Icelandic annals, the Flateyjarbók, and has extensive and substantial remains of dwellings dating back over a thousand years.

The town is best known for it’s natural ‘skyscrapers’, which are the jagged peaks and sheer cliffs around the area. Other attractions include an open-air museum, and a wooden church dating from 1916.

From Isafjordur you can experience the wildlife and history of Vigur Island, or enjoy a boat trip which takes you to the stunning beaches of Hornstandir. Alternatively stay in Isafjordur and discover what its like to live at latitude 66° north.

Located in Northern Iceland, Akureyri is a beautiful town best known for its spectacular landscapes, lush vegetation and its diverse wildlife. On your journey to Akureyri you’ll sail through the longest fjord in Iceland, Eyjafjordur, a wonderful prelude to your time on shore. The perfect destination for nature lovers, the waters surrounding the town are teaming with rare, native species such as humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and porpoises to go in search of. Within reach on tours are incredible natural wonders too, such as the Godafoss ‘Waterfall of the Gods’ and Lake Myvatn. In the town centre, there are many museums, galleries and exhibitions to discover and enjoy, offering an insight into the diverse culture of Akureyri and Iceland as a whole. ‘Arts Alley’ – the main street that runs directly through the town – is Akureyri’s cultural hub. Here you will find the very best galleries, exhibitions and restaurants that the town has to offer.

Facilities in Liverpool are constantly being improved to make boarding, stopping off or leaving your cruise ship easy, enjoyable and stress-free.