Nordic specialist, Discover the World has revealed its top escorted picks for travel this year, including three brand new trips. From the ultimate whale-watching tour of Iceland, to an expedition cruise in East Greenland plus the chance to hike Greenland’s fjord and heritage country in the lesser-visited south.
Small Ship Expedition Cruise on M/V Hondius Exploring Greenland’s Scoresby Sund
Departing in mid-September, this small ship expedition cruise offers the chance to experience the largest fjord on earth, Scoresby Sund, extending up to 345km inland from the coastline of East Greenland. Travellers will be accommodated on a brand new Polar expedition ship, M/V Hondius, one of the world’s strongest ice-strengthened ships. Embarking in Northern Iceland, guests will cruise through icy waterways witnessing huge icebergs, sheer-sided gorges and encountering wildlife from a variety of Arctic birds to seals, Atlantic walruses, Greenland whales and maybe even the rare beluga whale. Daily Zodiac cruises and shore excursions offer the chance to discover remote Inuit communities, hike picturesque anchorages and even enjoy bonfires on the beach.
The 8x night cruise is now available from £2,682pp (was £3,364pp, saving £682pp) based on four sharing a Quad Cabin on a full-board basis including zodiac trips. Price excludes international flights from the UK to Akureyri.
Hiking Holiday in South Greenland, Recently Given UNESCO Status
This invigorating 10x day escorted hiking holiday allows guests to walk some of the most beautiful trails in Greenland exploring the southern region of Kujataa, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in July 2017. Fertile valleys lured Viking settlers here over a thousand years ago and included is a visit to the first Viking settlement in Greenland – Eric the Red’s farm at Brattahlid. Daily guided hikes include the Flower Valley trail to Kiattut Glacier (where it’s possible to see wildlife such as Arctic hare and the peregrine falcon) and the ‘Kongevejen’ Path of the Kings towards Igaliku, possibly the prettiest settlement in Greenland with fewer than 50 inhabitants. The three-centre hiking holiday also includes a RIB ride to the Qaleraliq Glacier, where guests can tackle an amazing ice hike.
Nine nights (with 11 departures between 24 June – 02 September 2019) available from £3,023pp based on two sharing accommodation on a B&B basis throughout (plus 2x picnic lunches and 1x evening meal) as well as return flights from Reykjavik to Narsarsuaq, all guided hikes/tours and a 4×4 boat trip to Tasiusaq. Price excludes international flights from the UK.
Iceland’s Ultimate Midnight Sun Whale Watching Tour
This new and exclusive escorted trip is perfect for marine-wildlife enthusiasts visiting three of the best whale-watching hotspots around the country with Iceland expert and award-winning guide Cathy Harlow. They first days are spent in the west, where sperm whales and orcas often gather to feed close to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Humpbacks frequent the sheltered fjord of Eyjafjordur in the north, while white-beaked dolphins, minke and from time to time majestic blue whales enter the bay at Husavik, one of the world’s top whale-watching locations. Beyond whale-encounters, guests can bathe in the recently opened Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths and explore Lake Myvatn with its pseudo craters, steam vents and mud pools. Plus, a mid-June departure means activities can take place under the glow of the midnight sun.
The 8x nights escorted holiday (departing on 15 June 2019) is available from £2,979pp based on two sharing on a half-board basis (breakfast and dinner plus 2x lunches) including all transport and guided activities. Price excludes international flights from the UK to Keflavik.
Explore Iceland by Luxury 4WD with Acclaimed Local Guide
Discover many of Iceland’s highlights and hidden gems on an exclusive two-week escorted tour, travelling off-the-beaten-track aboard a luxury 4WD vehicle with Gummi Gunnarsson; a renowned local guide and pioneer in highland touring. The tour takes in the majestic West Fjords, volcanic Highlands and the iconic Golden Circle discovering hidden treasures along the way. Come evening, guests can enjoy traditional group meals before relaxing in family-run hotels and guesthouses. Max group size – 10.
15x nights (departing on 08 June, 10 August or 31 August 2019) are available from £5,468pp based on two sharing on a half-board basis (breakfast and dinner) including all transportation and activities. Price excludes international flights from the UK to Iceland.
Further information on the new trips can be found below, whilst all of Discover the World’s escorted holidays are available here: www.discover-the-world.com/escorted-holidays
