This is the story of that journey.

 

A Taste of Iceland Before the Arctic

Arrival in Iceland: Blue Lagoon & Reykjavík Flavours

We arrived in Iceland ready to make the most of every minute.

After an early morning flight, we went straight from the airport to the iconic Blue Lagoon. There is no better way to arrive in Iceland than sinking into warm, milky‑blue geothermal waters with steam rising around you and lava fields in the distance.

 

We had Premium Entrance, which included:

Silica mud mask

Towel and bathrobe

Two drinks of our choice

Two additional masks from the mask bar

It felt wonderfully indulgent yet incredibly relaxing, the perfect way to reset after travelling.

 

Once we had finished, we called our driver, grabbed a bite to eat while we waited, and even squeezed in a quick call home before heading into Reykjavík for the evening.

 

That night, we joined a food tour of Reykjavík and quite literally ate our way around the city. From hearty local lamb soup to beautifully creamy skyr, plus a few fun surprises along the way, it was a brilliant way to get under the skin of Icelandic culture through its food. I always say food tours are one of the best introductions to any city, and Reykjavík was no exception.

 

The Golden Circle & Glaciers

The next day was devoted to the classic Golden Circle, and it delivered everything you imagine when you think “Iceland”:

Watching Geysir erupt in a dramatic burst of steam and water.

Feeling the raw power of Gullfoss waterfall thundering into the canyon below.

Standing in Þingvellir National Park, where you can literally see the divide between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

As if that were not enough, we finished the day by snowmobiling on Langjökull Glacier. Racing across a vast, white wilderness with nothing but ice, sky and mountains around you is a memory that stays with you. It felt wild, exhilarating and completely unforgettable.

 

Whales, Puffins & Rainbow Street

On our final full day in Iceland, we headed out to sea on a whale‑watching cruise. We were treated to sightings of playful puffins and majestic humpback whales, a reminder of how rich and alive these cold northern waters are.

Back on shore, we wandered along colourful Rainbow Street, then warmed up with a comforting bowl of soup. For our last night, we checked into the cosy Reykjavik Marina Hotel, ready for a very early 6 am start the following morning to catch our flight to Nuuk, Greenland.

 

Iceland had been magical: a perfect, energetic prelude to the slower, deeper, expedition experience to come.

 

Stepping Into the Arctic: Greenland with Quark Expeditions

Flying to Nuuk & Setting Sail

The excitement really began to build as we boarded our flight to Nuuk. This was not just another destination. This was the gateway to one of the wildest, least populated and most dramatic corners of the planet.

On arrival in Greenland, we wandered through the colourful streets of Nuuk, visited the local museum and rounded off the day sipping tea and eating cake beside a real iceberg. It was a quiet, almost surreal moment that captured how different life is here.

That evening, we boarded our Quark Expeditions ship and set sail. Briefings were completed, muster stations practised, bags unpacked. The adventure had begun.

 

Life at Sea: Safety, Learning & Preparation

Our first full day was spent at sea, sailing deeper into Southern Greenland.

It absolutely was not just sitting around with cocktails. Expedition cruising is very active and highly structured around safety and education. We had mandatory briefings for:

Zodiac operations

Kayaking and paddling

Helicopter activities

All of these experiences were included for everyone on this voyage, which is incredible given how complex they are to organise in such remote conditions.

We also enjoyed fascinating lectures on Arctic birdlife and Greenland’s history, giving context to the landscapes we were about to explore. That evening, there was a relaxed welcome with the captain: nothing overly formal, just smart‑casual clothing, warm layers and sensible shoes. Function and comfort are always key in the polar regions.

 

Helicopters, Ice Sheets & Fjords

Landing on the Greenland Ice Sheet

One of the most extraordinary mornings began with an early wake‑up to watch the sunrise as we sailed through a fjord towards a glacier. As we approached, I saw an iceberg calving and start to roll over, a powerful reminder of how alive these ice landscapes are.

Then came our first helicopter excursion: the Greenland Ice Sheet Experience. We boarded the helicopter, lifted off from the ship and flew over a world of ice to land directly on the ice sheet.

Stepping out onto this vast, white expanse, in complete stillness, was almost indescribable. We walked, took it all in and tried to absorb the scale of where we were. It is the sort of experience that genuinely changes how you see the planet.

The care, expertise and professionalism of the crew and expedition team were outstanding and made it all feel both safe and seamless.

 

Zodiac Cruises & Heli‑Hiking

The next day began on the water with a Zodiac cruise through the fjord, weaving between icebergs and keeping an eye out for wildlife. The proximity to the ice, the sound of it cracking and shifting, and the sheer colours in the ice were mesmerising.

After lunch, we took to the skies again for a heli‑hiking excursion. The helicopter dropped us in a remote mountain range near another glacier fjord. There were no trails, no crowds, just pristine wilderness. We explored the area on foot, taking our time to absorb the silence and scenery.

On our return flight, my daughter was invited to sit up front with the pilot. When we landed back on board, there was an “iceberg cocktail” waiting, a fun little touch that we will always remember.

 

Remote Settlements & Everyday Arctic Life

Qassiarsuk: Norse History & Kayaking Through Icebergs

In Qassiarsuk, we visited one of the first settlements in the region. We walked up to a statue overlooking the area, then down to a small church, before enjoying soup, coffee and homemade cake prepared by the locals.

Later that day, we joined a paddle and kayak excursion, gliding through the icebergs. It became a very special bit of mother‑daughter bonding time, laughing, taking photos and sharing a truly once‑in‑a‑lifetime setting.

 

Tasermiut Fjord: The “Patagonia of the North”

Tasermiut Fjord is often described as the “Patagonia of the North,” and it is easy to see why. Sheer rock walls, jagged peaks and deep blue water create a dramatic, cinematic landscape.

Our morning activity here was a hike, with three different groups:

“Chargers” for the very fast and fit

“Medium fast” for a good pace

“Peaceful” for a more relaxed, scenic walk

We chose the peaceful option, which allowed us to truly take in the views and go at our own pace. In the afternoon, we explored more of the fjord by Zodiac, getting up close to the glacier and feeling very small in the best possible way.

 

Aappilattoq: Community, Culture & Aerial Views

The following day we arrived in Aappilattoq, a tiny settlement of around 70 people, framed by dramatic mountains and fjords.

We were welcomed with a talk about traditional hunting life, followed by a beautiful choir performance in the local church. Afterwards, we were invited to the school for coffee and cake, where the warmth and openness of the community really shone through.

The morning ended in a wonderfully fun way: a football match between guests, staff and locals. It was light‑hearted, energetic and something I will never forget.

In the afternoon, we were back in the helicopter for a sightseeing flight over Tasermiut Fjord. Seeing the fjord and surrounding peaks from above added yet another perspective to this extraordinary place.

 

Wildlife Encounters & A Very Special Dinner

One of our final activity days included a Zodiac landing for a hike to a waterfall and Norse remains. Around lunchtime, as we were back on board, we had a surprise: two polar bears appeared on the shore.

The expedition team made sure we observed them from a safe distance, without disturbing them, before repositioning the ship further down the coast. Later that day, during an extended Zodiac cruise exploring rock formations and waterfalls, we turned into a bay and spotted yet another polar bear. To see these magnificent animals in their natural environment, without encroaching on them, was incredibly moving.

That evening, we had booked an optional “Tundra to Table” dining experience, hosted by two members of the expedition team. This special dinner, at a supplement, showcased locally foraged and sourced ingredients that had been brought aboard a few days earlier.

The presentation was exquisite and every course was outstanding. It genuinely ranks among the best meals I have ever had, not just for the food but for the story and sense of place behind each dish.

 

Camping, Hiking & The Polar Plunge

On our last full day of activities, we returned to Tasermiut Fjord to collect guests who had booked an overnight camping experience. They had spent the night ashore, fishing and learning about traditional Inuit ways of living.

My daughter and I opted for a hike over the bridge and towards the experimental forest, home to the only trees in Greenland. After lunch, we joined a Zodiac landing near the head of the fjord and walked to a waterfall and lagoon. It felt like a final opportunity to soak up this landscape.

Then came the moment I had been both dreading and determined to face: the Polar Plunge.

At CLIA, when I first heard Quark’s President speak about doing the Polar Plunge, I remember turning to a fellow Travel Counsellor and saying: “If I ever get the chance, I am doing that.”

Well, the chance arrived.

 

Sixty‑five people took part, and yes, my daughter Louise and I both did it. The shock of that icy water is impossible to describe, but the sense of achievement and exhilaration afterwards was immense. A fellow guest very kindly filmed Louise’s jump, and I will always be grateful for that captured memory.

 

Disembarkation: Leaving, But Not Really

Disembarkation day is always bittersweet. We sailed back to Nuuk, packed our bags and said our goodbyes, but emotionally it was hard to leave.

 

Over the course of this expedition, we had:

Flown by helicopter and landed on the vast Greenland ice sheet

Heli‑hiked in places where almost no one has set foot

Explored breathtaking fjords by Zodiac, kayak and on foot

Seen polar bears, whales, seals, musk ox and eagles in the wild

Visited tiny, remote communities and been welcomed with warmth and generosity

Faced the Arctic waters head‑on with the Polar Plunge

The landscapes were astonishing, but what truly made this journey unforgettable were the people: the expedition team, the ship’s crew, our fellow guests and of course the communities who shared a small window into their lives with us.

 

It was a reminder that travel, at its best, is about connection: to nature, to culture and to each other.

I left Greenland with a full heart, a camera full of memories and a deep sense of gratitude to Quark for making the seemingly impossible feel possible.

 

Thinking About Your Own Arctic or Iceland Adventure?

If reading this has sparked something in you, I can absolutely help you create your own version of this journey.

 

Whether you would like:

A short break in Iceland, packed with highlights like the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, glaciers and whale watching.

A full expedition cruise to Greenland or the Arctic, with helicopters, Zodiacs and immersive off‑ship experiences.

Or a seamless combination of both, tailored to your interests, pace and comfort level.

I will design everything around you, from the right ship and itinerary to pre‑ and post‑ stays, activities and private transfers.

 

If you are ready to start planning, or simply curious to explore ideas, just get in touch and we can begin creating your own once‑in‑a‑lifetime adventure.