Today, you will arrive in Reykjavik with time to explore the fascinating Icelandic capital at your leisure, known for its mix of modern architecture and Viking heritage.

After breakfast on Day 2, you'll have time to explore Reykjavik on your own before your afternoon transfer to the purpose-built ship, the Ocean Explorer.

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You will then set sail for the Westfjords, a rugged peninsula on the remote northwestern tip of Iceland, where you'll spend your days exploring by Zodiac and ship, as well as guided shore landings where possible.

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You will take in views of dramatic cliffs, gushing waterfalls, colorful beaches, rolling green hills, high moorlands dotted with rocky outcrops and tiny lakes. You’ll likely spot Icelandic ponies and shaggy sheep grazing the hillsides. A few outposts of civilisation include small fishing communities at the fjord edges and along the shores of the Denmark Strait.

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One of the highlights of your time in the Westfjords is a chance to visit Vigur, a private island where guests can delve into Icelandic culture and heritage as far back as the 11th century. You will also have the opportunity to partake in sea kayaking, a paddle excursion program, and potentially even a guided shore hike.

As you sail north across the Denmark Strait between Iceland and Greenland, the Expedition Team will prepare you for the exciting adventures ahead—both on and off-ship.

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A team of polar experts will present on a wide range of topics, including Arctic history, wildlife, geology, and climatology. The team will also search for and identify seabirds soaring about the ship—and they’ll most certainly alert you whenever there’s a whale sighting.

Navigating within the boundaries of the Northeast Greenland National Park—the planet’s largest national park covering 972,000 square kilometers—we will sail into Kangerluk Kong Oscar, also known as Kong Oscar Fjord, on the northernborder of Scoresby Land.

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You will also experience the wonders of nature in Segelsällskapet Fjord, where a spectacular display of “geological art” awaits: alternating layers of limestone and dolomite stretching before you in a stunningly beautiful canvas created over tens of thousands of years.

The purpose-built vessel will cruise deep into Scoresby Sund, allowing you to marvel at the overwhelming beauty of the world’s largest fjord system and its vast icebergs. This area offers plenty of opportunities to explore during Zodiac cruises and onshore visits, and, if conditions allow, time to visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote community in East Greenland.

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There will be a palpable sense of excitement in the air as anticipation builds for our much-awaited eclipse viewing. Behind the scenes, your Expedition Leader and the Ship Captain will work closely together, monitoring sea and ice conditions and meteorological forecasts—particularly cloud cover—to strategically position Ocean Explorer in the best location possible to maximize your views of the solar eclipse.

Today, you'll sail further into Scoresby Sund, where the team will identify the most optimal viewing point along the path of totality. This region of the Arctic provides the longest duration of totality along the entire eclipse path, which will start at 2:34pm and end at 3:36pm.

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Total solar eclipses in Polar Regions are relatively rare due to the smaller land area and the fact that the sun only illuminates each pole for part of the year.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities during your at-sea days to enjoy the amenities of Ocean Explorer. Guests can relax in Tundra Spa, the gym, the sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis, or deepen your polar knowledge in the light-filled Discovery Library.

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Spending time outside on on deck as you transit south along the east coast offers an opportunity to spot icebergs and, keep your eyes peeled for whales.

Tiny and picturesque Aappilattoq, home to approximately 100 permanent residents, is perched on the shores of one of the world's most scenic fjords, the 100-km long Prins Christian Sund (also known as Ikerasassuaq).

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The area has been inhabited since the 1800s, and the majority of residents rely on hunting and fishing. Services include a general store, fire station, elementary school, boat service, church and a general repairs workshop.

Ivittuut, formerly known as Ivigtût ("grassy place"), is an abandoned mining town near Cape Desolation in southwestern Greenland, close to the ruins of the ancient Norse Middle Settlement.

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The 1987 translocation of muskoxen to Ivittuut from the Kangerlussuaq area is the reason you may see the lumbering beasts in the area. Otherwise, native wildlife consistsmostly of Arctic hare and Arctic fox. It’s also possible to spot semi-domestic reindeer from Greenland’s only active reindeer husbandry operation, the Isortoq Reindeer Station, located south of Ivittuut.

Upon arriving in Greenland’s capital, enjoy one more Zodiac ride to shore for the group transfer to the airport to catch your charter flight to Reykjavik, Iceland. Upon arrival in Reykjavik, you will be transferred to your hotel.

After a restful night at your hotel, your Arctic itinerary draws to a close. You will make your way to Keflavik International Airport for your onward flight, or spend additional time exploring Reykjavik at your leisure.