Greenland, the world’s largest island and most northerly land mass, invites you into a magical world of primordial landscapes and fascinatingly exotic culture on its south-west coast. At the start of your thrilling expedition, you will be greeted by the colourful settlement of Sisimiut, seemingly dropped onto an ice-free strip of coastline with a gate made of whale jaw bones to welcome visitors. You will also visit remote Ilulissat, where the experts will accompany you on an expedition tour: a hike will take you to the ice fjord, where massive icebergs in colours ranging from pure white to transparent turquoise offer a breathtaking panorama. Disko Bay is another magical world: as you cruise and ride in the Zodiacs, marvel at the shimmering ice formations that drift slowly and majestically through the water. The small town of Qeqertarsuaq is the starting point for your hike into the diverse tundra of Disko Island. Russet, shimmering basalt lends the rugged island a very special charm. On a Zodiac ride and hike to the mighty Evigedsfjord, your gaze will be drawn above you: between imposing, towering cliffs, the expanse, silence and clear air come together to create intensive experiences. Cruise through Greenland’s impressive fjords and marvel at the majestic scenery on the way to Kapisillit. The striking peaks of the snow-covered mountains stretch all the way to the ice sheet – and the deck of the HANSEATIC nature provides the best view of this spectacle.

With its colourful buildings from Danish colonial times and its characteristic red-and-green church, the settlement of Paamiut is also famous among zoologists: the waters remain free of ice even in the winter, and with a little luck you will see one of the largest local populations of humpback and fin whales. Qassiarsuk is of particular historical interest: it was here that Eric the Red founded Greenland’s first Viking settlement in 982 CE. Meanwhile, the small town of Qaqortoq is greatly influenced by the Inuit – its museum displaying magnificent traditional dress and traditional hunting tools from indigenous peoples. Return to the world of the Vikings in Hvalsey, where the settlers quickly prospered – as demonstrated by the remains of a mighty church, the country’s most important ruin. Built in around 1300, the granite walls have withstood the weather to this day.

After these excursions into Greenlandic history, you will return to a magnificent natural world: cruise through Prins Christian Sund with an extraordinary glacier backdrop – immersed in magical blue and strikingly reflected in the crystal-clear water.

Contrasts between blooming tundra and 1,000 m (3,280 ft) high mountain ranges provide an impressive farewell to Greenland on a hike in the wild Skjoldungen Sound.

The final stage of your expedition takes you to Stykkisholmur on Iceland’s Snaefellsnes Peninsula*, a “miniature Iceland”. While you explore the colourful fishing villages, the Snaefellsjoekull glacier sits in the background, the entrance to the centre of the earth – at least according to Jules Verne. Not at all fictional are your memories of the monumental beauty of south-west Greenland, impressions that will last long after you return home.