Greenland: The north beckons (part 3)

Check out part one and part two of our three-part Arctic adventure with Quark Expeditions, where we prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Greenland

Take an unforgettable adventure through the serene Arctic with Quark, then touch down in the bustling Icelandic capital (via Akureyri) and let the adventure continue in the world's uppermost reaches. From the vast, deserted canvas of ice and snow comes a stop in a vibrant European capital, where a captivating mix of local and cosmopolitan awaits. Reykjavik is truly unique — offering a small-town vibe while still going big on food, culture and entertainment.

Tuck in
Iceland's varied cuisine is enjoying a true renaissance, with local chefs reviving the national cuisine to delicious new heights. Its longstanding tradition of seafood can be sampled in dishes such as cured salmon or the traditional putrefied shark — hákarl — or the island's love of all things dairy, from thick, creamy skyr to local cheeses. Throw in tasty Nordic bakeries and Michelin-starred meals, too, and Reykjavik is rightly marked as one of Europe's prime foodie hotspots.

Take five
Need to unwind? Head to one of the city's many thermal baths, where locals gather to kick back and catch up after a day's work. Thanks to its volcanic location, Reykjavik is blessed with a number of public pools where the warm waters ease aching muscles and offer a truly local experience.

Explore
Getting up close to nature doesn't have to stop after leaving the Arctic. Perfectly placed for discovering the wonders of western Iceland, Reykjavik is the ideal base for local adventures. From the Golden Circle trail, taking in the majesty of Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park, to the Blue Lagoon, known the world over for its mineral-rich waters. Also nearby is the chance to glimpse the spectacular wildlife of the western coast, from graceful leviathans on a whale-watching boat tour to the birdlife, including Arctic terns and colourful puffins.

Must see
It may be small, but the city packs a punch on cultural experiences

Hallgrímskirkja church
Marvel at the soaring, art deco silhouette of Hallgrímskirkja — the largest church in Iceland ­and an icon of the city

National Museum of Iceland
Delve into the island's fascinating heritage and history at the National Museum of Iceland, before strolling through nearby Hljómskálagarður Park

The settlement Exhibition
Step into the archeological remains of a 10th-century Viking longhouse that doubles as a museum

Start your epic Arctic adventure and explore Iceland's Reykjavik. travel.quarkexpeditions.com/explore-greenland