DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
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Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
Rates are listed per person
|
Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
ITINERARY
Day
1: Westward through the fjord
Our
voyage begins in the small town of Kangerlussuaq (Søndre
Strømfjord), where we board the ship and spend the night
sailing westward through the area’s long fjord (250 km, 155
miles). The currents here are strong and may work against us or with us.
Day
2: Sermilinguaq Fjord and seabird cliffs
Today
we head east of Hamborgerland to reach the fantastic landscapes of the
Sermilinguaq Fjord. Our Zodiac excursions in this area, which will take
place near a glacier front, also include some landings near seabird
colonies where some winged residents still keep to the cliffs.
Day
3: Exploring Greenland's captivating capital
We
next land at Nuuk (once called Godthåb), the capital of
Greenland, with a population of about 18,000.
The
trip to shore should include a visit to the museum, which has a
remarkable collection of Inuit mummies dating from the 15th century.
These were found near Uummannaq, farther to the north. The Cultural
Centre of Nuuk, which each year has an exhibition of the work from a
Greenlandic artist, is also well worth visiting.
The
area around Nuuk offers many attractions: Among the oldest exposed
rocks on Earth are found here, and the waters to the west of town are a
good place to look for humpbacks and blue whales.
We’re
now getting into the zone where the darkness at night lets us admire
the aurora borealis, or northern lights.
Day
4: Whales, seabirds, and the Greenland ice sheet
We
aim to land at Lichtenfels, an abandoned Herrnhuters (Moravian
Brethren) mission post, with a large cemetery from the 18th
century.
We
may also sail to the small Greenlandic fishing village of Fiskenaes
(formerly Brielse Haven). Later in the evening, we sail past Flade
Isblink, where the Greenland ice sheet nearly comes to the
coast.
Keep
a lookout for humpbacks and minke whales. If we’re lucky, we
might see migratory birds from the Southern Hemisphere, such as great
shearwaters from Tristan da Cunha and Antarctic skuas from Antarctica.
Day
5: Admiring the Arsuk Glacier
Our
first landing of the day is Ivittuut, a deserted settlement where we
can see the remains of an old cryolite mine from the 19th century,
along with many tokens of how people lived here a century ago. We often
also see musk oxen that have been introduced into this area. In the
Arsuk Fjord, we may visit the impressive waterfall of Fox Fald and see
the deep blue front of the Arsuk Glacier.
Day
6: Greenland’s ancient Norse remains
Today
we continue to Hvalsey (Whale Island), visiting the best-preserved
Viking church in Greenland.
We
then plan to sail to the ruins of Gardar, an historic episcopal
residence now located in the settlement of Igaliku. Here we see more
ancient Norse buildings where the local people keep sheep and grow
potatoes, often against a background of dazzling icebergs. When and why
the Norse disappeared from Greenland is not known, but records show
there were settlers living here for about 500 years.
The
remains of their dwellings are scattered all over the area, but one of
the longest-lived settlements was at Hvalsey.
Day
7: Stunning views and Viking artifacts
Sailing
Prins Christian Sund, we cut through the southern tip of Greenland.
This strait is renowned for its magnificent views on both
sides.
At
the entrance to the strait, opposite the settlement of Narsarmijit
(once Frederiksdal), we hope to land at Herjolfsnes and enjoy the
extensive artifacts of Greenland’s Viking settlers.
We
then continue past Aappilattoq (formerly Augpilagtoq), a village
characterized by a towering mountain, and plan to make a shore
excursion at either Igdlorssuit Havn or Svaerdfisken Havn.
Day
8: Timmiarmiut Fjord ice formations
We
venture on to the remote eastern coast of Greenland.
At
the mouth of Timmiarmiut Fjord (one of the few fjords on the east coast
that has recorded depth soundings), we land on Timmiarmiut Island in a
safe bay that ships have used for centuries.
The
remains of Thule culture dwellings can still be seen here, and deeper
in the fjord is a great area for Zodiac cruises among icebergs that
have calved from glaciers flowing down from the inland ice.
Day
9: The incredible scenes of Skjoldungen Island
Today
just might offer us the high point of the whole voyage. As we
circumnavigate Skjoldungen Island, we’ll experience some of
the most breathtaking landscapes in all of Greenland.
We
aim to sail by a deserted settlement, then more inland near the
settlement of Qornoq. Here we can see the remains of a Thule settlement
and maybe even ringed seals.
At
the head of the fjord, we’ve planned a walk to Dronning Marie
Dal amid a landscape of colorful autumn flora.
Day
10: Denmark Strait’s wildlife and auroras
As
we sail Denmark Strait on our way to Iceland, the going can be rough,
but be sure to spend some time on deck looking for whales, migrating
seabirds, and of course, the aurora borealis.
Day
11: Farewell Greenland, hello Iceland
Though
even the greatest adventures eventually must end, you will return home
with countless memories (and memorable photos) to enjoy for years to
come.
Depending
on the weather, we should arrive at the delightful Icelandic port town
of Keflavik around midday.
Since
the weather in Denmark Strait might delay us, we suggest planning your
return flight for after day 11.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Voyage
aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All
meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee
and tea.
- All
shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program
of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced
expedition staff.
- Transfer
in Kangerlussuaq to our vessel.
- Transfer
in Keflavik from our vessel to city center.
- Free
use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- All
miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- AECO
fees and governmental taxes.
- Comprehensive
pre-departure material.
Excluded from this voyage
- Any
airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Pre-
and post- land arrangements.
- Passport
and visa expenses.
- Government
arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals
ashore.
- Baggage,
cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess
baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry,
bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The
customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other
service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).