HIGHLIGHTS
- Watch
for whales and seabirds from the deck
- Participate
in presentations on the flora, fauna, geology and cultural heritage to
be found along West Greenland’s western coast
- Visit
the open-air museum in Nanortalik which demonstrates the fascinating
history from Viking and Inuit times to the present days
- Soak
in the geothermal waters in the Uunartoq area and watch the icebergs
pass by
- Visit
some enchanting Greenlandic settlements and explore the beautiful
fjords of Greenland’s western side
- Visit
Hvalsey, or "Whale Island", the site of Greenland’s largest
and best-preserved Norse ruins
- Explore
the settlement of Qassiarsuk, the town that was founded back in the
10th century by Eric the Red following his exile from Iceland for murder
- See
the foundation remains of his manor house and other buildings.
Nowadays, the area is known as a sheep farming settlement
- Approaching
Paamiut, there are good opportunities to see humpback and fin whales
along the coastline and white-tailed eagles
- Explore
Disko Bay, fjords and scenic Inuit villages on the icy region of
western Greenland
- Visit
Sisimiut, Ilulissat, and Itilleq on this exciting South and West
Greenland voyage
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
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| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
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Rates are listed per person
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| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
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ITINERARY
Day
1: Reykjavik, Iceland
Welcome
to Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland and starting point of
our expedition cruise! Even though this country lies below the Arctic
Circle, Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign
state. Visitors needn’t travel far to find geysers and
waterfalls, mountains, and glaciers. Accommodations tonight at a
centrally located deluxe hotel will make embarkation tomorrow much more
convenient.
Day
2: Reykjavik (Iceland), embarkation
This
afternoon, meeting in the lobby for your transfer to the port and
embarkation of the Sea Spirit. There’s time to get settled in
and explore this ship, your home-away-from-home for the next ten days.
After departure, keep an eye out for our first whales (humpback and
Minke whales are most common) as we sail out of the picturesque bay.
Day
3-4: At sea
Enjoy
a few restful days at sea, as we get ready for icebergs, Inuit
villages, whales and much more! Along with our expedition team, watch
for whales and seabirds from the deck, or participate in their
presentations in the Oceanus Lounge on the flora, fauna, geology and
cultural heritage to be found along West Greenland’s western
coast.
Days
5-9: Exploring South and West Greenland
The
Sea Spirit rounds Cape Farewell, the southernmost point in Greenland,
and calls in at Greenland’s most southerly town Nanortalik.
The town lies at the mouth of beautiful Tasermiut Fjord surrounded by
steep mountains that flank an intricate fjord system. The local
open-air museum demonstrates the fascinating history from Viking and
Inuit times to the present days.
The
Uunartoq area is famous for its natural hot springs, where we can soak
in the geothermal waters watching the icebergs pass by.
During
the next few days, we head further north to visit some enchanting
Greenlandic settlements and explore the beautiful fjords of
Greenland’s western side.
Hvalsey,
or "Whale Island", is the site of Greenland’s largest and
best-preserved Norse ruins. It was originally settled by an ancestor of
Erik the Red in the late 10th century. There’s time to wander
and learn about the ancient farmstead that includes a granite stone
Christian church, likely built in the early 14th century, and several
adjacent buildings. The fells and fjord around the farmstead have not
changed at all over the centuries, and the site is believed to have
been a meeting place for festivals and banquets throughout the year.
Set
amidst breathtaking scenery, our visit to Qaqortoq gives us some
additional cultural and Viking background on the region. Placed on a
beautiful hillside, the small settlement boasts colorful houses and a
museum.
We
continue north in the wake of the Vikings as our Sea Spirit navigates
through the picturesque Eriksfjord to the settlement of Qassiarsuk. The
town was founded back in the 10th century by Eric the Red following his
exile from Iceland for murder. We will see the foundation remains of
his manor house and other buildings. Nowadays, the area is known as a
sheep farming settlement.
As
we approach, Paamiut, there are good opportunities to see humpback and
fin whales along the coastline. It is also an especially good place to
spot white-tailed eagles. Inhabited by incredibly welcoming locals,
Paamiut justifiably proud of their church that was built in 1909. The
architecture reflects the Danish colonization of Greenland.
Nuuk,
the capital of Greenland, is lively and surrounded by natural beauty.
Here, old traditions meet modern change. Fashion shops and a cultural
center represent the modern Greenland; the picturesque old port area,
however, testifies to the island’s long history. The town was
founded by the danish missionary Hans Egede in the early 18th century,
and you’ll learn much more about the area on an included
tour. In the National Museum, you’ll be fascinated by the
mummies of Qilakotsoq – evidence of a bygone era.
Days
10-13: Exploring Disko Bay
Fjords
and scenic Inuit villages shape the landscape of this icy region of
western Greenland. The Sea Spirit holds her course north, and landings
and activities are adapted to the current ice and weather conditions.
Accordingly, we will plan to visit some of the following:
Sisimiut,
the second-largest city in Greenland with about 5,400 inhabitants, is
located 40 km north of the Arctic Circle. While there are modern
elements, you’ll also find an outdoors hunting and fishing
culture. A small museum depicts the history of trade, shipping and
industry in the region.
Ilulissat,
the “city of icebergs”, is the a focal point of
West Greenland tourism. The fjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and
pushes unimagable amounts of icebergs into the bay. A hike to the
historic Sermermiut settlement offers some spectacular views. The
famous Danish polar explorer Knut Rasmussen is a son of the city and an
interesting museum here is dedicated to his life.
Itilleq
is a typical Greelandic fishing village on a small island just above
the Arctic Circle, with a local population of about 120. The residents
make a living from fishing and hunting and there are probably more dog
sleds than residents.
Day
14: Disembarkation in Kangerlussuaq (Greenland); Homeward flights
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Pre-voyage
night on Day1 in Reykjavik
- Group
transfer from the hotel to the ship for embarkation on Day 2
- Shipboard
accommodation
- All
meals on board throughout the voyage
- Tea
and coffee station 24 hours daily
- All
scheduled landings/excursions (subject to weather and ice conditions)
- Leadership
throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader &
Expedition Team
- Branded
Poseidon Expeditions parka
- Rubber
boots for shorelandings for the time of the cruise
- Welcome
and Farewell cocktails
- All
port fees
- Group
transfer to airport or central location upon disembarkation
- Pre-departure
materials
- Digital
Voyage Log
- Wi-Fi
onboard
Rates
Do Not Include:
- Airfare
- Transfers
from the airport to the hotel
- Visa
and passport fees(if applicable)
- Luggage
and trip cancellation insurance
- Softdrinks
and alcoholic beverages other than those for special events and
celebrations
- Personal
expenses such as laundry and telecommunication charges
- Mandatory
Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a minimum benefit of US$200,000 per
person
- Kayaking
- Staff
gratuities
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Kayaking:
USD 655
- Photography:
Free
