Product Description
Highlights
Meet locals along the west coast of Greenland and explore traditional Inuit settlements. Soak in the geothermal hot springs at Uunartoq while icebergs float by. Visit the dramatic landscape of Tasermiut fjord, known as ‘arctic Patagonia’. Admire the fast moving glacier at Ilulissat, a UNESCO world heritage site
Overview
Its neighbour might have the name, but Greenland is the true land of ice. Join an epic adventure to the extremes of Europe and discover a world of endless glaciers and glistening icebergs. Cruise from Akureyri around the southern tip of the world’s largest non-continent island and land at the abandoned settlement of Skoldungen, kayak silently between icebergs, and soak in the steaming hot springs of Uunartoq. You’ll meet the locals in small Greenlandic villages, discover 4,000-year-old history, and take Zodiacs to cruise deep into fjords and get close to glaciers creating icebergs. Beginning and ending in Iceland, this trip is the best way to sample this beautiful and dramatic country.
Breakfast Included: 14 Lunches Included: 11 Dinner Included: 12
Reykjavik
Arrive in the Icelandic capital this morning and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the day to explore the city on your own.
Embarkation day at Akureyri
You’ll fly from Reykjavik to Akureyri to board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!
Exploring East Greenland
Experience a true arctic ghost town when we visit the abandoned settlement of Skjoldungen, where inhabitants were forced to move to larger, more accessible towns in 1961. The narrow part of Skjoldungen Fjord is an ideal place to explore by Zodiac. Those who opt for our kayaking program may have an opportunity to get out on the water to glide past icebergs and capture some great photographs.
Exploring Southern Greenland
Climbers and mountaineers around the world know Tasermiut Fjord, one of the world’s most prolific big-wall playgrounds. This part of Greenland is particularly dramatic, being nicknamed the Arctic Patagonia. A bit of a history lesson will be provided here as you learn about the settlements of the area, founded by Erik the Red. As we round Cape Farewell, the southernmost point of Greenland, we will call in at the natural hot springs found in the Uunartoq area, soak in the geothermal waters and watch the icebergs pass by.
Exploring Greenland's West Coast
Heading north, you’ll stop at some of the quaint villages that dot the islands and fjords of Greenland’s western side. You’ll find friendly faces, local artisans and colorful houses on the wildflowercovered tundra. You’ll visit Nuuk, the capital of Greenland and home to fewer than 16,000 people. You’ll have time to wander the streets and see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede statue near the waterfront, both named after the missionary who founded the settlement. You’ll also visit the museum to see the famous Greenlandic mummies.
The nearby town of Sisimiut is an interesting place to visit, as there are more sled dogs here than humans. Evighedsfjorden, which means “Fjord of Eternity,” is a favoured place for us to put the Zodiacs in the water for some more in-depth exploration. This long, deep fjord has very few settlements, so you’ll come to appreciate nature in its rawest form. There will be an opportunity for hiking among the towering mountains, and you’ll have plenty of chances to photograph the colorful tundra and dramatic landscapes.
The west coast of Greenland provides many dramatic, mountainous landscapes where fjords open into the sea. You will explore the Ilulissat Icefjord, home to one of the world’s fastest-moving glaciers. Moving approximately 62 feet (19 meters) per day, the glacier provides you with a great opportunity to photograph ice crashing into the sea. Continuing along, the Amerloq Fjord offers a chance for you to stretch your legs by exploring abandoned villages and ancient Thule sites.
Disembark in Kangerlussuaq
After farewelling your companions and crew, you’ll board your direct charter flight back to Reykjavik, Iceland. Upon arrival in Reykjavik, we will transfer you to your hotel.
Trip ends in Reykjavik
After breakfast, you can make your way home at your leisure or spend some more time in in beautiful Iceland.
