HIGHLIGHTS
- At
Kangerlussuaq Fjord on Greenland's remote east coast, we visit
Skaergaard Intrusion, known to geologists worldwide for their unusual
layering, formed some 55 million years ago
- Sail
along Prince Christian Sound, surrounded by towering mountains with
glaciers that calve directly into the sea
- Enjoy
thrilling Zodiac cruises to glacier fronts and watch for tail flukes
from diving whales.
- Stand
in awe in front breathtakingly beautiful Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO
World-Heritage Site
- At
the National Museum in Nuuk, see the fascinating exhibit of the
Qilakitsoq mummies dating back 545 years, which were accidentally
discovered in 1972
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Stateroom Triple | Stateroom Twin | Balcony Stateroom C | Balcony Stateroom B | Balcony Stateroom A | Superior Balcony Stateroom | Junior Suite | Captain's Suite |
|---|
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Stateroom Triple | (Mid-range)
Balcony Stateroom A | (High-end)
Captain's Suite |
|---|
Day
1 Reykjavik
Arrive
in Reykjavik, Iceland's cosmopolitan capital, and transfer by Flybus to
our group hotel. Upon check-in, reception staff will provide you with
Aurora Expeditions cabin tags. Please fill out the luggage tags
clearly, showing your name and cabin number to allow us to deliver your
luggage to your cabin. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet fellow
expeditioners at our voyage briefing this evening.
Accommodation:
Fosshotel Reykjavik (or similar)
Day
2 Embarkation Day
Today
we follow the path of one of Reykjavik's most popular seismic
attractions – the Golden Circle. Stops along our route
include Thingvellir National Park, accredited as the site of Iceland's
first parliament. A shaky start to the new nation, it is also the point
where the Eurasia and North American tectonic plates meet as an open
fissure. Our next stop is Gullfoss waterfall. This impressive water
feature tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá River,
offering a popular photographic opportunity. Next we explore
the geothermal fields and geysir's for which Iceland is famous. The
variety of hot springs and bubbling pools are mesmerising as the sheer
capacity of water and steam erupting from the ground makes you ponder
just how much power is beneath your feet. Late afternoon we
return to Reykjavik to board the Greg Mortimer.
After
boarding, there's time to settle into your cabin before our important
safety briefings before we ‘throw the lines' to begin our
Greenland adventure. This evening meet your expedition team and crew at
the Captain's Welcome Dinner.
Day
3 At Sea
Crossing
the Greenland Sea, we sail through the Polar Basin's nutrient-rich
waters, searching for encroaching pack ice, fin whales and seabirds.
Our team of experts entertains us with informative talks about sea ice,
glaciers, European arctic plants and animals and epic tales of early
explorers such as Nansen, Andreé and Scoresby.
Day
4 Kangertitivatsiaq Fjord
Popular
among skilled rock climbers, Kangertitivatsiaq Fjord is home to
spectacular mountain peaks and essential big walls that attract daring
climbers. A new discovery for Aurora Expeditions in 2022, the
26-kilometre (16-mile) fjord is filled with glaciers including the
Glacier of France. It's an ideal place for ship cruising, Zodiac
excursions and discovery hikes.
Day
5 Tasiilaq, Sermilik Fjord
Overlooking
King Oscar's Harbour, Tasiilaq (formerly Ammassalik) is east
Greenland's largest town with a population of approximately 2,000
inhabitants. Here, green meadows contrast starkly with countless
icebergs that often clog the waterways at nearby Sermilik Fjord, the
largest in southeast Greenland, where we Zodiac-cruise and kayak to
search for fin and humpback whales and photograph the spectacular
scenery.
Day
6 Skjoldungen Island
Continue
south along Greenland's King Frederik VI Coast, always on the lookout
for whales, especially the rare sperm whale that is occasionally seen
here. Weaving through the narrow channels of Skjoldungen Fjord we land
at the end of the fjord for a walk along a glacial river, across a
tundra valley covered in northern willow and blooming pink wildflowers.
Kayakers can paddle across the front of a tidewater glacier, search for
harp seals, ivory gulls and whales.
Back
on board, enjoy the stunning surrounds with a drink in hand basked in
the soft light of the setting sun.
Day
7 Prince Christian Sound
Prince
Christian Sound connects the Labrador Sea with the Irminger Sea.
Approximately 100 km / 60 mi long, and, in parts, as narrow as 500-m
(600-ft) wide, the fjord is flanked by jagged mountain peaks, some
reaching over 2,200 m (7,200 ft) high, with countless glaciers
coming all the way down to the sea. We slow-cruise through the sound to
enjoy the spectacular scenery. Icebergs sculpted into fantastic shapes
often block the entrance to the sound, a great spectacle for
photography.
At
Kangersuneq Qinngorleq located at the northern end of the fjord, a
glacier front is ideal for exploration by Zodiac or kayak. in the
southern section of the sound, we pass a small settlement named
Appilatoq, which means red in Greenlandic, after the red mountains
rising above the town. Appilatoq is well-known in Greenland for the
jagged mountain peaks that surround it—a delight for
photographers.
Day
8 Tasermiut Fjord, Klosterdal, Nanortalik
The
towering, jagged mountains that surround Tasermiut Fjord is why it's
often referred to as the ‘Patagonia of the north'. At
Klosterdal (Monastery Valley), we are surrounded by three giant
mountains - Napasorsuaq, Ketil and Nalumasortoq. Here we can walk to a
Norse ruin, hike along the valley, or explore the bay by kayak.
Continue
to Nanortalik, the southernmost town in Greenland, located on an island
of the same name. Its name derives from the West Greenlandic word
‘Nanoq' meaning ‘the place where bears pass
through,' describing the polar bears that were once seen floating past
on sea ice. Deep fjords, woodlands and grasslands, and rugged
mountainside cliffs, some over 1,000 m /3,280 ft, attract enthusiastic
climbers from around the world.
On
arrival, you'll receive a warm welcome from the local community who
have opened up their town for you to explore. Nanortalik is a town
that's known for their love of singing and you'll be treated to choir
performance.
Visit
Nanortalik Church, a wooden, Danish Lutheran church built in 1916 and
is currently the only church serving the Nanortalik congregation. The
church is in the old colonial quarter of the town. Next to the church
is a landmark boulder called the ‘Knud Rasmussen Stone,'
named after Greenland's most famous citizen, Dr Knud Rasmussen, an
explorer and ethnologist.
Day
9 Hvalsey, Qaqortoq
Hvalsey
Church is the best-preserved Norse ruin in Greenland.
‘Hvalsey' is old Norse for ‘Whale Island.'
Christianity arrived in Greenland around 1,000 AD and gradually
churches began to be built. Late medieval documents indicate there were
up to 14 parish churches in the Eastern Settlement. Hvalsey itself was
built in the early 14th century, but it was not the first church built
on this site.
After
exploring Hvalsey ruins, continue to Qaqortoq, where our Zodiacs
shuttle us ashore. Qaqortoq is the capital of south Greenland. With a
history dating back to 1775, the town offers various cultural
activities and attractions including an outdoor art project called
“Man and Stone,' which features stone carvings scattered
throughout the town created by local artists. Qaqortoq is Greenland's
southernmost town and is the administrative centre of the south
Greenland. Built from yellow stone, and dating back to 1804, the
building that now houses the Qaqortoq Museum originally belonged to the
town's blacksmith. Qaqortoq's landmark building is the Church of Our
Saviour. This large wooden Lutheran church, known as the ‘Red
Church', is in the historic part of town, near the harbour.
Day
10 Paamiut
Located
on a peninsula with impressive view of the surrounding mountains, the
small settlement of Paamiut has existed since the mid-17th century, and
the name of the town means 'the people who live at the mouth' referring
to the nearby fjord. The town is home to a beautiful and ornate wooden
church, which is remarkable when Greenland completely lacks trees that
can be used for construction. The local museum is worth a visit, and
features exhibits of local handicrafts and photos from the whaling
period. The town and surrounding area are best known for the resident
population of white-tailed eagles, while minke, fin, humpback and orca
are common visitors to this stretch of coast. Arctic char is the most
commonly caught fish in these waters and depending on the luck of the
day's catch by local fisherman, we may enjoy a meal of freshly caught
Arctic char for the evening meal.
Day
11 Nuuk
Greenland's
capital, Nuuk, the world's northernmost capital, lies at the mouth of
its very own fjord system on the country's mid-west coast. On a
sightseeing tour Nuuk, you'll see charming old buildings including
Greenland's colourfully painted houses, and the award-winning City
Hall. The small but fascinating National Museum features a unique
ethnographical collection of artefacts of Inuit life, including the
famous 545-year-old Qilakitsoq mummies, accidentally discovered by
hikers in 1972.
Day
12 Sisimiut
Approximately
4,500 years ago, the Saqqaq culture arrived from Canada and settled in
the area. They lived here for approximately 2,000 years, but
mysteriously disappeared. The Dorset culture arrived around 500 AD and
remained until the 1200s until they were replaced by the Thule culture,
and today, most of the population of Sisimiut are descendants of the
Thule culture.
Located
above the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut enjoys experiences 24 hours of
daylight during the summer months. As Greenland's second largest town,
Sisimiut is the only place in Greenland that has an open-air public
swimming pool, and the town is famous for its old blue church featuring
a whale jaw gate. The town's small museum features interesting exhibits
explaining local history and life in Greenland.
The
local kayak club is the oldest in Greenland and some of the members are
among the best in Greenland. You will be treated to a show featuring
traditional kayaks.
Day
13 Ilulissat
Known
as the ‘birthplace of icebergs', this region boasts some of
the most splendidly-shaped icebergs found anywhere on earth. Hike to
the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Icefjord and stand in awe of its
immensity. Sermeq Kujalleq, also known as Jakobshavn Glacier, is the
most productive glacier, not only in Greenland, but in the Northern
Hemisphere. It produces 20 million tonnes of ice each day, all floating
into the Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay. Conditions permitting, enjoy
a Zodiac cruise at the mouth of the fjord and kayak through sea ice and
icebergs.
Optional
helicopter flight (90 mins): this excursion is the only way you can get
close to the gigantic glacier. The 10-seater helicopter departs from
Ilulissat Airport sweeping over hills, lakes and ice fjords. Land on
the mountain at Kangia, in the middle of the preserved area, where you
can revel in the incredible surroundings. On the return flight to
Ilulissat, fly above the edge of the glacier with breathtaking views of
the massive icebergs drifting in the fjord. The views of some of the
largest icebergs that become stranded on a moraine underneath the
water, just outside the town, offers a wonderful finale to this
excursion. Please note that this excursion requires a minimum of 8
passengers to operate.
Day
14 Eqip Sermia
Located
80 kilometres (49.7 miles) north of Ilulissat, Eqi Glacier is
accessible only by sea, and is one of Greenland's most active glaciers.
Although smaller than Sermeq Kujalleq glacier in Ilulissat, Eqi Glacier
is more accessible, and if sea-ice conditions permit, we'll Zodiac
cruise within safe distance of the glacier front where we see seals
floating on bergy bits in front of the glacier while eagles can
sometimes be seen soaring above. Several hikes are possible in the
area, where you may encounter grouse, Arctic hare and small Arctic fox.
Day
15 Eternity Fjord
Evighedsfjorden,
or Eternity Fjord, is one of the more spectacular fjord complexes in
west Greenland due to its forested landscape. Hike through a forested
valley, witness hills become towering snow-capped mountains as
countless glaciers pour down from sheer cliff walls. Occasionally, the
thunderous sound of a calving glacier breaks the silence in a place
where you are unlikely to see another soul.
Day
16 Disembark in Kangerlussuaq, Fly to Toronto
Today
we'll feast on a taste of Greenland at the lakeside Roklubben
restaurant where we enjoy a BBQ lunch, before joining our guided tour
to Reindeer Glacier having disembarked for the final time at the
township of Kangerlussuaq. Greenland's ‘ice sheet' covers 80%
of the surface of the country. Reindeer Glacier, which stands as a
60-metre-high ice wall in some places, offers visitors a clear contrast
between land and ice. We travel on a tundra coach, looking for reindeer
and musk oxen, while we enjoy some stories of the area from our local
guide. Once at the glacier we will walk parallel to its edge to
discover it many moods and angles.
In
the late afternoon we return to Kangerlussuaq airport to board our
charter flight to Canada to Toronto for an overnight stay at our
airport hotel.
Accommodation:
Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel
Sylvia Earle (Luxury Expedition, 126-guests)
Due to sail in October 2021 our new ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. As the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998 - this vessel pays tribute to Sylvia's long standing conservation efforts for marine protected areas and ocean wildlife. Sylvia Earle will be actively involved in the development of her namesake.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Shared
coach transfer from airport to hotel on Day 1
- One
night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in Reykjavik on Day 1
- Full-day
Golden Circle tour on Day 2
- Charter
flight: Kangerlussuaq-Toronto on Day 16
- Sightseeing
in Kangerlussuaq (time permitting) and transfer to the airport on Day 16
- One
night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in Toronto on Day 16
- On-board
accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
- All
meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
- Beer,
house wine and soft drinks with dinner
- Captain's
Welcome and Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house
cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
- All
shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
- Educational
lectures and guiding services from expedition team
- Complimentary
access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
- Complimentary
3-in-1 polar jacket
- Comprehensive
pre-departure information
- Port
surcharges, permits and landing fees
- Gratuities
for ship crew
Exclusions
- International
or domestic flights, unless specified
- Transfers
not mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport
arrival or departure taxes
- Passport,
visa, reciprocity fees and vaccination charges
- Travel
insurance or emergency evacuation charges
- Hotels
and meals not included in itinerary
- Optional
excursions not included in the itinerary
- Optional
activity surcharges
- All
items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic
beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry
services, personal clothing, medical expenses, Wi-Fi, email or phone
charges
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Sea
Kayaking: USD 980 per person
- Rock
Climbing: USD 940 per
person
- Photography:
FREE
- Bird
watching:
FREE
- Near
Shore Cruises:
FREE
- Lectures
on wildlife, our environment, history and destinations:
FREE
- Polar
plunge:
FREE
- Trips
ashore:
FREE
- Walking:
FREE
- Whale
and mammal spotting:
FREE
- Zodiac
cruises:
FREE
