WEST GREENLAND AND DISKO BAY
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14 DAYS
There is something new and interesting to see each day as you explore the remote areas of West Greenland. On this 9 day trip expect to see sea birds, enormous glaciers, enchanting fjords, beautiful landscapes and bays choked with icebergs.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
Day Place Highlights
Day 1 Reykjavik, Iceland Enjoy the lively capital of Iceland
Day 2 Embarkation Embark the Sea Spirit
Days 3-4 At Sea On board presentations, sea birds, whales
Days 5 - 9 West Greenland Fjords, Glaciers, Hvalsey,
Days 10-13 Disko Bay Ilulissat, Icebergs, Itileq
Day 14 Kangerlussuaq, Greenland Disembark Kangerlussuaq after breakfast
Day 1 Reykjavik, Iceland
Overnight Reykjavik hotel.
Ship
Sea Spirit
The Sea Spirit was built in Italy in 1991. She’s a very comfortable ice-strengthened, small (114 guests), all-suite expedition ship. The vessel was updated in late 2010 and is going into dry-dock for additional refurbishment in April 2017. All suites have private facilities and exterior views. Some of the suites feature private balconies for enjoying fantastic landscapes of the Arctic.
She has a fleet of ten rubber inflatable zodiac boats for landings, an experienced crew, and a set of retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing.
This ship features an open bridge, 2 rear outdoor viewing areas, an outdoor viewing area at the front of the vessel, a bar, lounge, presentation room and dining area all lined with windows. There is also a gym on-board as well as a library and media centre.
Day 2 Embark Reykjavik
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.
Days 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 Exploration of Greenland’s West Coast
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.
Days 10-13 Exploring Disko Bay, Greenland
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 Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Our adventure finishes at the port of Kangerlussuaq. We disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our outbound flight and further connection flights home.