EAST GREENLAND
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11 DAYS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Reykjavik, Iceland | Explore Reykjavik, overnight hotel |
| Day 2 | Embarkation in Reykjavik | Board the Sea Spirit and set sail |
| Day 3 | Denmark Strait | Head towards Scoresby Sund crossing the Arctic Circle. |
| Days 4 - 8 | Exploration of Scoresby Sund | Fjords, glaciers, icebergs, towering cliffs and mountains, hiking, Ittoqqortoormiit village |
| Day 9 | Denmark Strait | Onboard presentations and workshops, seabirds, whales |
| Day 10 | Westfjords Iceland | Coastal fjords, bird cliffs, fishing villages |
| Day 11 | Disembarkation in Reykjavik | Voyage ends after breakfast. |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
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 had 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 Antarctica.
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 1 Reykjavik, Iceland
Overview:
Welcome to Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland and starting point of our expedition. After arriving via scheduled commercial flight service, you are free to explore this fascinating city. Reykjavík is home to a wealth of cultural institutions including museums, galleries, and the Hallgrímskirkja church. Leisure possibilities inside the city include parks, gardens, and thermal baths. You can also take advantage of Reykjavík’s wide range of shopping possibilities, excellent dining options, and famous nightlife. Your hotel for the night has been arranged by us and is included in the price of the voyage.
Day 2 Embarkation in Reykjavik, Iceland
In the afternoon you will be welcomed aboard the luxury expedition ship M/V Sea Spirit. Explore the ship and get comfortable in your home away from home for the extraordinary adventure to come. Savor the anticipation reaching Greenland as the ship sails out of the harbor into the bay of Faxaflói, where you may see your first whales.
Day 3 Across Denmark Strait
From Iceland the ship will head across Denmark Strait toward Scoresby Sund in East Greenland, crossing the Arctic Circle on the way. There is a good possibility of whale sightings in this stretch of water. After nightfall, you may even see the aurora borealis.
Days 4-8 Exploration of Scoresby Sund, Greenland
Scoresby Sund is a true Arctic wilderness and this part of the voyage is a real expedition. Your route and exploration opportunities here are heavily dependent on the weather and sea ice conditions you encounter. Your experienced captain and expedition leader decide the itinerary and continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant. You can be sure that the expedition team will ensure everyone is safe whilst taking advantage of any wildlife opportunity presented in this wild and remote corner of the Arctic.
Scoresby Sund is the largest and longest fjord system in the world. This area contains some of the Arctic’s most impressive scenery. Deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by ice-clad peaks up to 2000 meters high, reach deep into the mountainous heart of Greenland. Tidewater glaciers create colossal icebergs that float with wind and tide throughout the fjord system. On shore, fields of multicolored tundra are home to musk oxen and Arctic hare. The landscape—vast, open, and seemingly untouched since the beginning of time—is a hikers’ paradise. Throughout this area we also find ancient Thule archeological sites, historical trappers’ huts, and modern Inuit hunters’ cabins.
The Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit is the only permanent settlement in the region. The community boasts an excellent museum, a gift shop, a post office, an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs, and of course the opportunity to meet Inuit people.
The days are filled with memorable excursions, sumptuous meals, presentations by our experts, and enough stunning scenery to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions. Each night brings new possibilities for incredible displays of aurora borealis—the Northern Lights. This is the perfect time and one of the world’s best places to experience this otherworldly celestial phenomenon.
Day 9 Denmark Strait
Head towards Iceland across the Denmark Strait. Along the way there will be presentations and workshops conducted by the expedition leaders. Seabirds and whales will often be sighted so be ready to head out on deck with your camera.
Day 10 Westfjords, Iceland
Your expedition day in the Westfjords area reveals the rare beauty of the part of Iceland where mass tourism disappears – only about 10% of Iceland’s visitors ever see the region. Taking advantage of every favourable weather the expedition team will choose the best places to discover breathtaking coastal fjords, jagged bird cliffs, and tiny fishing villages embracing traditional ways of life.
Day 11 Reykjavik, Iceland
After breakfast we say farewell in Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland and ending point of our expedition. We provide a transfer to the international airport or to the city center if you wish to spend another day or more in Iceland before flying home. From Reykjavík the entire country is accessible through day tours or longer journeys by rental car. The options for additional adventures are endless. Contact us for more information on this voyage on 1300 784 794 or email contact@arctictravelcentre.com.au