SOUTH GREENLAND ADVENTURE

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14 DAYS

Our South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic itinerary is designed for travelers seeking to explore the majestic fjords, glaciers and mountains of South Greenland. This itinerary offers guests one–of–a–kind excursions exclusive to Quark Expeditions—some of them only made possible by our newest ship, the technologically–advanced Ultramarine, which is equipped with two twin–engine helicopters. On this journey, you can be as active as you like, or you can opt for more relaxing, immersive experiences.

ITINERARY SUMMARY

 

DayPlaceHighlights
Day 1Reykjavik, IcelandMeet at airport to take charter flight to Narsarsuaq, Greenland, embark the Ultramarine
Day 2NuukFly to Nuuk
Days 3 and 4At SeaCruise across the Denmark Strait
Days 5 and 6Wild East Wild fjords of the uninhabited east coast. Rare sightings of polar bears are possible and humpback whales
Days 7 and 8The Westlands Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage site, visit the small settlement of Qassiarsuk, Greenland Ice Sheet by helicopter
Days 9 -11Arctic PatagoniaFjords, sounds, islets, inlets and skerries. Prins Christian Sund we hope to visit Aappilattoq and Tasermiut Fjord
Days 12 and 13At SeaSailing across the Denmark Strait
Day 14ReykjavikCheck out of your hotel for your onward journey

ATC_Ultramarine-Greenland

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

Ultramarine
Ultramarine Render

The newest ship in the Quark fleet, Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Ultramarine accommodates 199 guests and is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters to offer the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size.

With two dining areas, four bars, a panoramic lounge, theatre, library, spa and fitness centre, Polar boutique and an ocean view sauna your days at sea can be as busy or relaxing as you decide.

Day 1 Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik

Arrive in the Icelandic capital and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the rest of the day to explore the city on your own.

Day 2 Nuuk

In the morning after breakfast, guests and their luggage will be transferred to the airport for their charter flight to the Greenlandic capital of Nuuk. This picturesque city of 17,000 is situated on a fjord with the Sermitsiaq mountain in the background. Upon arrival, guests will be transferred to their ship.

Days 3 and 4 At Sea

Arctic Tern Arctic Wildlife

As we cruise north across the Denmark Strait, with views of Greenland in the distance, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures ahead. Learn about the storied history of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, glaciology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. The team will also help you search for seabirds soaring around your ship, as  well as whales that frequent the surrounding waters.

Days 5 and 6 Wild East

We set out for the wild fjords of the uninhabited east coast, one of which is Lindenow Fjord, also known by its Greenlandic name, Kangerlussuatsiaq. Thousands of years ago, groups of paleo– Inuit hunters and fishermen made their home in these isolated fjords, living off the land and surviving mostly on the resources the sea provided, before European explorers and the subsequent establishment of settlements prompted one of the biggest waves of migration in Greenland. Traces of these once proud peoples can still be found today against the backdrop of cascading glaciers and steep–walled mountains.

These fjords are frequented by marine mammals. Rare sightings of polar bears are possible, as they drift down from the north on sea ice floes propelled by the East–Greenland current. Humpback whales are often sighted when entering fjords as the shallowing seas bring an upwelling of nutrients to the surface. While we keep our eyes peeled for wildlife, the magnificent alpine terrain invites us to explore by sea, land and air to immerse ourselves completely in the remote icescapes of the region. The wild east is ideal for heli landings and hiking, paddle excursions, Zodiac cruises and shore landings.

Days 7 and 8 The Westlands

Sailing south along the spectacular west coast of Greenland to the The Westlands. Every direction you look rewards with vistas of blue, ice – strewn waters set against a breathtaking backdrop of lush, verdant valleys and pastures bursting with blooms.

Unique to Greenland, and the entire Arctic, warm microclimates deep in the fjords have created a surprisingly fertile Arctic Garden of Eden. South Greenlandic farming traditions dating back to Viking days are still kept alive. Many families work their remote sheep farms along the shores of the fjords, their lives very much attuned to the seasons as they produce a variety of organic home–grown produce (such as potatoes, turnips and kale).

 

In the West we reach by helicopter the Greenland Ice Sheet. You’ll enjoy the most incredible views of the largest mass of ice in the northern hemisphere and second largest in the world, flowing from the heights of the polar plateau to sea level. Become one of the very few people to ever set foot on this incredible body of ice during our included Greenland Ice Sheet Experience. Hike the surrounding foothills, cruise or paddle through the azure ice-filled waters, and engage with our local friends and partners during the most meaningful and in-depth community experiences offered on any Quark Expeditions voyage.

 

Learn about the history and culture of this region at the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site. We hope to offer you the opportunity to visit charming Qassiarsuk, a small sheep farming settlement across the fjord from Narsarsuaq, where you can experience true South Greenland hospitality and gain insight into the fascinating lives of sheep farmers living at the edge of the Ice Sheet. We suggest you take time to explore the remains and replicas of Brattahlíð, Erik the Red’s estate, once the epicenter of the Greenland Norse Eastern Settlement.

Days 9-11 Arctic Patagonia

The stunning maze of fjords, sounds, islets, inlets and skerries (rocky islands) in and around Cape Farewell (Nunap Isua) at Greenland’s most southern tip possesses its own particular magic. Transiting the 100km long Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq)-one of the world’s most scenic fjords – will be truly unforgettable. Guests can then look forward to dramatic mountain and seascapes with glaciers tumbling down to down to the sea, and stunning vistas around every corner. Inhabiting this domain are Southern Greenlanders living on the frontier, a people as unique as the landscape they call home. This is where the migrating hunting peoples from the east finally settled around the European trading posts.

 

The few villages in this southern region have gained a level of fame thanks to the inhabitants who remain steadfastly faithful to their hunting and fishing heritage. We hope to visit Aappilattoq, perched on the shores of Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq), to introduce you to our friends and partners there. We hope to offer you the opportunity to listen to their stories, hear their music, taste their food, learn about their hunting traditions, and perhaps even join a friendly game of soccer as a player or spectator.

 

We reach the Tasermiut Fjord in the heart of what’s known as “Arctic Patagonia,” where guests can sign up for overnight camping (with local hosts) along the 70–km fjord. Marvel at the impressive Sermeq glacier at its head with rivers of ice tumbling almost down to sea level, and the imposing peaks of Nalumasortoq and Ulamertorsuaq dominating the skyline, making for the most scenic backdrops to your hike or helicopter – enabled excursions.

Days 12 and 13 Denmark Strait

As your Arctic adventure winds down, you can take in a polar presentation by our onboard experts, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar, or watch a movie. This is a great opportunity to ask members of Expedition Team any remaining questions you have about any aspect of your voyage.

Day 14 Reykjavik

You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.

To book this cruise contact us on 1300 784 794 or email: contact@arctictravelcentre.com.au

We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.