SOUTH GREENLAND EXPLORATION

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

National Geographic Endurance

Launched in 2020, the National Geographic Endurance is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose built for polar navigation. The Category A vessel is a fully stabilized, highly strengthened ship designed to navigate polar-passages and uncharted waters all year round. Designed to provide an extremely smooth ride in even the most adverse of conditions, reduced spray on deck and wave-splicing action making for superior observation. The National Geographic Endurance is outfitted with kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing crafts, underwater cameras, video microscopes to explain elements of the surrounding environments, a hydrophone to listen to the vocalisations of marine mammals, an open bridge to constantly talk to your captain and expedition crew along with snorkeling gear and wet suits for underwater excursions.

National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer was completely redesigned and rebuilt prior to being relaunched in 2008. The ship is equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment making it ideal for Antarctic expeditions, and offers a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the regions explored. The Explorer accommodates guests in 81 spacious outside cabins, most with feature windows and some with balconies. Public areas include a lounge and bar, a spa, fitness centre and sauna, and a choice of dining options that offer regionally inspired cuisine.

Day 1 Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport to the city and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon to make final arrangements before your charter flight the following day.

Day 2 Nuuk, Greenland

Fly from Reykjavík on the recommended flight to Nuuk, Greenland’s thriving capital city. Settle into your cabin and enjoy a scenic sailing out of the Nuuk fjord and into the open water of the Davis Strait, as the ship navigates south along the coastline.

Day 3 Southwestern Fjords

Between the southwestern farmland and the central capital region of Nuuk lie miles of fjords filled with opportunities for modern-day explorers. Following the lead of your experienced expedition team, navigate unchartered waters and savour the unspoiled nature Greenland is known for.

Day 4 Qassiarsuk

Spend your day in what was known as Erik the Red’s Eastern Settlement, present-day Qassiarsuk. Visit Brattahlíð, where Erik the Red established his farm in 982 A.D. after his exile from Iceland. Erik’s wife, Þjódhild, built the first Christian church in the western hemisphere here. Visit replicas of the church and Erik the Red’s longhouse and see the shores from which their son, Leif Eriksson, launched the first voyages to North America—500 years before Columbus. Later, visit a local family farm that continues the farming tradition that has earned this region a UNESCO World Heritage designation for Arctic farming on the edge of the ice cap.

Day 5 Qaqortoq

Your exploration of Erik the Red’s Eastern Settlement continues in the fjords around Qaqortoq. The Sissarluttoq World Heritage Center is dotted with ruins of Inuit and Norse farms, stables and storerooms made of sandstone and granite blocks, allowing you to imagine what farming was like on the edge of the ice cap over 1,000 years ago. Explore the ruins of the 14th-century Hvalsey Church, and venture deep into the fjord to witness how these ancient remnants create the backdrop for daily farming life in southern Greenland. Continue to Qaqortoq, inhabited since the Viking era and now the largest town in South Greenland, with just over 3,200 residents. Stroll through the town square and visit the museum, where Greenlandic kayaks, hunting equipment and local art and handicrafts are on display. Sample traditional Greenlandic food this afternoon.

Days 6 – 7 Prins Christian Sund and Tasermiut Fjord

Explore Tasermiut Fjord, known as Arctic Patagonia for its sheer granite rock faces and dramatic valley filled with glaciers or their moraines. Spend time exploring by foot, kayak or Zodiac along its shores. Sail into Prins Christian Sund, which cuts into the southern tip of Greenland. Pass between soaring pinnacles and glaciers and through the sheltered waters of this dramatic landscape.

Days 8 – 9 Southeast Greenland

The coast of the world’s largest island is etched with thousands of fjords, some of which reach back to the Greenlandic ice sheet. Spend these days exploring these stunning inlets of the eastern coast, using underwater cameras and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to discover marine life and fascinating underwater geology. Ice permitting, sail deep into majestic fjords and soak in your last days in Greenland on a Zodiac cruise or paddling a kayak among the icebergs.

Day 10 Denmark Strait

Sail away from the world’s largest island and across the Denmark Strait. Connecting the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean, the strait is home to the world’s largest waterfall, caused by powerful currents and glaciers. Listen to talks by experts, relax with a book in the lounge or the observation deck and keep an eye out for wildlife as the ship sails across the continental shelf.

Day 11 Reykjavik, Iceland

After breakfast, disembark in Reykjavík and transfer to the airport for flights home.