SOUTHERN GREENLAND:ON THE TRAIL OF THE VIKINGS
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14 DAYS
Experience the vast wonders of Greenland, the world’s largest island, where jagged peaks piece the horizon, and glaciers wind their way towards the fjords. Visit ancient rocks at Skaergaard Peninsula dating back some 55 million years. Explore the arctic tundra in search of wildlife, tasting delicious wild berries along the way. Zodiac-cruise along spectacular sounds where ringed, harp and hooded seals laze on the sea ice. Watch Greenland’s enormous ice sheets carve icebergs creating fjords dotted with white as far as the eye can see, and encounter humpback and minke whales feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. Sail Prince Christian Sound, flanked by imposing mountains, as it carves its way through south Greenland where green pastures signal the presence of human settlement, and where the Viking ruins of Erik the Red still stand at Hvalsey. Weaving through the fjords and channels, enter west Greenland, the country’s most developed region, home to the nation’s capital, Nuuk.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Reykjavik, Iceland | Overnight Reykjarvik |
| Day 2 | Reykjavik | Embark Reykjavik |
| Day 3 | Denmark Strait | At Sea |
| Days 4 and 5 | East Greenland | Kangerlussuaq Fjord, peaks of Watkins Mountains featuring Gunnbjørnsfjeld |
| Days 6 and 7 | Prince Christian Sound, Aappilattoq, Tasermiut Fjord and Klosterdal | Prince Christian Sound connects the Labrador Sea with the Irminger Sea and Aappilattoq a small settlement in the southern section of a sound |
| Days 8 and 9 | Nanortalik, Uunartoq, Hvalsey and Qaqortoq | Hvalsey Church is the best-preserved Norse ruin in Greenland and in Qaqortoq, where our Zodiacs shuttle us ashore |
| Days 10 and 11 | Igaliku, Narsarsuaq and Qassiarssuk | Narsarsuaq is the gateway to hiking trails through lush valleys and Norse ruins |
| Day 12 | At Sea | Sail towards Nuuk |
| Day 13 | Toronto | Disembark |
| Day 14 | Toronto | Depart |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Sylvia Earle
The Sylvia Earle is a new purpose built, polar expedition vessel taking up to 130 guests. This vessel has been designed in close consultation with Antarctic expedition specialists and is the first expedition cruise ship designed with the ULSTEIN X-BOW hull. This cutting edge nautical technology allows for gentle travel and motion at sea, improved comfort and safety on-board, reduced vibrations, lower fuel consumption and emissions and ‘virtual anchoring’ which means the ship can float anchor-less while launching the Zodiacs without disturbing delicate sea floor areas. There are four sea-level launching platforms for fast and efficient access to and from Zodiacs.
Day 1 Reykjavik, Iceland
Having made your way to Reykjavik meet at the group hotel. Explore and prepare as you wish as the remainder of your time is at leisure.
Day 2 Embark, Reykjavik
Enjoy one of Reykjavik’s most popular excursions – the Golden Circle and Geothermal Energy tour, which includes visits to Gullfoss Falls, Geysers, and Thingvellir National Park. Late afternoon embarkation. Settle into your cabin and in the evening meet your expedition team and crew at the Captain’s Welcome Dinner.
Day 3 Denmark Strait, At Sea
As the ship cruises across the Denmark Strait, your Expedition Team will give informative talks about the wildlife and storied history of Greenland, its fascinating geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. The expedition team will also keep watch for the seabirds you’ll likely see soaring above your ship, as well as the whales that can often be seen roaming the waters here.
Days 4 and 5 East Greenland
Kangertitivatsiaq Fjord is home to spectacular mountain peaks and essential big walls, the 26-kilometre fjord is filled with glaciers including the Glacier of France. Options for zodiac excursions and discovery hikes.
Continue south along Greenland’s King Frederik VI Coast, always on the lookout for whales, especially the rare sperm whale. 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.
Days 6 and 7 South Greenland
Prince Christian Sound approximately 100 km long, and, in parts, as narrow as 500-m wide, the fjord is flanked by soaring mountain peaks, some reaching over 2,200 m high, with countless glaciers coming all the way down to the sea.
Aappilattoq is a small settlement that lies in the southern section of a sound. The name means red in Greenlandic, and the town is named after the red mountains rising above it and is well-known in Greenland for the jagged mountain peaks that surround it.
The towering, jagged mountains that surround Tasermiut Fjord is why it’s often referred to as the ‘Patagonia of the north’. At Klosterdal, 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.
Days 8 and 9 Nanortalik, Uunartoq, Hvalsey and Qaqortoq
Nanortalik, the southernmost town in Greenland, located on an island of the same name. Deep fjords, woodlands and grasslands, and rugged mountainside cliffs, some over 1,000 m.
On arrival 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.
Hvalsey Church is the best-preserved Norse ruin in Greenland. Late medieval documents indicate there were up to 14 parish churches in the Eastern Settlement.
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. Qaqortoq’s landmark building is the Church of Our Saviour. This large wooden Lutheran church, known as the ‘Red Church’, is in the historic colonial part of town, near the harbour.
Days 10 and 11 Igaliku, Narsarsuaq and Qassiarssuk
At Igaliku in Tunulliarfik Fjord, lush valleys filled with tall grass hints at Greenland’s first sheep farming settlement. Igaliku also guards the entrance to the well-preserved remains of Norse ruins allowing visitors to explore Norse history, hike within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed surroundings to discover lakes, mountains and hidden Norse ruins.
Narsarsuaq holds historical significance to Greenland’s history. The Norse Vikings settled in this area in the 12th century. Marked trails allow hikers to enjoy the superb scenery, with the one of the most popular hikes leading to the spectacular lookout over icebergs in the Tunulliarfik Fjord and the Qooroq Glacier.
At Qassiarssuk, located directly across the Tunulliarfik Fjord, follow in the footsteps of Erik the Red and discover why he made it his home. Visit the tall statue of Leif Erikson (son of Erik the Red) overlooking the town and fjord.
Day 12 At Sea
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. As we sail towards Nuuk, enjoy some free time relaxing or attending a presentation from our expedition team. This evening, share stories and celebrate with fellow expeditioners at Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Day 13 Toronto
During the early morning, we cruise into Nuuk and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your Expedition Team before transfer to the airport for a charter flight to Toronto for an overnight stay.
Day 14 Toronto, Canada
After breakfast, check out of your room and continue your journey with a transfer to the airport. You may wish to spend a few nights in Toronto to explore this vibrant city.