Admire the outstanding natural beauty of Greenland on 199-passenger, Ultramarine, a brand new expedition ship offering the best adventure activities in the polar regions.
Cruise from Reykjavik across the Denmark Strait, as seabirds soar above and whales breach from the waters. Explore the vast glaciers and steep snow-capped mountains of East Greenland, and the fertile southern coast.
Nicknamed ‘Arctic Patagonia’, southern Greenland is rich in scenery with crystal-clear waterfalls and lush green valley set amongst small settlements. Take an exhilarating zodiac ride into Prins Christian Sund, a complex maze of narrow fjords, and learn about Greenland’s Norse history.
Highlights of West Greenland include the capital, Nuuk, historic Sisimiut with its 18th century colonial buildings, and the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Q118 Operated by Quark Expeditions
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Essential Greenland: The South and Disko Bay Itinerary
Day 1 - Reykjavík (Iceland)
Embark your ship in Reykjavik.
Day 2 - At Sea
As we cruise across the Denmark Strait, your Expedition Team will teach you about the wildlife and enthralling history of Greenland, its fascinating geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. Staff will also keep watch for the seabirds you’ll likely see soaring around your ship, as well as the whales that can be encountered here.
Days 3-4 - East Greenland (Greenland)
Your exploration of Greenland begins with East Greenland, one of the least visited and most remote parts of the island. Your days sailing along the coast will be guided by weather and ice conditions, with each day and each excursion presenting new adventures. The region is a sight to behold, boasting a mesmerizing maze of vast glaciers, steep mountains and breathtaking fjords. One location we hope to visit if conditions allow is Skjoldungen, where you’ll cruise between the mountains to view glaciers deep within the fjords surrounding this island. The narrow part of the fjord provides an ideal place to put our Zodiacs in the water for a more in-depth exploration. Another possible destination is Lindenow Fjord, and if conditions are favorable, it’s a great spot for hiking through lush and varied flora, surrounded by epic mountain vistas. This rarely visited deep fjord is fed by a number of glaciers and offers ample opportunities for your camera to get a workout.
Days 5-6 - South Greenland
Sailing on, we’ll explore Greenland’s fertile southern coast. Nicknamed Arctic Patagonia, this region is as rich in spectacular scenery as it is in history and culture. Here, it’s easy to see why Erik the Red gave Greenland its name: everywhere you look rewards with vistas of icy waters set against a backdrop of soaring mountains, crystal-clear waterfalls and unbelievably lush, green valleys. Scattered around the shores of the fjord systems that dominate the area are several small settlements, both ancient and present day, making South Greenland an ideal place to explore. The magical Prins Christian Sund, a complex maze of narrow fjords and channels. One such landing we hope to make is at Hvalsey, the site of Greenland’s largest and best-preserved Norse ruins. One such landing we hope to make is at Hvalsey, the site of Greenland’s largest and best-preserved Norse ruins.
Days 7-12 - West Greenland
Boasting spectacular glaciers, mountainous landscapes, and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you awestruck. Heading north, each day we hope to take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites, discovering some of the quaint villages dotting the islands and fjords in the region and cruising in some of Greenland’s most picturesque places. The west coast is home to Nuuk, the charming Greenlandic capital. You’ll have time to wander the streets of the historic Old Nuuk neighborhood and see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede statue near the waterfront, both named after the missionary who founded the settlement. Sisimiut is another interesting place to go ashore, as there are more sled dogs here than humans. You’ll have time to wander the town’s historic area, where several 18th-century colonial buildings still stand, including Greenland’s oldest surviving church. Another beautiful locale, and one of west Greenland’s highlights is the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 13 - Kangerlussuaq Havn
Disembark your ship.
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.