Departures:
08/16/2013 08/28/2013
Ship(s):
Sea Spirit
Trip Highlights:
Spectacular Greenland landscapes with immense fjords, community visits, Tundra hiking, kayaking, Zodiac cruises, and possible musk oxen and whale sightings.
Save up to 20% per person (up to $3,399 off).
Summary: From the Fjord of Eternity to the Arctic ghost town of Skoldungen, Greenland rewards with sites and experiences unlike any other place in the world. Dogsledding settlements and cultural shows give you a connection to the people who live here, while whale watching, tundra hiking and exploring one of the world’s fastest moving glaciers get you close to nature. Greenland remains largely untouched by humans, a rare treat - ideally suited for expedition travel. You’ll be dwarfed by the sheer size and scale of nature in Greenland, where wildlife and the forces of nature still reign supreme. From herds of Musk Oxen to towns that use dogsleds for transportation, a voyage to Greenland is unlike any other.
Arrive at any time in Canada’s capital city, Ottawa. Give yourself some free time to check out ByWard Market and enjoy a night in the city.
Day 2: Kangerlussuaq / Embark
Today you’ll board your charter flight to Greenland and begin your Arctic adventure. A representative will assist you with the transfer to the airport in Ottawa and to the ship upon arrival in Greenland.
Days 3 - 8: West Greenland
The coast of Greenland provides many dramatic, mountainous landscapes where fjords open up into the sea. Your first fjord to explore is Ilulissat Icefjord, home to one of the world’s fastest moving glaciers. The glacier here provides you with a great opportunity to capture ice crashing into the sea. Continuing along, the Amerdloq Fjord provides you with a chance to stretch your legs, by exploring abandoned villages and ancient Thule sites. The nearby town of Sisimiut is an interesting place to visit as there are more dog sleds here than humans.
Evighedsfjorden, meaning Fjord of Eternity is a favored place to go on some Zodiac cruises. This long, deep fjord has very few settlements, helping you to appreciate nature in its rawest form. Hiking among the towering mountains, you’ll have plenty of chances to photograph the vegetation and dramatic landscapes of Greenland. Also, visit Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, yet home to fewer than 16,000 people. You’ll have time to wander the streets and see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede Statue near the waterfront, named after the missionary who founded the settlement. You’ll also visit the museum to see the famous Greenland Mummies. From Nuuk, pass Cape Farewell and head on to Southern Greenland.
Day 9: South Greenland
Climbers and mountaineers around the world know this area well, as Tasermiut Fjord is famous as one of the world’s most prolific big wall playgrounds. This part of Greenland is one of the most dramatic, being nicknamed the “Arctic Patagonia.” A bit of a history lesson will be provided here, as you learn about the settlements of the area, founded by Erik the Red.
Days 10 - 12: East Greenland
Get a feel of what an Arctic ghost town is like, as you’ll visit the abandoned Skoldungen settlement, where inhabitants were forced to move to larger, more accessible towns in 1961. The narrow part of Skoldungenfjord is a great place to explore by Zodiac and kayak, allowing you to glide past icebergs and get some great photographs.
Before your Greenland journey ends, aim to visit Tasiilaq and the Ammassalik fjord. It is the largest community in East Greenland, where the inhabitants may put on a cultural show and you’ll also have time to take a scenic hike to the Valley of Flowers. Time and weather permitting, you may go on a search for whales in Ammassalik Fjord.
Day 13: At Sea
Bid farewell to Greenland, as your expedition turns east towards Iceland.
Day 14: Reykjavik, Iceland / Disembark
Your Greenland adventure comes to an end as you enter port in Reykjavik. Head to the airport, or if you have time, stick around to explore this great city.
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.
Reverse Itinerary: 8/16/2013 (Reykjavik to Ottawa)
Sea Kayaking Option: $595 per person
Pre-booked option; minimum age 16 years. For experienced kayakers; please advise at time of booking; places strictly limited.
Mandatory Travel Insurance:
All guests are required to have comprehensive travel insurance coverage. Due to the remoteness of the areas in this itinerary, travelers must have a minimum $50,000 of emergency medical coverage. Proof of coverage is required prior to embarkation. The shipping company will not be held responsible for delays due to force majeure. Any additional costs accrued will be the responsibility of the traveler. ExpeditionTrips strongly recommends that the travel insurance policy covers trip cancellation insurance, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage and repatriation. ExpeditionTrips can assist you with this.
Included:
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage (Please inform of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.); all shore landings per the daily program; leadership throughout the voyage by experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled; photographic journal on DVD, documenting the voyage; a pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; an expedition parka – yours to keep; coffee, tea, cocoa available around the clock; complimentary selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin; comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard ship; emergency evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of $100,000 per person*; 1 complimentary night pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavik with breakfast and 1 complimentary night post expedition hotel accommodation in Ottawa as indicated in the itinerary (8/16/2013 reverse departure). 1 complimentary night pre expedition hotel accommodation in Ottawa with breakfast as indicated in the itinerary (8/28/2013); on embarkation day, transfer from the host hotel to ship; on the day of disembarkation, group transfer from the ship designated drop-off location.
Not Included:
Any airfare; mandatory transfer package/charter flight ($1,395 per person); passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation, if applicable; baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance; excess baggage charges; laundry and other personal charges; telecommunications charges; the customary gratuity at the end of the voyage for ship’s crew and Expedition Team members; fuel surcharge may apply.
*Emergency Evacuation Insurance:
Emergency evacuation coverage to a maximum benefit per paying passenger of $100,000 is included in the cost of this expedition. Included coverage is applicable only to travel between the first and last day of the expedition purchased. Additional days of travel prior to the expedition and/or after the expedition are not covered by the included emergency evacuation insurance. We strongly advise all passengers to purchase medical, cancellation and baggage insurance, and additional emergency evacuation coverage.
Why does AntarcticConnection partner with ExpeditionTrips?
True experts with first-hand polar experience, the ExpeditionTrips staff has sailed on the ships they represent; with a combined amount of 100 Antarctic trips between them;and can help you thoroughly compare and contrast the expeditions.
Their approach to travel is highly personal and professional, offering unbiased travel assistance to ensure you choose the very best Antarctica trip to meet your needs!
ExpeditionTrips works only with the highest quality small ships-all under 200 passengers-ranging from a 48-passenger Russian research vessel to a 200-passenger luxury expedition ship.