Departures:
05/31/2013
Ship(s):
Fram
Trip Highlights:
Encounter Greenlandic and Icelandic culture, fascinating communities, towering icebergs and stunning fjords and glaciers aboard a spacious exploration ship.
Save up to 25% per person (up to $2,827 off).
Summary: Join an expedition that encompasses the highlights of Disko Bay on a journey from Reykjavik, Iceland to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Greenland’s west coast offers fascinating exploration of the Inuit culture and the remarkable land that local residents inhabit. Accessible only by boat, these small settlements provide a glimpse into the very essence of Greenlandic culture. Navigate through sounds and fjords, and visit small Inuit settlements, abandoned villages and the lively Greenlandic capital, Nuuk before continuing north into the Disko Bay area. Set against a spectacular natural landscape that is bathed in the light of the Midnight Sun, this expedition of “Glaciers and Ice” will truly be unforgettable.
Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland. The small cozy houses mixed with modern architecture gives the city a small town charm.
Day 2: Denmark Strait
While crossing the Denmark Strait, follow in the wake of the great Norse settlers who left the shores of Iceland more than 900 years ago to find the “Green Land.”
Day 3: Nunap Isua (Cape Farewel), Greenland
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you navigate through Prins Christian Sund. If the channel is blocked by ice, sail around Nunap Isua (Cape Farewel).
Day 4: Qaqortoq and Hvalsøy, Greenland
Qaqortoq, which means “The white,” was founded by the Norwegian trader Anders Olsen in 1775. In Hvalsey, find some of the best preserved ruins from the Norse period including ‘Austurbygd’ which was abandoned in 1408 approximately 500 years after it was established.
Day 5: Qassiarsuk, Greenland
Enter the fjord and hope to land in Qassiarsuk, a community with a population of 56 people, known for the settlement of the Viking Erik Raude, also known as Erik the Red.
Day 6: Nuuk, Greenland
The capital of Greenland is home to around 15,000 people and is the political and social centre of Greenland. This town is a place where old and new traditions meet, from picturesque old buildings in ”Kolonihaven” to the modern building of the Greenland Home Rule.
Day 7: Sisimiut, Greenland
Sisimiut is the second largest community in Greenland. Here you’ll find fishing trawlers, a shipyard and a busy fish processing factory. A visit to the arts and crafts workshop close to the pier is recommended. Here you may purchase local souvenirs and watch the local craftsmen create traditional jewelry.
Day 8: Ilulissat, Greenland
Ilulissat means ‘iceberg’ in Greenlandic, and this town lives up to its name. The most productive glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, Sermeq Kujalleq feeds enormous bergs into the Ilulissat Icefjord. As a result this area is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.
Day 9: Itilleq, Greenland
This small isolated settlement close to the Arctic Circle is home to about 130 inhabitants who make their living by traditional fishing and hunting. Itilleq’s people always welcome guests for an active stay in their settlement to give a closer understanding of their culture.
Days 10 - 11: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland / Copenhagen, Denmark
In the early 1960’s 27 musk oxen were introduced to Kangerlussuaq from north east Greenland and today there are over 10,000. Enjoy time for a closer look at the area before an evening flight to Copenhagen. Arrive in Copenhagen the next morning.
Included:
Cabin accommodations; transfers as applicable; economy class flights between Kangerlussuaq and Copenhagen, including current taxes and surcharges (Business class upgrade available for an additional cost. Please contact ExpeditionTrips for details.); suites include a selection of drinks with meals on board; coffee and tea; wind and water-resistant jacket; CD log.
Not Included:
International flights to/from expedition; travel insurance; luggage handling; passport and visa expenses; optional excursions and gratuities; fuel surcharge may apply.
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.