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Discover Greenland

from £8825 excluding flights

  • 10 - 25 nights
  • Jul-Aug
Home Destinations Polar Arctic Discover Greenland

Highlights

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Marvel at spectacular Ilulissat Icefjord

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Look out for whales, seals and seabirds

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Meet the locals and experience Inuit culture

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Explore by Zodiac and helicopter

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Discover the viking heritage of South Greenland

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Chance to enjoy optional kayaking excursions

Why this trip...

Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska immersive exploration white

Immersive exploration

Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas

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Culture

Experience local culture and heritage as part of this holiday

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Expertly guided

In-depth knowledge and expertise will enrich your experience on this trip

Overview

Take an in-depth exploration of some of Greenland’s most remote regions from the south round to Disko Bay in the west. Sail the icy waters of the less-explored east coast, around to the southern tip and on to the spectacular glaciers of the remote west coast. Discover picturesque villages and the Norse ruins that are scattered along the coastline, providing an insight into the history of Greenland’s distinctive culture.

The world’s largest island is home to the planet’s greatest fjords and most active glaciers outside Antarctica. You’ll be dwarfed by the sheer size and scale of nature in Greenland, where wildlife and the forces of nature reign supreme. Place names such as the Fjord of Eternity and Cape Farewell hint at the grandeur that lies ahead, with diverse icebergs and dramatic mountains a constant theme of your voyage.

Marvel at the abundance of wildflowers, keep your eyes peeled for whales and other marine wildlife, and encounter an ancient culture surviving in a modern world. From historic Norse and Viking settlements to remote Inuit communities that still use dogsleds as their main method of transportation, a voyage to Greenland is unlike any other. The rugged landscape, dominated by dramatic fjords, imposing glaciers, towering mountains and lush valleys, offers numerous photographic opportunities and wonderful memories.

Itinerary

Your adventure begins with an overnight stay in thoroughly-modern Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city.

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Today take a guided Golden Circle tour, including visits to the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park, before continuing to the port for embarkation. Set sail this evening and enjoy a Captain’s welcome dinner.  Get ready for a great adventure ahead!

Cruising north across the Denmark Strait, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventure. Learn about the history and politics of the Arctic, the wildlife that call the area home, and the geology and climate of the area. You may also observe seabirds following the ship and possibly whales that frequent these cold waters.

Expedition ship on board lecture - Quark

Your exploration of Greenland begins in 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 mesmerising maze of vast glaciers, steep mountains and breath-taking fjords. Conditions permitting, you may visit Skjoldungen, where you can cruise between mountains to view glaciers deep within the fjords. The narrow part of the fjord provides an ideal place to put the Zodiacs in the water for a more in-depth exploration.

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Explore Greenland’s fertile southern coast, nicknamed Arctic Patagonia, a region as rich in spectacular scenery as it is in history and culture. This is where Erik the Red gave Greenland its name, everywhere you look offers vistas of icy waters set against a backdrop of soaring mountains, clear waterfalls and lush, green valleys. Scattered around the shores of the fjord system are several small settlements, from the past and present day.

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Boasting spectacular glaciers, mountainous landscapes and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you awestruck. Explore bays and channels by zodiac, whilst discovering quaint villages in some of Greenland’s most picturesque places. The west coast is home to Nuuk, the charming capital of Greenland, where you will take a guided wander through its historic streets. Stop by the national museum to see the famous Greenlandic mummies, found under a rocky outcrop in 1972.

Another highlight will be the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ilulissat Icejord. Sermeq Kujalleq is the most productive glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, producing 20 million tonnes of ice each day, all of which floats into the breathtaking Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay. You may hike up to the Icefjord or enjoy a zodiac cruise through the mighty icebergs. An optional helicopter flight is also available (additional cost) for once-in-a-lifetime aerial views.

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Disembark in Kangerlussuaq, before boarding your charter flight to Toronto. Upon arrival in Toronto you will be transferred to your hotel.

Make your way home at your leisure or spend some time exploring this cosmopolitan city.

  • All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!
  • The above sample itinerary is based on the 17-day voyage on the Sylvia Earle. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, ie alternative embarkation or disembarkation ports, or do not include the pre-voyage hotel night. Other vessels do not offer an on-board helicopter. Please contact us for specific details.

Vessel Finder

There are a choice of vessels available for this voyage. Compare the facilities of up to three ships at a glance then talk to our Travel Specialists who will be happy to advise which one is right for you.

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Ocean Albatros

Part of a brand new generation of low-energy small ships, custom built for Polar expedition cruising, the Ocean Albatros boasts cutting edge…

  • Passengers: 189
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
sylvia-earle-expedition-ship-exterior

Sylvia Earle

The sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the same cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

  • Passengers: 126
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities

Select 2-3 items to compare.

Prices and Departures

Price from £8825 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

★ Voyage prices shown are standard for twin cabins but you can be assured that any relevant offers will be applied with your quote.

What's Included

  • Shipboard accommodation
  • All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
  • Tea & coffee available around the clock
  • All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
  • Helicopter flightseeing (on the Sylvia Earle only)
  • Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
  • Expedition jacket - yours to keep
  • Loan of rubber boots during voyage
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

2024 and 2025 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. The indicative prices shown in the table below are the standard voyage fare and do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.

Departure Duration Vessel Activities Prices from (pp)
29 July 2024 11 days Ocean Albatros £8,825
06 Jul 2024 17 days Sylvia Earle £15,295
04 Aug 2025 26 days Sylvia Earle £29,295
29 July 2025 12 days Ocean Albatros £10,621

Activity Icon Key

  • Kayak taster session
  • Kayaking
  • Mountaineering

NOTES

  • On voyages aboard the Sylvia Earle, one night hotel accommodation in Reykjavik pre-voyage and one night accommodation in Toronto post-voyage hotel accommodation are also included.
  • The inclusions for this cruise are dependent on the vessel chosen.

Please contact us for full details and to discuss the options best for you.

How To Book BG Large

HOW TO BOOK

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Tailor made trips

As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.

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We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.