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Discover Greenland

from £15295 excluding flights

  • 16 nights
  • Jul
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, the world’s northernmost capital city.

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Spend free time in the morning exploring the city and in the afternoon you will board the vessel and begin your expedition. 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 have time to wander its historic streets. Here you can also visit the church and see the statue of Hans Egede, the missionary who founded the settlement. Stop by the national museum to see the famous Greenlandic mummies, found under a rocky outcrop in 1972.

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

Make your way home at your leisure or spend some time exploring this vibrant 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 15-day voyage on the Ultramarine. 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

ultramarine expedition ship exterior

Ultramarine

The spacious Ultramarine is a purpose-built expedition ship, offering a choice of adventure activities as well as the chance to explore by…

  • Passengers: 199
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Sauna
  • Helicopter: on board
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • 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

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Prices and Departures

Price from £15295 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.

What's Included

  • One night pre-voyage and one night post-voyage hotel accommodation
  • Shipboard accommodation
  • All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
  • Tea & coffee available around the clock
  • All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
  • Helicopter flightseeing (on the Ultramarine 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

Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. Due to fluctuating currencies our advertised voyage prices are indicative, and where applicable will be recalculated based on the exchange rate of the day at the time of enquiry.

Departure Duration Vessel Activities Prices from (pp)
06 Jul 2024 17 days Sylvia Earle £15,295

Activity Icon Key

  • Kayak taster session
  • Kayaking
  • Mountaineering

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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Travelling sustainably

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.