Arctic, Greenland

Greenland Discovery In Depth: West Greenland Expedition Cruise

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Escape to a remote and remarkable region of the world on our 11-day Greenland Discovery: West Greenland tour on board our boutique ship. Traditional ways of life can still be seen against a backdrop of stunning arctic scenery and immense mountains. We navigate through an intricate fjord system that keeps the secrets of Norse people and settlements more than 4,500 years old, the pathways of Inuit migrations and Viking ruins. Discover UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites and unspoilt, picturesque waterways filled with floating icebergs. Join us on our voyage to a fascinating and varied part of Greenland, one of the world’s last great adventures.

Highlights

• Learn about the history of the Inuit, Dorset and Thule people from our experts on board

• Marvel at the glistening icebergs that crack and calve spectacularly off glaciers into the meltwater

• Get your camera read for large pods of narwhal, playful seal, mighty muskox, arctic foxes and gyrfalcons

• Dig into the tumultuous history of the Vikings who made west Greenland their home

• Stand in wonder at more than 40 species of seabird at Sirmilik National Park in Canada, then turn your attention to its hungry caribou and wolves

DAY 1 PRE CRUISE

One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard

DAY 2, REYKJAVIK

Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do in this diminutive but dramatic city. To get your bearings, take the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church, designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson is one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to earth, visit the city’s other renowned building Harpa Concert Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík's regenerated harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland from past to present. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an impressive contemporary collection including eye-catching pieces by Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometres outside the city lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original Viking parliament.

DAY 3, AT SEA

You can spend your day at sea enjoying the many facilities available. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the jacuzzi whilst taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable on-board experts.

DAY 4, SKJOLDUNGEN

On the craggy east coast of Greenland, the stunningly scenic, U-shaped Skjoldungen Fjord is surrounded by lofty snow-capped mountains, dwarf birch, Arctic wildflowers and willow forests with the Thrym Glacier at one end. High rock walls, serpentine rivers and large crevasses of ice pillars known as seracs give way to carved icebergs in the fjord that gleam in a white to blue spectrum. You also have the opportunity to see whales under pure blue skies.

DAY 5, PRINS CHRISTIAN SUOND & AAPPILATTOQ

The small, colourful and pretty Nordic homes of Aappilattoq, the only settlement in Prins Christian Sund, stand stark against snow-tipped mountain ridges in this icy wilderness. A beautifully dramatic fjord in the south of Greenland, in Prins Christian Sund we move among fin, blue and minke whales, while you may also see muskox, polar bears and bearded seals. Enjoy these unspoilt, picturesque waterways where magnificent glaciers tower and granite cliffs yield to crystal-clear waterfalls.

DAY 6, IVIGTUT

Today, explore Ivigtut's deserted buildings, enormous cryolite hole and above-ground cemetery. This settlement played a crucial role in WWII as cryolite was used to produce Aluminium to build fighter planes. Walk around the abandoned houses and learn about the history of the Ivigtut.

DAY 7, NUUK (GODTHAB)

Home to more than a third of Greenlanders, the capital of Nuuk can easily deceive you that you’re travelling through such a wild and secluded country. Also known by its Danish name of Godthåb (Good Hope), you’ll see the busy old Colonial Harbour with Nuuk Cathedral prominent, colourful wooden houses, avant-garde architecture and a wonderful array of fjords with clear ice waters and an unspoiled mountain backdrop. Look out for whales and on land arctic foxes, arctic hares and reindeer.

DAY 8, SISIMIUT

Just north of the Arctic Circle and the northernmost city in Greenland, Sisimiut remains ice free in winter and is known as an adventure sports hub. Inhabited for more than 4,500 years by the Inuit, Dorset and then Thule people, dog sled remains a common form of transport and we have a chance to see abandoned settlements but it also has a cool, modern side. Watch out for humpback whales and walrus between Sisimiut and the Thule district in the north.

DAY 9, ILULISSAT

Sailing through the iceberg capital of the world to Disko Bay, the Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the cruise highlights. Given UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the Ilulissat Icefjord is a popular tourist destination, and thanks to the productive Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, thousands of gargantuan icebergs calve from the Greenland ice cap into the sea. The city of Ilulissat, formerly Jakobshavn or Jacobshaven, is home to as many sled-dogs as people.

DAY 10, DISKO BAY

Qeqertarsuaq is the largest town on Disko Island, the largest island in Greenland, on the west coast and part of Disko Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Lyngmark Glacier rises above the town and the area’s lush hills, basalt columns and black sand beaches reflect its volcanic origin. The area is very fertile and home to diverse species not found elsewhere in Greenland. Keep an eye out for its hot springs as we move through floating icebergs and whales.

DAY 11, KANGERLUSSUAQ, GREENLAND

At the head of one of the longest fjords in western Greenland, Kangerlussuaq has a history as a World War II airbase. Visit the 60-metre tall face of the Russell Glacier on the edge of the Greenland ice cap to hear and see it crack and break off into the meltwater. Other popular activities include kayaking on the fjords and wildlife tours of the glacial areas that attract muskoxen, reindeer, arctic foxes and gyrfalcons.

Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

29 August, 2024 to 09 September, 2024
Vega

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Oceanview D4

$24,061 AUD pp

19 m2 Sleeps 2 Oceanview cabins features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.