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Southeast to West Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and Viking History

Southeast to West Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and Viking History

From AUD $23,495

Description

On our 15‑day Southeast to West Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and Viking History, guests can explore East, South and West Greenland in a single expedition, following a rarely traveled route along the southeast coast, around the greener southern tip, and briefly onward to the glacier‑carved west. The voyage reveals Norse ruins, Greenlandic coastal communities, and two UNESCO World Heritage sites, set against a backdrop of deep fjords, ice‑choked bays, steep mountains, and valleys that burst into color during Greenland’s brief Arctic summer.

Trip Name
Southeast to West Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and Viking History
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Expedition Length: 342 ft (104.4 m) Passenger Capacity: 138 Built: 2021 The Ocean Explorer is a modern, purpose-built expedition vessel combining contemporary elegance with advanced polar exploration technology. Accommodating up to 138 guests, this state-of-the-art ship features the innovative ULSTEIN X-BOW® design, which ensures smooth, stable sailing even in rough seas. A highlight of the vessel is its stunning two-story, glass-walled library located at the bow—perfect for quiet reflection with panoramic views of the polar landscapes. Almost all spacious cabins include private verandas, while the ship’s sleek Scandinavian-inspired interiors create a sense of understated luxury. Guests can unwind in the fitness centre, sauna with large windows overlooking the ice, or one of two outdoor Jacuzzis while taking in the surrounding scenery. Designed with both exploration and comfort in mind, Ocean Explorer offers generous outdoor viewing spaces and elevated observation decks for exceptional photography and wildlife watching. A fleet of 15 Zodiacs ensures quick, safe embarkation for off-ship adventures. Social spaces such as the elegant Main Dining Room, Latitude Bar, and Observation Lounge provide a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, complemented by fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines and cutting-edge sustainability systems, including waste-to-energy technology. Every detail of the Ocean Explorer reflects innovation, comfort, and environmental consciousness—setting a new standard for luxury expedition cruising.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrive in Reykjavik and transfer independently to your hotel, which is included in the Charter Flight & Hotel Package. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore sites of the fascinating capital, which is known for its mix of modern architecture and Viking heritage. At 64°08’ north, Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital of an independent sovereign state.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Embark
This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Cruising
As we sail across the Denmark Strait, your Expedition Team will teach you about the wildlife and enthralling history of Greenland, its fascinating geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. Staff will also keep watch for the seabirds you’ll likely see soaring around your ship, as well as the whales that can be encountered here.
Day 4 - Days 4 and 5 - Exploring East Greenland
Your exploration of Greenland begins with South 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 mesmerizing maze of vast glaciers, steep mountains and breathtaking fjords. One location we hope to visit, conditions permitting, is Skjoldungen Fjord (Saqqisikuik), where you’ll cruise between steep mountains to view glaciers. The narrow reaches offer an ideal setting to launch our Zodiacs for a closer, more immersive exploration. If conditions allow, you may also visit the site of an abandoned Inuit settlement, whose residents were relocated to larger, more accessible communities around 1961. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an optional paddling excursion (extra cost), an unforgettable opportunity to glide past icebergs and glaciers and capture some photographs from a unique perspective. Another possible destination is Lindenow Fjord (Kangerlussuatsiaq), and if conditions are favorable, it’s a great spot for hiking through lush and varied flora, surrounded by epic mountain vistas. This rarely visited deep fjord is fed by a number of glaciers and offers ample opportunities for your camera to get a workout.
Day 5 - Days 6 and 7 - Exploring South Greenland
Sailing on, we’ll explore Greenland’s fertile southern coast. Nicknamed Arctic Patagonia, this region is as rich in spectacular scenery as it is in history and culture. Here, it’s easy to see why Erik the Red gave Greenland its name: everywhere you look rewards with vistas of icy waters set against a backdrop of soaring mountains and unbelievably lush, green valleys. Scattered around the shores of the fjord systems that dominate the area are several small settlements, both ancient and present day, making South Greenland an ideal place to explore. Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq) is a mesmerizing maze of narrow fjords and winding channels—an exceptional place to explore by ship. You’ll cruise through this dramatic sound, where calving glaciers, jagged mountains and sheer cliffs plunge into the water. Sailing through this fjord from the vantage point of your ship or a Zodiac is an exhilarating experience. If conditions allow, venturing ashore provides opportunities for all levels of hiking. Steeped in Norse history, the southern coast of Greenland provides plenty of opportunities to learn about this ancient culture. One such landing we hope to make is at Hvalsey (Qaqortukulooq), the site of Greenland’s largest and bestpreserved Norse ruins. Exploring the remains of the circa 14th-century church will feel like stepping back in time, as the building appears much as it did when it was abandoned in the 15th century and the surrounding fells and fjord remain similarly untouched. The little village of Igaliku, home to about 25 inhabitants, is Greenland’s oldest sheep-farming settlement. It’s a charming place to go ashore, as sheep peacefully graze on the grass, surrounded by bloom-covered rolling valleys and tall mountains. The area is also known for its storied past, as evidenced by the remarkable red sandstone ruins of the Gardar cathedral (the largest church in Greenland in the Middle Ages) and bishop’s residence, which date back to the early 12th century, when Greenland’s first bishop was appointed. Wandering the foundations, excavated in 1926, you’ll get to see a bit of history firsthand as you learn about this interesting relic of the Viking period. Together with four other historic farming communities, Igaliku is part of the newly established UNESCO World Heritage Site Kujataa.
Day 6 - Days 8 to 13 - Exploring West Greenland
Boasting spectacular glaciers, mountainous landscapes, and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you awestruck. Heading north, each day we hope to take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites, discovering some of the quaint communities dotting the islands and fjords in the region and cruising in some of Greenland’s most picturesque places. The west coast is home to Nuuk, the charming Greenlandic capital. You’ll have time to wander the streets of the historic Old Nuuk neighborhood and see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede statue near the waterfront, both named after the missionary who founded the settlement. History buffs will want to visit the national museum to view the famous Greenlandic mummies, found under a rock outcrop in 1972 by two brothers who were ptarmigan hunting. Sisimiut is another interesting place to go ashore. You’ll have time to wander the town’s historic area, where several 18th-century colonial buildings still stand, including Greenland’s oldest surviving church. Your expedition will also look to arrange a traditional kayak demonstration. Experiencing a cultural resurgence, the kayak is a symbol of Greenland and can be traced back over 4,000 years to the Inuit, who used the vessels for hunting and transport. Another beautiful locale, and one of west Greenland’s highlights is the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to the world’s most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere, Jakobshavn Glacier or Sermeq Kujalleq in Greenlandic, this is a great place to enjoy a cruise through the icebergs for a unique perspective not afforded by land. Venturing ashore in the nearby town, Ilulissat (which means “iceberg”), rewards with its own spectacle: enormous bergs floating out to Disko Bay. A hike from the town to the icefjord will allow you to view this unforgettable river of ice from the rocky shore. Given that in the past, it has been known for having more sled dogs than people, it’s not surprising that Ilulissat is the birthplace of the first European to traverse the Northwest Passage by dogsled, explorer Knud Rasmussen. Surrounded by sea and mountains, the fishing community of Itilleq (meaning “crossing place”) is situated in a scenic hollow on a small island, about a mile (2 km) above the Arctic Circle. Explore traditional wooden houses painted in a rainbow of colors, chat with the locals and join a customary football (soccer) match between visitors and residents, and you’ll be experiencing Itilleq’s famous friendly vibe in no time.
Day 7 - Day 14 - Disembark in Nuuk and Fly to Reykjavik
Upon arriving in Greenland’s capital, enjoy one more Zodiac ride to shore for the group transfer to the airport to catch your charter flight to Reykjavik, Iceland. Upon arrival in Reykjavik, we will transfer you to your hotel. Both your hotel and charter flight are included in the Charter Flight & Hotel Package
Day 8 - Day 15 - Depart Reykjavik
Today, after breakfast, make your way independently to the airport for your flight home, or continue your personal travel plans as prearranged.
Day 9 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-08-202719-08-2027AUD $23,495Triple Suite
05-08-202719-08-2027AUD $27,695Deluxe Veranda Forward
05-08-202719-08-2027AUD $27,695Veranda Stateroom
05-08-202719-08-2027AUD $29,295Veranda Suite
05-08-202719-08-2027AUD $37,895Studio Single
05-08-202719-08-2027AUD $39,995Penthouse Suite
05-08-202719-08-2027AUD $40,995Studio Veranda Single
05-08-202719-08-2027AUD $42,795Owners Suite

Inclusions

    • Explore West, South and East Greenland in a single voyage
    • Explore two UNESCO sites: Ilulissat Icefjord and Kujataa farming communities
    • Meet locals and experience Inuit settlements
    • Visit Norse historical sites and learn about this fascinating culture
    • Zodiac cruise among towering icebergs and tidewater glaciers
    • Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures

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