West Greenland northwards 7% Advantage

This 11 day and 10 night expedition follows Greenland’s west coast into a region where fjords, glaciers and coastal communities are closely connected. The focus is on landscapes shaped by steep mountain flanks, deeply cut valleys and active glaciers, as well as the large ice formations of Disko Bay. You travel not only by ship through expansive fjord systems, but also go ashore regularly. Zodiac cruises allow close approaches to drift ice, shorelines and glacier areas, while guided hikes and walks provide different perspectives on tundra, valleys and viewpoints. Alongside the natural scenery, several community visits are part of the programme. In Sisimiut, Uummannaq, Ilulissat and Itilleq you gain insight into life in Arctic settlements, in part through encounters arranged in cooperation with local partners. These may include conversations on site, visits to small museums or markets and, if the opportunity arises, a kaffemik. Crossing the Arctic Circle is a fixed element of the route and marks the transition into more northerly coastal sections. On board, talks and short briefings by the expedition team add context to the days, for example on geology, ice and wildlife. Photography guides help you capture landscapes and changing light conditions more effectively. Wildlife sightings cannot be planned, but there are good opportunities along the route to see seabirds and, with some luck, humpback whales in the ice rich waters. If you would like to add further activity, optional adventure options such as sea kayaking, paddling or mountain biking can be booked, subject to weather, ice conditions and availability.

'Itinerary: West Greenland northbound'

Day 1: Arrival in Iceland
You arrive in Iceland and make your own way to the group hotel near Keflavík Airport. The rest of the day is at leisure; if you plan to visit Reykjavík, allow around one hour of transfer time each way. Overnight at the hotel.

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Day 2: Flight to Nuuk and embarkation
After an early breakfast, the group transfers to the airport for the private charter flight to Nuuk. On arrival you are taken to a central location and have time to explore Greenland’s capital independently. In the late afternoon you embark the expedition ship at the pier.

Day 3: Eternity Fjord
In Eternity Fjord you experience steep mountains, deeply cut valleys and glaciers that reach towards the coast. Depending on conditions, Zodiac cruises, landings and guided hikes are possible, accompanied by the expedition team. The outer decks of the ship also offer good opportunities to observe the landscape and drift ice.

Day 4: Sisimiut and crossing the Arctic Circle
You reach Sisimiut as the first stop north of the Arctic Circle at 66 degrees 33 minutes north. During the landing you see harbour life and walk through streets of colourful houses, with Arctic cotton grass in summer. Guided walks are offered and, subject to availability, an activity with local mountain biking partners is possible.

Day 5: Eqip Sermia
Today you visit Eqip Sermia, the Eqi Glacier, known for frequent calving. You observe the glacier front and drift ice in the bay and, depending on conditions, can go ashore for short walks or hikes with views of the glacier and bay. During the onward voyage, icebergs, seabirds and, with some luck, humpback whales may be seen from the deck.

Day 6: Uummannaq
In the morning you arrive in Uummannaq Fjord and go ashore by Zodiac in Uummannaq, named after the distinctive heart shaped mountain above the town. You can stroll through the settlement and, depending on interest, visit the museum and artisan market; a visit to the Rockwell Kent Museum is also possible. If the opportunity arises, a kaffemik with warm drinks and light snacks may be part of the visit.

Day 7: Disko Bay and Ilulissat
In Disko Bay you visit Ilulissat and the UNESCO protected Ilulissat Icefjord, along which icebergs from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier drift towards the sea. A boardwalk leads to a viewpoint over the icefjord, and there is also time to explore the town and the harbour area. Ilulissat is the birthplace of polar explorer Knud Rasmussen, and whales are occasionally seen in these ice filled waters.

Day 8: Itilleq Fjord
In the afternoon you explore the rarely visited Itilleq Fjord with its mountainous coastal landscape. Depending on conditions, Zodiac cruises and landings are possible, as well as guided walks or hikes in valleys and along the shoreline. In summer you may see grasses, wildflowers, lichens and sometimes mushrooms, while snowfields and small glaciers remain at higher elevations.

Day 9: Itilleq settlement
You visit the small settlement of Itilleq with around 100 residents and brightly painted houses. Short walks are possible, including to a viewpoint over the fjord and surrounding mountains, and with some luck a kaffemik with coffee and cake may take place. As a local tradition, a friendly football match with residents, guests, crew and the expedition team may be held.

Day 10: Disembarkation in Kangerlussuaq and flight to Reykjavík
In Kangerlussuaq you disembark and transfer to the charter flight to Reykjavík. There you stay overnight in a hotel included in the package.

Day 11: Departure from Reykjavík
After breakfast, the travel package ends. You make your own way to the airport for your return flight or continue your journey independently.

Included:

• Hotel night on Day 1 near Keflavík Airport
• Breakfast at the hotel on Day 2
• Private charter flight from Iceland to Nuuk
• Embarkation and 8 nights on board the expedition ship
• Zodiac cruises and landings as per programme and weather conditions
• Guided hikes and walks as per programme
• Talks and daily updates by the expedition team
• On board photography support
• Polar Plunge, if safe to operate
• Disembarkation in Kangerlussuaq
• Private charter flight from Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavík
• Hotel night in Reykjavík on Day 10

Not included:

• International travel to and from Iceland, including the return flight from Iceland
• Transfers between Keflavík and Reykjavík
• Visa costs and official fees, if required
• Travel insurance
• Mandatory expedition gear and personal clothing
• On board expenses such as personal purchases and individual services

Optional upgrades:

• Sea kayaking excursion
• Paddling excursion
• Mountain biking in Sisimiut, in cooperation with local partners

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