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See all the highlights from both land and sea, on this Arctic adventure around Greenland.
From abandoned Arctic ghost towns, to snow-capped mountains and colourful Arctic tundra, this expedition of Greenland is the perfect mix of culture and natural wonders. Experience the east, south and west coasts of Greenland – all with their own unique experiences and features. In the east you can view glaciers deep within the fjords, the south is steeped in Norse history and the west has icebergs and mountainous landscapes aplenty. Meet locals in small sheep-farming communities as well as exploring the quaint Old Town of Nuuk, the charming Greenlandic capital.
- Code
- PPGDB
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 8
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 132
Why you'll love this trip
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Discover the history of Greenland with explorations of the ruins of ancient Thule settlements and learn about the Inuit life in Ittoqqortoormiit.
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Experience how this incredible environment is ever-changing while cruising through freshly birthed icebergs in Scoresbysund.
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Cruise between the mountains of Skjoldungen to view glaciers deep within the fjords surrounding this island.
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Visit the Ilulissat Ice fjord on a Zodiac, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with sights that cannot be fully appreciated without getting up close.
Is this trip right for you?
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As you’d expect, temperatures in the Arctic are very cold. A warm parka will be provided along with waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the Essential Trip Information for further important details about what to bring.
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Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships also have a lot of stairs.
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The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area.
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This trip takes places during the time of year that Spitsbergen enjoys 24-hour daylight. Just one of the benefits of this is that incredible wildlife can be seen at any time of the day – be prepared to be woken at any time so as to not miss out on exciting animal sightings.
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Polar bears are one of the most incredible and appealing animals on the planet, but they are also powerful predators with little fear of humans. Therefore, it’s necessary to be aware of the guidelines surrounding any contact with Polar bears. Follow your leader’s instructions and do not stray from your group.
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Boats

Ocean Adventurer
On this itinerary, you'll be travelling aboard the Ocean Adventurer
Itinerary
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
If conditions allow, you may also visit the site of an abandoned Inuit settlement, whose inhabitants were relocated to larger, more accessible towns around 1961. Exploring ashore, you’ll experience a true Arctic ghost town, complete with abandoned buildings, furniture and even shoes. Take a hike across the rugged terrain for impressive views of snow-capped mountains, deep green waters and the surprisingly colourful Arctic tundra. 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, a great spot for Zodiac cruising, if conditions are right. This rarely visited deep fjord is fed by a number of glaciers and offers ample opportunities for your camera to get a workout. You’ll also want to keep watch for bearded seals, as they’re known to haul out on the ice floes.
Meals Included
- Breakfast (2)
- Lunch (2)
- Dinner (2)
The magical Prins Christian Sund, a complex maze of narrow fjords and channels, is a great place for cruising. You’ll explore this stunning sound, home to calving glaciers, jagged mountains and sheer cliffs that plunge dramatically into the water. Sailing this coastline 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 places to learn about this ancient culture. One such landing you’ll hopefully have the chance to make is at Hvalsey, the site of Greenland’s largest and best-preserved 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 30 inhabitants, is Greenland’s oldest sheep-farming settlement. Together with four other historic farming communities, Igaliku is part of a newly established UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a charming place to go ashore, as sheep peacefully graze on the grass, surrounded by bloom-covered rolling valleys and snow-capped 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 that were excavated in 1926, you’ll get to see a bit of history firsthand as you learn about this interesting relic of the Viking period.
Meals Included
- Breakfast (2)
- Lunch (2)
- Dinner (2)
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 grouse hunting. Sisimiut is another interesting place to go ashore, as there are more dogsleds here than humans. 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. You’ll also be treated to a traditional kayaking demonstration. The kayak is Greenland’s national symbol and can be traced back over 4,000 years to the Inuit, who used the vessels for hunting and transportation.
Another beautiful locale, and one of west Greenland’s highlights is the Ilulissat Ice fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to one of the world’s most active glaciers, Jakobshavn Glacier or Sermeq Kujalleq in Greenlandic, this is a great place to enjoy a Zodiac excursion to experience icebergs from a unique perspective not afforded by land. Venturing ashore at the nearby town, Ilulissat (which means iceberg), rewards with its own spectacle: young bergs floating out to Disko Bay. A hike from the town to the ice fjord will allow you to view this unforgettable river of ice from the rocky shore. Given that it’s 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 2km above the Arctic Circle. Explore traditional wooden houses painted in a rainbow of colours, chat with the locals and join a customary football match between visitors and residents, and you’ll be experiencing Itilleq’s famous friendly vibe in no time.
Meals Included
- Breakfast (6)
- Lunch (6)
- Dinner (6)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinnersTransport
Ship, Zodiac, PlaneAccommodation
Expedition Voyage, Comfortable hotelImportant notes
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Arctic and Antarctic bookings have an increased deposit requirement of 20% of the full voyage cost (before any discount). The balance is due 120 days before departure.
If a booking is cancelled 120 days or more before departure - the cancellation fee is the full loss of the deposit paid.
If a booking is cancelled between 119 days and departure - the cancellation fee is 100% of the total price of the voyage.
Other fees may apply for air tickets and other arrangements booked in conjunction with a Polar voyage.
ADVENTURE OPTIONS
Kayaking is available to book on all Arctic voyages except on Icebreakers. Kayaking must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. Some previous, recent experience is essential. Snowshoeing and hiking is also offered on some itineraries. These activities are at no additional cost and do not need to be pre-booked. See the itinerary for Adventure options available on this voyage.
Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.

Essential trip information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information