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From icy fjords to the Northern Lights, there’s no shortage of natural wonders on this Arctic expedition.
Inspiring vistas aplenty, a voyage through East Greenland and Iceland will satisfy all your Arctic dreams. Make your way through the lesser-visited Westfjords and see Europe’s largest bird cliff brimming with puffins, razorbills, guillemots and more. But the wildlife highlights don’t stop there – in Northeast Greenland National Park you’ll have the chance to spot muskoxen as well as other iconic Arctic wildlife. When it comes to natural wonders, it’s hard to go past the chance of seeing the Northern Lights – and if conditions and weather are favourable, you’ll be well placed to see this emerald phenomena in East Greenland’s most northerly community, Ittoqqortoormiit.
Save on select 2020 Arctic voyages
Book before 30 September 2019 and save up to 20% on selected 2020 voyages.
Terms & Conditions- Code
- PPGIN
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 8
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 176
Why you'll love this trip
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Witness inspiring vistas of mountains, fjords and towering cliffs of the Westfjords.
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Sail through the icebergs of Scoresbysund, arguably the most beautiful fjord system on the planet.
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Explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements in Frederiksdal and Sydkap.
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Keep an eye out for the Northern Lights in Ittoqqortoormiit.
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.
Gallery
Boats
World Explorer
Newly built in 2018 and designed specifically with polar cruising in mind, the beautiful World Explorer is one of our newest ships.
- Boat type
- Expedition
- Passengers
- 172
Itinerary
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS:
BLOMSTERBUGTEN
Known as the Bay of Flowers,Blomsterbugten boasts a colorful and lush landscape that is quite different from other Arctic regions like Spitsbergen. Expect spectaular fall colors, with a possible hike to Noa Lake.
BOTANIKERBUGT
In Kong Oscar Fjord (King Oscar Fjord), this bay is home to a variety of flora. It is on the south coast of mountainous Ymer Oya (Ymer Island), part of Northeast Greenland National Park.
C. HOFMANN HALVØ
This can be a great location for viewing muskoxen. The peninsula is also home to wheatears and snow buntings, and you may spot rock ptarmigans or great northern divers while at sea.
DENMARK ISLAND
Encounter stunning icebergs before hiking across Denmark Island, which offers stupendous views of Scoresbysund and Fønfjord below.
FREDERIKSDAL Exploring this valley system on foot may offer views of muskoxen, glaciers and ancient Thule remains.
HOLM BAY AND ELLA Ø (ELLA ISLAND)
Toward the northern end of Scoresby Land is Kong Oscar Fjord (King Oscar Fjord). Holm Bay is a common landing site here, offering panoramic views of the fjord and surrounding area. Within the fjord, and hence within Northeast Greenland National Park, lies Ella Ø (Ella Island). The Danish navy unit called Sirius Sledge Patrol trains here in summer. Muskoxen may also be spotted.
ITTOQQORTOORMIIT
Around 500 people call this northern settlement home. Traditional hunting and fishing ways are alive and well here, as are the northern lights! This is known as one of the best places to have a chance of seeing the mysterious aurora borealis.
Ø FJORD
One of Scoresbysund’s many fjords, this deep fjord, which is also known as Island Fjord, is truly impressive, flanked by towering mountains and dotted with large icebergs.
RØDE OYA
Touring Røde Oya, or Red Island, rewards with stunning views of white and blue icebergs against a background of soaring red sandstone cliffs. The unexpected contrast makes for striking photos.
RØDEFJORD
Red Fjord, or Rødefjord, is named for the colorful sandstone located on its western side. The stone has been “stained” red by hematite, creating an odd beauty in this part of Greenland.
SCORESBY SUND
Revered by many as the most beautiful fjord system in the world, Scoresby Sund is definitely the most extensive. The sound was named by William Scoresby Jr., a whaler, scientist and man of the cloth, who was famed for mapping more than 400 miles (640 km)of Greenland’s coastline.
Meals Included
- Breakfast (8)
- Lunch (8)
- Dinner (7)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinnersTransport
Ship, ZodiacAccommodation
Hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (12 nights)
Important 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 the North Pole). This must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. To participate in kayaking, previous, recent experience is essential. In addition, there are other included optional activities offered on some voyages such as snow shoeing and hiking. These activities do not need to be booked in advance and no additional cost applies.
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