The world’s largest fjord system of Scoresbysund, majestic Greenland National Park, the vivid display of Northern Lights, and the Inuit settlement and people of Ittoqqortoormiit combine to make this a picture-perfect, comprehensive expedition. Ideal for active travelers, you can climb mountains, hike the arctic tundra, and watch grazing musk ox on the horizon. Enjoy the arctic wilderness as it was centuries ago; untouched, vast and pure, on this 13-day expedition aboard the Ocean Nova.
Highlights
Hike through the arctic treasure of Greenland National Park
Explore the world’s longest and largest fjord system, Scoresbysund
View expansive landscapes and icescapes by foot, kayak, and Zodiac
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Your adventure begins with an overnight stay in the modern city of Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital city, in your comfortable and well-appointed hotel.
Fly from Reykjavik to the eastern Greenland destination of Constable Point to begin your expedition. As you sail out to sea, your first wildlife sightings are seabirds above and whales below. Get ready for a great adventure!
Experience the “multicolored valley” of Brogetdal and view multi-hued mountains and the unusual geology surrounding this lovely basin. Journey to the rarely visited Waltershausen Glacier, an imposing ice floe at the head of Nordfjord with a span of 6.8 miles. This stunning landmark was named after German explorer Baron Wolfgang Sartorius von Waltershausen, after his failed 1869 attempt to reach the North Pole via East Greenland.
The valleys of Blomsterbugten and Renbugten are considered some of the most scenic regions of Greenland, full of unexpected colors such as icy blues, brazen golds, fiery reds, and mossy greens. These scenic plains charm you with their panoramic vistas and unusual rock formations. Be sure to keep an eye out for arctic hare and musk oxen.
Renowned for its stunning landscapes, the Antarctic Sund is a marine channel surrounded by azure icebergs, ice-choked waters, and craggy, colorful cliffs. At Ella Oya, a hiker’s paradise, you can challenge yourself with a climb to the top of the island, where you are well-rewarded for your efforts.
At the start of the sound, Itoqqortoormiit is East Greenland’s most northerly community and boasts a blend of traditional and modern lifestyles. With clear skies, you may have an opportunity to see the Northern Lights. You may also support local Inuit artisans by purchasing unique handicrafts. Your time in Ittoqqortoormiit is spent bonding with the Inuit people and gaining an appreciation of their way of life.
Larger than football fields, the icebergs crossing Hall Bredning in the inner reaches of Scoresbysund are some of the most spectacular in the world. The geology and topography of the area is fascinating. Visit the most northerly community in east Greenland to see a mix of traditional and modern lifestyles.
Sailing on deeper into Scoresbysund, cross the border into the largest National Park on earth, and encounter massive icebergs and an ancient Thule settlement as you approach Sydkap. The scenery here is something you can’t even imagine, with towering mountain sides and hundreds of apartment-sized icebergs playing tricks with your sense of perception.
Pushing onward, the expedition continues in Rypefjord. With binoculars in hand, birders should keep watch for snow buntings, wheatears, and ravens. As you enter Rodefjord, encounter a shallow area trapping hundreds of icebergs, known as the Iceberg Graveyard. Drift leisurely by these icebergs, a photographer’s paradise.
Your homeward journey re-crosses the Denmark Strait, this time on board the ship, giving you some time for whale watching. During past crossings white-beaked dolphins and blue, humpback, sperm, and minke whales have been spotted. Birders have enjoyed spotting gannets, kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, and razorbills on the journey back to Iceland.
Today, enter the northern Icelandic port in Akureyri and board your included flight to Reykjavik. A transfer to your hotel in Reykjavik is provided.
Day 13: Fly Home
1 Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. If you have time before your flight, stick around to explore this great city. Take in the area’s many must-see attractions, or discover its more hidden gems. Regional highlights include a vibrant downtown and harbor, geothermal parks and beaches, and numerous natural wonders.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$7,995
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Quad
Averaging 157 sq ft. Equipped with 4 twin beds (two lower berths, two upper berths). Located on the Upper Deck with private facilities and exterior views.
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Triple
Averaging 140 sq ft. Equipped with 3 twin beds (two lower berths, one upper berth). Located on the Upper Deck with private facilities and exterior views.
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Upper (Lower Berth) Deck Twin
Averaging 90 sq ft. Equipped with 2 twin beds (one upper berth and one lower berth). Located on the Upper Deck with private facilities and exterior views.
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Upper Deck Twin Cabin
Averaging 115 sq ft. Equipped with 2 twin beds. Located on the Upper Deck with private facilities and exterior views.
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Bridge Deck Twin Cabin
Averaging 105 sq ft. Equipped with 2 twin beds. Located on the Bridge Deck with private facilities and exterior views.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where we match you with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if we are unable to find a cabin mate for you, no single supplement will be charged. Single occupancy of a twin cabin is available at 1.7 times the twin occupancy rate.
Mandatory medical insurance: Travelers should have a minimum US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage prior to embarkation. It is recommended that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage, and repatriation.
Initial deposit is 20% of cruise fare (minimum $1450), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!