The history of the people of Greenland is at the core of this journey. See abandoned settlements that were first inhabited 900 years ago. Visit one of the northernmost settlements in the world and sail right up to the edge of the Greenland ice sheet, which has had a huge impact on the country’s climate and culture. Meet the friendly people who live here today, and discover their traditional culture.
Highlights
Visit Sisimiut, the southernmost town on the western coast of Greenland
Enjoy optional shore excursions, such as kayaking, hiking, and boat trips
Learn about the Thule people, ancestors of the modern Inuit
Explore archaeological sites, including settlement remains in Dundas
Tour Ilulissat, set in the stunning scenery of the Ilulissat Icefjord
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Sisimiut is the southernmost town on the western coast of Greenland. A variety of optional shore excursions are offered here, including hikes, boat trips, and sightseeing, as well as the chance to shop for local handicrafts and enjoy some Greenlandic specialities in a local restaurant.
Qeqertarsuaq is the only town situated on the old volcanic island of Disko. The area offers amazing Arctic experiences. Join optional excursions such as a tour of the town, kayaking, or an ice-cruising boat tour. If you appreciate archaeology and history, you should definitely pay a visit to the local museum. Alternatively, you can stroll around the town on your own.
The town of Uummannaq is situated in scenic surroundings at the foot of a heart-shaped mountain. Optional excursions include meeting local Greenlanders or taking the ship's expedition landing craft ashore to Qilakitsoq to see where the mummies from the Thule era (approximately 1475 A.D.) were found.
Sail northwest along the Davis Strait from 71° to 76° North, an area of the Greenlandic coastline mapped by explorer Lauge Koch, passing some of the northernmost settlements in Greenland. In these harsh and remote areas, life is a constant battle, and you can learn more about this in one of the informative lectures given by the expedition team.
Qaanaaq (or Thule) was the first part of Greenland to be settled by the Thule people, the ancestors of the modern Inuit, who came from Canada. The district is one of the northernmost inhabited places on Earth and has a population of around 1,000. It is also the last US military base in Greenland. Hunting for seals, whales, and polar bears in the traditional way is the main occupation in the town and the surrounding settlements. Visit the Ultima Thule souvenir shop to buy genuine and original artwork and crafts from the Qaanaaq district.
Situated just over 845 miles from the North Pole, Siorapaluk is the northernmost settlement in the world. The settlement was founded in 1933 and is known for its beautiful surroundings and geology. Siorapaluk means ‘little sands’ and was named after the small sandy beach in front of the village. This is the northernmost landing on this trip, and you should not miss the opportunity to visit the church, museum, or the local shop.
There is evidence of people living in the area now known as Dundas as far back as 900 years ago. Just north of Mount Dundas there are a number of excavation sites, including Comer’s Midden, where several house ruins and ‘middens’, archaeological dumping grounds containing domestic waste products including shells, animal bones, and other refuse, have been found. In 1910, the Danish explorer Knud Rasmussen founded a trading post here and in 1963, the area was officially designated as Thule, the 17th municipality of Greenland and the northernmost community in the world. However, the town has since been abandoned, and you can wander around the old settlement, taking in the ruins of this trading post, or walk to the other side of the peninsula to see the remains of the old turf huts from the former settlement.
For centuries, the locals have migrated to Upernavik during the spring to take advantage of the rich hunting grounds. This small settlement lies at 72° 47' N and 56° 10' W, in Melville Bay, and everything is within walking distance. Many of the locals still go hunting and fishing – if you're walking through town keep an eye out for polar bear and seal skins! The town is also home to the world’s northernmost open-air museum.
Today, you have a unique opportunity to witness the true power of nature on a visit to the Eqip Sermia Glacier, which calves icebergs into the open ocean. Use the ship’s expedition landing craft to go ashore in this beautiful area. If you're feeling more active, you can take a short hike on your own in the area. Everybody who goes ashore is invited to a barbecue dinner with a terrific view over the glacier.
Ilulissat is set in the stunning scenery of the Ilulissat Icefjord. The area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2004. Just outside the town, at the mouth of the fjord, you can often see enormous icebergs that have run aground. They originate from the Jakobshavn Glacier, one of the most productive glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere. A variety of optional shore excursions are offered here, such as hikes, historic town walks, and a boat tour to the Icefjord.
Itilleq means ‘the hollow’, and as its name suggests, this small settlement is situated in a hollow, majestically surrounded by high mountains and glaciers. Located just over a mile north of the Arctic Circle, Itilleq is truly an Arctic Circle village. The 130 people who live here are mainly engaged in hunting and fishing occupations. The island has no fresh water, so its inhabitants have to use a facility that makes fresh water from sea water. The town’s church has an interesting history: It was built in Thule (Umanak, North Greenland) in 1930 and was moved to Itilleq in 1963.
Day 15: Kangerlussuaq | Disembark
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
As you reach Kangerlussuaq, your expedition with MS Spitsbergen has come to an end. Take the opportunity to join a final excursion to the Greenland ice sheet. This vast icy wasteland stretches 1,500 miles north and reaches heights of up to two miles – just under 10,500 feet –above sea level. The road to the edge of the ice sheet boasts beautiful natural scenery, ranging from Arctic desert and tundra with low-growing shrubs to hilly terrain offering breathtaking views over the landscape. Your plane to Copenhagen leaves late in the evening.
Day 16: Copenhagen
You arrive in the Danish capital early in the morning and hopefully have the time to explore "Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen" before you head home.
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.
$15,066
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Polar Inside - B
Outside cabin, 193 sq ft. With limited/ no view, queen bed, kettle, TV, bathroom with shower. Accessible to guests with limited mobility
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Polar Inside - I
Most cabins have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, some have a double bed or upper and lower berths, shower/wc
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Polar Inside - K
Some cabins have a double bed, some have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, shower/wc
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Polar Outside - AJ
Upper and lower berths, shower/wc, limited/no view
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Polar Outside - J
Some cabins have a double bed, some have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, or upper or lower berths, shower/wc, limited/no view
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Polar Outside - A
Upper and lower berths, shower/wc
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Polar Outside - N
Some cabins have a double bed, some have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, or upper or lower berths, shower/wc
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Polar Outside - O
Some cabins have a double bed, some have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, or upper or lower berths, shower/wc
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Arctic Superior - P
Some cabins have a double bed, some have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, kettle, coffee/tea, shower/wc
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Arctic Superior - U
Some cabins have a double bed, some have 3 or 4 beds, some have a seating area, kettle, coffee/tea, TV, mini bar, shower/wc, limited/no view
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Arctic Superior - QJ
Some cabins have a double bed, some have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, kettle, coffee/tea, shower/wc
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Expedition Suite - Q
One room with a double bed, some with seating area, some with 3-4 beds that can be upper beds, TV, mini bar, kettle, coffee/tea, shower/wc, view
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Expedition Suite - MG
One or two rooms with seating area, double bed, TV, stereo, mini bar, kettle, tea/coffee, shower/wc, some with bathtub, most with private balcony or bay window
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Expedition Suite - MX
Two rooms with a double bed, seating area, dining table, TV, mini bar, kettle, coffee/tea, stereo, shower, w/c, private balcony
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 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
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
