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Getting ready to kayak near a glacier

Expedition to Greenland, land of Northern Lights

Kangerlussuaq Roundtrip - Example 9 Day Cruise aboard SH Vega
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Embark on a 9-day Greenland cruise aboard SH Vega, starting and ending in Kangerlussuaq. Visit Qeqertarsuaq, Uummannaq, Disko Bay, Ilulissat, and Sisimiut. See Evigheds Glacier and Eqip Sermia Glacier, kayak among ice in Disko Bay, and explore the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord. Visit museums, a historic church, and Sermermiut’s Inuit settlement sites. Learn about Kangerlussuaq’s WWII airbase and Inuit artifacts, and discover Sisimiut’s history and connection to dog sledding. Along the route, encounter Arctic landscapes and wildlife, including muskoxen, reindeer, Arctic foxes, whales, seals, and seabirds.
Houses of GreenlandSun shining on the iceExploring Greenland by kayakColorful Sisimiut, GreenlandMarvel at the size of glaciers in GreenlandDisko BayThe edge of Greenland's ice capGetting ready to kayak near a glacier
Highlights
  • Explore Kangerlussuaq tundra with muskoxen, Arctic foxes, and wildlife
  • Cruise Evigheds Glacier fjord with towering ice cliffs
  • Visit Qeqertarsuaq volcanic isle with basalt formations
  • Sail Disko Bay icebergs from Sermeq Kujalleq glacier
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Reykjavik | Hotel Stay

Arrive at the airport and head to your hotel. Relax, and spend the overnight here preparing for your adventure.

*Specific hotel and location to be announced.

Day 2: Fly to Kangerlussuaq | Embark

Explore Kangerlussuaq, a former WWII airbase at the head of Kangerlussuaq Fjord. Visit the airport museum to see Inuit artifacts and learn about the area’s history. Travel through the surrounding glacial terrain and tundra, where reindeer, Arctic foxes, Arctic hares, gyrfalcons, and around 10,000 muskoxen live.

Day 3: Evigheds Glacier

The Evigheds Glacier, a majestic outflow from the Greenland Ice Sheet, carves through the dramatic Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord, also known as Eternity Fjord. This 75-km-long waterway is a haven for wildlife, with white-tailed eagles and black-legged kittiwakes soaring above. Calving icebergs showcase Greenland's raw beauty, but sadly like many glaciers, it is slowly retreating due to global warming's impact on this fragile Arctic ecosystem.

Day 4: Qeqertarsuaq

Qeqertarsuaq is the largest town on Disko Island, Greenland’s largest island, where colorful houses pop against dramatic red basalt mountains. Overlooked by striking Lyngemark Glacier, the area is shaped by its volcanic origin, unique terrain featuring dramatic basalt columns, rolling hills black sand beaches. Thanks to its relatively fertile landscape, it supports unique plant species, such as wild angelica, rarely found elsewhere in Greenland.

Included Activities
Open Town Qeqertarsuaq:


Embark on a captivating journey to Qeqertarsuaq, nestled on the enchanting Disko Island in Greenland. Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque town, taking in the awe-inspiring vistas of towering mountains and pristine waters. Your adventure continues as you step into the rich tapestry of local culture at the town's museum, where you can explore its exhibits and uncover the fascinating history and heritage of this remote island community.

Next, venture towards the historic local church, a beacon of faith amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Admire its architectural splendor and delve into the stories etched within its walls, offering a glimpse into the spiritual essence of the island. As your exploration unfolds, meander through the charming streets adorned with colorful houses and feel the pulse of daily life in this remote outpost as you encounter friendly locals and discover hidden gems around every corner.

Before returning, don't forget to visit the town's charming hotel for a coffee or tea and a slice of local cake. The visit concludes with a traditional polka dance. Enjoy!

Note: The town has paved roads and is quite flat, with few stairs to climb. Walking during this visit will cover up to 2–3 km.

Day 5: Uummannaq

The word Uummannaq means ‘heart-shaped’ in Greenlandic and refers to the twin-peaked granite mountain shaped like a heart, which covers narly the whole northern half of the island. Folklore has it that a piece of your heart remains on the island forever, calling you back. Sheltered by glaciated mountains, this charming fjord region is referred to as the sunniest spot in Greenland and has been a refuge for Inuit migrations for over 4,500 years.

Day 6: Eqip Sermia Glacier | Disko Bay

Eqi Glacier, or Eqip Sermia in Greenlandic, is one of Greenland's largest and most active calving glaciers, spanning nearly 4 km wide and towering over 200 m. Visitors can almost always witness calving, where pieces of ice break off the glacier's face, creating deafening bangs and giant splashes that send waves across the bay. The contrast between thunderous calving and the ensuing silence provides a glimpse of Greenland's dynamic icy landscape.

One of Greenland's most iconic destinations, Disko Bay is a place of raw, staggering beauty — where some of the world's most productive glaciers calve colossal icebergs into steel-blue waters with thunderous force. The region is also remarkably rich in wildlife — humpback and fin whales are frequent visitors to these nutrient-rich waters, alongside seals, Arctic seabirds and the occasional polar bear on the surrounding shores. While in Disko Bay, you have the rare opportunity to kayak alongside the expedition team, paddling through a maze of ice-sculpted channels and getting closer to the glacial scenery than any larger vessel could allow. It's an intimate, unhurried way to experience one of the Arctic's most spectacular environments — at the pace the landscape deserves.

Day 7: Ilulissat, Disko Bay

Sailing through the iceberg capital of the world to Disko Bay, the Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the cruise highlights. Given UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the Ilulissat Icefjord is a popular tourist destination, and thanks to the productive Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, thousands of gargantuan icebergs calve from the Greenland ice cap into the sea. The city of Ilulissat is home to many sled dogs.

Included Excursion
Museums of Ilulissat

3 hours
Enhance your Arctic adventure with an exclusive museum package in Ilulissat, offering a perfect blend of history, art, and nature. Gain free entrance to the Icefjord Center, where cutting-edge exhibitions unveil the mysteries of the glacier-carved fjord. Visit the Art Museum, showcasing stunning Greenlandic artwork that captures the spirit of the Arctic. Step into the History Museum of Ilulissat, where the legacy of famed polar explorer Knud Rasmussen comes to life. Born in Ilulissat, Rasmussen played a crucial role in documenting Inuit culture and exploring the Arctic. His pioneering expeditions shaped the modern understanding of Greenland and beyond, making his contributions an essential part of the museum’s exhibits. Finally, experience the Sermermiut area, where the UNESCO-protected boardwalks lead you through historic Inuit settlement sites to awe-inspiring fjord panoramas

A complimentary shuttle bus conveniently connects all locations, ensuring seamless exploration.

Note: Shoes must be removed upon entering the museums. Complimentary slippers are available for your convenience.

Day 8: Sisimiut

The second largest town in Greenland, just above the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut remains remarkably ice free in winter and is known as an adventure sports hub all year round. Inhabited for more than 4,500 years by the Dorset, Thule and eventually the Inuit people, dog sledding remains a vital form of transportation. The area is home to humpback whales and Arctic foxes in their summer coat.

Day 9: Kangerlussuaq | Disembark | Fly to Reykjavik

  • 1 Breakfast
Once a WWII airbase at the head of Kangerlussuaq Fjord, Kangerlussuaq's history is told at the airport’s museum, showcasing Inuit artifacts. This ice-filled glacial area and tundra is a haven for wildlife, including reindeer, arctic foxes, arctic hare, gyrfalcons and around 10,000 muskoxen.

Ship/Hotel

SH Vega

SH Vega
SH Vega Club Lounge

Reykjavik - Hotels

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$7,900 2-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
SH Vega Suite OceanViewOceanview
Oceanview D4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
SH Vega Suite OceanViewOceanview
Oceanview M4
19 m2, Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Balcony
Balcony D5
28 m2, Located at the forward and aft of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Balcony
Balcony M5
28 m2, Located at the center of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedrooms with a living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
Balcony
Balcony D6
28 m2, Located on deck six, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony
SH Vega SuitePremium suitePremium Suite
Suite
44 m2, Our Suites features a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
SH Vega Suite PremiumSH Vega Suite PremiumPremium suitePremium Suite
Premium Suite
49 m2, Our grandest suites feature a super king bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, a spacious walk-in wardrobe, and a 12 sq.m private balcony.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wifi
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
  • Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
  • Onboard gratuities & port taxes
  • Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
  • Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
  • 24-hour room service
  • One selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call (kayaking not included – however this can be pre-booked)
  • Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep
  • 24/7 self service laundry
  • Regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Spa Treatments
  • Several optional activities you can participate in for an extra cost. These include kayaking, private tours, special arrangements, and private Zodiac tours on request and based on availability.
  • Premium wines and spirits from the bar menu
  • Purchases from the ship’s boutique
  • Laundry expenses
  • Premium WiFi packages

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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!
Meyer Smolen

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