Arctic Express: Greenland’s Northern Lights (Fly North, Cruise South)
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Overview
Highlights
- View expansive Greenland landscapes and icescapes
- Explore the world’s longest and largest fjord system
- Hike through the arctic treasure of Greenland National Park, the world’s largest
- Possible whale, musk ox, and polar bear sightings
- Cruise in a Zodiac
- Inuit community visit
- Take advantage of optional kayak adventure opportunities
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Itinerary
Your adventure begins with an overnight stay in thoroughly modern Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city, in your comfortable and well-appointed hotel.
You’ll 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 will be seabirds above and whales below. Get ready for a great adventure!
You’ll cruise through spectacular Alpefjord, a wonderland of fjords and sounds, and through a multitude of dazzling icebergs in countless shapes and sizes.
Brogetdal means “multicolored valley,” and here you’ll view multi-hued mountains surrounding this lovely basin, and unusual geology. You’ll also journey to the rarely visited Waltershausen Glacier, an imposing ice floe at the head of Nordfjord with a span of 6.8 miles...
The valleys of Blomsterbugten and Renbugten are considered some of the most scenic in Greenland, and delight with unexpected icy blues, brazen golds, fiery reds and mossy greens. These scenic plains will charm you with their panoramic vistas and unusual rock formations. Be on the lookout for arctic hare and musk ox.
Renowned for its stunning landscapes, the oddly-named Antarctic Sund is a marine channel surrounded by ice- choked waters, azure icebergs, 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 will be 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’ll have a great opportunity to see the Northern Lights. You can also support local Inuit artisans by ...
Sailing on deeper into Scoresbysund, you’ll cross the border into the largest National Park on earth, and encounter massive icebergs and an ancient Thule settlement as we 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, your expedition will come to Rypefjord. With binoculars in hand, birders should keep watch for wheatears, snow buntings and ravens. At Rodefjord, you’ll encounter a shallow area trapping hundreds of icebergs, known as the Iceberg Graveyard. You’ll 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 our crossings we’ve seen white-beaked dolphins and humpback, sperm, Minke and blue whales. Birders have enjoyed spotting kittiwakes, gannets, guillemots, fulmars and razorbills on our journey back to Iceland.
Your Greenland adventure comes to an end as you enter the northern Icelandic port in Akureyri and board your included flight to Reykjavik. We provide a transfer to your hotel in Reykjavik.
Today, explore the city or fly home. Those spending time in Reykjavik can 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.
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Quark Expeditions.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Your expedition ship Ocean Nova: Designed to carry travelers in comfort to the most remote corners of the world, Ocean Nova is a modern and comfortable vessel carrying just 78 passengers on our Arctic Voyages. Quark is also pleased to offer certified CarbonNeutral® voyages on the Ocean Nova. Built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland, she delivers clean, crisp Scandinavian styling, and with an ice-strengthened hull she is ideally suited for expedition travel in the Polar Regions. The Ocean Nova features comfortable outside cabins, all with private facilities, including dedicated twin and triple cabins. In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, there is a spacious dining room, a bar, a library and an infirmary. In the dining room you are treated to delicious meals, and in the panorama lounge you can enjoy a drink with a breathtaking view of the surrounding polar landscape. This is where our on-board specialists entertain and conduct lectures on flora, fauna and history. Ocean Nova's triple cabins and some of the twin cabins on upper deck have upper and lower berths. All other cabins have two lower berths. In your cabin you also find a desk with a chair and ample storage space for clothes and equipment. There is a friendly and informal atmosphere on board. Passengers are welcome on the bridge around the clock and there is always something to see or search for from the spacious observation decks. Traveling with this small expedition ship offers an entirely different experience and perspective than you can get on a larger and more conventional cruise ship. We welcome you on board.
Staff and Crew: 38 Guests: 78 Lifeboats: 4 Length: 73m Breadth: 11M Draft: 3.7M Propulsion: 2,000 horsepower Ice Class: 1B (Casco 1A) Cruising Speed: 12n Registration: Nassau, Bahamas
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellations received 180 days or more prior to departure, are refunded less an administrative fee of minimum US$1250, AU$1000, £650, €800 per person. If cancellation is received between 179 days and 120 days, the deposit is forfeited. If cancellation occurs less than 120 days prior to departure, all payments are forfeited. If full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply and any unpaid balance is due immediately. To protect the traveler’s investment, we recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.
Cancellations cannot be made online.
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