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Discover Greenland

From £10196

Excluding Flights

11 - 25 Nights

Jul-Aug

Overview

Take an in-depth exploration of some of Greenland’s most remote regions from the south round to Disko Bay in the west. Sail the icy waters of the less-explored east coast, around to the southern tip and on to the spectacular glaciers of the remote west coast. Discover picturesque villages and the Norse ruins that are scattered along the coastline, providing an insight into the history of Greenland’s distinctive culture.

The world’s largest island is home to the planet’s greatest fjords and most active glaciers outside Antarctica. You’ll be dwarfed by the sheer size and scale of nature in Greenland, where wildlife and the forces of nature reign supreme. Place names such as the Fjord of Eternity and Cape Farewell hint at the grandeur that lies ahead, with diverse icebergs and dramatic mountains a constant theme of your voyage.

Marvel at the abundance of wildflowers, keep your eyes peeled for whales and other marine wildlife, and encounter an ancient culture surviving in a modern world. From historic Norse and Viking settlements to remote Inuit communities that still use dogsleds as their main method of transportation, a voyage to Greenland is unlike any other. The rugged landscape, dominated by dramatic fjords, imposing glaciers, towering mountains and lush valleys, offers numerous photographic opportunities and wonderful memories.

Itinerary

All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!
The below sample itinerary is based on the 26-day voyage on the Sylvia Earle. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, i.e. alternative embarkation or disembarkation ports, or do not include the pre-voyage hotel night. Please contact us for specific details.

Your adventure begins with an overnight stay in thoroughly-modern Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city.

Today take a guided Golden Circle tour, including visits to the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park, before continuing to the port for embarkation. 

Cruising north across the Denmark Strait, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventure. Learn about the history and politics of the Arctic, the wildlife that call the area home, and the geology and climate of the area. You may also observe seabirds following the ship and possibly whales that frequent these cold waters.

Your exploration of Greenland begins in East Greenland, one of the least visited and most remote parts of the island. Your days sailing along the coast will be guided by weather and ice conditions, with each day and each excursion presenting new adventures. The region is a sight to behold, boasting a mesmerising maze of vast glaciers, steep mountains and breath-taking fjords. Conditions permitting, you may visit Skjoldungen, where you can cruise between mountains to view glaciers deep within the fjords. The narrow part of the fjord provides an ideal place to put the Zodiacs in the water for a more in-depth exploration.

Cruise from the Irminger Sea to the Labrador Sea through the narrow channels of Prince Christian Sound at Greenland’s southern tip. The fertile south coast is nicknamed Arctic Patagonia, a region as rich in spectacular scenery as it is in history and culture. This is where Erik the Red gave Greenland its name, everywhere you look offers vistas of icy waters set against a backdrop of soaring mountains, clear waterfalls and lush, green valleys. Scattered around the shores of the fjord system are several small settlements, from the past and present day.

Spend the day relaxing or attending a presentation from the expedition team.  

Shortly after breakfast, enjoy a day exploring Greenland’s capital. In the late afternoon, reboard the vessel and meet your fellow expeditioners to begin the next part of your Arctic adventure 

Boasting spectacular glaciers, mountainous landscapes and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you awestruck. Explore bays and channels by zodiac, whilst discovering quaint villages in some of Greenland’s most picturesque places.  

Visit Sisimiut, the second-largest town in Greenland, and the former whaling station of Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island. Qeqertarsuaq is Greenland’s oldest town, founded in 1773, and boasts spectacular views of basaltic mountains and the huge icebergs of Disko Bay.  

A highlight will be the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ilulissat Icefjord. Sermeq Kujalleq is the most productive glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, producing 20 million tonnes of ice each day, all of which floats into the breathtaking Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay. An optional helicopter flight is also available (additional cost) for once-in-a-lifetime aerial views. 

Disembark in Nuuk, before boarding your charter flight to Toronto. Upon arrival in Toronto you will be transferred to your hotel.

Make your way home at your leisure or spend some time exploring this cosmopolitan city.

Prices

What's Included

  • Shipboard accommodation

  • All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board

  • Tea & coffee available around the clock

  • All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings

  • Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers

  • Expedition jacket - yours to keep (on the Sylvia Earle only)

  • Loan of rubber boots during voyage

  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges

  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday

  • No surcharge guarantee

  • Full financial protection

From £10196 Excluding Flights

11 - 25 Nights

Jul-Aug

On voyages aboard the Sylvia Earle, one night hotel accommodation in Reykjavik pre-voyage and one night accommodation in Toronto post-voyage hotel accommodation are also included.

Make this trip yours

Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.

Doug
11

Species of whale seen

10

Kilometres ran in Longyearbyen

2025 departure & price guide

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. They do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type. 

We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch. 

Experts with real experience