Wild Greenland with National Geographic

 

EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

  • Explore the dramatic coastline of West Greenland by water and on foot, kayaking stunning fjords and hiking across the tundra on the lookout for wildlife.

  • Delve into Greenlandic culture and history at the outstanding Sisimiut Museum, and meet with residents of Uummannaq Island to learn about everyday life.

  • Hike the Sermermiut Valley to a promontory overlooking the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord and take in extraordinary views of the iceberg-choked bay.

  • Visit the archaeological site at Qilakitsoq, where remarkably well-preserved 500-year-old mummies were found in 1972.

 

6 DAYS FROM $8,890

Trip Type: Expedition Cruise

Activity Level: Light or Moderate

Service Level: Premium

Group Size: Max 126

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Transfers upon arrival/departure for guests booked on recommended group flights

  • Accommodation aboard the world-class expedition ships of the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet or a luxury chartered ship

  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary

  • Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Gratuities

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Airfare to and from destination, as well as internal airfare where applicable

  • Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance

  • Visas

ITINERARY

Venture to the fjord-laced coast of western Greenland, where hardy Inuit communities perched at the edge of the Greenland ice sheet carry on their timeless way of life. Explore archaeological sites and vibrant modern-day villages, glide into breathtaking fjords by Zodiac or kayak, and watch for the northern lights as we explore the ins and outs of this rugged coastline. Take an unforgettable cruise amid the massive icebergs of the Ilulissat Icefjord, and meet local people who have lived off the land and sea for millennia.

 
 

  • Fly by chartered aircraft to Kangerlussuaq on Greenland’s western coast. Settle into your cabin aboard the Polar Class 5 National Geographic Resolution, one of the newest ships in the National Geographic–Lindblad fleet.

    Meals Included:Lunch, Dinner

  • Cruise the length of Kangerlussuaq Fjord en route to Sisimiut. Dozens of deep fjords carve into Greenland’s west coast, many with glaciers fed by the ice sheet that covers 80% of the country. At Sisimiut, a former whaling port, visit the museum and wander amid a jumble of wooden 18th-century buildings. There are several walking options to explore in and around town.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Sail into Disko Bay and set out to explore a tongue of the Greenland ice sheet. Take an extraordinary cruise among towering icebergs of the UNESCO World Heritage–designated Ilulissat Icefjord. Visit the town of Ilulissat and take a hike to an archaeological site in the Sermermiut Valley. As we make our way north through Disko Bay, follow the inside passage of Disko Island, and continue to Nuussuaq Peninsula.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • The village of Uummannaq sits on a tiny island in the Uummannaq Fjord that is dominated by a massive peak that rises dramatically above it. Visit the town’s excellent community museum to see traditional clothing and tools, along with scenes of everyday life on these islands. Cross the fjord to the site of the Qilakitsoq settlement, where a collection of eight mummies dating back to 1475 was discovered in 1972. These eight individuals, all extraordinarily well-preserved women and children, were Thule people, the ancestors of the modern Inuit. Learn about the historic find, which was featured on the cover of the February 1985 issue of National Geographic magazine.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Today we will explore the beautiful Ataneq Fjord in true expeditionary style, stopping to hike, kayak, ride Zodiacs, and observe wildlife when the opportunity arises. Hike across the spongy tundra that covers metamorphic rocks at Tununngasoq, searching for arctic fox or perhaps caribou. Kayak along the steep sides of the fjord or enjoy a Zodiac cruise to get up close to the glacially carved landscape. Cap off the day with a farewell dinner.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Our ship returns to Kangerlussuaq by morning. Transfer to the airport for your charter flight back to the U.S. and connect to your flight home.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch

Craig Stepnell