Includes Flightseeing
Reykjavik - Reykjavik
Aug 29 2026 - Sep 11 2026
13 Nights
Price from per person
£9,817
Price from per person
Price from per person
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the stunning fjords, glaciers, and mountains of South Greenland. Our Majestic Alpine Arctic itinerary is crafted for those eager to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of this region. Exclusively, this trip features unique excursions facilitated by state-of-the-art ship - the Ultramarine, equipped with two twin-engine helicopters. Whether you seek adventure or prefer a more laid-back exploration, this journey offers a perfect balance.
This innovative itinerary, developed in collaboration with local communitiesโa pioneering approach in expedition travelโprovides exceptional opportunities to discover South Greenland's varied landscapes. The Ultramarine's helicopters allow access to remote areas for off-ship activities, including Heli Hiking and the Greenland Ice Sheet Experience, both complimentary for all guests. Additional activities include hiking, community visits, and Zodiac cruises.
Designed to accommodate all fitness levels, this voyage promises something for everyone. Enjoy serene mountain vistas, navigate through icebergs on a Zodiac cruise, or engage in optional adventures like heli-hiking or stylish camping along Tasermiut Fjord with local hosts.
Arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport and proceed to your included hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this vibrant Canadian city at your leisure.
After breakfast in the morning, guests and their luggage will be transported to the airport for a charter flight to Nuuk, the capital city of Greenland. With a population of 17,000, this picturesque city is located on a fjord, framed by the magnificent Sermitsiaq mountain. Once they arrive in Nuuk, guests will be taken to their ship.
Today, we embark on a journey southward along Greenland's stunning west coast towards the Westlands. As we follow the path once taken by the Greenlandic Norse into the Western fjords, it's clear why Erik the Red chose this place to settle and named it Greenland. In every direction, visitors are treated to views of azure, ice-dotted waters framed by lush, green valleys and fields teeming with vibrant flowers.
Greenland boasts a unique phenomenon in the Arctic: warm microclimates within the fjords create an unexpectedly fertile Arctic Garden of Eden. The farming traditions of South Greenland, dating back to the Viking era, are still alive today. Many families maintain remote sheep farms along the fjord shores, living in harmony with the seasons as they cultivate a variety of organic produce like potatoes, turnips, and kale.
In the western part of Greenland, we find ideal access points to the Greenland Ice Sheet, which we will visit by helicopter. This massive ice body, the largest in the northern hemisphere and second largest globally, flows from the polar plateau down to sea level. During our exclusive Greenland Ice Sheet Experience, you'll join the select few who have ever set foot on this remarkable ice expanse. Over two days, you'll have the chance to explore the Ice Sheet, hike the surrounding hills, navigate through the ice-filled waters, and connect with our local partners for some of the most enriching and immersive community interactions available on any Quark Expeditions voyage.
The breathtaking maze of fjords, sounds, islets, inlets, and rocky islands around Cape Farewell (Nunap Isua) at Greenlandโs southernmost tip holds a unique charm. Traversing the 100-kilometer-long Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq)โone of the world's most picturesque fjordsโwill be an unforgettable experience. Guests will be treated to dramatic mountain and seascapes, with glaciers cascading into the sea and stunning views at every turn. This region is home to Southern Greenlanders living on the frontier, whose culture is as distinctive as the landscape they inhabit. Here, the migrating hunting peoples from the east eventually settled around European trading posts.
The few villages in this southern region have gained recognition due to their residents' steadfast dedication to their hunting and fishing heritage. We aim to visit Aappilattoq, located on the shores of Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq), to introduce you to our friends and partners there. You'll have the opportunity to listen to their stories, enjoy their music, taste their food, learn about their hunting traditions, and perhaps even join a friendly game of soccer as a player or spectator.
For those seeking the most iconic peaks of South Greenland, Tasermiut Fjord in the heart of "Arctic Patagonia" is a must-visit. Here, guests can opt for overnight camping with local hosts along the 70-kilometer fjord. Be awed by the impressive Sermeq glacier, with its rivers of ice almost reaching sea level, and the towering peaks of Nalumasortoq and Ulamertorsuaq dominating the skyline, providing the perfect backdrop for your hike or helicopter excursions.
We embark on an adventure to the wild fjords of Greenland's uninhabited east coast, including the majestic Lindenow Fjord, also known as Kangerlussuatsiaq. Thousands of years ago, paleo-Inuit hunters and fishermen settled in these isolated fjords, living off the land and the sea. The arrival of European explorers and the subsequent establishment of settlements triggered one of Greenlandโs largest migrations. Today, traces of these ancient communities remain amidst the stunning backdrop of cascading glaciers and towering mountains.
The fjords are teeming with marine life. Occasionally, polar bears can be spotted drifting south on sea ice floes carried by the East Greenland current. Humpback whales frequently visit the fjords, attracted by nutrient-rich waters. As we keep an eye out for wildlife, the breathtaking alpine landscape invites us to explore by sea, land, and air, fully immersing ourselves in the region's remote icescapes. The untamed east coast is perfect for helicopter landings, hiking, paddle excursions, Zodiac cruises, and shore landings.
After enjoying breakfast, guests will be escorted from the pier into town. Youโll have ample time to stroll through the charming streets of Old Nuuk, known for its historic ambiance. Marvel at landmarks like the Hans Egede Church and the statue of Hans Egede near the waterfront. A visit to the Greenland National Museum & Archives will offer insights into Greenlandโs rich cultural heritage, including the significance of the kayak, which has been a symbol of Greenland for over 4,000 years.
For those interested, thereโs an opportunity to see the renowned 500-year-old Greenlandic mummies. Following a half-day exploration of Nuuk, guests will gather at a designated meeting point in town for transfer to the airport, where a charter flight awaits to transport them to Toronto.
Today, you have the option to head home at your convenience or take some time to explore this vibrant, artistic city.
Zodiac inflatable boats are integral to every expedition and perfect for exploring the polar wilderness. Zodiacs are used to ferry you to the shore and mini explorations amidst icebergs, whales, and seabirds. Throughout your expedition, they enable you to reach secluded spots only accessible by these sturdy watercraft.
Driven by our expert team of knowledgeable polar guides, we will explore the Zodiac daily as part of your expedition.
Immerse yourself in the thrill of hiking across the polar wilderness, led by our seasoned polar guides. Wander the vast tundra, marvel at the majestic glaciers, and breathe in fresh air amongst the natural scenery. It's an adventure that brings you into the heart of the Arctic's untamed beauty.
During each voyage, we carve out a special moment for the Polar Plunge, a thrilling dive into the icy waters, scheduled just once for those daring enough to leap. Our Expedition Leader and Captain are always on the lookout, assessing the weather and sea conditions to pick the perfect spot and moment for this exhilarating experience. Whether it's from the shore, off the gangway, or the edge of a Zodiac, participants, clad in tethered harnesses for safety, leap into the chilly embrace of the polar sea amid the cheers and encouragement of their fellow adventurers and the Expedition Team.
Safety is our top priority during the Polar Plunge. The onboard physician is always present to oversee the event, ensuring everyone's well-being. Additionally, our guides, suited in survival gear, patrol the waters in Zodiacs, ready to assist as guests make their splash into the frigid waters, whether it's a bold jump or an adventurous cannonball.
Experience the beauty of the polar regions from the intimacy of a sea kayak. The onboard Sea Kayak Program gathers adventurers with a shared passion to explore the stunning landscapes of fjords, glacial fronts, or intricate sea ice formations together.
This program welcomes both novices and experienced kayakers to discover the polar regions from a distinctive vantage point. Depending on weather and operational conditions, the goal is to get kayaking as frequently as possible. Sea kayaking adventures typically begin with a Zodiac boat transferring participants from the ship to an optimal launch site. After exploring the waters, kayakers are brought back to the ship via Zodiac.ย
For safety, a Zodiac operated by a dedicated driver remains close at hand to provide help if needed. These kayak trips usually last from one and a half to three hours, blending adventure with unparalleled natural beauty.
*An extra cost is applicable. Please enquire about costs and availability at the time of reservation. Please note places on sea kayaking do sell out in advance, so forward booking is essential.
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Tasermiut Camp, one of Greenland's most exclusive locations. Led by local guides, explore the wonders of their homeland in intimate groups. Wander through pristine valleys and across the tundra with a local chef who will introduce you to fresh ingredients and help prepare an incredible meal together. Spend the night at the camp and, if conditions permit, experience the enchanting colors of the polar twilight, which enhance the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Depending on conditions, this setting also provides an excellent opportunity to witness the Northern Lights.
Please note places on camping experience do sell out in advance, so forward booking is essential.
While the polar landscapes are breathtaking from the sea, they offer an even more awe-inspiring perspective from the air, which you can experience from one of the two twin-engine helicopters aboard Ultramarine. These flights typically accommodate groups of 7 to 9 passengers, providing an unforgettable 10- to 15-minute aerial tour of the Arctic as part of your voyage package. Additional helicopter activities may also be available for purchase onboard. Please be aware that all helicopter operations are subject to weather conditions and logistical considerations.
The twin-engine helicopters will transport you to the trailheads of Southern Greenlandโs most picturesque hiking routes, and later retrieve you from your designated endpoint. Each heli-hiking excursion is customized to cater to your personal preferences and level of interest. You can opt to join a fast-paced group focused on exploration and covering distance, select a medium-paced route offering ample opportunities for photography and contemplation, or take a leisurely pace to fully absorb the scenery and embrace the surroundings.
Soar high above the cascading coastal glaciers to the expansive polar plateau of the Greenland Ice Sheet, the second-largest ice mass globally, and marvel at the vastness of this awe-inspiring landscape. A helicopter excursion aboard one of Ultramarineโs twin-engine helicopters provides a perspective of the Ice Sheet that few have had the privilege to witness. Guided by our team of glaciologists, you will gain insights into the intricate dynamics of this environment as you explore this immense and rarely-visited expanse of ice.
Our Paddle Excursion Program offers guests the opportunity to explore unforgettable Arctic and Antarctic locations from a water-level perspective using stable, two-person, inflatable kayaks. These rugged and comfortable crafts provide an intimate way to experience the polar regions like never before. Onboard, you will receive comprehensive instruction and equipment, including dry suits, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and waterproof gloves. Experienced guides will ensure a safe and enjoyable paddling experience, with each group accompanied by a safety driver in another kayak for added support.
Excursions typically last at least one hour and are available once per voyage. Each group consists of 10 paddlers, guided by one instructor and supported by a safety Zodiac driver. The timing and location of each Paddle Excursion are carefully selected based on wind, weather, and water conditions to optimize your adventure.
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