South Greenland Fjords and Viking Culture

Arrive in the Icelandic capital and make your way to the group hotel—included in the Charter Flight & Hotel Package—near Keflavik airport. You will have the rest of the day to explore this fascinating city, known for its Norse history and stunning architecture. If you do plan to visit the city of Reykjavik, make sure you allow for a one-hour transfer (by taxi or public transit) between Keflavik and Reykjavík.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, your group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Nuuk, Greenland. Upon arrival—and if time allows—you may be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to enjoy some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will depart Greenland’s capital city en route to the stunning Arctic wilderness and picturesque coastal communities.

Your first full day in Greenland will be spent onboard Ultramarine as we transit south along the west coast of the largest island in the world. Today is an excellent opportunity to learn about Greenlandic history, glaciology, and ecology from the team of onboard polar experts. Spend some time on the outer deck to spot ice carried along by the currents of Baffin Bay, observe seabirds in flight above and around the ship, and keep your eyes peeled for any Arctic wildlife. Today also includes all mandatory briefings and preparations for Zodiac excursions other off-ship adventures.

Over the next two days you’ll experience the contrast between the Greenland Ice Sheet—the second-largest body of ice on the planet—and the grassy valleys of the coast, which is steeped in Viking history, especially at landmarks such as the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage site. The latter provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the region’s history and cultural traditions, as well as the interaction between Norse and Inuit cultures.

You’ll transit through the scenic 105-kilometer long Prins Christian Sund Fjord (Ikerasassuaq), and explore the dramatic fjords of South Greenland. The team has planned a visit to the village of Aappilattoq, where you can experience local culture, music, and traditional foods. The journey continues to the steep-walled 70-kilometer Tasermiut Fjord, known as Arctic Patagonia, where overnight camping and various excursions are available amidst stunning glaciers and peaks.

The four walls and foundation of the stillstanding 14th-century Hvalsey church are considered the most iconic of all Norse ruins in Greenland. For history buffs, this site is akin to a pilgrimage. While we will have encountered Norse ruins earlier in the voyage and visited reconstructions of long-lost villages, Hvalsey evokes a surprisingly complex range of emotions— haunting, reverent, and deeply curious. Standing almost alone in an otherwise wild landscape, the Hvalsey church prompts one to wonder how civilizations can be forgotten for centuries, and then suddenly remembered. The rolling terrain of this well-chosen site, a mix of rock and vegetation, will appeal to hikers in the group.

While heading to Nuuk, relax and enjoy yourself as you cruise along the coast of Greenland, or continue your Arctic education by attending another expert-led presentation. Weather-permitting, there may be an opportunity for one last shore excursion near Ivittuut, a small peninsula on the mainland. Today is also your last chance to take advantage of Ultramarine’s beautifully-designed Tundra Spa & Sauna.

After breakfast, guests will be transferred from the pier to the town center. You will have a half-day to explore Old Nuuk and visit the Hans Egede Church and waterfront statue, commemorating the Norwegian missionary who founded Greenland’s first European settlement in 1721. Guests will also have a chance to visit the Greenland National Museum to explore exhibits on Greenland’s cultural heritage, including the famous 500-yearold mummies and the 4,000-year-old kayak tradition. After exploring Nuuk, guests will meet at a designated spot in town for the transfer to the airport for their charter flight to Reykjavik, which is included in the Charter Flight & Hotel Package.

After breakfast at your included hotel, make your way independently to Keflavik international for your onward flight, or continue your independent explorations of Reykjavik at your leisure.