Expedition Itinerary - Ultimate Thule

(August 13 - 28, 2010) Glaciers flow to the sea. Icebergs float majestically. Seabirds glide on the wing. Musk oxen shake shaggy heads as they paw the tundra covered ground. This cruise itinerary affords unforgettable moments and more – optional kayaking, Zodiac cruising and cultural events in remote hamlets.

Day 1 - Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq for Embarkation

Join adventurers from around the world at the Copenhagen airport to board our group flight to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Akademik Shokalskiy, equipped with a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, lies at anchor in the harbor ready for embarkation.
Day 2 - Sisimiut

Sisimiut harbor, ice free all-year found, presents the first opportunity for kayakers to paddle. While they enjoy the pristine water, other adventurers explore 5,000 years of human habitation on the world's largest island. Visit the archaeological remains of the Saqqaq or may take photos of the Old Town of Sisimiut, with colonial buildings that date from the 18th and 19th centuries. A range of activity levels are offered during this expedition itinerary, so if you prefer a spirited hike to a leisurely stroll that is accommodated.
Day 3 - Qeqetarsuaq, Disko Island

Disko Island has a volcanic past. Tall basalt walls enclose magnificent valleys full of colorful flowers. Our naturalists guide ashore, introducing unique flora and fauna. There are excellent hiking opportunities. Some of the coastal trails offer fantastic views of the sea, where massive icebergs float. Just outside the village of Qeqetarsuaq, the University of Copenhagen maintains an Arctic Research Station.
Day 4 - Upernavik

Cruise through the Upernavik area. Watch for whales. The little storm bird, the Fulmar Petrel, will be our loyal companion as it follows the ship. During our landing, visit the Colonial Period open-air museum where you learn about traditional methods of whaling. Hikers can cross tundra carpeted with wildflowers. Birders will enjoy a Zodiac cruise to Apparsuit, site of the largest seabird colony on the west coast, where tens of thousands of Thick-billed Guillemot nest.
Day 5 - Kullorsuaq, Melville Bay

At the entrance to Melville Bay be sure to be on deck as you pass "the Devil's Thumb", a distinctive rock pillar that rises 540 meters (590 yards) from the flats near the village of Kullorsuaq. Our expedition itinerary directs us across the 400 kilometer (248.5 mile) long bay. We are in polar bear territory here. The Expedition Team keeps a constant watch. They announce any sightings via the ship's public address system. We also have good chances to spot seal and seabirds.
Day 6-8 - Dundas Mountain and Qaanaaq

We pass Meteor Island and Avannaarsuaq, en route to Thule's largest village, Savissivik. In Greenlandic, Savissivik means "the place for sharpening your knife." This refers to the iron meteorite that many thousands of years ago struck the area. Generations of Inuit have laboriously chipped off small pieces of this rock and used it for arrowheads and knives.

Knud Rasmussen changed the economy of the people living in range of Dundas Mountain when he established a trading post there. At Qaanaaq, the world's northernmost municipality, explore contemporary Greenlandic culture. Enjoy hikes, cultural demonstrations and moments of contemplation at the northern edge of the inhabited world.
Day 9-10 - Cape York, Melville Bay

Cruise southward back across Melville Bay, passing Cape York. While at sea, the Expedition Team delivers illustrated presentations about the history of Greenland. No history of Greenland is complete without mention of Erik the Red and the Vikings. Travelers learn the language of ice. On deck, the secrets of bird identification are revealed.
Day 11 - Uummannaq

Uumannaq is a picturesque island village that sits at the foot of a heart-shaped mountain. The island lies at the center of an area where immense icebergs float towards the Davis Strait. During the cruise itinerary you may see local hunters slice their just-caught harp seals.

Between the hiking, kayaking, conviviality in the bar, and the hearty meals served during this expedition, the Expedition Team delivers illustrated presentations about ice, wildlife and whaling. By the time Shokalskiy reaches Ukkusissat, the work of Alfred Wegener and his 'contintental drift' theory will be familiar to all aboard.
Day 12 - Saqqaq and Equip Sermia

Shokalskiy cruises the edge of Eqip Sermia Glacier for 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). Eqip Sermia is one of the fastest moving glaciers in the world, traveling approximately 30 meters (98 feet) per day. You should be on deck to watch for the birth of icebergs, calved from the massive ice front. Zodiacs are deployed for ocean-level cruising and the opportunity to take remarkable photographs.
Day 13 - Ilulissat

UNESCO has designated this area a World Heritage Site, because the Jakobshavn Glacier calves more icebergs than any other in the Northern Hemisphere. As Akademik Shokalskiy steams up the fjord, the Captain will navigate expertly around young icebergs. Exploring the community of Ilulissat, travelers are introduced to 20th century explorer Knud Rassmussen, a national hero and local son.
Day 14 - Itilleq

The southward expedition itinerary includes a landing at the village of Itilleq. A local villager welcomes you and provides an insider's glimpse into the daily lives of Itilleq's 130 inhabitants. Greenland is home to more than 500 plants, including five orchids. Through your binoculars, as we sail through Sondrestromfjord you may easily see Evergreen, Roseroot, several species of Louseworth and other Arctic plants like Saxifrage and Arctic Poppies.
Day 16 - Copenhagen

Arrive in Copenhagen. Extend your stay, we have a variety packages from which to choose.
Day 15 - Kangerlussuaq: Disembarkation and flight to Copenhagen

Disembarking in the early morning, we spend the day exploring the area before transferring to the airport for the overnight group flight to Copenhagen.