Expedition Itinerary - West Greenland Explorer

(August 6 - 14, 2010) Get a taste for Greenland during this 9-day cruise itinerary. Immerse yourself in icebergs, wildlife and the distinct culture of the island’s indigenous people. Cruise in Zodiacs. You can paddle a kayak, hike or stroll. Cover 5,000 years of human history during this expedition itinerary.

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. The compact vessel is your floating base camp for cruising under the midnight sun.
Day 2 - Sisimiut

Sisimiut harbor presents the first opportunity for kayakers to put their paddles in the water. 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 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 cruise 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. Some of the coastal hiking trails offer fantastic views of the sea, where massive icebergs float. Just outside the village of Qeqetarsuaq, the University of Copenhagen maintains the Arctic Research Station.
Day 4 - Uummannaq/Ukkusissat

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 our visit you may see local hunters slice their just-caught harp seals. Between the hiking, kayaking, conviviality in the bar, and the fabulous meals served during this expedition, the Expedition Team delivers illustrated presentations about ice and whales. By the time Shokalskiy reaches Ukkusissat, the work of Alfred Wegener and his 'continental drift' theory will be familiar to all aboard. The scientist lost his life during a rescue attempt and the world lost a fearless original thinker.
Day 5 - 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 will be deployed for ocean-level cruising and photography.
Day 6 - 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 cruises the fjord, the Captain navigates 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 7 - Itilleq

The southward cruise itinerary includes a landing at the village of Itilleq. A local villager welcomes us 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, sailing through Sondrestromfjord you may easily see Evergreen, Roseroot, several species of Louseworth and other Arctic plants like Saxifrage and Arctic Poppies.
Day 8 - Kangerlussuaq: Disembarkation and flight to Copenhagen

Disembarking in the early morning, spend the day exploring the area before transferring to the airport for our overnight group flight to Copenhagen.
Day 9 - Copenhagen

Arrive in Copenhagen. Extend your stay. We have a variety of packages from which to choose.