South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic

South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic itinerary is designed for travelers seeking to explore the majestic fjords, glaciers and mountains of South Greenland. This itinerary offers guests one-of-a-kind excursions exclusive to Quark Expeditions some of them only made possible by our ship, the technologically-advanced Ultramarine, which is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters. On this journey, you can be as active as you like, or you can opt for more relaxing, immersive experiences.
This voyage is accessible to guests of all fitness levels and offers something for everyone, whether you're interested in soaking up the serene mountain views, sailing through the icebergs on a Zodiac cruise, or trying optional activities such as heli-hiking or camping in style on the shores of Tasermiut Fjord with local hosts.

Day 1 Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrive in the Icelandic capital and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the rest of the day to explore the city on your own.

Day 2 Fly to Nuuk
In the morning after breakfast, guests and their luggage will be transferred to the airport for their charter flight to the Greenlandic capital of Nuuk. This picturesque city of 17,000 is situated on a fjord with the Sermitsiaq mountain in the background. Upon arrival, guests will be transferred to their ship.

Days 3 to 5 From Nuuk to the Westlands
Today, we'll head south along the spectacular west coast of Greenland on our way to the The Westlands. Following in the footsteps of the Greenlandic Norse into the Western fjords, it's easy to appreciate why Erik the Red chose this land as his home and gave Greenland its name: every direction you look rewards visitors with vistas of blue, ice strewn waters set against a breathtaking backdrop of lush, verdant valleys and pastures bursting with blooms.
Unique to Greenland, and indeed the entire Arctic, warm microclimates deep in the fjords have created a surprisingly fertile Arctic Garden of Eden. South Greenlandic farming traditions dating back to Viking days are still kept alive. Many families work their remote sheep farms along the shores of the fjords, their lives very much attuned to the seasons as they produce a variety of organic home grown produce (such as potatoes, turnips and kale).
Also in the West, we find the perfect access points to the Greenland Ice Sheet, which we'll reach by helicopter. You'll enjoy the most incredible views of the largest mass of ice in the northern hemisphere and second largest in the world, flowing from the heights of the polar plateau to sea level. Become one of the very few people to ever set foot on this incredible body of ice during our included Greenland Ice Sheet Experience. Over these two days you will have the opportunity to explore the Ice Sheet, hike the surrounding foothills, cruise or paddle through the azure ice-filled waters, and engage with our local friends and partners during the most meaningful and in-depth community experiences offered on any Quark Expeditions voyage.
Guests will learn more about the history and culture of this region at the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a living history lesson in Viking farming. We hope to offer you the opportunity to visit charming Qassiarsuk, a small sheep farming settlement across the fjord from Narsarsuaq, where you can experience true South Greenland hospitality and gain insight into the fascinating lives of sheep farmers living at the edge of the Ice Sheet. We suggest you take time to explore the remains and replicas of Brattahlio, Erik the Red's estate, once the epicenter of the Greenland Norse Eastern Settlement.

Days 6 to 8 Arctic Patagonia
The stunning maze of fjords, sounds, islets, inlets and skerries (rocky islands) in and around Cape Farewell (Nunap Isua) at Greenland's most southern tip possesses its own particular magic. Transiting the 100km long Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq) one of the world's most scenic fjords will be truly unforgettable. Guests can then look forward to dramatic mountain and seascapes with glaciers tumbling down to down to the sea, and stunning vistas around every corner. Inhabiting this domain are Southern Greenlanders living on the frontier, a people as unique as the landscape they call home. This is where the migrating hunting peoples from the east finally settled around the European trading posts.
The few villages in this southern region have gained a level of fame thanks to the inhabitants who remain steadfastly faithful to their hunting and fishing heritage. We hope to visit Aappilattoq, perched on the shores of Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq), to introduce you to our friends and partners there. We hope to offer you the opportunity to listen to their stories, hear their music, taste their food, learn about their hunting traditions, and perhaps even join a friendly game of soccer as a player or spectator.
If you are looking for the most iconic peaks of South Greenland, you'll be in your glory when we reach the Tasermiut Fjord in the heart of what's known as Arctic Patagonia, where guests can sign up for overnight camping (with local hosts) along the 70km fjord. Marvel at the impressive Sermeq glacier at its head with rivers of ice tumbling almost down to sea level, and the imposing peaks of Nalumasortoq and Ulamertorsuaq dominating the skyline, making for the most scenic backdrops to your hike or helicopter enabled excursions.

Days 9 to 11 The Wild East & Journey Back to Nuuk (Northbound)
We set out for the wild fjords of the uninhabited east coast, one of which is Lindenow Fjord, also known by its Greenlandic name, Kangerlussuatsiaq. Thousands of years ago, groups of paleo Inuit hunters and fishermen made their home in these isolated fjords, living off the land and surviving mostly on the resources the sea provided, before European explorers and the subsequent establishment of settlements prompted one of the biggest waves of migration in Greenland. Traces of these once proud peoples can still be found today against the backdrop of cascading glaciers and steep walled mountains.
These fjords are frequented by marine mammals. Rare sightings of polar bears are possible, as they drift down from the north on sea ice floes propelled by the East Greenland current. Humpback whales are often sighted when entering fjords as the shallowing seas bring an upwelling of nutrients to the surface. While we keep our eyes peeled for wildlife, the magnificent alpine terrain invites us to explore by sea, land and air to immerse ourselves completely in the remote icescapes of the region. The wild east is ideal for heli landings and hiking, paddle excursions, Zodiac cruises and shore landings.

Day 12 Disembarkation, Explore Nuuk, Fly to Reykjavik
After breakfast, guests will be transferred from the pier to the town. You'll have time to wander the streets of the historic Old Nuuk neighborhood and see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede statue near the waterfront. You will also have an opportunity to visit the Greenland National Museum & Archives to view the collections and exhibitions and to better understand Greenland's cultural heritage, such as the significance of the kayak, which is Greenland's national symbol and can be traced back over 4,000 years. There will also be an opportunity to visit the famous 500-year-old Greenlandic mummies.
After a half-day of exploring Nuuk, guests will meet at a designated spot in town for the transfer to the airport for their charter flight to Reykjavik.

Day 13 Depart Reykjavik
After a restful night at your included hotel, make your way to Keflavik international for your onward flight, or continue your independent explorations of Reykjavik at your leisure.