Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights Itinerary

Starting in

Reykjavik, Iceland

Physical Difficulty

2 / 5

Breakfasts included

Lunches included

Dinners included

Ending in

Reykjavik, Iceland

Accommodation

Expedition Ship (9 nights), comfortable hotel (1 nights)

Transport

Ship , Zodiac , plane

Explore some of the last unspoiled wilderness areas in the world on this 11-day adventure to Northeast Greenland through the Arctic Circle. Cruise along the remote northeast coast – home to the most extensive fjord system in the world – on the Ultramarine and discover diverse and dramatically rugged landscapes. If you’re lucky, you’ll cap off your days of Arctic exploration with a night-time show of the dramatic Aurora Borealis – yes, the Northern Lights are regularly visible here! On this trip, you’ll learn about Greenlandic culture firsthand at Ittoqqortoormiit, visit ancient Thule sites steeped in history and marvel at the majesty of massive icebergs set against their mountain backdrops. Look out for migrating whales, seabirds, seals, polar bears and muskoxen along the way – your handy expedition team are always there to ensure you’re getting the best wildlife spotting opportunities.

Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland

Velkominn! Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, the capital and largest city in the country, backdropped by the Esjan mountain range. When you arrive, check in to your hotel and then enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe visit the National or Saga Museum and learn about Iceland’s Viking history, or stroll around the colourful homes searching for the perfect bar or brewery. If you have time, why not visit the famous Blue Lagoon spa near Grindavik village and snap a photo in the striking blue waters.  

Day 2: Embarkation in Reykjavik

You have some free time this morning – maybe try a typical Icelandic breakfast of hafragrautur (thick oatmeal), skyr (yoghurt) with jam and bread with butter and cod liver oil. This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition aboard the Ultramarine. You’ll meet your leader and expedition team on the ship and go through what to expect for your upcoming adventure.  

Day 3: Cruising at Sea

Cruise north across the Denmark Strait, enjoying the views of Greenland in the distance. Your expedition team will prepare you for the adventures that await with a few short lectures and a safety briefing. Learn about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, as well as its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate from your onboard experts. They will also highlight some of the incredible sights you’ll soon explore. The team will always be on hand and in search for the seabirds who fly around your ship, as well as the whales that frequent the waters.

Day 4-8: Exploring Northeast Greenland

During your tour of Greenland’s remote northeast coast over the next few days, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen, as 40 per cent of the world’s population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park! At the entrance of the sound is East Greenland’s most northerly community, Ittoqqortoormiit, where you may spend time interacting with the Inuit people and learning about their way of life. You may also have a chance to see the Northern Lights here if the skies are clear. Magnificent vistas await at Kong Oscar Fjord, with possible landings at Ella – renowned for its rugged cliffs and flower-rich Botanikerbugt on Ymer.

Day 9-10: Cruising at Sea Southbound - Denmark Strait - Arctic Circle

As your Arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by your onboard experts and share your photos while you sip on icy cocktails in the bar. With the many activities available during your time at sea, you can also head to the theatre-style auditorium and watch a movie or get cosy in the spa. Your expedition team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.

Day 11: Reykjavik, Iceland

You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, where your journey comes to an end. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, you’ll take a transfer to central downtown. If you’d like to extend your stay in Iceland, just make sure to speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Highlights

With your expert expedition team by your side, spend time on the deck of your ship – the Ultramarine – and look out for Arctic wildlife like polar bears, seabirds, whales, muskoxen and seals.

Look up as much as you can – there’s a high possibility of spotting the Northern Lights in Northeast Greenland! This incredible natural sight is sure to be a memory you hold forever.

Cruise on Zodiac boats for daily onshore landings to small villages, where you can hike the tundra, visit Inuit communities and explore the breathtaking scenery.

Soak in the striking landscapes of Kong Oscar Fjord, the autumn colours of the Bay of Flowers and the vast icebergs on the Bear Islands.

Take all the opportunities to relax and recharge while at sea, with Ultramarine’s many luxurious amenities – grab a drink in the bar, dine in the restaurant, catch a movie at the theatre-style auditorium or get a wellness hit at the sauna and spa.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Finish point

Important information

In 2025 this trip will be onboard the Ocean Explorer ship.
In 2026 this trip is onboard the Ultramarine ship.

This trip starts and finishes in Reykjavic, Iceland

Your voyage is operated by our polar partner, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.

BOOKING CONDITIONS
To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.
Please refer to the "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions

ADVENTURE OPTIONS
Kayaking and Day Paddle are available activities to book on this trip. These activities must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. Some previous, recent experience is essential for kayaking.

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your expedition team or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please contact your agent or adventure specialist, or visit us at http://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local operator on the number below.

Quark Expeditions: +1 647 449 5303

Is this trip right for you

As you’d expect, temperatures in the Arctic are very cold. A warm parka will be provided along with waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the Essential Trip Information for further important details about what to bring.

Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships also have a lot of stairs.

The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area.

Why we love it

With your expert expedition team by your side, spend time on the deck of your ship – the Ultramarine – and look out for Arctic wildlife like polar bears, seabirds, whales, muskoxen and seals., Look up as much as you can – there’s a high possibility of spotting the Northern Lights in Northeast Greenland! This incredible natural sight is sure to be a memory you hold forever., Cruise on Zodiac boats for daily onshore landings to small villages, where you can hike the tundra, visit Inuit communities and explore the breathtaking scenery., Soak in the striking landscapes of Kong Oscar Fjord, the autumn colours of the Bay of Flowers and the vast icebergs on the Bear Islands., Take all the opportunities to relax and recharge while at sea, with Ultramarine’s many luxurious amenities – grab a drink in the bar, dine in the restaurant, catch a movie at the theatre-style auditorium or get a wellness hit at the sauna and spa.

Group leader

Your voyage will be led by an experienced Expedition Leader. In addition, a number of experts will be on board to add knowledge of their field to your experience. This will include a Marine Biologist, Ornithologist, Glaciologist or Geologist, Polar Historian, Kayaking guide and Naturalist guides. Voyages offering other adventure activities will have additional specialist guides on board.

Safety

Safety is paramount on a your voyage. Due to new International Security Regulations, you will not be able to approach the ship on your own. You will have to arrive with the rest of the group, accompanied by a Quark representative. Full details of embarkation/disembarkation procedures will be supplied with your final documentation. On board you will be asked to participate in the obligatory lifeboat drill. We will also conduct important briefings on landing procedures and Zodiac operations.

Travelling in the Arctic, encounters with Polar Bears are not uncommon in some areas (and one of the best reasons to go there). You will be given a briefing on Polar Bear safety on board the ship before your first shore landing. Your guides will carry fire arms and bear deterrents on all excursions. Always follow the instructions of your guide while on shore.

All ships operating in Polar waters must comply with a variety of regulations, codes and industry standards. All our ships adhere to regulations set by IMO (International Maritime Organisation) including ISM Code (Safety Management System), ISPS Code (for ship and port security), SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (Maritime Pollution Prevention). In addition, Quark Expeditions is a full member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) and a full member of AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators).

Quark Expeditions have also been externally audited for its' health and safety programme and have been awarded the British Standard BS8848, the only expedition cruise company to have this accreditation.

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Last modified (date)

Validity

Additional Information

Health

Vaccination requirements do change, but generally you do not need vaccinations for this voyage but some may be required or recommended for countries you are visiting enroute to the Arctic.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain any vaccinations or preventative medicines for the countries you are visiting – or any which may be required by your home country upon your return. To find out which, if any, vaccinations are mandatory or recommended for your destination contact your local doctor, immunisation centre or medical centre for up-to-date information. You should be issued with an International Certificate of Vaccination booklet that records each vaccination. Always carry this with you on your travels; it could provide essential information for doctors in the event that you fall ill whilst travelling.

MOTION SICKNESS
Although our vessels are among the most stable ships in their class, we will still inevitably encounter motion. Unless you are certain you are impervious to the problem, you should take precautions against seasickness. Your doctor can advise you as to the best methods for avoiding this uncomfortable condition.

There will be a licensed English-speaking physician on board. Your vessel will have a medical clinic with a limited supply of prescription medicines and basic first aid equipment. The clinic will not be stocked with every drug or piece of equipment required for every medical problem. If you are under regular treatment for any ailment, you must bring a sufficient supply of medicines for yourself. We cannot accept responsibility for not having a specific brand or type of drug on board. It is wise to carry an extra week’s supply of prescription medications just in case of flight delays or other unforeseen circumstances. If you have particular health needs, please bring with you a signed and dated letter from your physician explaining your health problems and/or the dosage required for the prescribed medication. The letter will assist our doctor on board, and any emergency medical personnel to care for you should you become ill. Please hand the letter to the expedition doctor once you are on board.

Food and dietary requirements

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining room. Hours of operation will be posted and are subject to change to accommodate the expedition. Coffee, tea and cocoa are available around the clock. The tap water on board is safe to drink.
We're able to meet most special dietary requests, as long as you have clearly indicated your requirements far in advance of your voyage. Kosher food cannot be prepared.

Money matters

All services onboard your ship such as communication charges, laundry, and bar charges will be added to your onboard account and are charged in US dollars. Your account can be paid with US dollars cash, traveller’s cheques or by Visa or MasterCard.

Outside of the start or end point of your expedition, cash will be of most use in the Arctic. In Svalbard, Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, credit cards are not readily accepted and ATM’s are virtually non-existent. On voyages that visit local towns and villages, there is the opportunity to buy souvenirs and some villages have thriving art scenes with local artisans selling their wares. In addition, some museums and sites charge entry fees and in some locations, you may wish to buy food and drink (although the meals on the ship are very good and plentiful).

TIPPING
The voyage fare does not include the customary, optional gratuity which is divided between the ships' crew, and hospitality staff. We suggest US$13 - US$15 per day as a guide. Any tip for the Expedition Team is extra to this and is at your discretion. Gratuities can be added to your onboard account at the end of the voyage or paid in cash on board. Full details will be provided before you settle your onboard account.

The main bank, Grønlandsbanken readily exchange traveller's cheques for a commission of around US$5 and offer cash advances on Visa and MasterCard. Major credit cards are accepted in tourist resorts and restaurants and hotels. Larger towns in West Greenland now have ATMs that recognise all major foreign plastic. In small towns and remote communities, it will be essential to have cash as there will be no ATM's and credit cards are less likely to be accepted.

GREENLAND
The currency in Greenland is the Danish Krone

MEALS NOT INCLUDED
We recommend you allow US$100 per person for meals not included in the itinerary

When it comes to money matters on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities, tipping and laundry. It's always better to bring a little more than you think you'll need.

Also make sure you've read your trip details thoroughly so you know what's included in the trip price and what isn't. this shoud make budgeting a little easier. You'll find this info in the Inclusions section of your Essential Trip Information (that's this document).

What to take

The Arctic usually has - relatively - mild weather conditions in high summer. Temperatures below -5ºC are not common (although wind-chill factor can significantly add to the effect.) As a result, you should not need to make many expensive specialist gear purchases, although you do need good wet weather pants and you do need warm clothing. Wet weather jacket and boots are supplied on board the ship. On shore we do aim to provide hiking and walking opportunities whenever possible, so a reasonable pair of walking shoes or boots is suggested.

The dress code on board is relaxed and casual; you will not need to dress formally for meals. The inside of the ship is well heated, so you will not require special clothing on board. Indeed, you could spend most of your time in light trousers and a t-shirt! However, it is not unusual for you to want to go out on deck suddenly - a whale sighting, or seals on a nearby ice-floe or hopefully a polar bear - nearly always produce a major exodus, so you need to keep warm clothing handy at all times, even when a shore excursion is not imminent. When you do go ashore you will require warm clothing - a few layers of light and medium-weight items which can be easily adjusted rather than one or two large and bulky items - and wet weather gear to protect you from the spray which can sometimes be encountered on the Zodiacs.

Below is a list of equipment and documentation that we suggest you take with you. Please use this checklist as a guide when packing for your holiday. Laundry facilities are available on board the ship.

Travel documents: passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, air tickets or e-ticket receipts, Trip Notes
Photocopy of main passport pages, visa (if required), travel insurance and air tickets
Spare passport photos
Money: cash/credit card/EFTPOS card
Money belt (for travelling en route)
Small first-aid kit
Ecologically friendly laundry soap
Daypack (lightweight and waterproof)
Watch/alarm clock and torch/flashlight (and spare batteries)
Electrical adapter plug
Toiletries/travel wipes
Sunscreen, lip balm, moisturising cream, sunhat and sunglasses (with UV protection)
Swimsuit (in case you wish to take the Polar Plunge)
Earplugs and eye mask (for light sleepers)
Extra pair of prescription glasses (if required)
2 strong plastic garbage bags (for laundry and in case of rain)
Refillable water bottle
Phrase book (if travelling en route to ship)
Gloves (2 pairs minimum)
Hat that covers ears
Scarf or other face protection
Wind and waterproof pants (a few sizes larger)
Warm pants
Comfortable shoes
Long wool or cotton socks (for expeditions)
Silk or polypropylene socks (for inside the ship)
Jumpers/sweaters/fleeces
Cotton turtlenecks and t-shirts
Camera and spare film (or recharge for digital cameras)
Plastic bags with zippers for carrying film, etc
Binoculars

Your prescritpion medication, seasickness medication and painkillers, LUGGAGE ALLOWANCES:
Please note luggage allowances on the flights in conjunction with this voyage are restricted to 15 kilos checked baggage and 5 kilos hand luggage. This will be strictly enforced. There is no option to purchase additional baggage allowance.

Climate and seasonal

A couple of rules

Accommodation notes

Transport notes

Travel insurance

Your voyage fare includes Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person. However, it is essential that you have comprehensive personal travel insurance in addition to this to cover all other eventualities.

For itineraries including flights, it is essential that you have insurance that covers for delays caused by weather.

Quark Expeditions will make every effort to ensure the expedition takes place, but due to weather conditions, flying in this region can be difficult and is beyond the control of Quark Expeditions and Intrepid Travel. We strongly recommend that all expedition guests purchase a travel insurance policy including trip delay, cancellation and interruption insurance.

Your fellow travellers

Single occupancy is available in most cabin categories for 1.7 or 2 times the twin berth price (dependent on which cabin category). Single travellers wishing to share will be matched with another solo traveller of the same sex. Please note that it is not possible to share with a stranger in all cabin types. Please speak to a consultant for full details.

Itinerary disclaimer

Polar travel requires an amount of flexibility as weather, ice conditions and wildlife can all affect where your ship is able to access, and where your Expedition Team think you will get the best experience possible from your trip. On board, daily updates are given to advise what the specific itinerary will be for the next day based on local conditions. Published itineraries are subject to change when local conditions dictate.