Under The Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland
with Quark Expeditions
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$13,995
|
Days
14
|
Nights
13
|
PRICE FROM | DURATION | |
---|---|---|
USD
$13,995
|
Days
14
|
Nights
13
|
Introduction
Explore two of the last unspoiled wilderness areas on the planet, cruising along Iceland’s mountainous Vestfjords and Greenland’s remote northeast coast, home to the largest fjords system in the world.
You’ll discover diverse and dramatically rugged landscapes in rich iconic arctic wildlife. Immersed in the untamed beauty of the Arctic, you’ll experience Inuit culture firsthand at Ittoqqortoormiit, visit ancient Thule sites steeped in history, and marvel at the majesty of massive icebergs and towering bird cliffs. If you’re lucky, you may also catch sight of the spectacular northern lights dancing across the sky.
Highlights include: Being immersed in the untamed beauty of the Arctic, experiencing Inuit culture firsthand at Ittoqqortoormiit, ancient Thule sites steeped in history, and marvel at the majesty of massive icebergs and towering bird cliffs. If you’re lucky, you may also catch sight of the spectacular northern lights dancing across the sky.
Your Ship: The Quark Expeditions fleet never exceed more than 200 passengers per vessel, which gives guests the best polar experience on a smaller ship. Their ice strengthened vessels are built for challenging polar environments, taking you to places ordinary cruise companies wouldn’t dream of going.
Ocean Adventurer: Has long been a favourite among guests with ample outdoor deck space, numerous cosy spots to socialize onboard, plus the outdoor jacuzzi.
Arctic Itineraries:
Please enquire about other itineraries in this region.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrive in the Icelandic capital in the morning and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the day to explore the city on your own.
Day 2 : Reykjavik
This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!
Day 3 : Exploring the Vestfjords
Each region of Iceland has its own appeal for nature, bird and history lovers, and the little-visited Vestfjords (Westfjords), where the land meets the sea in the most dramatic fashion, is no exception. Exploring this rugged peninsula at the country’s remote northwestern tip offers awe-inspiring vistas of mountains, fjords and towering cliffs. If lucky and conditions allow, you might cruise along Latrabjarg, Europe’s largest bird cliff, teeming with puffins, razorbills, guillemots and more. Another possible destination is the quaint island of Flatey, where a replica of Iceland’s largest medieval manuscript, Flateyjarbok, can be viewed in the library. The church here features murals symbolizing life on the island, including one of Jesus wearing a classic Icelandic sweater.
Day 4 : At Sea
As we cruise north across the Denmark Strait, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. The team will also search for the seabirds soaring around your ship, as well as the whales that frequent the waters here.
Days 5 – 12 : Exploring Northeast Greenland
During your tour of Greenland’s remote northeast coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen, as 40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park. Sailing through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs, you’ll immediately see why some say it’s the most beautiful fjord system on the planet. Sites such as Frederiksdal and Sydkap offer opportunities to explore the colourful tundra and the remains of ancient Thule settlements. 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. Deeper in the sound, Rode Oya offers a picturesque locale for admiring the beauty of sky-blue bergs set against striking red sandstone cliffs. Magnificent vistas also await at Kong Oscar Fjord, with possible landings at Ella Oya, renowned for its rugged cliffs and ice-choked waters, and flower-rich Botanikerbugt, on Ymer Oya (Ymer Island).
Day 13 : At Sea
As your arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by our onboard experts, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie – there are many activities during your time at sea. Your Expedition Team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.
Day 14 : Depart Reykjavik, Iceland
You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey.
Important Reminder
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife encounters as described are expected but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not a guarantee.
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Pricing
Pricing (per person), USD
TYPE |
TWIN from |
SINGLE from |
EXTRA from |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | |||
20 Sept – Ocean Adventurer | |||
Lower Deck Twin |
US$13,995 |
||
Main Deck Porthole |
US$15,695 |
||
Main Deck Window |
US$17,195 |
||
Superior |
US$18,895 |
||
Deluxe |
US$18,895 |
||
Suite | Sold Out | ||
Please enquire for other cabin categories |
Special Offer
Save 25%!
Save 25% on the 20 September 2024 departure.
Plus:
• Save an additional 10% if you pay in full at the time of booking! This saving is deducted from the voyage price before any other discounts are applied.
The offer is valid on new bookings only and is subject to availability. Savings apply to the voyage fare only (exclusive of any mandatory transfer package).
Quark Expeditions has the right to limit, change or discontinue this promotion at any time without notice. Savings are non-transferable nor do they have cash value.
Departs
2024 |
20 September |
Included
• Leadership throughout your voyage by experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising
• All shore landings
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
• All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board
• Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa (onboard)
• Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
• A photographic journal documenting the expedition
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
• An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
• Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
• All service taxes and port charges throughout the program
• All luggage handling aboard the ship
• Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
• Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax
• One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavik
• Group transfer from the Reykjavik hotel to the ship on Day 2
• Group transfer from the ship to downtown Reykjavik on disembarkation day
Not Included
• International airfares
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Passport and visa expenses
• Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
• Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
• Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance – strongly recommended
• Excess-baggage fees on international flights
• Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
• Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified
• Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
• Gratuities
• Additional overnight accommodation
• Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Gratuity
• Gratuities are voluntary and can be given at the end of your cruise
• We recommend that you budget US$10 to US$15 per person per day, if you are pleased with the service on board
Important Notes
• Baggage allowance on charter flight is 20 kg checked and 5 kg carry-on
• Single cabin prices available on request
Please refer to World Journeys terms & conditions
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