South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic
South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic
South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic
13 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting: Nuuk, The Westlands, Cape Farewell, Lindenow Fjord
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PLT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 199
Age range:
18-99
Interests:
Tour Overview
Developed in partnership with local communities—a first of its kind in expedition travel—this itinerary offers unprecedented opportunities to explore the majesty of South Greenland’s diverse fjordlands. Ultramarine’s two helicopters will take you to areas in South Greenland that others can’t reach, especially for off–ship excursions. Some of these, such as our Heli Hiking and the Greenland Ice Sheet Experience, are included for all guests, who can also enjoy hikes, community visits and Zodiac cruises.
This voyage—accessible to guests of all fitness levels—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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start 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
Location: Nuuk
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 3 - 5 : From Nuuk To The Westlands
Location: Nuuk
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 breath-taking 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 Brattahlíð, Erik the Red’s estate, once the epicentre of the Greenland Norse Eastern Settlement.
Day 6 - 8 : Arctic Patagonia
Location: Cape Farewell
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 100–km 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 70–km 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.
Day 9 - 11 : The Wild East & Journey Back To Nuuk (Northbound)
Location: Lindenow Fjord
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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, Flight To Reykjavik
Location: Nuuk
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 neighbourhood 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, Iceland
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Meals
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners. -
All meals while on the ship
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Beer and house wine during dinner
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All accommodation
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All transport and listed activities
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Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff
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Mandatory transfer package including return charter flights between Toronto and Kangerlussuaq
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Visas or vaccinations
Food
All meals while on the ship included.
Typical Meals
The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale.
Breakfast: Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.
Lunch: Three course set meal, or the occasional buffet or BBQ.
Dinner: Three courses with a starter of soup, salad or anti-pasto, a choice of three mains with at least one vegetarian and one seafood option and a dessert of sweet pudding or ice cream or fruit, tea and coffee.
Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so that our local team can be well prepared.
Accommodation
The South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic voyage is offered on the Ultramarine which is a Polar Adventure Ship.
Polar Adventure Ships
These are small ice rated vessels well qualified for Polar waters. Intimate adventures are always more enjoyable with like-minded passengers and staff, so these voyages are for people who like flexible itineraries and plenty to keep them busy. Activities include frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking and many hours on deck in areas that other ships only dream about accessing. Food and staff are superb and every guest benefits from the technical advances of this superb fleet. Rest assured our Polar Adventure Ships enable any traveller to maximize their experience sensitively in the Poles.
Mode of Transport
Travel on a small expedition vessel with included Heli Hiking and Flightseeing adventures. The tour includes mandatory transfer packages with return charter flights between Toronto and Kangerlussuaq, ensuring seamless travel throughout the journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of ship will we be traveling on during the South Greenland Adventure?
The South Greenland Adventure is offered on the Ultramarine, which is a Polar Adventure Ship. These are small ice-rated vessels well qualified for Polar waters, designed for intimate adventures with flexible itineraries and a variety of activities.
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What kind of activities can we expect during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect activities such as heli hiking, flightseeing, Zodiac excursions, trekking, and exploring the Greenland Ice Sheet. There are also opportunities for cultural experiences with local partners, visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites, and engaging in community experiences.
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Are meals included during the tour?
Yes, all meals while on the ship are included. The ship's galley offers good quality service and cuisine with international menus, including vegetarian options. Meals include buffet-style breakfasts, three-course lunches, and dinners with a variety of options.
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Will there be opportunities to interact with local communities?
Yes, there will be opportunities to engage with local communities, such as visiting the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site, experiencing South Greenland hospitality in Qassiarsuk, and interacting with Southern Greenlanders in villages like Aappilattoq.
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What wildlife might we see during the tour?
During the tour, you may have the chance to see marine mammals such as humpback whales and possibly rare sightings of polar bears. The fjords are frequented by these animals, especially as the seas bring nutrients to the surface.
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What is the significance of the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site is significant for its living history lesson in Viking farming. It represents the intersection of Inuit and Viking cultures, and guests can explore the remains and replicas of Brattahlíð, Erik the Red’s estate.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.