Explore the Glaciers of Greenland with Atlas

Summertime in Greenland brings a short burst of excitement and activities. As the snow slides away, the island’s landscape is revealed in a brand-new light. The mountains go from white to green, as waterfalls trickle down their sides to meet melting bodies of water. Sea ice breaks up and the fjords are decorated with magnificent floating icebergs. Flowers bloom and more wildlife comes out to play, birds fill the sky and the seas become alive with sights of whales and fish. The days get long – they even never end in some places, letting you experience the magical Midnight Sun – making summer the best time to explore this vast island located in the North Atlantic Ocean. 

One of the best ways to explore this land, so unlike any other, is by a small ship, like the luxurious World Voyager™, one of the most advanced and purpose-built expedition yachts. This Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified vessel features  3D forward-looking sonar technology to detect underwater hazards, obstacles, and shallows which enables the yacht to navigate ice floats, fjords, harbours, and even rivers for convenient access to sightseeing and explorations ashore. Your Captain will expertly navigate ice floes, icebergs and changing sea and weather conditions to ensure you experience the most from your expedition. Each day is a new adventure filled with a spontaneous sense of exploration as your Captain works with our expedition team to determine possible shore landings and Zodiac safaris, escorted by expert field guides,  in search of breaching whales or sunbathing seals. You can even take the polar plunge into the Arctic from the yacht. You will also call on more modern destinations, like the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík, or Nuuk, the largest city in Greenland. Immersive excursions to national museums, local markets and natural spas reveal how human culture carves out a flourishing existence amidst nature’s majestic fjords and glaciers. 

Every Polar Expedition includes a FREE Cultural Immersion that takes you beyond the usual, allowing you to explore the rich cultures, history and landscapes of destinations you are visiting, with immersions that bring delightful local experiences. Atlas’ expedition leaders, guest lecturers, researchers and other experts in their fields guide and educate you throughout your expedition, immersing you in the remote destinations visited, bringing you closer to extraordinary wildlife and landscapes. They will also guide you on kayaking excursions. 

Find an overview of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ popular Greenland itinerary below: 

Glaciers of Greenland
10 nights from Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq aboard World Voyager™
August 5, 2024

Reykjavík, Iceland
In the southwest of Iceland near Faxaflói Bay lies the capital city, Reykjavík, simultaneously cosmopolitan and charming. The human scaled colourful houses paired with friendly locals create an atmosphere that will make you want to stay longer. Explore Hallgrímskirkja, the striking concrete church, the tallest one in Iceland, measuring 74.5 metres (244 feet) and towering over the centre of Reykjavík. It houses the largest organ in the country. Kaleidoscopic views await you at the Harpa Concert Hall, a glittering, glass structure that perfectly exemplifies Iceland’s modern design and will fascinate your inner architect. Don’t miss one of Iceland’s most prominent landmarks, the Perlan, originally a group of hot water tanks that was converted to a building that now hosts an exhibition, planetarium, restaurant and observation deck, located atop Öskjuhlíð hill. Recharge at the geothermal Blue Lagoon Spa, rich in silica, algae, and minerals, and named one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic. 

Grundarfjörður, Iceland
Amid the wondrous features of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula lies the small town of Grundarfjörður, home to fewer than 1,000 inhabitants. Its shining star of a landmark, Kirkjufell, translating to "Church Mountain," beckons explorers to come and discover the beauty of Iceland. Together with the mountain, a three-pronged waterfall called Kirkjufellsfoss creates an exquisite scene straight out of fantasy. Taking a walk through the centre of town, you will come across an orca on land. It’s actually a sculpture created by Unnsteinn Guðmundsson and it was modeled after Thunderstorm the orca, a male whale who often greets visitors during whale watching tours. Descend into the depths of one of the world's most enigmatic natural wonders to Snaefellsjökull Glacier, a site shrouded in the lore of mystics and the pen of Jules Verne in his storied novel Journey to the Center of the Earth. 

Prince Christian Sound (also known as Prins Christian Sund)
Snow-capped mountains on the horizon and borders of glaciers and icebergs make this a stunning waterway to navigate on an expedition. You may possibly make a landing in the tiny village of Aappilattoq, home to fewer than 100 people living in the colourful, yellow, red and blue, Nordic-style houses. Around the sound wildlife is abundant, with frequent sightings of fin, minke and blue whales, as well as bearded and ringed seals.

Qaqortoq, Greenland
The largest city in southern Greenland is perhaps best known for its open-air “Stone and Man” art exhibition featuring sculptures from some of the country’s most renowned artists built around Qaqortoq’s colonial centre, where you will also find Mindebrønde, Greenland’s oldest fountain. Hot springs are abundant in Greenland, but the outdoor spa on the uninhabited island of Uunartoq comes with surrounding views of mountain peaks in the distance, making it a favourite among locals and explorers alike. Set within a stunning scene of nature, there are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities. There are also opportunities for deeper connections with excursions that explore rich heritage, like a visit to a local home for a kaffemik, a celebratory tradition of Greenlanders to honour life's milestones. 

Narsarsuaq, Greenland
As a gateway to South Greenland’s Norse ruins of Qassiarsuk and having played an important role among the Allies of World War II, Narsarsuaq holds a rich history. Home of the Greenland Arboretum, you’ll find lush hiking trails resplendent with Greenlandic wildflowers. These paths lead to viewpoints overlooking glaciers that make for a stunning scene and beautiful photos. From Narsarsuaq you may access the Greenlandic Ice Sheet by way of the Flower Valley. Admire the stunning panorama of Narsarsuaq with a hike to the summit of Signal Hill, a trek resplendent with a rich tapestry of sights, culminating in a commanding view of the ice sheet that blankets the region. 

Paamiut, Greenland
Discover the heart of Paamiut with an Open Town program, thoughtfully designed to immerse you in the local culture and hospitality with this Free Cultural Immersion. The enchanting melodies of Greenlandic culture stir the soul as the choir raises their voices at the local church, transporting you to another world. Or you may experience a traditional mask dance at the local museum, its rhythms and colours invoking awe and wonder. Come together with your hosts for a delightful spread of coffee and cakes during a typical kaffemik, an important community engagement. Beyond this included immersion, walk among the colourful houses, where you're likely to find locals drying seal meat and pelts on racks under their homes. Seek out a local guide from the Paamiut museum who will share the town’s history, such as the peat houses the Inuit built to keep warm in the winters. As you hike the paths of ancient trails, white-tailed eagles may soar above, and it’s said if you spot one, it will bring luck. Keep an eye on the horizon, looking for humpback, minke and fin whales that are abundant in the region in the summer.

Nuuk, Greenland
The capital of Greenland, Nuuk, sits in the fjord system of the same name best known for humpback whales, waterfalls and icebergs. This unique city contains mountains and expansive backcountry on one side and a thriving metropolitan city on the other, filled with culinary experiences, museums and fashion boutiques. Hiking, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking can be found most anywhere for more active explorers. Nuuk’s cultural centre Katuaq displays architectural prowess with a building designed to mimic the waves of the Aurora Borealis. Indulge in the authentic flavours of Greenland with a gourmet outing that marries the region's culinary delights with the appealing tastes of local craft beers on a shore excursion. 

Akulleq Island, Greenland
Sitting in the Davis Strait within the bend of Uummannaq Bay is the island of Akulleq. This small, deserted island contains a stunning moonscape scenery made of orange and ochre yellow from the minerals illuminated under the light of the polar summer sun. Climbing up to its summit, you find a panoramic vista of monolithic icebergs on the bay’s horizon.

Sisimiut, Greenland
At the end of the Arctic Circle Trail sits Sisimiut, where modern and traditional cultures come together to create a rich tapestry of Greenland’s history. It also lies just outside the UNESCO-listed Aasivissuit – Nipisat cultural area, home to Inuit hunting grounds. You may even learn more about ancient settlements of the Inuit on a historical hike excursion. Take to the water with opportunities for kayaking, boat tours to abandoned settlements like Assaqutaq or whale-watching excursions. Immerse yourself in local culture with the possibility of fishing and big game hunting opportunities to understand the city’s sustainable practices. Stop by the small store Qiviut to pick up an authentic muskoxen wool pelt, obtained from local hunters.

Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Surrounded by a UNESCO-listed hinterland and the second-largest ice shelf in the world, Kangerlussuaq is filled with breathtaking landscapes of glaciers, crevasses and blue meltwater lakes. Trek to the remote Russell Glacier, where herds of musk oxen roam free, the Arctic Circle Trail hike begins, and you may witness the ice calving with a mighty crack. Back in town at the Kangerlussuaq Museum you will find a look at the town’s modern history, as well as that of the Inuit, the indigenous peoples of the area. 

After a day of roaming, venturing and exploring, indulge in the comfort of a balcony stateroom or modern suite, including accommodation options designed exclusively for solo travellers. Every room features a spacious bathroom with L’OCCITANE amenities, plush bedding designed for dreaming, flat-screen TVs with state-of-the-art infotainment systems for downtime and sitting or living areas to unwind. Gaze at the horizon from the comfort of your own balcony or panoramic window as you replay the adventures of the day. Awaken fully refreshed and begin your day by pouring yourself a cup of Nespresso Coffee or Kusmi Tea.

World Voyager’s  onboard dining options bring you extraordinary culinary adventures with globally inspired gourmet cuisine crafted to awaken your senses one delectable morsel at a time. Relaxed and unhurried, each meal becomes another memorable experience to savour with your travel companions and newfound friends. Enjoy the Atlas Lounge, the Dome observation lounge with its great views, SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE and a theatre for daily expedition briefings. 

Atlas Always Includes:
• FREE cultural immersion
• FREE gourmet dining with ever-changing menus
• FREE unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits and craft beers
• FREE open bars and lounges, including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapés
• FREE stocked in-room minibar
• FREE specialty coffees, teas and fresh-pressed juices
• FREE afternoon and high tea
• FREE Champagne and gourmet canapés during meet and greet
• FREE 24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer
• FREE L’OCCITANE bath amenities
• FREE pre-paid gratuities
• FREE use of walking sticks and binoculars
• FREE reusable water bottle
• FREE butler service and expanded room service menu in suites
 Trip delay and medical evacuation coverage included at no additional cost.

Exclusively on Polar Expeditions:
-    Private charter jet service with private group transfers
-    Enrichment lectures and destination briefings
-    Shore landings led by expert field guides
-    Escorted sightseeing safaris by Zodiac
-    Thrilling Polar plunge
-    Atlas Ocean Voyages parka and vest
-    Use of knee boots
 

Discover your next adventure with Atlas' Second Guest Sails Free or a Reduced Single Supplement Offers available on bookings made by July 2, 2024!
For additional information please contact your Travel Professional or visit here.