18-Day Greenland Tours - Thule & Disko Bay

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Get ready for a comprehensive expedition program to Greenland's Disko Bay and northernmost inhabited reaches aboard the MS Fram. During this 18-day Greenland tour you'll enjoy expert guides, lectures, and PolarCirkel boat landings. Set sail in the wake of Inuit people and arctic explorers, such as Nansen and Knud Rasmussen. Travel coastal waters in search of Arctic flora and fauna, icebergs and glaciers, and traces of historical settlements. Your travel will include cruising adventures from Kangerlussuaq, past Disko Bay and Qannaaq, to the 80° parallel,* top sights at the top of the world.

Depart the U.S. on your transatlantic flight to Copenhagen

Immerse yourself in history as you begin your adventure in Copenhagen. From its humble Viking origins to its current position as one of the world's premier design capitals, Copenhagen offers an experience rich in culture and tradition. Step back in time and embark on the voyages of the Vikings at the National Museum. Enjoy the blooming flowers of Tivoli Gardens and of course no visit to Copenhagen would be complete without a visit to the famous Little Mermaid statue. Culture, scenery, history - Copenhagen. The perfect beginning to your Greenland expedition. Overnight in Copenhagen.

From Copenhagen you will take a charter flight to Kangerlussuaq for embarkation on your Greenland tour. Kangerlussuaq is the main gateway to Greenland and a settlement in the Sisimiut community. Slightly less than 600 people live and work in Kangerlussuaq (the long fjord). The airport was built by the Americans during World War II and was opened as an American base until 1992. Today, Kangerlussuaq is a commercial airport. There is no harbor in Kangerlussuaq that can accommodate the MS Fram and therefore embarking the ship requires the use of the ship's shuttle boats (PolarCirkel boats). At Kangerlussuaq Airport our expedition team will be at your disposal. It is advisable to bring rainproof jackets, trousers and mosquito repellent in your hand luggage to wear during the transfer to the MS Fram. [D]

Sisimiut is the second largest town in Greenland with approximately 5,200 inhabitants. The main trade is fishing, and the town accommodates a large fleet of trawlers, a shipyard and a fish factory. In Sisimiut, the southernmost of the towns on the western coast of Greenland, sleigh dogs and foxes can be found. The town name Sisimiut actually means "the fox holes." Our expedition team will be available to guide you through the different locations of the settlement. The MS Fram normally docks at the quayside in Sisimiut. After docking in Sisimiut we will experience a kayak show, which demonstrates old hunting techniques alongside the ship. [B/L/D]

Qeqertarsuaq is situated on the old volcanic island of Disko, and is the only town on the island. The town is set in wonderful surroundings at the foot of the impressive Basalt Mountains. The Arctic Station is situated here, which is a part of the Copenhagen University, studying Flora and Fauna in Greenland. There will be a PolarCirkel boat transfer from the ship to Qeqertarsuaq. A small local café is open for you during the stay. [B/L/D]

The town of Uummannaq is situated in scenic surroundings at the foot of the heart-shaped mountain. Hunting and fishing are the main trades in the town, and the most important species of fish is the halibut. The halibut-processing factory is the town's major source of employment. You may visit the town and enjoy a number of sites including the magnificent church and the old turf house that was lived in until 1989. There will be a PolarCirkel boat transfer from the ship to Uummannaq. [B/L/D]

Sailing along the northwest coast in "Davis straits" against "Lauge Koch coast", from 71 to 76 degrees north, we cross the northernmost habitable limits. In these harsh and remote areas, settlements and nature constantly fight for existence. A series of lectures will be held onboard related to this area of Greenland during the day. [B/L/D]

Go ashore to the now uninhabited Greenlandic settlement of Dundas for a look at old native turf huts and the remains of the trading post founded by Danish explorer Knud Rasmussens in 1910. [B/L/D]

Situated near the North Pole, Siorapaluk, is the most northerly natural community in the world. The settlement was founded in 1933 and is known for its beautiful surroundings and geology. Siorapaluk, means "little sands" and was named after the small sandy beach in front of the village. This will be the northernmost landing on your Greenland tour. The church, museum and shop are open for you to enjoy. [B/L/D]

We will sail as far north as possible and hope to reach 80°north. This will depend on ice and weather conditions that are impossible to predict. [B/L/D]

The Qaanaaq (or Thule) district was the first part of Greenland to be colonized by Inuits from the west. The district is among the northernmost inhabited places on earth. Hunting for seal and whale are the main occupations in the town and its small settlements. Here we may visit the "Ultima Thule" souvenir shop with genuine and original artwork and crafts from the Qaanaaq district. [B/L/D]

While we are at sea, a series of lectures will be held on board on topics related to history and wildlife in the area. [B/L/D]

Upernavik was founded in 1772, and means the place of spring because the hunters moved here after spending the winter further inland. While onboard an eskimologist from a nearby museum will be telling stories on the inuit history. Upernavik is situated north of the Arctic Circle. Here the primary occupation is fishing for Greenland halibut, but hunting still plays a decisive role for employment in the settlements. Polar bear hunting is also done in this area. [B/L/D]

The glacier Eqip Sermia, approximately 330 ft high and 16,000 ft long, is a slow moving glacier primarily on land and is safe to approach. Today you have an outstanding possibility to experience a glacier and sense the greatness of the nature. We will use the ship's tender boats to go ashore in this beautiful area near by the glacier. Passengers in relatively good physical condition will be able to hike in the area. All who want to go ashore are welcome to join us for a BBQ dinner while enjoying a terrific view over the glacier. [B/L/D]

Icebergs are called "Ilulissat" in Greenlandic, thus the town's name. Ilulissat with a population of about 5,000 is the third largest town in Greenland and was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2004. Here enormous icebergs run aground at the mouth of the fjord, just outside of town. They originate from the Jakobshavn Glacier, one of the most productive glaciers in the northern hemisphere. Ilulissat is the metropolitan center of the Disko Bay area. The most important trades in Ilulissat are fishing and tourism. Weather conditions will dictate if the MS Fram will dock at the quayside in Ilulissat or shuttle with the PolarCirkel boats. Our expedition team will be at your disposal at the points of interest. [B/L/D]

On your visit to Itilleq which is the hometown to the president of Greenland, you will visit the small homes of this community and enjoy "Greenlandic cake" and coffee and have a chance to speak with the locals. Before we leave Itilleq you will have a chance to participate in a soccer game against the locals. [B/L/D]

Kangerlussuaq is situated in the end of the Kangerlussuaq fjord where your cruise ends. From here you will take a flight to Copenhagen for an overnight stay.

Depart Copenhagen for your return flight to the US.

Meal codes: [B] Breakfast [L] Lunch [D] Dinner

*Weather permitting

FOR ROUTE MAP, CLICK HERE.

*Cabin category H is equipped for physically challenged guests.

Deck Plan & Ship Information

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