Enjoy an ultra-immersive exploration of Greenland’s most remote regions, sailing the icy waters of the rarely traveled southeast coast, traveling down to the lush southern tip, and stopping to visit local communities and observe imposing glaciers of the west coast.
ARCTIC 2024
ESSENTIAL GREENLAND
Southern Coasts and Disko Bay
DESIGNED TO
GO BEYOND
Contents
Overview Itinerary Arrival and Departure Details Your Ship Included Activities Adventure Options Dates Inclusions and Exclusions Your Expedition Team Meals on Board Possible Excursions Packing Checklist
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Photos captured with a telephoto lens from a responsible distance, following regulatory/AECO guidelines.
Overview
Essential Greenland: Southern Coasts and Disko Bay
One of our most popular itineraries, Essential Greenland: Southern Coasts and Disko Bay , is elevated to a new level with, the game-changing polar vessel Ultramarine . Enjoy an ultra-immersive exploration of Greenland’s serene shores, sailing the icy waters of the rarely traveled southeast coast, traveling down to the lush southern tip, and stopping to visit local communities and observe imposing glaciers of the west coast – all the while taking advantage of Ultramarine’s luxurious suites, spa and wellness amenities and incredible wilderness viewing spaces. Ultramarine offers guests more Adventure Options than any other operator in the polar regions. Visits to picturesque communities and Norse ruins will provide guests with an intimate look into Greenland’s distinct culture and history, while the rugged landscape, highlighted by dramatic fjords, imposing glaciers, towering mountains, verdant valleys and incredible wildflowers will leave you breathless. On Essential Greenland: Southern Coasts and Disko Bay , spectacular, unspoiled wonders await at every turn, and Ultramarine will take you places no other vessel can.
EXPEDITION IN BRIEF
Search for iconic Arctic wildlife, such as whales, seals and seabirds Explore the Ilulissat Icefjord and Kujataa farming communities, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites Meet locals and experience traditional Inuit settlements Visit Norse historical sites and learn
about this fascinating culture Cruise in a Zodiac to explore
icebergs, glaciers, fjords and more Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures Experience flightseeing and optional adventure options with Ultramarine’s two on board helicopters
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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Itinerary
DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
sights you will soon explore. Staff will also keep watch for the seabirds you’ll likely see soaring around your ship, as well as the whales that can be encountered here.
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 | EMBARK This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead! DAY 3 | CRUISING As we sail across the Denmark Strait, your Expedition Team will teach you about the wildlife and enthralling history of Greenland, its fascinating geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible
Ba n Bay
GREENLAND
DAYS 4 & 5 | EXPLORING EAST GREENLAND
Ilulissat
Sisimiut
Your exploration of Greenland begins with South East Greenland, one of the least visited and most remote parts of the island. Your days sailing along the coast will be guided by weather and ice conditions, with each day and each excursion presenting new adventures. The region is a sight to behold, boasting a mesmerizing maze of vast glaciers, steep mountains and breathtaking fjords.
Kangerlussuaq
Itilleq
Nuuk
Skjoldungen
Denmark Strait
Hvalsey
Prins Christian Sund
ICELAND
Reykjavik
Atlantic Ocean
ESSENTIAL GREENLAND Southern Coasts & Disko Bay
Onboard the Ultramarine Flight from Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik
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One location we hope to visit if conditions allow is Skjoldungen Fjord (Saqqisikuik), where you’ll cruise between the mountains to view glaciers deep within the fjords. The narrow part of the fjord provides an ideal place to put our Zodiacs in the water for a more in-depth exploration. If conditions allow, you may also see the site of an abandoned Inuit settlement, whose inhabitants were relocated to larger, more accessible towns around 1961. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an optional paddling excursion (extra cost), an unforgettable opportunity to glide past icebergs and glaciers and capture some photographs from a unique perspective. Another possible destination is Lindenow Fjord (Kangerlussuatsiaq), and if conditions are favorable, it’s a great spot for hiking through lush and varied flora, surrounded by epic mountain vistas. This rarely visited deep fjord is
fed by a number of glaciers and offers ample opportunities for your camera to get a workout.
stunning sound, home to calving glaciers, jagged mountains and sheer cliffs that plunge dramatically into the water. Sailing through this fjord from the vantage point of your ship or a Zodiac is an exhilarating experience. If conditions allow, venturing ashore provides opportunities for all levels of hiking. Steeped in Norse history, the southern coast of Greenland provides plenty of places to learn about this ancient culture. One such landing we hope to make is at Hvalsey (Qaqortukulooq), the site of Greenland’s largest and best-preserved Norse ruins. Exploring the remains of the circa 14th-century church will feel like stepping back in time, as the building appears much as it did when it was abandoned in the 15th century and the surrounding fells and fjord remain similarly untouched.
DAYS 6 & 7 | EXPLORING SOUTH GREENLAND
Sailing on, we’ll explore Greenland’s fertile southern coast. Nicknamed Arctic Patagonia, this region is as rich in spectacular scenery as it is in history and culture. Here, it’s easy to see why Erik the Red gave Greenland its name: everywhere you look rewards with vistas of icy waters set against a backdrop of soaring mountains and unbelievably lush, green valleys. Scattered around the shores of the fjord systems that dominate the area are several small settlements, both ancient and present day, making South Greenland an ideal place to explore. The magical Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq), a complex maze of narrow fjords and channels, is a great place for cruising. You’ll explore this
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The little village of Igaliku, home to about 25 inhabitants, is Greenland’s oldest sheep-farming settlement. It’s a charming place to go ashore, as sheep peacefully graze on the grass, surrounded by bloom-covered rolling valleys and tall mountains. The area is also known for its storied past, as evidenced by the remarkable red sandstone ruins of the Gardar cathedral (the largest church in Greenland in the Middle Ages) and bishop’s residence, which date back to the early 12th century, when Greenland’s first bishop was appointed. Wandering the foundations, excavated in 1926, you’ll get to see a bit of history firsthand as you learn about this interesting relic of the Viking period. Together with four other historic farming communities, Igaliku is part of the newly established UNESCO World Heritage Site Kujataa.
DAYS 8 – 13 | EXPLORING WEST GREENLAND Boasting spectacular glaciers, mountainous landscapes, and vibrant communities, the west coast of Greenland will leave you awestruck. Heading north, each day we hope to take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites, discovering some of the quaint communities dotting the islands and fjords in the region and cruising in some of Greenland’s most picturesque places. The west coast is home to Nuuk, the charming Greenlandic capital. You’ll have time to wander the streets of the historic Old Nuuk neighborhood and see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede statue near the waterfront, both named after the missionary who founded the settlement. History buffs will want to
visit the national museum to view the famous Greenlandic mummies, found under a rock outcrop in 1972 by two brothers who were ptarmigan hunting. Sisimiut is another interesting place to go ashore. You’ll have time to wander the town’s historic area, where several 18th-century colonial buildings still stand, including Greenland’s oldest surviving church. Your expedition will also look to arrange a traditional kayak demonstration. Experiencing a cultural resurgence, the kayak is a symbol of Greenland and can be traced back over 4,000 years to the Inuit, who used the vessels for hunting and transport. Another beautiful locale, and one of west Greenland’s highlights is the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to the world’s most productive
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glacier in the northern hemisphere, Jakobshavn Glacier or Sermeq Kujalleq in Greenlandic, this is a great place to enjoy a cruise through the icebergs for a unique perspective not afforded by land. Venturing ashore in the nearby town, Ilulissat (which means “iceberg”), rewards with its own spectacle: enormous bergs floating out to Disko Bay. A hike from the town to the icefjord will allow you to view this unforgettable river of ice from the rocky shore. Given that in the past, it has been known for having more sled dogs than people, it’s not surprising that Ilulissat is the birthplace of the first European to traverse the Northwest Passage by dogsled, explorer Knud Rasmussen. Surrounded by sea and mountains, the fishing community of Itilleq (meaning “crossing place”) is situated in a scenic
hollow on a small island, about a mile (2 km) above the Arctic Circle. Explore traditional wooden houses painted in a rainbow of colors, chat with the locals and join a customary football (soccer) match between visitors and residents, and you’ll be experiencing Itilleq’s famous friendly vibe in no time. DAY 14 | DISEMBARK IN KANGERLUSSUAQ & FLY TO REYKJAVIK Enjoy one more Zodiac ride to shore, where you’ll board your charter flight back to Reykjavik, Iceland. Upon arrival in Reykjavik, we will transfer you to your included hotel. DAY 15 | DEPART REYKJAVIK Today, you can make your way home at your leisure or spend some time exploring this artistic city.
EXPEDITION SPIRIT Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling
in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must
consider the sea, ice, wildlife, and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may 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 guaranteed.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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Arrival and Departure Details
As you prepare for your journey, you may be interested in your arrival and departure details. Since international air transportation is not included in the cost of your expedition, you have some flexibility in planning your flights.
PLEASE NOTE There is a strict luggage weight limit on checked luggage and cabin baggage on the flights between Calgary and Resolute. Should you have additional luggage, it can be stored at the hotel in Calgary. There is NO option to pay for additional luggage. You will find in your final documents: Luggage weight restrictions on charter flights. H otel information and check in time Charter flight time to embarkation point Embarkation plan Departure charter flight time
Arrival Day and Embarkation
DAY 1 — ARRIVING IN REYKJAVIK You may arrive in Reykjavik at any time during Day 1 of the itinerary and make your way to the included hotel. DAY 2 — EMBARKATION IN REYKJAVIK On the morning of Day 2, your luggage will be collected from the lobby of your hotel, transferred to the ship and stored in your cabin. Ship embarkation will occur on Day 2 of your itinerary, usually around 4pm. You and your shipmates will meet in the lobby of your hotel and board the waiting buses for transfer to the ship. Information about transfer timing will be posted in your Reykjavik hotel.
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Final Day and Departure DISEMBARKATION IN KANGERLUSSUAQ
Your ship is scheduled to arrive in Kangerlussuaq between 7am and 8am local time. After breakfast, and once the ship has anchored, you will have time to bid farewell to your Expedition Team and shipmates before taking one last Zodiac ride to shore. The disembarkation process takes about an hour. After disembarkation, you will be transferred to the airport for the return charter flight to Reykjavik. DEPARTING FROM REYKJAVIK Upon arrival in Reykjavik, there will be a group transfer to your included post- expedition hotel. After breakfast the following morning, you may make your way to the airport to connect with your onward flight, or stay longer if you have booked additional accommodation. Arrival and Departure Transfers REYKJAVIK AIRPORT TRANSFERS An arrival transfer in Reykjavik is not included in the expedition; if you require a transfer you will need to arrange your own transportation. Most airports we travel in and out of have reliable taxi ranks in the arrivals area, or you can often pre-book a transfer online. Your final night’s included accommodation will be provided at a hotel close to Keflavik International Airport, and a transfer to the airport will be available on the final day of the itinerary. A transfer to the city is not included if you are extending your time in Iceland after the expedition.
PLEASE NOTE Included Hotel Accommodations:
Your included accommodation begins on Day 1 of your itinerary, and the specific hotel(s) will be indicated in your final voyage confirmation. If you would like to extend your stay, you can book directly with the hotel or through a third party. .
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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Your Ship: Ultramarine
ULTRAMARINE
The newest ship in our fleet, Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine H145 helicopters and 20 quick-deploy Zodiacs, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in this category, breathtaking public spaces, excellent outdoor wildlife viewing areas, plus an innovative mix of sustainability systems that exceeds all industry standards. With all this and more, Ultramarine is perfectly positioned to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience.
SHIP SPECIFICATIONS: Staff & Crew: 140 Guests: 199
Lifeboats: 4, fully enclosed Ice Class: PC6 Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to view deck plan details.
All images are artist's renderings.
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Deluxe Balcony Suite
Sauna
Panorama Lounge
Fitness Center
Balena Restaurant
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Included Activities
Ready for a little adventure beyond your ship? Each Quark Expeditions® voyage offers a variety of recreational activities to enhance your polar experience. FLIGHTSEEING While polar landscapes are spectacular from the sea, they’re even more stunning from the air, a view you can enjoy while seated in one of the two twin-engine helicopters stationed on Ultramarine . Typically in groups of 6-9, you will experience an unforgettable aerial tour of the Arctic during a 10- to 15-minute flightseeing excursion that’s included in the cost of the voyage. Additional helicopter activities may also be available for purchase on board. Please note: all helicopter operations are weather- and logistics-dependent.
ZODIAC CRUISING Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar expeditions, taking you to places the ships can’t access, allowing you to reach remote shorelines, explore shallow inlets and search for wildlife. Expedition staff make stepping in and out of them safe and comfortable, and your Zodiac drivers will provide active interpretation, making the landscape come even more alive.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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HIKING Led by experienced staff, exploring on foot is one of the best ways to appreciate the polar landscapes. Our guides are able to accommodate a range of skill levels to suit every guest. PRESENTATIONS Enjoy daily chats with and presentations by our world-class onboard polar experts—expedition guides, specialists, photography guides and other special guests who will introduce you to the fascinating history, biology, ornithology, glaciology and geology of the region, and much, much more. POLAR PLUNGE This rite of passage, scheduled only once per expedition, gives you the chance to jump safely into the bracing Arctic waters under the watchful eye of our staff—and just about every single camera on board! PHOTOGRAPHY Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is a rewarding experience. Our photography guides will help you hone your skills to capture the beauty of the polar regions. Contact your Polar Travel Adviser or your Travel Professional for more information about your Included Activities and Adventure Options, including the necessary experience, physical requirements and cost.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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Adventure Options
EXCLUSIVE HELI–LANDING Imagine setting foot in an area of the Arctic that can only be safely accessed by helicopter. With a small group of fellow passengers and expert guides, you’ll board one of Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters to soar off to an exclusive polar site where no ships can navigate. Expect stunning bird’s-eye views during your flight, and then, upon arrival, simply sit back, relax and take in the splendor of the Arctic from “the best seat in the house”: glacial amphitheaters, breath-taking summits, and more. Traveling in groups of 12 with no more than 4 groups (48 guests) at a time on each landing, you’ll have time to relax and quietly reflect on the beauty of your polar surroundings, after which you’ll be picked up by the helicopters in the same location and returned to Ultramarine .
PADDLING EXCURSION If you’re interested in kayaking but would like to try something a bit less demanding than Sea Kayaking, you’re the perfect candidate to sign up for a one-time paddle on our stable sit-on- top kayaks—perfect for anyone with minimal or no kayaking experience. Small groups of passengers will be taken out on calm days, with our expert guides always present to provide instruction and help you connect with the polar sea. Two groups of 10 will be pre-booked, and once successfully completed, any subsequent outings will be offered via lottery on board.
SEA KAYAKING Imagine gliding across the surface of a bay in the presence of icebergs and glaciers. Our Sea Kayaking program is a great way to intimately explore your surroundings. A small group of kayakers will plan to go out multiple times per voyage as an alternative to shore landings or Zodiac cruises. The number of opportunities to kayak is weather dependent, and will be conducted only during calm conditions. Prior kayaking experience is required, and you must be able to do a wet exit to participate. Beginners interested in kayaking should consider participating in the Paddling Excursion.
PLEASE NOTE For all paid activities pre-booking is required. We recommend booking early as spaces fill quickly.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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Dates Essential Greenland: Southern Coasts and Disko Bay
ULTRAMARINE
Days
Start / End
Dates
Paddling Excursion
Sea Kayaking
Flightseeing
Exclusive Heli–Landing
ARCTIC 2024 JUL 2 – 16, 2024
$
$
$
15
Reykjavik
Included
Paid Activities $
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Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions RATES INCLUDE: • Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program • All shore landings as per the daily program • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.) • Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Exclusions RATES SPECIFICALLY DO NOT INCLUDE: • Mandatory Transfer Package * • International airfare
• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled • 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 miscellaneous 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
• Arrival transfers in Reykjavik • 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 and domestic flights • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned • Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified • Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location) • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew • Additional overnight accommodation • Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
*MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: • 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 the Kangerlussuaq airport on disembarkation day • Charter flight from Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik • Group transfer from Reykjavik airport (Keflavik) to airport hotel • One night’s post-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Keflavik • Shuttle transfer to Keflavik airport on last day of itinerary
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Your Expedition Team
Our Expedition Leaders and their teams bring diverse expertise in subjects as varied as polar history, marine biology, glaciology, ornithology and photography. Their knowledge and enthusiasm will greatly enhance your immersion into the polar environment and further deepen your connection to the Arctic. With over 30 years of experience bringing passengers to remote polar regions and an industry-leading staff-to-guest ratio, we know how to safely handle the unexpected. Ensuring this hard earned experience is passed on, our expedition staff receive comprehensive training in Quark Academy, which provides hands-on polar expedition training prior as part of our onboarding process as well as ongoing training for experienced staff.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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Meals on Board
If there is one constant on board, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals daily. While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll always be served three well-prepared meals per day. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated by letting us know prior to your expedition. Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet style, while dinners are served plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing our chefs to prepare each dish to your individual needs, ensuring you receive top-quality meals during the course of your expedition. Soft drinks and juices are available during meals and when the bar is open; beer and wine are served with dinner; and coffee, tea and water stations are available around the clock – all included in the cost of your package. Spirits, premium wines and champagne are available at extra cost which can be billed to your shipboard account. The well-stocked bars on the ship are open to enjoy with your fellow shipmates in late morning, afternoon and evening.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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Possible Excursions
When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. The following sites are a sample of what you may experience on your expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, or shore landing. East Greenland SKJOLDUNGEN FJORD (SAQQISIKUIK) This fjord offers contrasting colors of bright turquoise water and piercing white ice. Waterfalls pour down the tall cliffs, with the Thryms Glacier in the distance. The fjord was once home to a small Inuit settlement, which was relocated by the government in 1961. South Greenland HVALSEY Also known as Qaqortukulooq, Hvalsey is the site of Greenland’s best-preserved Norse ruins. Built around 1300, the
medieval church attracted people from near and far to attend Christian festivals throughout the year. The last written record of the Norse in Greenland recounts the wedding of an Icelandic couple here in 1408. Surrounding the church are the ruins of a farmstead, including stables and a banquet hall. The site is part of the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Area. IGALIKU Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Area known as Kujataa, the small community of Igaliku (Igaliko) was founded in 1783 and is Greenland’s oldest sheep-farming settlement. Quite different from the distinctive colorful wooden houses seen throughout Greenland, the 19th- and early 20th-century stone dwellings of Igaliku incorporate building stones from the Norse ruins of the nearby Gardar cathedral and bishop’s farm (the largest in the country).
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KUJATAA This sub-Arctic farming landscape—the earliest example of agriculture in the Arctic—was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Area in 2017. Featuring archeological sites and agricultural lands, Kujataa is comprised of five areas (Igaliku, Hvalsey, Qassiarsuk, Sissarluttoq and Tasikuluulik) that represent the most comprehensive cultural histories of Norse and Greenlandic farmer-hunters. In honor of the designation, Greenlandic Post issued a stamp in 2018 showcasing the landscape of Kujataa.
of only two settlements in this remote region. This is an ideal place for ship cruising, as the icebergs here come in all shapes and sizes. West Greenland ILULISSAT ICEFJORD North of the Arctic Circle, this ice fjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recognized as one of the fastest- moving glaciers in the world, the Jakobshavn Glacier (or Sermeq Kujalleq in Greenlandic) located at the head of the icefjord can move as much as 40- 60m per day. More glacial ice is calved into the ocean here than anywhere else in the Arctic. KANGERLUSSUAQ Kangerlussuaq and the Kangerlussuaq Fjord in West Greenland provide a great backdrop of mountainous landscapes at this port of disembarkation.
PRINS CHRISTIAN SUND (IKERASASSUAQ) The massive tidewater glaciers and
dramatically steep cliffs dominating this picturesque fjord system, named after Christian III of Denmark, are one of the many reasons South Greenland has earned the moniker Arctic Patagonia. Aappilattoq, is home to about 100 people and is one
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NUUK Nuuk is the epicenter of Greenland’s fascinating emerging culture. At population 18,800, one of the world’s smallest capital cities is a wonderful and curious mix of the traditional and the new. A particular highlight is the Greenland National Museum, which offers an insight into social change affecting the country from the 1950s onwards. Other exhibits include some of the world’s oldest rocks (approx. 3.8 billion years found close to Nuuk), and the Qilakitsoq exhibit displaying the mummified remains of 15th century Inuit women and a six-month old child. The Katuaq Culture Centre and Nuuk Art Museum are also worth exploring.
SISIMIUT The second-largest town in Greenland, Sisimiut is a place to stretch your legs. Inhabited for more than 4,000 years, Sisimiut has a history that is a mix of Saqqaq, Dorset and Thule cultures. The colorful wooden houses here are typical of Greenlandic communities today. Nasaasaaq, an impressive mountain, provides a scenic backdrop for this settlement.
EXPEDITION SPIRIT Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice, wildlife, and weather to guide the 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 guaranteed.
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
19
BY SEA AND AIR All transfers ship to shore, helicopter flights and Zodiac/ship cruising. Waterproof pants (mandatory for every Zodiac and helicopter ride) Base-layer wool or synthetic top* Mid-layer warm or fleece bottom* Base-layer wool or synthetic bottom* Mid-layer warm or fleece top* Warm hat that covers ears (bring an extra) Scarf, buff, or other face protection Warm wool or synthetic socks (keep a dry pair in your bag, and bring extras for layering) Waterproof gloves or mitts (bring an extra, lighter pair for hiking) Glove liners* Hand and feet warmers* Binoculars Polarized sunglasses with UV protection (consider bringing an eyewear retainer: string/clip etc.) Sunscreen Ski goggles (for Zodiac cruising on snowy or windy days) Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack and/or rain sleeve for camera or a waterproof phone case (to keep camera & gear dry) What to pack on your Greenland expedition
WHAT TO BRING! Packing for the Polar Regions doesn’t have to be daunting, and to make it easier for you, all Quark Expeditions voyages include a Quark parka to keep, and a loan of insulated waterproof boots. Additional suggested items include:
TO WEAR ON BOARD Comfortable casual clothing like lighter shirts, pants or jeans, etc. (in case the ship gets warm) Comfortable non-slip closed-toed, heelless shoes (flip flops, sandals or slip-on shoes should not be worn on board due to safety concerns) Workout attire (for the fitness center and other indoor activities) Swimsuit (for the Polar Plunge! Some vessels may also have a pool, hot tub, sauna and/or steam room. See your ship book for details.) Just a reminder: No formal evening wear required on our voyages but if you would like to bring something a little more dressy for the Captain’s welcome and farewell cocktails you may certainly do so! ADDITIONAL ITEMS Passport, visas, immunization records, travel documents, etc. as required Camera gear—complete with charger, storage medium, transport & cleaning kit (lens cloth etc.) and extra batteries Waterproof cell phone case or rain sleeve for camera Earplugs and eye masks for sleeping Voltage converters and plug adapters (see ship book for details) Moisturizer for face and hands (skin dryness due to wind and temperature changes) Seasickness, indigestion, headache, or other medications Small amount of local currency (see pre-departure book for more details) Insect repellant Mosquito netting
*recommended layering depending on the conditions of the day and reflecting your personal thermo-regulation comfort levels.
BY LAND (Shore Excursions and Hiking) In addition to the gear requirements (as above) mandatory for the transit from ship to shore, it is recommended to bring: Worn-in Hiking footwear: While Muck-boots are provided and encouraged for most shore excursions, additional hiking footwear (Goretex-lined boots or similar water-proof hiking boots) can add to your hiking comfort, especially if wyou are a keen hiker (Smart) Wool or synthetic hiking socks for above footwear (bring an extra pair) Lightweight and quick-dry, trekking pants that may or may not convert to zip-off shorts* (*depending on your thermo-regulation) Breathable waterproof pants* and rain jacket** for outdoor activities in inclement weather (*can be the same pair you use for Zodiac operations / ** can be outer shell of complimentary Quark 3in1 Parka) Comfortable long or short-sleeve shirt for hiking either synthetic/quick- dry or merino (smart) wool (Hiking) gloves (medium thickness, waterproof preferred) Hat, buff or scarf (for wind and weather protection) UV protection (hat, polarized sun glasses, sun block, lip balm) Collapsible walking sticks for hikes (if required) Quantities are available to borrow on every vessel Additional reusable thermos or water bottle (in addition to the reusable collapsible water bottle provided)
Scan this QR code or click here to watch our video on what to pack before you go!
To view our packing checklist online, visit: QuarkExpeditions.com/What-to-Pack/Greenland Related topics are covered on our Frequently Asked Questions page: QuarkExpeditions.com/Frequently-Asked-Questions
WEATHER CONDITIONS & TEMPERATURES Polar weather is extremely variable; temperatures may hover around the freezing mark and winds can be strong. The extended daylight warms sheltered areas so that you may sometimes find it warm enough for t-shirts. However, you may encounter rain, snow squalls, fog and white-outs during an expedition and should be ready for any conditions.
TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE Contact your Travel Professional
or a Quark Expeditions® Polar Travel Adviser
TOLL FREE AND LOCAL NUMBERS: North America (Toll Free) 1 888 332 0008 U.K. Tel +44 203 514 2712
U.K. (Toll Free) 0 808 120 2333 Australia Tel +61 2 72580333 Australia (Toll Free) +61 1800 953518 France Tel +33-1 80 14 01 05
France (Toll Free) 08 05 08 66 46 QuarkExpeditions.com
Photos captured with a telephoto lens from a responsible distance, following regulatory/AECO guidelines.
PHOTO CREDITS: (over all Expedition Brochures for the Arctic 2024 season) : Acacia Johnson; David Merron; Nicky Souness; Samantha Crimmin; Sam Edmonds; Michelle Sole; Cindy Miller Hopkins; Sue Flood; Hugo Perrin; Peter Lindstrom; Visit Greenland; Nicolas Singh; Rogelio Espinosa; Grange Productions; Fokus Productions; Adobe Stock; iStock
February 29, 2024 EXPEDITION BROCHURE
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