Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights
Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights
Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights
11 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik
Visiting: Reykjavik, Iceland, Embarkation in Reykjavik, Cruising at Sea, Exploring Northeast Greenland, Cruising at Sea Southbound - Denmark Strait - Arctic Circle
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BQMG
Group size:
1 - 138
Age range:
8-99 years
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Explore some of the last unspoiled wilderness areas in the world on this 11-day adventure to Northeast Greenland through the Arctic Circle. Cruise along the remote northeast coast – home to the most extensive fjord system in the world – on the Ocean Explorer and discover diverse and dramatically rugged landscapes. If you’re lucky, you’ll cap off your days of Arctic exploration with a night-time show of the dramatic Aurora Borealis – yes, the Northern Lights are regularly visible here! On this trip, you’ll learn about Greenlandic culture firsthand at Ittoqqortoormiit, visit ancient Thule sites steeped in history and marvel at the majesty of massive icebergs set against their mountain backdrops. Look out for migrating whales, seabirds, seals, polar bears and muskoxen along the way – your handy expedition team are always there to ensure you’re getting the best wildlife spotting opportunities.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland
Location: Reykjavik, Iceland
Accommodation: Hotel
Velkominn! Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, the capital and largest city in the country, backdropped by the Esjan mountain range. When you arrive, check in to your hotel and then enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe visit the National or Saga Museum and learn about Iceland’s Viking history, or stroll around the colourful homes searching for the perfect bar or brewery. If you have time, why not visit the famous Blue Lagoon spa near Grindavik village and snap a photo in the striking blue waters.
Day 2: Embarkation In Reykjavik
Location: Embarkation in Reykjavik
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
You have some free time this morning – maybe try a typical Icelandic breakfast of hafragrautur (thick oatmeal), skyr (yoghurt) with jam and bread with butter and cod liver oil. This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition aboard the Ultramarine. You’ll meet your leader and expedition team on the ship and go through what to expect for your upcoming adventure.
Day 3: Cruising At Sea
Location: Cruising at Sea
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Cruise north across the Denmark Strait, enjoying the views of Greenland in the distance. Your expedition team will prepare you for the adventures that await with a few short lectures and a safety briefing. Learn about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, as well as its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate from your onboard experts. They will also highlight some of the incredible sights you’ll soon explore. The team will always be on hand and in search for the seabirds who fly around your ship, as well as the whales that frequent the waters.
Day 4-8: Exploring Northeast Greenland
Location: Exploring Northeast Greenland
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
During your tour of Greenland’s remote northeast coast over the next few days, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen, as 40 per cent of the world’s population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park! 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. Magnificent vistas await at Kong Oscar Fjord, with possible landings at Ella – renowned for its rugged cliffs and flower-rich Botanikerbugt on Ymer.
Day 9-10: Cruising At Sea Southbound - Denmark Strait - Arctic Circle
Location: Cruising at Sea Southbound - Denmark Strait - Arctic Circle
Accommodation: Expedition Cruise Ship
As your Arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by your onboard experts and share your photos while you sip on icy cocktails in the bar. With the many activities available during your time at sea, you can also head to the theatre-style auditorium and watch a movie or get cosy in the spa. Your expedition team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.
Day 11: Reykjavik, Iceland
Location: Reykjavik, Iceland
Meals Included: breaksfast
You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, where your journey comes to an end. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, you’ll take a transfer to central downtown. If you’d like to extend your stay in Iceland, just make sure to speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
What's Included
10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners
Transport
- Ship , Zodiac , plane
Accommodation
- Expedition Ship (9 nights), comfortable hotel (1 nights)
Important Information
- This trip is onboard the Ocean Explorer
- This trip starts and finishes in Reykjavic, Iceland
- One nights pre expedition hotel is included in Reykjavik.
- You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, a transfer is provided to a central downtown location.
- Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.
- BOOKING CONDITIONS
- To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.
- Please refer to our "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions
- ADVENTURE OPTIONS
- Kayaking is available to book on this trip. Kayaking must be booked prior to departure and incurs an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking. Some previous, recent experience is essential. Hiking is also offered on some itineraries. This activity is at no additional cost and do not need to be pre-booked. See the itinerary for Adventure options available on this voyage.
Mode of Transport
- Ship , Zodiac , plane
Check out our Q&As
-
Is this trip right for you
As you’d expect, temperatures in the Arctic are very cold. A warm parka will be provided along with waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the Essential Trip Information for further important details about what to bring.
Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships also have a lot of stairs.
The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Friday
Aug 26, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025Monday - Thursday
Sep 22, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions