South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic
South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic
13 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting: Reykjavík, Nuuk, The Westlands, Greenland, Cape Farewell, Prins Christian Sund, Aappilattoq, Tasermiut Fjord, Narsarsuaq, South Greenland
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 199
Age range:
8-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 14-day South Greenland Adventure, starting and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland. This expedition aboard the state-of-the-art Ultramarine ship takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Greenland and Iceland. Experience the rich culture of traditional Inuit settlements, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kujataa, and cruise past majestic icebergs and glaciers. With daily Zodiac excursions, heli-landings, and hiking opportunities, you'll immerse yourself in the stunning Arctic wilderness. Keep an eye out for polar bears and humpback whales as you navigate the fjords. Enjoy a unique Greenland Ice Sheet experience, and engage with local communities to learn about their way of life. This adventure offers a rare chance to set foot on the Greenland Ice Sheet and explore the remote beauty of the Arctic.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland
Location: Reykjavík
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Welcome to Iceland! When you arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, make your way to your hotel for a free afternoon and evening. You can arrive at any time, as you have the full day at leisure to settle in and explore the city at your own pace.
Day 2: Fly To Nuuk, Greenland
Location: Nuuk
Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, meet up with the rest of your group, transfer to the airport and board a charter flight to Nuuk – the capital of Greenland. This picturesque city of 17,000 is situated on a fjord with the Sermitsiaq mountain in the background. Hop aboard the Ultramarine – your ride through the Arctic. You’ll meet your leader and expedition team and go through some of what’s to be expected/
Day 3-5: The Westlands, Greenland
Location: The Westlands
Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head south along the spectacular west coast of Greenland on your 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 breathtaking backdrop of lush valleys and pastures bursting with blooms. Also in the west, you'll find the perfect access points to the Greenland Ice Sheet. Over these two days, explore the Ice Sheet – becoming one of the very few people to set foot on this incredible body of ice. You’ll hike the surrounding foothills, cruise or paddle through the ice-filled waters and engage with locals. Reaching the Ice Sheet by helicopter will give you incredible views of the largest mass of ice in the northern hemisphere. You might also 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. The Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site will also give a living history lesson in Viking farming, as will the remains and replicas of Brattahlio, Erik the Red’s estate, once the epicenter of the Greenland Norse Eastern Settlement.
Day 6-8: South Greenland (Arctic Patagonia)
Location: Cape Farewell, Prins Christian Sund, Aappilattoq, Tasermiut Fjord
Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue your voyage to the stunning maze of fjords, sounds, islets, inlets and skerries (rocky islands) in and around Cape Farewell (Nunap Isua), Greenland’s most southern tip, before reaching the 100-km-long Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq). Stunning views will be around every corner – expect dramatic mountains and seascapes with glaciers tumbling down to down to the sea. In southern Greenland, you might visit the village of Aappilattoq. Listen to the locals’ stories, hear their music, taste their food, learn about their hunting traditions and perhaps even join a friendly game of soccer. You’ll find the most iconic peaks of South Greenland at Tasermiut Fjord, in the heart of what’s called ‘Arctic Patagonia’. Here, you 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.
Day 9-11: The Wild East & Journey Back To Nuuk (Northbound)
Location: Cape Farewell
Accommodation Name: Expedition Cruise Ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Set out for the wild fjords of the uninhabited east coast. Marine mammals frequent these fjords – Humpback whales are often sighted entering as the shallowing seas bring an upwelling of nutrients to the surface. Sightings of polar bears are possible too, but rare. Along with spotting wildlife, there’ll be the chance to explore the magnificent alpine terrain by land, sea and air.
Day 12: Disembarkation, Explore Nuuk, Fly To Reykjavik, Iceland
Location: Nuuk
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, you’ll say goodbye to your expedition crew and your ship and take one more Zodiac ride to shore in Nuuk. Then, have time to wander the streets of historic Old Nuuk, visit the Greenland National Museum & Archives or even see famous 500-year-old Greenlandic mummies. In the afternoon, a transfer will take you to the airport for a charter flight to Reyjavik. Tonight is free to explore Reyjavik’s nightlife or a great spot for dinner.
Day 13: Reykjavik
Location: Reykjavík
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end today. You can make your way home or spend some time exploring this artistic city – if you need extra accommodation to extend your stay in Reyjavik speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
What's Included
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Transportation
The tour includes transportation by ship, Zodiac, and plane.
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Activities
Included activities are heli-hiking, flight seeing, day paddle, and an Ice-sheet experience.
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Cultural Experiences
Meet locals in remote towns and experience traditional Inuit settlements along the shores of Greenland.
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Wildlife Exploration
Opportunities to spot marine mammals like polar bears and humpback whales in the fjord systems.
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Greenland Ice Sheet Experience
Experience the Greenland Ice Sheet by setting foot on this incredible body of ice, hiking the foothills, and cruising or paddling the surrounding waters.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a camping excursion and a Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience are not included and incur an additional cost.
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Booking Conditions
A deposit of 25% is required at the time of booking, with balances due 120 days prior to departure.
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Post-Expedition Accommodation
Post-expedition accommodation is not included unless booked separately.
Mode of Transport
Travel by ship, Zodiac, and plane, offering a diverse and exciting transportation experience as you explore the majestic landscapes of South Greenland.
Accommodation
Enjoy 10 nights aboard an expedition ship and 2 nights in a comfortable hotel, providing a blend of adventure and relaxation during your South Greenland journey.
Important Information
- This trip starts and finishes in Reykjavik, Iceland and is onboard the Ultramarine ship.
- CHANGED ITINERARY IN 2026
- In 2026 the duration of this trip is 14 days (previously 13 days in 2025) and you will now sail to and from Greenland.
- In 2025 the duration of the trip is 13 days and includes flights to/from Nuuk, Greenland
- Your voyage is operated by our polar partner, 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 the "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions
- ADVENTURE OPTIONS
- This trip comes with many included activities including, Heli-hiking, flight seeing, day paddle and an Ice-sheet experience. You can also prebook a camping excursion and a Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience. These activities are optional and incur an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife might I see during the South Greenland Adventure tour?
During the tour, you may have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including polar bears, humpback whales, and seabirds. The fjord systems are home to an abundance of marine mammals, and rare sightings of polar bears are possible as they drift down from the north on sea ice floes.
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What unique experiences are included in the South Greenland Adventure tour?
The tour includes unique experiences such as heli-landings, hiking, paddle excursions, Zodiac cruises, and shore landings. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Greenland Ice Sheet, hike the surrounding foothills, and engage with local communities. Optional activities include a camping excursion and a Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience.
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What is the significance of the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site visited during the tour?
The Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site is significant as it offers a living history lesson in Viking farming. It is home to Greenland's oldest sheep-farming settlement and provides insight into South Greenlandic farming traditions dating back to Viking days. Visitors can explore the remains and replicas of Brattahlio, Erik the Red's estate.
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What can I expect during the visit to Aappilattoq in South Greenland?
During the visit to Aappilattoq, you can listen to the stories of locals, hear their music, taste their food, and learn about their hunting traditions. You may also have the opportunity to join a game of soccer with the locals.
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What are the accommodation arrangements for the South Greenland Adventure tour?
The accommodation arrangements for the tour include staying on an expedition ship for 10 nights and in a comfortable hotel for 2 nights.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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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 - Sunday
Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025Book with Confidence
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Terms and Conditions