June 12-23, 2016
SPECIAL OFFER
Inside Cabins from $7,399 per person based on double occupancy
Outside Cabins from $8,025 per person based on double occupancy
The people of Greenland are at the center of this journey, and you will meet them through cultural experiences and in everyday life in the towns and villages in which they live. Greenland is covered by an ice cap that has a huge impact on climate, culture, and inhabitant’s lives throughout the country. Meet Greenland’s friendly people and discover their cool, urban-yet-traditional culture.
THE INUIT’S HUNTING CULTURE
In Greenland, hunting and fishing have been crucial for 4,000 years. Throughout the generations, the Inuit have created and refined unique products such as the kayak, harpoons, bird spears, and high-quality clothing made of animal hide and fur. The fact that even compacted snow could be used as a temporary shelter in the form of the igloo shows the extraordinary ability of the Inuit to utilize materials found in nature.
RAW AND MAJESTIC NATURE
Experience the feeling of standing at the end of the Greenland’s gigantic ice cap, knowing that it stretches almost 1,500 miles north and covers 85% of the island. Enjoy exploring rarely visited settlements such as Upernavik and the abandoned solitude of Qullissat, touch an iceberg with your bare hands, and marvel at the power of nature in Ilulissat Icefjord. With daily landings and excursions that including kayaking, hiking, and other activities, you will discover the authentic Greenland and meet the people who live here.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Copenhagen / Kangerlussuaq
Your flight from Copenhagen lands in Kangerlussuaq in the evening. Here, the MS Fram is already waiting for your embarkation.
Day 2: Exploring Northwest Greenland
Sisimiut is the southernmost town on the western coast of Greenland. Here we offer a variety of optional shore excursions including hikes, boat trips, and sightseeing, as well as the chance to shop for local handicrafts and enjoy a meal of Greenlandic specialities in a local restaurant.
Day 3: Exploring Northwest Greenland
Qeqertarsuaq is the only town situated on the old volcanic island of Disko. The area offers amazing Arctic experiences. Join optional excursions like a town walk, kayaking or an ice cruising boat tour. If you like archaeology and history, visit the local museum in Qasigiannguit. Alternatively, you can stroll around the settlement on your own.
Day 4: Exploring Northwest Greenland
The town of Uummannaq is situated in scenic surroundings at the foot of a heart-shaped mountain. Our optional excursions include meeting the locals or taking a Polarcirkel boat excursion to a landing at Qilakitsoq where mummies from the Thule era were found.
Day 5: Exploring Northwest Greenland
In Ukkusissat the locals greet us at the pier when we arrive, and entertain us with song and dance before proudly escorting us to their village. Tourists rarely visit Illorsuit.
Day 6: Exploring Northwest Greenland
For centuries, the locals have migrated in spring to take advantage of the rich hunting grounds in Upernavik. This small settlement lies at 72° 47′ North and 56° 10′ West in the Melville Bay and everything is within walking distance. Many of the locals still go hunting and fishing so keep your eyes open when walking through town for a polar bear or sealskin! In Upernavik you will also find the world’s northernmost open-air museum.
Day 7: Exploring Northwest Greenland
Qullissat is an abandoned mining settlement on Disko Island. At times, the houses here are occupied by hunters, while others are used as holiday homes. We will launch our Polarcirkel boats to make a landing here so you can take this opportunity to walk through the settlement on your own.
Day 8: Exploring Northwest Greenland
The glacier Eqip Sermia calves icebergs into the open ocean. Today you will have a unique opportunity to experience a glacier and sense the true power of nature. We will use the ship’s Polarcirkel boats to go ashore in this beautiful area. If you feel like being more active, you may take a small hike on your own in the area.
Day 9: Exploring Northwest Greenland
Ilulissat is set in marvellous surroundings at Ilulissat Icefjord. The area was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. Join a guided hike to the abandoned settlement of Sermermiut. We also offer a variety of optional shore excursions including hikes, town walks, and a boat tour to the Icefjord. Weather permitting, a plane or helicopter excursion might also be offered.
Day 10: Exploring Northwest Greenland
In Itilleq you will be invited for a ‘kaffemik’, which means that you are welcome to visit a local home for coffee and cake. We might set up an optional kayak excursion for those interested in exploring the Arctic Circle area, and there will be a soccer game where the people from Itilleq play against the guests and staff from MS Fram!
Day 11: Kangerlussuaq
Reaching Kangerlussuaq, your expedition with MS Fram has come to an end. After debarkation you can join an excursion to the Greenland Ice Cap. The immense Greenland ice cap is an indescribable icy wasteland stretching over 1,500 miles to the north. The tallest point is 1,988 feet above sea level. The road going here offers a wide variety of the most beautiful natural scenery ranging from Arctic desert and tundra with low growing shrubs to hilly terrain with a grand view of the edge of the ice cap. Your plane for Copenhagen leaves late in the evening.
Day 12: Copenhagen
You arrive in the Danish capital early in the morning. And maybe you will have the time to explore “wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen” before you continue home.
SPECIAL OFFER
Inside Cabins from $7,399 per person based on double occupancy
Outside Cabins from $8,025 per person based on double occupancy