Quark Expeditions has teamed up with municipal, regional and national partners to offer you the most extensive array of adventure activities and enable you to curate an active adventure in Greenland that best suits you.
ARCTIC 2023
GREENLAND ADVENTURE
Explore by Sea, Land and Air
DESIGNED TO
GO BEYOND
Contents
Overview Itinerary Arrival and Departure Details Your Ship Included Activities Adventure Options Dates and Rates Inclusions and Exclusions Your Expedition Team
1 2 5 7 9 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 20
Extend Your Trip Meals on Board Possible Excursions Packing Checklist
Overview
Greenland Adventure: Explore by Sea, Land and Air
EXPEDITION IN BRIEF
A first in polar adventure travel, Quark Expeditions has teamed up with municipal, regional and national partners to offer you the most extensive array of adventure activities and enable you to curate an active adventure in Greenland that best suits you. You’ll experience this new voyage aboard our game-changing polar ship, Ultramarine , which is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, luxurious onboard amenities, and the largest portfolio of adventure options in the polar regions. This one-of-a-kind voyage will immerse you in the majestic landscape of the world’s second-largest ice mass. Based in and around Southeast Greenland’s spectacular fjords, we take advantage of Ultramarine ’s twin-engine helicopters to take you to areas others can’t reach. Ascend cascading coastal glaciers and step onto the vast polar plateau of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Travel by helicopter to paddle glacial lakes high in the alpine zones, or roam the tundra with a resident chef and enjoy an unforgettable meal made from local ingredients on one of our Adventure Options (extra cost). Join our Greenland Adventure, and return home with lifelong memories of one of Earth’s most fascinating destinations.
Experience an in-depth exploration of Southern Greenland from land, sea and air Enjoy included helicopter excursions for a unique perspective of this rarely visited region Participate in optional helicopter adventure options such as Alpine Kayaking, Greenland Camp Experience and Mountain Biking Learn about the environment and wildlife from our onboard polar experts
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 & EMBARK Your Arctic expedition begins in Reykjavik, Iceland. Meet us at the
gave Greenland its name: everywhere you look rewards with vistas of icy blue waters set against a breathtaking backdrop of dramatic peaks, winding coastline, and lush, verdant valleys and pastures bursting with blooms. Boasting the greatest variety of landscapes in the country, coupled with the most serene, sheltered waterways surrounded by soaring, snow-capped mountains, Greenland’s southern tip is an adventure seeker’s paradise, whether you’re a newbie kayaker or hardcore hiker. Cruising in sublime comfort aboard the newest ship in our fleet, Ultramarine , we’ll base ourselves in and around the majestic fjords that dominate the southern
GREENLAND (Kalaallit Nunaat)
TO/FROM REYKJAVIK
airport to take our private charter flight from the Icelandic capital to Narsarsuaq, Greenland, where you’ll embark your ship. A scenic community deep in Tunulliarfik Fjord, Narsarsuaq is the gateway to South Greenland, surrounded by several Norse sites and hiking trails. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!
Narsarsuaq
Greenland Ice Sheet
Tasermiut Fjord
Lindenow Fjord
Labrador Sea
DAYS 2 – 7 | EXPLORING SOUTHERN GREENLAND Nicknamed “Arctic Patagonia,”
Approximate limit of exploration area
South Greenland is a region as rich in spectacular scenery as it is in history. Here, it’s easy to see why Erik the Red
GREENLAND ADVENTURE Explore by Sea, Land and Air
Onboard the Ultramarine Flight from Reykjavik to Narsarsuaq
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and southeastern coasts, sailing deeper and exploring farther than ever before. Designed to give polar adventurers unprecedented access to the hardest-to- reach places on the planet—and equipped with kayaks, mountain bikes and two onboard twin-engine helicopters for unparalleled access to areas only Quark Expeditions can bring you—this one-of- a-kind ship will take you beyond the familiar in polar exploration for an ultra-immersive, ultra-adventurous Greenland experience. A first in polar adventure travel, this expedition has been developed in collaboration with municipal, regional and national partners to offer you the most extensive array of adventure activities (many of which are included), allowing you to curate an active adventure in Greenland that best suits you! Imagine checking off immersive bucket-list activities like
paddle excursions, shore landings and Zodiac cruising in such spectacular surroundings. And thanks to our onboard helicopters, you’ll also discover the ultimate polar expedition experience. As stunning as polar landscapes are from your ship, they’re even more striking from the air. Conditions permitting, you may have opportunities for a heli- landing on the Greenland Ice Sheet and heli-hiking (flying to places we could not otherwise access for hikes suitable for all skill levels), exciting included options that are unique to Ultramarine (and this voyage) and give you an awe-inspiring polar experience like no other. Since each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice conditions, no two polar voyages are alike. This voyage in particular has no fixed itinerary, which will allow your Expedition Team and our local partners to craft a voyage that provides
you with the best experiences that South Greenland can offer by closely monitoring the local weather and ice conditions. Each day, your Expedition Team will plan excursions deep in the southern fjord systems. With the expertise of local partners, we will be able to showcase lesser-visited areas and take advantage of all that this polar paradise has to offer. Your ship will continually be on the move as your Expedition Team searches for the most ideal places to venture ashore, dip our kayaks and Zodiacs in the water, or deploy our helicopters for more in- depth exploration. Every day will be a new adventure, exploring a new fjord. Throughout your journey, you’ll head out in small, intimate groups with similar interests, multiple times a day, to some of the most remote, isolated areas of South Greenland. Here, you’ll truly unplug, recharge and experience
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the transformative power of travel, at your own pace. One day, you may hop in a helicopter to hike around the scenic alpine areas while around the corner your shipmates are enjoying a peaceful paddle in a sheltered inlet. The next, you may be cruising along a glacier face deep in an icy fjord while others enjoy a challenging alpine hike. And the next, you may fly up to the epic Greenland Ice Sheet, discovering a new appreciation of the natural environment (it’s the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere, and the second largest in the world, after Antarctica), while your shipmates leisurely stroll amid the beckoning green hills and valleys (as always, there are hiking options for all levels). If you’re feeling extra-adventurous, our onboard helicopters will have you taking your activities up a notch, way up! They’ll drop off your small group at the start of the most scenic mountain biking
trails in the world or at isolated glacial lakes high in the mountains, then pick you up wherever your explorations take you, so you’re always discovering new scenery while enjoying the tranquility of your surroundings—whether you’re exploring by kayak, or on two wheels. Be sure to book your Adventure Options (extra cost) in advance, as they fill up fast. You may even opt to camp overnight (extra cost) in the picturesque Tasermiut Fjord for a truly immersive experience, hiking the tundra, chatting with your local hosts, even joining the camp chef to forage for dinner ingredients and, if you’re lucky, viewing the dazzling colors of the polar twilight in the evening. However you decide to explore—by sea, land or air— Ultramarine gives you unrivaled access to the unbelievably breathtaking beauty that is South Greenland.
DAY 8 | DISEMBARK IN NARSARSUAQ & FLY TO REYKJAVIK, ICELAND Before you depart on your charter flight back to Reykjavik in the early evening, we hope to spend the day visiting the sites surrounding Narsarsuaq. We hope to visit charming Qassiarsuk, a small sheep farmers’ settlement. Here you can experience true South Greenland hospitality and gain insights into the fascinating lives of sheep farmers at the edge of the ice sheet. Make sure to explore the remains of Brattahlíð, Erik the Red’s estate. Upon landing back at Reykjavik’s international airport, you will be transferred to a hotel in nearby Keflavik. DAY 9 | DEPART REYKJAVIK Today, you can make your way home at your leisure or continue your independent explorations of Iceland. 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 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. Looking to extend your adventure beyond your polar expedition? On page 15, learn how to add on a pre- or post-expedition stop—or both!—in Reykjavik or a nearby region of your choice. Arrival ARRIVING IN REYKJAVIK AND EMBARKATION IN NARSARSUAQ Please be sure to arrive at the Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport by 3pm on Day 1 of the itinerary and make your way to the check in desk for Air Iceland. An agent representing Quark Expeditions® will be available in the check in area to answer any questions you may have before boarding our private charter flight to Narsarsuaq, Greenland. Upon arrival in Narsarsuaq, you will be transferred to the ship.
PLEASE NOTE There is a strict luggage limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggage and 11 lbs (5 kg) cabin baggage on the flights between Reykjavik and Narsarsuaq. There is NO option to pay for additional luggage.
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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Final Day and Departure
Included Hotel Accommodations Your final night’s included
Arrival and Departure Transfers REYKJAVIK AIRPORT TRANSFERS An arrival transfer in Reykjavik is not included in the expedition; however, your Polar Travel Adviser or travel professional can arrange one for you. Your final night’s included accommodation will be provided at a hotel close to Keflavik International Airport, and a transfer to Keflavik Airport will be available on the final day of the itinerary. A transfer to Reykjavik’s city center is not included if you are extending your time in Iceland after the expedition, but one can be arranged for you. In order to facilitate your transfers, we request that you provide your flight details to Quark Expeditions® at least 30 days prior to traveling.
DISEMBARKATION IN NARSARSUAQ Your ship is scheduled to arrive back in Narsarsuaq between 7am and 8am local time. We hope to spend the day exploring the area around Narsarsuaq, returning to the ship for lunch. Later, you will have time to bid farewell to your Expedition Team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. The 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.
accommodation will be provided at a hotel close to Keflavik International Airport, outside the city of Reykjavik. If you are arriving prior to Day 1 of your expedition or are staying after the disembarkation day and would like help booking a pre- or post-stay, please contact your Polar Travel Adviser or travel professional for hotel options. As accommodation space is limited, you are encouraged to request any extra nights as early as possible.
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
NEW! 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 helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, and features the category’s most spacious suites, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size, complemented by an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed 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.
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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Deluxe Balcony Suite
Sauna
Suite Bathroom
Fitness Center
Main Restaurant
All images are artist's renderings.
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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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. HELI HIKING Our twin-engine helicopters will transfer you to the start of the most scenic hiking routes of Southern Greenland and then pick you up at the end point of the route. Each heli-hiking departure will be tailored to your personal needs and level of interests. You may choose to join one of our fast walking groups who will go for exploration and distance, one of our medium hiking routes where there will be plenty of time to stop for photography and reflection, or explore at a slower pace with ample time to enjoy the scenery and immerse yourself in your surroundings. ICE SHEET EXPERIENCE Explore beyond cascading coastal glaciers to access the icy realms of the second-largest ice mass in the world, the Greenland Ice Sheet, and take in the immensity of this overwhelming
landscape. An excursion on one of Ultramarine ’s two twin-engine helicopters means you’ll have a view of the Ice Sheet that very few other humans have ever experienced. You’ll learn about the dynamics of this environment from our team of glaciologists while you explore this vast, seldom-visited body of ice. PADDLE EXCURSION Join us 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. 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 unique wildlife. Expedition staff make stepping in and out of them safe and comfortable, and
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your Zodiac drivers will provide active interpretation, making the landscape come even more alive. 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
your route so you’re always covering new terrain along the way. Heli-Mountain Biking outings last 4 to 6 hours with approximately 2 to 3 hours of pedal time. Participants must be fit, and intermediate to intermediate-strong mountain bikers. Riders should expect a combination of singletrack and remote gravel roads. Riders should be able to roll over small obstacles (like roots or rocks), and shift gears comfortably when anticipating and responding to changing terrain.
through the beautiful landscapes and pristine valleys, roam the tundra with a local chef who will show you fresh ingredients and then prepare an incredible meal together. Overnight at the camp and, if conditions are right, experience the magnificent colours of the polar twilight which will bring the beautiful mountainous surroundings into full effect.
ALPINE KAYAKING Our expert kayak guides will take you beyond to remote glacial lakes high in the upper alpine zones of Southern Greenland. Find yourself in complete tranquility as you pioneer the untouched and raw beauty of these isolated lakes. Once deployed by our helicopters, you will find yourself immersed in the most remote corners of this area of Greenland. MOUNTAIN BIKING Feeling like a more active adventure? Our team has joined with local partners to identify incredible mountain biking routes through the stunning scenery of South Greenland. Ultramarine ’s twin- engine helicopters will take you to the best terrain to start your adventure and be there to pick you up at the end of
GREENLAND CAMP EXPERIENCE
PLEASE NOTE For all paid activities pre-booking is required. We recommend booking early as spaces fill quickly. Please see your pre-departure book for a list of provided gear for each Adventure Option.
Join local hosts at Tasermiut Camp, one of the most exclusive camps in Greenland. Our local guides will lead you on an immersive experience through the wonders of their homeland. Spend ample time, in intimate groups, walking
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Dates and Rates Greenland Adventure: Explore by Sea, Land and Air
ULTRAMARINE
Deluxe Balcony Suite
Solo Panorama
Explorer Triple
Explorer Suite
Balcony Suite
Terrace Suite
Penthouse Suite
Owner’s Suite
Ultra Suite
Days Start / End
Dates
ARCTIC 2023 JUL 14 - 22, 2023
9 Reykjavik $15,495
$8,495
$11,495 $12,495 $14,495 $14,995 $15,495 $19,995 $22,495
JUL 21 - 29, 2023
9 Reykjavik $15,495
$8,495
$11,495 $12,495 $14,495 $14,995 $15,495 $19,995 $22,495
ARCTIC 2022 JUL 16 - 24, 2022
9 Reykjavik $12,095
$7,995
$11,095 $12,095 $14,695 $15,295 $15,995 $19,995 $22,095
JUL 23 - 31, 2022
9 Reykjavik $12,095
$7,995
$11,095 $12,095 $14,695 $15,295 $15,995 $19,995 $22,095
Adventure Options
Transfer Package
Days Start / End
Dates
ARCTIC 2023 JUL 16 - 24, 2022
9 Reykjavik $1,495 Included Included Included
$595
$595
$795
JUL 23 - 31, 2022
9 Reykjavik $1,495 Included Included Included
$595
$595
$795
ARCTIC 2022 JUL 16 - 24, 2022
9 Reykjavik $1,495 Included Included Included
$595
$595
$795
JUL 23 - 31, 2022
9 Reykjavik $1,495 Included Included Included
$595
$595
$795
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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 domestic and international 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: • Charter flights between Reykjavik and Narsarsuaq • Group transfers between the Narsarsuaq airport and the ship • Group transfer from Reykjavik airport (Keflavik) to hotel on disembarkation day • One night’s post-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Keflavik • Shuttle transfer to Keflavik airport on last day of itinerary
PACKAGE PRICE: $1,495 USD
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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, all our expedition staff receive comprehensive training in Quark Academy, which provides hands-on polar expedition training prior to any staff member’s first voyage as well as ongoing training for experienced staff.
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Extend Your Trip
PRE- AND POST-EXPEDITION TRIP EXTENSIONS
You can extend your trip by booking extra days to explore our gateway city before or after the voyage. Since you’re traveling such a long way, you may want to spend extra time in Reykjavik. We have a variety of pre- and post-expedition packages in this fascinating city, known for its vibrant music and art scenes. Enjoy an extensive city tour, explore the Golden Circle, taking in Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders, and soak in the famous Blue Lagoon. And maybe fit in some whale watching, too! To discover the best options for extending your adventure, get in touch with your Travel Professional or a Polar Travel Adviser for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions.
FROM TOP: View of Reykjavik; Blue Lagoon
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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.
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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, helicopter, or shore landing. Greenland BRATTAHLÍÐ Brattahlíð (meaning “the steep slope”) was Erik the Red’s estate in the Viking Eastern Settlement, which he established in 985. Brattahlíð was the site of the first Greenlandic parliament, as well as Greenland’s first Christian church, built for Erik’s newly converted wife, Tjodhilde. The ruins of several buildings, including living quarters, outhouses and Tjodhilde’s church, are still visible today, and replicas of the original chapel and longhouse are located nearby. The present village, Qassiarsuk (the Greenlandic name for Brattahlíð), was founded in 1924.
The area is home to some of the most fertile land in the country, just as it was when Erik first laid eyes on it. GREENLAND ICE SHEET The largest mass of ice in the Northern Hemisphere—one of only two polar ice sheets on the planet, second only to the Antarctic ice sheet—is located at the heart of Greenland. The Greenland Ice Sheet covers 80 percent of the country’s land area and is nearly 2 miles (3 km) thick. It spans coast to coast, contained to the east and west only by the coastal mountains. Stepping onto the ice, which moves undetected beneath your feet, is a moment you’ll never forget. HVALSEY (QAQORTUKULOOQ) 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
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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 area is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Area. 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.
LINDENOW FJORD (KANGERLUSSUATSIAQ) Ships rarely venture into Lindenow Fjord, one of the least-occupied fjords in Greenland. With your Expedition Team in the lead, you may cruise by Zodiac in an arm of the fjord, as our staff use their years of Arctic experience to search for wildlife. You may also spot waterfalls along the sheer rock face or enjoy a hike amongst waterfalls, flowers and blueberry fields. NARSARSUAQ The settlement of Narsarsuaq (meaning “the large plain”) is the gateway to South Greenland and numerous hiking trails and Norse sites. It is the lush, fertile land surrounding this area—located deep in the Tunulliarfik Fjord, only about 4 miles (6 km) from the ice sheet—that earned Greenland its name.
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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, home to about 100 people, is the only settlement in this remote region. This is an ideal place for ship cruising, as the icebergs here come in all shapes and sizes. TASERMIUT FJORD Paddling and Zodiac excursions into Tasermiut Fjord allow for closer connection with the landscape that is considered one of the most beautiful places in Greenland. At 43 miles (70 km) long, this picturesque fjord will be a highlight of your south Greenland experience, even if you don’t opt to camp.
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 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
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Packing Checklist
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 snow squalls, fog and white-outs during an expedition and should be ready for any conditions.
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 an expedition parka to keep, and a loan of insulated waterproof boots. Additional suggested items include:
TO WEAR ON LANDINGS Base-layer wool or synthetic top
TO WEAR ONBOARD
Lightweight waterproof or water repellent shell
Base-layer wool or synthetic bottom Mid-layer warm or fleece top Mid-layer warm or fleece bottom Warm wool or synthetic socks (wear 2 pairs at a time)
Comfortable casual clothing (lighter shirts, pants or jeans, etc.)
Comfortable flat shoes with a good tread
SUGGESTED ITEMS Swimsuit
Glove liners
(for spa, sauna and steam room use, where applicable, and for the polar plunge!)
Waterproof gloves or mitts (bring an extra pair)
Binoculars
Scarf, buff, or other face protection
Hand and feet warmers Adjustable hiking poles (if required) Camera with extra batteries
Warm hat that covers ears
Waterproof pants (Zodiac mandatory) Waterproof bag
Extra memory or laptop with spare storage (for saving photos)
Sunglasses with UV protection (bring an extra pair)
Rain sleeve for camera
Sunscreen Lip balm
Earplugs and eye masks for sleeping
Voltage adapters
Mobile phone with alarm clock Moisturizer for face and hands
Extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses Reusable plastic bags with zippers or ziplocks
Small medical kit
For more packing and gear-related info, visit the Quark Expeditions® online Polar Boutique at Shop.QuarkExpeditions.com
Seasickness, indigestion, headache, or other medications Passport, travel documents, etc. Water bottle Yoga and workout attire (for the fitness center!)
Call a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 or your Travel Professional | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE Contact your Travel Professional
or a Quark Expeditions® Polar Travel Adviser
TOLL FREE AND LOCAL NUMBERS:
QuarkExpeditions.com
PHOTO CREDITS: Acacia Johnson; David Merron; Nicky Souness; Samantha Crimmin; Sam Edmonds; Michelle Sole; Grange Productions; Peter Lindstrom, Visit Greenland; Adobe Stock; iStock;
August 2021 EXPEDITION BROCHURE
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