13 Night South Greenland Adventure The Majestic Alpine Arctic Cruise from Reykjavik

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.

This afternoon, you'll board your vessel in Reykjavik and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead on the technologically-advanced ship Ultramarine, which is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters and a fleet of 20 quick-launching Zodiacs to deliver unique off-ship experiences in South Greenland.

As we cruise north across the Denmark Strait, with views of Greenland in the distance, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures ahead. Learn about the storied history of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, glaciology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. The team will also help you search for seabirds soaring around your ship, as well as whales that frequent the surrounding waters.

As we approach and arrive in Greenland, the first natural features you'll see will be the towering steep-walled fjords and hanging glaciers. We'll explore the uninhabited east coast. This area offers opportunities for wildlife sightings, including the possibility of polar bears and humpback whales. Activities include heli-landings, hiking, paddle excursions, Zodiac cruises, and shore landings in this remote, ice-laden landscape of tumbling glaciers, alpine vistas, and wildlife. We set out for the wild fjords of the uninhabited east coast, one of which is Lindenow Fjord, also known by its Greenlandic name, Kangerlussuaq. Thousands of years ago, groups of Paleo-Inuit hunters and fishermen made their home in these isolated fjords, living off the land and surviving mostly on the resources provided by the sea-long before the arrival of European explorers and successive waves of migration prompted mass settlements. Traces of these early inhabitants can be found today against the backdrop of cascading glaciers and steep-walled mountains.

We'll sail along the spectacular west coast of Greenland into the Westlands, the same journey the Greenlandic Norse followed to reach the western fjords. You'll experience the contrast between the Greenland Ice Sheet-the second-largest body of ice on the planet-and the grassy valleys of the coast, which is steeped in Viking history, especially at landmarks such as the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site. The latter provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the region's history and cultural traditions, as well as the interaction between Norse and Inuit cultures.

We'll transit through the scenic 105-kilometer-long Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq), and explore the dramatic fjords of South Greenland. Our team has planned a visit to the village of Aappilattoq, where we can experience local culture, music, and traditional foods. The journey continues to the steep-walled 70-kilometer Tasermiut Fjord, known as "Arctic Patagonia", where overnight camping and various excursions are available amidst stunning glaciers and peaks. The maze of fjords, sounds, islets, inlets, and skerries (rocky islands) in and around Cape Farewell (Nunap Isua) at Greenland's most southern tip possesses its own particular magic. Transiting the Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq)-one of the world's most scenic fjords-will be truly unforgettable. Guests can then look forward to dramatic mountain and seascapes with glaciers tumbling down to the sea, and spectacular vistas around every corner. Inhabiting this domain are Southern Greenlanders living on the frontier, a people as unique as the landscape they call home. This is where the migrating hunting peoples from the east finally settled around the European trading posts. The few villages in this southern region have gained a level of fame thanks to the inhabitants who remain steadfastly faithful to their hunting and fishing heritage. As mentioned above, we hope to visit Aappilattoq, perched on the shores of Prins Christian Sund. We will have the opportunity to listen to inhabitants' stories, hear their music, taste their food, learn about their hunting traditions, and perhaps even join a friendly game of soccer as a player or spectator. Your time in Arctic Patagonia will allow you to marvel at the impressive glacier at its head, with rivers of ice tumbling toward the sea, and the imposing peaks of Nalumasortoq and Ulamertorsuaq that dominate the skyline, making for the most scenic backdrops to your hike or helicopter excursion.

As your Arctic adventure winds down, you can take in a polar presentation by the onboard experts, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar, or watch a movie. This is a great opportunity to ask members of Expedition Team any remaining questions you have about any aspect of your voyage.

You'll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, a transfer to a central downtown location will be provided.