GREENLAND ODYSSEY

Experience the enormity of , the world’s largest island, where jagged peaks pierce azure skies, and countless glaciers snake their way towards the coast. Discover ancient rocks at Skaergaard Peninsula dating back some 55 million years. Hike across the tundra in search of arctic fox, reindeer and muskox, tasting delicious wild berries along the way. Zodiac-cruise along spectacular sounds where ringed, harp and hooded seals laze on the sea ice. Watch icebergs form as Greenland’s enormous ice sheets – the largest in the Arctic – calve into the fjords, and encounter humpback and minke whales feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. Sail , flanked by imposing mountains, as it carves its way through south Greenland where green pastures signal the presence of human settlement, and where the Viking ruins of Erik the Red still stand at . Weaving through the fjords and channels, we enter west Greenland, the country’s most ITINERARY developed region, home to the nation’s capital, Nuuk, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Icefjord. Day 1 Reykjavik Arrive in Reykjavik, ’s cosmopolitan capital, and transfer by Flybus to our group hotel. Upon check-in, reception staff will provide you with Aurora Expeditions cabin tags. Please fill out the luggage tags clearly, showing your name and cabin number to allow us to deliver your luggage to your cabin. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet fellow expeditioners at our voyage briefing this evening. Accommodation: Fosshotel Reykjavik (or similar)

Day 2 Reykjavik Check out and experience one of Reykjavik’s most popular excursions – the Golden Circle, which includes visits to Gullfoss Falls, Geysers, and Thingvellir National Park, before transferring to the pier for embarkation. After boarding, there’s time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings. This evening meet your expedition team and crew at the Captain’s Welcome Dinner.

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com Day 3 At sea down to the sea. We slow-cruise through the sound to enjoy the spectacular scenery. Icebergs sculpted into fantastic shapes often block the entrance to Crossing the Greenland Sea, we sail through the Polar Basin’s nutrient-rich the sound, a great spectacle for photography. At Kangersuneq Qinngorleq waters, searching for encroaching pack ice, fin whales and seabirds. Our team located at the northern end of the fjord, a glacier front is ideal for exploration of experts entertains us with informative talks about sea ice, glaciers, by Zodiac or kayak. in the southern section of the sound, we pass a small European arctic plants and animals and epic tales of early explorers such as settlement named Appilatoq, which means red in Greenlandic, after the red Nansen, Andreé and Scoresby. mountains rising above the town. Appilatoq is well-known in Greenland for the jagged mountain peaks that surround it—a delight for photographers. Days 4 Kangerlussuaq Fjord Kangerlussuaq Fjord is home to some of the wildest coastal landscapes in all Day 8 Tasermiut Fjord, Klosterdal, of Greenland. The peaks of Watkins Mountains featuring Gunnbjørnsfjeld—the The towering, jagged mountains that surround Tasermiut Fjord is why it’s often highest peak in the Arctic, tower in the horizon. Hike across tundra to referred to as the ‘Patagonia of the north’. At Klosterdal (Monastery Valley), we viewpoints of surrounding fjords, mountains, and glaciers, and enjoy gentle are surrounded by three giant mountains - Napasorsuaq, Ketil and Zodiac cruises in icy bays offering unforgettable arctic scenery and wildlife Nalumasortoq. Here we can walk to a Norse ruin, hike along the valley, or encounters. We plan to land on the Skaergaard Peninsula near the mouth of explore the bay by kayak. Continue to Nanortalik, the southernmost town in Kangerlussuaq Fjord. Here, the rocks show an unusual layering, formed by Greenland, located on an island of the same name. Its name derives from the crystals settling in a magma chamber below the earth’s surface some 55 West Greenlandic word ‘Nanoq’ meaning ‘The Place Where Bears Pass million years ago. Discovered in the 1930s, the Skaergaard Intrusion is known Through,’ describing the polar bears that were once seen floating past on sea to geologists worldwide. ice. Deep fjords, woodlands and grasslands, and rugged mountainside cliffs, some over 1,000 m /3,280 ft, attract enthusiastic climbers from around the Day 5 Tasiilaq, Sermilik Fjord world. On arrival, you’ll receive a warm welcome from the local community who have opened up their town for you to explore. Nanortalik is a town that’s Overlooking King Oscar’s Harbour, Tasiilaq (formerly Ammassalik) is east known for their love of singing and you’ll be treated to choir performance. Visit Greenland’s largest town with a population of approximately 2,000 Nanortalik Church, a wooden, Danish Lutheran church built in 1916 and is inhabitants. Here, green meadows contrast starkly with countless icebergs that currently the only church serving the Nanortalik congregation. The church is in often clog the waterways at nearby Sermilik Fjord, the largest in southeast the old colonial quarter of the town. Next to the church is a landmark boulder Greenland, where we Zodiac-cruise and kayak to search for fin and humpback called the ‘Knud Rasmussen Stone,’ named after Greenland’s most famous whales and photograph the spectacular scenery. citizen, Dr Knud Rasmussen, an explorer and ethnologist. Day 6 Skjoldungen Island Day 9 Hvalsey, Qaqortoq Continue south along Greenland’s King Frederik VI Coast, always on the Hvalsey Church is the best-preserved Norse ruin in Greenland. ‘Hvalsey’ is old lookout for whales, especially the rare sperm whale that is occasionally seen Norse for ‘Whale Island.’ Christianity arrived in Greenland around 1,000 AD here. Weaving through the narrow channels of Skjoldungen Fjord we land at and gradually churches began to be built. Late medieval documents indicate the end of the fjord for a walk along a glacial river, across a tundra valley there were up to 14 parish churches in the . Hvalsey itself covered in northern willow and blooming pink wildflowers. Kayakers can was built in the early 14th century, but it was not the first church built on this paddle across the front of a tidewater glacier, search for harp seals, ivory gulls site. After exploring Hvalsey ruins, continue to Qaqortoq, where our Zodiacs and whales. Back on board, enjoy the stunning surrounds with a drink in hand shuttle us ashore. Qaqortoq is the capital of south Greenland. With a history basked in the soft light of the setting sun. dating back to 1775, the town offers various cultural activities and attractions including an outdoor art project called “Man and Stone,’ which features stone Day 7 Prince Christian Sound carvings scattered throughout the town created by local artists. Qaqortoq is Prince Christian Sound connects the with the . Greenland’s southernmost town and is the administrative centre of the south Approximately 100 km / 60 mi long, and, in parts, as narrow as 500-m / Greenland. Built from yellow stone, and dating back to 1804, the building that 600-ft wide, the fjord is flanked by jagged mountain peaks, some reaching now houses the Qaqortoq Museum originally belonged to the town’s over 2,200 m / 7,200 ft high, with countless glaciers coming all the way blacksmith. Qaqortoq’s landmark building is the Church of Our Saviour. This

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com large wooden Lutheran church, known as the ‘Red Church’, is in the historic and the sea. colonial part of town, near the harbour. Day 13 Ilulissat Day 10 Paamiut Known as the ‘birthplace of icebergs’, this region boasts some of the most Located on a peninsula with impressive view of the surrounding mountains, splendidly-shaped icebergs found anywhere on earth. Hike to the UNESCO the small settlement of Paamiut has existed since the mid-17th century, and World Heritage-listed Icefjord and stand in awe of its immensity. Sermeq the name of the town means 'the people who live at the mouth' referring to , also known as , is the most productive glacier, the nearby fjord. The town is home to a beautiful and ornate wooden church, not only in Greenland, but in the Northern Hemisphere. It produces 20 million which is remarkable when Greenland completely lacks trees that can be used tonnes of ice each day, all floating into the and . for construction. The local museum is worth a visit, and features exhibits of Conditions permitting, enjoy a Zodiac cruise at the mouth of the fjord and local handicrafts and photos from the whaling period. The town and kayak through sea ice and icebergs. Optional helicopter flight (90 mins): this surrounding area are best known for the resident population of white-tailed excursion is the only way you can get close to the gigantic glacier. The eagles, while minke, fin, humpback and orca are common visitors to this 10-seater helicopter departs from Ilulissat sweeping over hills, lakes stretch of coast. Arctic char is the most commonly caught fish in these waters and ice fjords. Land on the mountain at Kangia, in the middle of the preserved and depending on the luck of the day’s catch by local fisherman, we may area, where you can revel in the incredible surroundings. On the return flight to enjoy a meal of freshly caught Arctic char for the evening meal. Ilulissat, fly above the edge of the glacier with breathtaking views of the massive icebergs drifting in the fjord. The views of some of the largest icebergs Day 11 Nuuk that become stranded on a moraine underneath the water, just outside the town, offers a wonderful finale to this excursion. Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, the world’s northernmost capital, lies at the mouth of its very own fjord system on the country’s mid-west coast. On a guided Day 14 Eqip Sermia (Eqi the calving glacier) walking tour around town, you’ll see charming old buildings including Greenland’s colourfully painted houses, and the award-winning City Hall. The Located 80 kilometres north of Ilulissat, Eqi Glacier is accessible only by sea, small but fascinating National Museum features a unique ethnographical and is one of Greenland’s most active glaciers. Although smaller than Sermeq collection of artefacts of life, including the famous 545-year-old Kujalleq glacier in Ilulissat, Eqi Glacier is more accessible, and if sea-ice mummies, accidentally discovered by hikers in 1972. conditions permit, we’ll Zodiac cruise within safe distance of the glacier front where we see seals floating on bergy bits in front of the glacier while eagles Day 12 Sisimiut can sometimes be seen soaring above. Several hikes are possible in the area, where you may encounter grouse, Arctic hare and small Arctic fox. Approximately 4,500 years ago, the culture arrived from Canada and settled in the area. They lived here for approximately 2,000 years, but Day 15 Eternity Fjord mysteriously disappeared. The Dorset culture arrived around 500 AD and remained until the 1200s until they were replaced by the Thule culture, and Evighedsfjorden, or Eternity Fjord, is one of the more spectacular fjord today, most of the population of Sisimiut are descendants of the Thule complexes in west Greenland due to its forested landscape. Hike through a culture. Located above the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut enjoys experiences 24 hours forested valley, witness hills become towering snow-capped mountains as of daylight during the summer months. As Greenland’s second largest town, countless glaciers pour down from sheer cliff walls. Occasionally, the Sisimiut is the only place in Greenland that has an open-air public swimming thunderous sound of a calving glacier breaks the silence in a place where you pool, and the town is famous for its old blue church featuring a whale jaw are unlikely to see another soul. gate. The town’s small museum features interesting exhibits explaining local history and life in Greenland. The local arts centre features concerts, plays, Day 16 Disembark in Kangerlussuaq, charter flight to Toronto films and cultural performances. A few kilometres from downtown, Priest Mountain offers a challenging hike along a small river, and across tundra Tucked away at the end of a 180-kilometre-long Søndre Strømfjord is vegetation blooming with wildflowers, where you might encounter foxes, Greenland’s biggest and busiest airport, Kangerlussuaq. Bid a fond farewell to grouse, eagles soaring overhead, and perhaps musk ox. At the summit, you’ll the expedition team and transfer to the airport for a charter flight to Toronto, be rewarded with stunning views of town, the surrounding mountains, fjords where you spend the night.

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com Day 17 Depart Toronto After check-out, continue your onward journey.

Important note: In the spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea, pack-ice and other conditions beyond our control.

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com YOUR SHIP: GREG MORTIMER

YOUR SHIP: Greg Mortimer

VESSEL TYPE: Expedition

LENGTH: 104 metres

PASSENGER CAPACITY: 132

BUILT/REFURBISHED: 2019

Capable of negotiating the strongest winds and waves, the Greg -BOW™ Mortimer is built to world-class polar standards - designed in Our expeditions face some of the worst Mother Nature can close consultation with our expedition specialists, taking throw at us. However, this won't be problem on the Greg advantage of our more than 25 years of experience. Mortimer with the introduction of the patented X-BOW™, The Greg Mortimer redefines expedition cruising for the future, created by Norwegian ship designer ULSTEIN. As one of the with just 132 passengers on board in the polar regions. Not leaders in marine engineering, ULSTEIN's X-BOW™ is an only is the ship bigger to contend with adverse weather inverted bow concept that's been built on over 100 vessels in conditions, its added creature comforts make for a more the shipping industry. Excitingly, we are the first expedition enjoyable journey out on the open ocean. The Greg Mortimer cruise operator to utilise this technology for the challenging remains true to our ethos and focus on multiple landings, open ocean waves! flexible itineraries and family atmosphere - just with an Hydraulic viewing platforms improved home base! Although there is no doubt that you'll love the aesthetics of the As a modern and custom-designed ship, the Greg Mortimer is at Greg Mortimer, we are all here to admire the spectacular the cutting edge of nautical technology. Robust, powerful and landscape and spot the elusive wildlife in their natural habitat. built with our guests in mind, this ship marks a significant To ensure you get the best views possible, the new ship features investment in our fleet's capabilities. From the European Arctic unique viewing platforms, custom-built for the Greg Mortimer. to the depths of Antarctica, and other far-flung destinations Accessed from Deck 5, the two platforms fold out hydraulically in-between, the Greg Mortimer will make your journey a breeze! for unobstructed views of passing marine life and seabirds - Greg Mortimer ULSTEIN X make sure your camera is locked and loaded! Zodiac launching platform

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com Zodiacs are a vital part of getting up close and personal on your compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements. It's also built adventure - sneaking into areas that the Greg Mortimer can't with a Rolls Royce stabiliser system. If there's an incident or reach. On this new ship, there are specially designed launching accident during your adventure, the ship has an on-board, platforms that enables us to load Zodiacs easily and quickly, fully-stocked medical centre - where our trained medical team allowing you to spend more time exploring on the two to three can provide necessary treatment in a timely fashion. Safety daily landings. There are 15 Zodiacs that are boarded from continues to be an issue that our team takes very serious and either side of Deck 3 (sea level), perfect for when there is a the Greg Mortimer allows us to create an environment where group of fluffy cute penguin chicks that we need a photo of! you can concentrate on the brilliant landscape and wildlife, Activity Platform without worrying about your wellbeing. Regardless of your destination, we offer a number of additional Ship Life activities to allow you to see more of the environment. From Greg Mortimer is designed to serve your every need. It's your kayaking and diving to climbing and ski touring, it's these bedroom, bathroom, lounge, dining room and even your optional activities that often leave the biggest impression on observatory. Make yourself at home, the Greg Mortimer is yours your trip as a whole. Onboard the Greg Mortimer, there is a to enjoy! spacious prep and loading platform for these activities and Observation Points more - designed in consultation with our expert activity guides. Let's face it - you don't want windowless rooms when travelling Environmentally friendly around some of the most beautiful locations around the world. Climate change and carbon emissions continue to be major This is why the Greg Mortimer is designed with plenty of issues that everyone needs to be aware of and actively dedicated observation spaces - ideal for keen bird spotters, managing. This includes reduced emissions into the air and sea, wildlife watchers and those wanting to watch the scenery go lower energy consumption, high fuel efficiency, reduced light past. From the indoor 180-degree lounge and outdoor pollution for minimal wildlife disruption and lower on-board 360-degree open deck, both on deck 8, to the 270-degree plastic use. It's vital to also mention the state-of-the-art virtual open sundeck on level 7, there are plenty of observation points anchoring technology of the X-BOW™, which means the ship to share around the ship! If these are full, then you can take up can float anchorless while launching Zodiacs, kayaks etc, a spot on one of the two hydraulic viewing platforms on deck 5. without disturbing delicate sea floor areas. Aurora Expeditions also has an open bridge policy, which Safety features means at any point you can come up to the bridge and check This starts with the return-to-port equipment - not compulsory out what the captain and officers are up to. From watching on a ship of this size - which duplicates the propulsion system. navigational practices to observing mapping techniques, you This enables the ship to maintain operating systems and can get a firsthand look at the inner workings of the Greg comfort in the event of engine failure. Furthermore, the Greg Mortimer. Mortimer is Polar Code 6 compliant, holds BV class and is fully Shore excursions

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com Although the ship is fun, the real enjoyment comes from the reflect on your time on the ship and consolidate lifelong many shore excursions that are available. Depending on the friendships with the people you've met on-board. weather and itinerary, it's possible to take two to three landings On-board entertainment daily, taking a look at everything from rock formations and When you're relaxing during a sea day or you have a little ancient ruins to cute groups of penguins. We know time is of the downtime on the ship between excursions, what is there to do essence in these wild locations, so the Greg Mortimer has been onboard the Greg Mortimer? Plenty! On all our expeditions, designed with 15 Zodiacs, which means you can maximise your there are experts who lead presentations in the spacious lecture time on shore. From four dedicated sea level launching room so you can understand the region a little better. These platforms, transfers are quicker, safer and enable you to get often include topics as broad as history and culture to biology closer to the action for a longer period of time. Just remember and climate change, these presentations aim to educate and to charge your camera before you step onto the Zodiac! entertain. If you're keen to just watch the surroundings and Activity options keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, you have access to two From kayaking and skiing to diving and climbing, these are bars/lounges where the stunning floor to ceiling windows offer a one-in-a-lifetime opportunities that you need to take advantage special perspective on the landscape. The Greg Mortimer is also of. Aboard the Greg Mortimer there is a specially designed decked out with other facilities for your enjoyment. There is a launching platform for all activities, a concept overseen by our library on Deck 5 with books and maps and a Wellness Centre activity experts. This area also includes individual lockers in the complete with gym equipment, sauna and spa. Feeling a little expansive mudroom and rapid drying areas for wetsuits so you sore after walking around all day? Treat yourself to a massage can quickly get warm after exploring in the elements! at the Wellness Centre and feels the aches disappear! Keen Dining photographers and artists will revel in the multimedia room on From the moment you step onto the Greg Mortimer, we aim to Deck 5. give you the best hospitality service possible. Starting with the official Captain's welcome, as our guests, you're welcome to 24 hours complimentary coffee, tea and snack facilities in addition to the range of different menu options and courses for each meal. Meals are served in large dining room/restaurant with family style dining, perfect to swap stories with your new expedition family. Enjoy the range of house wine, beers and soft drinks included with dinner after a long day in the wild, preparing yourself for another exciting day to follow. On the last day of your trip, the team on the Greg Mortimer put on a special farewell four-course dinner and cocktails - a perfect way to

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com INSIDE YOUR SHIP

Aurora Stateroom Triple Aurora Stateroom Twin

Balcony Stateroom - A Balcony Stateroom - B

Balcony Stateroom - C Balcony Stateroom Superior

Captain's Suite Junior Suite

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com PRICING

10-Aug-2022 to 26-Aug-2022 Aurora Stateroom Triple 23195 AUD pp Aurora Stateroom Twin 23895 AUD pp Balcony Stateroom - C 25895 AUD pp Balcony Stateroom - B 27295 AUD pp Balcony Stateroom - A 29295 AUD pp Balcony Stateroom Superior 31995 AUD pp Junior Suite 40195 AUD pp Captain's Suite 47695 AUD pp

Optional extras & upgrades Sea Kayaking One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica, the Arctic or any of our global voyages. Rock Climbing in Greenland Explore the remote and rugged summits of East Greenland. Snorkelling Witness wildlife and scenery unlike any other place on earth. Through crystal clear waters you’ll discover the amazing mobility and speed of penguins entering and exiting from the ice, marvel at beautiful sculpted icebergs below the water and witness marine life such as crustaceans, isopods, starfish and nudibranchs!

0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com