EXPEDITION Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq August 15, 2015 | 12 Days | Voyage 7518

Expedition Highlights:  Cruise into deep fjords with active glaciers and spectacular icebergs  Learn of Greenland’s native Inuit  Soak in a natural hot spring  Explore ancient Norse and Viking sites  Discover the cultures of remote Greenlandic towns  Identify seabirds and watch for whales  Visit the world’s smallest capital and fastest moving glacier  Meet a sledge dog team and their owners  See the famous

Day 1 — Reykjavik, Embark Silver Explorer and depart on your exciting 12-day Silversea Expedition – “Expedition Greenland”. After settling into your suite and setting sail, meet the members of your Expedition Team in “The Theatre” and attend the first of many memorable dinners in “The Restaurant”.

Day 2 — At Sea Crossing the Denmark Strait Spend the day crossing the Denmark Strait, which connects the and Atlantic oceans. Meet some of your fellow explorers, attend a Zodiac briefing, and become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found on board the Silver Explorer. Tonight, you will be invited to attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party, where the Captain will introduce his senior officers and various members of the crew.

Day 3 — Skoldungen Fjord (Thyrms Glacier) Cruising along Greenland’s rugged eastern coast, the Silver Explorer explores the Skoldungen Fjord. You will spend much of the day out on deck to take in the enchanting scenery: towering mountains tipped with snow, ice-scraped valley sides and sculptured icebergs in shades of white and blue. Upon arriving at the top of the fjord where you can easily see the retreating state of the Thyrms Glacier, you will have your first Zodiac cruise of the journey, allowing you to explore this picturesque setting from a unique, up-close perspective. On your return journey, exiting this U-shaped fjord, join your Expedition Team out on deck to marvel at the spectacular scenery.

Day 4 — Cruise & Explore , Greenland The plan for today is to explore one of South Greenland’s most dramatic natural features: Prince Christian Sound. The water is placid and the crisp scent of ice fills the air. On either side of the ship, waterfalls stream down sharp, wrinkled mountainsides as the captain navigate the fjord through a sea of icebergs that glitter in the sun. Born of compacted ancient snows that calve into the sound at the glacier’s edge, each iceberg is different from the next. Time and weather conditions permitting, you might set out via the Zodiacs to explore even more.

Day 5 — Nanortalik, Greenland | Uunartoq Island, Greenland Nanortalik lies in a scenic area surrounded by steep mountainsides and is Greenland’s most southerly town. The town’s name means the “place of polar bears”, which refers to the polar bears that used to be seen floating offshore on summer’s ice floes. Nanortalik has an excellent open-air museum that gives a broad picture of the region from Inuit times to today. At the summer hunting camp, Inuit in traditional clothing will describe aspects of their ancestor’s customs and lifestyle including an impressive kayak demonstration. Time permitting; you will enjoy the tradition of kaffe-mik (coffee and cake) and a folk dancing presentation at the Cultural Centre. In the afternoon, Silver Explorer will drop anchor at Uunartoq. Since the days of the Norse, the hot springs here have been renowned for their healing effects. Take this opportunity to relax and unwind in steaming waters. Remember to pack swimwear!

Day 6 — , Greenland | , Greenland This morning you arrive at the picturesque harbour town of Qaqortoq (pronounced ka-kor- tok). The town’s name translates to ‘white place’, but today, instead of snow, you will admire the hillsides of colourful houses painted in bright primary shades. Your local guide will take you to the charming town square, home to Greenland’s oldest fountain built in 1928. Surrounding it are two churches, one old and one new, an open-air fish and meat market, and the Qaqortoq Museum. This modest museum houses a superb collection of historical artefacts associated with Inuit hunting and fishing, a whaler’s gun and a collection of contemporary artwork.

In the afternoon Silver Explorer anchors off Hvalsey. Once ashore, you will learn how Christianity spread its influence throughout Europe and eventually reached remote Greenland, where it established itself in the country in 1000 AD. Hvalsey Church was built in the 14th century and is the best preserved of the churches in Greenland from that period. Together you will visit these historical ruins from the time of the Vikings.

Day 7 — Qassiarsuk / Brattahlid, Greenland | Ittileq, Greenland Encircled by a wealth of Norse ruins, Qassiarsuk (or Brattahlid) is where you will begin your day. Qassiarsuk is the newer, Greenlandic name for this small village. Brattahlid is the older, Danish name. Here you tour the foundation remains of the manor house of founded Greenland after being banished from Iceland and for murder. You will also visit the site of the first Christian church ever built in North America, see a recently unearthed Norse graveyard that contains remains of 144 Norse colonists, and have a chance to admire Hans Lynge’s remarkable bronze sculpture of Erik the Red.

Back aboard Silver Explorer, you enjoy lunch as the ship cruises to Ittileq. From your landing site, you will walk the 4 km / 2.5 mi to Igaliku, where you will meet up with the 30 inhabitants, who are very proud of their beautiful village. With your local guides, you will visit the ruins of Garðar, which was once the religious heart of 12th-century Norse Greenland.

Day 8 — At Sea Gather in “The Theatre” to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. The knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields and their informative topics will prepare you for the many adventures that lie ahead. Binoculars and camera in hand, head out on deck to watch for marine mammals and to identify the seabirds that will follow your passage.

Day 9 — , Greenland This morning you arrive in Greenland’s first town (1728) and current capital, Nuuk, which means “the heartland”. Your leisurely walk through this picturesque harbour town allows you to take in Nuuk’s natural beauty, and also to see Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, parliament, and the Church of our Saviour. At the Greenlandic National Museum, you have the fantastic opportunity to see the famous Qilakitsoq mummies.

Day 10 — Sisimiut, Greenland Located just north of the , Sisimiut is the northernmost town in Greenland, where the port remains free of ice in the winter. Yet it is also the southernmost town, where there exists enough snow and ice to drive a dogsled in winter and spring. In Sisimiut, travelling by sledge has been the primary means of winter transportation for centuries. Today, you will meet a sledge dog team and their owners, who will tell you all about sledding and how the Greenlandic sledge dog has been bred to be amongst the strongest working dogs in the world.

Day 11 — Ilulissat, Greenland Just after sunrise, be out on deck to see the northern hemisphere’s most active glacier – Jakobshavn – often surrounded by icebergs in all shapes and sizes and in varying shades of white and turquoise. Known as the birthplace of icebergs, the Ilulissat Icefjord produces nearly 20 million tons of ice each day. The town of Ilulissat is known for its long periods of calm and settled weather, but the climate is a bit colder due to its proximity to the fjord. While here, you may have the opportunity to see a demonstration of ancient fishing methods and enjoy some locally caught and prepared fish. During your guided walking tour of Ilulissat, you will visit the local history museum. The afternoon tour continues via fishing boat, as you navigate amongst the many icebergs at the fjord’s entrance. Alternatively, guests have the option to purchase an exciting helicopter excursion to see the magnificent Jakobshavn Icefjord by air.

Day 12 — At Sea Participate in discussions and onboard activities led by the Expedition Team, relax in one of the lounges with that book you’ve been meaning to read, and meet up with new friends for cocktails. On board Silver Explorer, a variety of diversions are available, including educational lectures, spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences. Before turning in for the night, take a stroll on deck to take in the solitude of the vast sea and sky.

Day 13 — Kangerlussuaq, Greenland After breakfast, disembark Silver Explorer and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather, wildlife activity and ice conditions. Expedition Team members scheduled for this voyage are subject to change or cancellation.