Name: Greenland in Depth
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: V2323082610

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Reykjavík, despite its small size, is the capital of Iceland. At the top of the town stands the distinctive Hallgrímskirkja church, designed by renowned Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson. The revitalised harbour area features the futuristic Harpa Concert Hall and the Maritime Museum, showcasing the city's cultural heritage A trip to Reykjavík would be incomplete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon, famous for its therapeutic geothermal waters.

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Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

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On the craggy east coast of Greenland, the stunningly scenic, U-shaped Skjoldungen Fjord is surrounded by lofty snow-capped mountains, dwarf birch, Arctic wildflowers and willow forests ending with the Thrym Glacier. High rock walls, serpentine rivers and large crevasses of ice pillars known as seracs give way to carved icebergs in the fjord that gleam in a white to blue spectrum. You might also have the opportunity to see whales.

Zodiac Cruising and/or Nature Walk With your Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

01 h 00 m

Navigate in the Skjoldungen fjord, far from any settlement. Enjoy the navigation in sometimes narrow passages, among the growlers in this area surrounded by many glaciers
Watch out for Arctic Wildlife like Polar Bear, seabirds and Musk ox
Enjoy spectacular landscapes and learn interesting facts about this most remote part of Greenland with your knowledgeable Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Kayak With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)

Optional

02 h 00 m

Observe scenery, coastlines, ice formations and polar wildlife from the comfort and silence of your kayak
Experience the polar regions, from water level, with all your senses as there is no interference with artificial sounds
Amazing opportunity to kayak in the world’s last great wilderness

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The remote and beautiful Prins Christian Sund fjord carves a dramatic path between magnificent granite cliffs and glaciers, offering a stunning panorama of icebergs, rugged peaks and crystal-clear waters. Stretching 100 km at the southernmost tip of Greenland,this long and winding passage separates the mainland from Sammisoq and the Cape Farewell Archipelago, creating a breathtaking waterway that captivates adventurers and nature lovers alike.

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Colourful Nordic houses stand against dramatic mountain ridges encircling Aappilattoq, a remote Inuit village in Greenland’s Prins Christian Sund. Accessible only by boat or helicopter, Aappilattoq is home to around 100 rugged individuals who make a living through fishing and hunting. Often called the southernmost inhabited area in Greenland, Aappilattoq is in fact at the midpoint of the east and west coasts.

Aappilattoq Community visit

Included

01 h 00 m

Enjoy an opportunity to meet the local people of the remote settlement of Aappilattoq, in Southern Greenland
Explore the settlement on your own, have a stroll amongst the colourfully painted homes and enjoy the breathtaking views of this remote destination

Discover the tiny settlement of Aappilattoq

Included

02 h 00 m

See this picturesque settlement, perched at the edge of the water with towering mountains all around
See the locals in their daily life and learn how they survive in this harsh environment
Enjoy a very special moment with the local choir at the little church as choir singing has become an important element in Greenlandic national culture

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The deserted mining town of Ivittuut (formerly Ivigtut) was once vital for WWII aircraft production with the world's largest reserve of cryolite, a mineral used in aluminium production. Abandoned houses, the enormous mine pit and above-ground cemetery reveal the history of this settlement. Scattered cryolite chunks on the rocky shore mix with relics like old engines from when Inuit used cryolite for snuff. Now only muskoxen roam this eerie place.

Explore Ivittuut Abandoned Mining Town

Included

01 h 30 m

Explore this once crucial town of Ivittuut, formerly Ivigtut, that is overflowing with history around every corner
Wander through the abandoned houses of the ghost town that exudes an eerie charm
Visit the open-air mine that served as an essential economical resource for Greenland in the 19th century

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Home to more than a third of Greenlanders, the capital of Nuuk has a thriving cultural scene including the Greenland National Museum, home to the world-renowned Qilakitsoq mummies. Also known by its Danish name of Godthåb (Good Hope), Nuuk's bustling harbour features Nuuk Cathedral and colourful wooden houses, alongside modern architecture. Nuuk also serves as a gateway to Inuit experiences and adventures in the surrounding fjords and mountains.

Nuuk Sightseeing and National Museum

Included

02 h 30 m

Explore key landmarks of Nuuk, including the National Museum and renowned statues
Gain insight into Nuuk's past but and a glimpse into the broader tapestry of Greenlandic heritage.
The Nuuk National Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Greenlandic history, featuring unique artifacts like the remarkably well-preserved Qilakitsoq mummies, which provide insight into ancient life and traditions.

Tastes and Sounds of West Greenland

Optional

01 h 35 m

Savor six locally inspired Greenlandic dishes at Katuaq Cultural Center, crafted from fresh land and sea ingredients.
Discover the revitalized Greenlandic drum dance, now celebrated as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.
Experience how the drum’s rhythm and movement narrate Greenland's history and identity in an engaging presentation.

Lille Malene Hike

Optional

05 h 30 m

Walk the most spectacular hike around Nuuk city
Enjoy breathtaking views of Nuuk and its expansive fjord system, the second largest in the world, from a stunning viewpoint.
Explore the pristine wilderness surrounding the capital of Greenland

Town Walk with your Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

01 h 00 m

Visit the Capital of Greenland with its modern Scandinavian architecture as well as the more traditional coloured houses
Discover the Greenland Museum which houses national treasures including the incredible set of 500 year old mummies that were frozen in an icy cave under stones for hundreds of years.
Roam around the old harbour with and its landmark, the red-wooden church

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The northernmost city in Greenland, just above the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut remains remarkably ice free in winter and is known as an adventure sports hub all year round. Inhabited for more than 4,500 years by the Dorset, Thule and eventually the Inuit people, dog sledding remains a vital form of transportation. The area is home to humpback whales and Arctic foxes in their summer coat.

Inuit Historical Hike

Optional

02 h 00 m

Explore Tele Island (Sallinnguit) showcasing a unique blend of ancient Inuit artifacts and modern telecommunications installations.
Learn about Inuit life before European arrival and explore ruins from various historical periods.
Enjoy stunning views of the town and historic hunting grounds.

ATV Backcountry Tour

Optional

02 h 00 m

Discover the untamed wilderness of Sisimiut aboard an ATV
Take in the breathtaking beauty of Sisimiut and enjoy spectacular views

Local cultural event incl. entrance to the Old Museum area

Included

02 h 00 m

Savor authentic Greenlandic delicacies in a tasting tent, showcasing the region's rich culinary heritage.
Share camaraderie through song, where you'll have the chance to sing along in Greenlandic to familiar melodies
Meet the amazing Greenlandic dogs and learn more about their significance to the Greenlandic people

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Sailing through the iceberg capital of the world to Disko Bay, the Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the cruise highlights. Given UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the Ilulissat Icefjord is a popular tourist destination, and thanks to the productive Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, thousands of gargantuan icebergs calve from the Greenland ice cap into the sea. The city of Ilulissat is home to many sled-dogs.

Arctic Tundra Hike

Optional

03 h 30 m

Enjoy a hike amongst the Arctic Tundra of Greenland whilst taking in spectacular views along the way
Learn about the UNESCO heritage site and visit the Icefjord centre after your hike
Wonderful photo opportunities with the Arctic colourful houses, Disko Bay views and fascinating terrain

UNESCO Icefjord Cruise

Optional

01 h 30 m

View giant icebergs at the mouth of the Ilulissat Ice fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy an incredible chance to capture stunning photographs of these majestic icebergs originating from the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier awaits you—a true photographer's paradise.

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Known for its Inuit culture, whales and icebergs, Disko Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Western Greenland. The bay is also home to the Ilulissat Icefjord, one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world. First visited by Europeans in 1596, in search of a Northwest Passage to Asia, it has been an Inuit home for millennia. The village of Qeqertarsuaq embodies thriving Inuit traditions, preserving the cultural legacy.

Kayak With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)

Optional

02 h 00 m

Observe scenery, coastlines, ice formations and polar wildlife from the comfort and silence of your kayak
Experience the polar regions, from water level, with all your senses as there is no interference with artificial sounds
Amazing opportunity to kayak in the world’s last great wildernesses

Cruising among the spectacular icebergs

Included

01 h 00 m

Near Ilulissat, the famous Icefjord calves the most impressive icebergs of the northern hemisphere
The Sermeq Kujalleq is the biggest glacier and biggest ice stream outside Antarctica. As soon as you look onto the bay, these big icebergs are omnipresent.

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Once a WWII airbase at the head of Kangerlussuaq Fjord, Kangerlussuaq's history is told at the airport’s museum, showcasing Inuit artefacts. This ice-filled glacial area and tundra is a haven for wildlife, including reindeer, arctic foxes, arctic hare, gyrfalcons and around 10,000 muskoxen.

Hike to Russell Glacier

Optional

04 h 30 m

Kick your off-roading adventure into high gear as you travel the longest road in Greenland to reach the astounding Russell Glacier
Drive along the enormous Greenlandic Ice Sheet that stretches 2,500 km from North to South and 1,000 km from East to West
There will be plenty of stops for photos along the way where you might encounter some of the diverse wildlife of Greenland

Kayaking with Expedition Team

Optional

04 h 30 m

Greenland in Depth

Greenland in Depth

Trip Highlights