Arctic Express
Explore East Greenland and witness the delights of the world’s largest fjord system of Scoresby Sound. Visit fascinating Inuit settlements and (weather permitting) experience some of the world’s most vivid displays of the Northern Lights. Draw inspiration from hiking along the tundra, kayaking amid icebergs, and exploring Greenland’s National Park. Search for iconic arctic creatures in their natural habitat – whales, polar bears, muskoxen and more. Pre- and post-tour options in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins with an overnight stay at Grand Hotel Reykjavik, in the world’s northernmost capital city. Grand Hotel or similar
You’ll fly from Reykjavik to Constable Point to board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead! Ocean Nova (B,L,D)
You’ll cruise through breathtaking Alpefjord. Fjords punctuate the scenery all around. Your day will be spent exploring and Zodiac cruising through a multitude of dazzling icebergs, fjords and sounds in all shapes and sizes. Be on the lookout for arctic fox and musk ox, which roam free here. Ocean Nova (B,L,D)
Multi-hued mountains surround lovely Brogetdal, which was originally called “painted valley,” and later translated to mean “multicolored valley.” You’ll view colorful vistas, and fascinating geology. Later, you’ll travel to the impressive and rarely visited Waltershausen Glacier, an imposing ice floe at the head of Nordfjord, named after German explorer Baron Wolfgang Sartorius von Waltershausen, after his failed 1869 attempt to reach the North Pole via East Greenland. Ocean Nova (B,L,D)
Blomsterbugten, the “Bay of Flowers,” is home to beautiful purple and gold colored rocks that you’ll view from a distance, or on a hike for those who wish. Later we’ll continue to Renbugten, called “Reindeer Bay” for the herd of 12 reindeer seen on one of the first expeditions to the area. Arctic hare are a common and delightful sight in this area. Ocean Nova (B,L,D)
Ella Oya is a hiker’s paradise. The area is surrounded by ice-choked waters, rugged cliffs and sky-blue icebergs. Challenge yourself with a climb to the top of the island—the views are worth it. Ocean Nova (B,L,D)
At the start of the sound, Itoqqortoormiit is East Greenland’s most northerly community and boasts a blend of traditional and modern lifestyles. With clear skies, you’ll have a great opportunity to see the northern lights. You can also support local Inuit artisans by purchasing unique handicrafts. Our time here is spent bonding with the Inuit people and gaining an appreciation of their way of life. Later, we’ll see huge icebergs - larger than football fields, taller than apartment buildings - crossing Hall Bredning, part of Scoresby Sund. Ocean Nova (B,L,D)
Sailing on, deeper into Scoresby Sund you’ll encounter massive icebergs and an ancient Thule settlement as we approach Sydkap. The scenery here is unforgettable, with towering mountain sides and hundreds of monumental icebergs playing tricks with your sense of perception. Ocean Nova (B,L,D)
Arrive at Constable Point and disembark the ship. Sit back and enjoy your charter flight from Constable Point to Reykjavik, the vibrant and artistic capital of Iceland. Overnight in your comfortable Reykjavik hotel. Grand Hotel or similar (B)
Make your own way to the airport for your return flight home, or spend some extra time in Reykjavik - you’ll be amazed at the variety of attractions and must-see places of interests Reykjavik has to offer. (B)
Two Nights: Reykjavik is a high-tech Scandinavian city with spectacular countryside at its doorstep. In Reykjavik visit the impressive Hallgrímskirkja church; The Pearl, with its fabulous viewing deck; and pass by Höfði House, where Reagan and Gorbachev met in 1986 to begin the process of ending the Cold War. A full day excursion to the “Golden Circle” includes some of Iceland’s most stunning sights such as the magnificent Gullfoss (Golden Falls) and Strokkur geyser; and Þingvellir National Park. The next morning, enjoy a whale watching excursion.
Three nights: The first two days of this extension are identical to the 2-night program. However, instead of going whale watching on day three, you’ll enjoy the tranquility of an excursion to the famous Blue Lagoon. The lava and thermal waters complement each other and are known for its beneficial effect on the skin. Enjoy additional free time and overnight in Reykjavik.
Options are same as above.
Cost and Details
Cabin Category Rate (per person)
Quad $6,395
Triple $6,895
Upper/Lower $8,495
Bridge Deck $8,895
Upper Deck $9,395
Included
8 nights aboard the Ocean Nova; Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; 2 nights at the Grand Hotel Reykjavik including breakfast (hotel subject to change); All breakfasts, lunches and dinners aboard the ship; Internal flights from Reykjavik to the ship and return; Group transfers to and from ship; All shore landings per the daily program; Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader; All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; a Quark Expeditions parka — yours to keep; Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of $500,000 USD per person; Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and special guests as scheduled; Photographic journal documenting the expedition; Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin; Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader; All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; All luggage handling aboard the ship; Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax
Not Included
International airfare; Passport and visa expenses; Arrival & departure taxes; Meals ashore unless otherwise specified; Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance – strongly recommended; Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned; Excess baggage charges for international flights; Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges; Telecommunication charges; The customary gratuity at the end of the expedition for Expedition Team members and ship’s crew; Additional overnight accommodation; Optional kayaking activities; Arrival and departure transfers between Reykjavik international airport and hotel on arrival and departure days
Highlights of Reykjavik Extension: 2 nights/3 days – (approximately $995, per person, double; single $1,495)
Included:
Private arrival and departure transfers; 2.5 hour tour of Iceland’s capital city on foot and by bus (shared tour); 8 hour coach tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle – Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Hot spring and Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site (shared tour); 3 hour whale watching tour including pickup/drop off at hotel (shared tour); 2 nights at the Grand Hotel Reykjavik or similar with breakfast; 2 breakfasts
Not Included:
International and domestic flights; Departure taxes or reciprocity fees; Meals not specified, optional excursions, personal expenses (laundry, beverages, phone and internet), and tips; Travel insurance; Entrance fees to National Parks, unless otherwise mentioned
Best of Reykjavik Extension: 3 nights/4 days – (approximately $1,195, per person; single $1,895)
Included:
Private arrival and departure transfers; 2.5 hour tour of Iceland’s capital city on foot and by bus (shared tour); 8 hour coach tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle – Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Hot spring and Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site (shared tour); 3 hour Blue Lagoon thermal waters visit, admission to the Lagoon included (shared tour); 3 nights at the Grand Hotel Reykjavik or similar; 3 breakfasts
Not Included:
International and domestic flights; Departure taxes or reciprocity fees; Meals not specified, optional excursions, personal expenses (laundry, beverages, phone and internet), and tips; Travel insurance; Entrance fees to National Parks, unless otherwise mentioned
Terms and Conditions
The Commonwealth Club (CWC) has contracted with Quark Expeditions (QE) to organize this tour. Limitations of Liability: CWC and QE, its Owners, Agents, and Employees act only as the agent for any transportation carrier, hotel, ground operator, or other suppliers of services connected with this program (“other providers”), and the other providers are solely responsible and liable for providing their respective services. CWC and QE shall not be held liable for (A) any damage to, or loss of, property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any other provider, including but not limited to any defect in any aircraft, or vehicle operated or provided by such other provider, and (B) any loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government or any subdivision or agent thereof, or by acts of God, strikes, fire, flood, war, rebellion, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, theft, or any other cause(s) beyond their control. The participant waives any claim against CWC/QE for any such loss, damage, injury, or death. By registering for the trip, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. CWC/QE shall not be liable for any air carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket to or from the departure city. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the traveler. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the passengers.
Please Note: The information contained in this brochure was prepared well in advance of the departure date. Because of the program provided, dates, pricing, hotels, modes of transportation and in some cases, itineraries, change. If this situation does occur, we will attempt to provide similar alternatives but are not always able to do so. We hope you understand. Please be certain to read Terms & Conditions and Refund & Cancellation Policy prior to signing on to this adventure.
CST: 2096889-40
For additional terms and conditions, please visit: http://www.QuarkExpeditions.com/en/Terms-and-Conditions
