At a Glance
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MULTI-TRIP PROMOTION Save 10% on each expedition when you book two or more selected expeditions in 2023, and a whopping 30% on each expedition when you book two or more in 2024. This promotion is combinable with Free Single Supplement. Not combinable with any other offers or incentives. Based on availability. Expeditions must sail in the same calendar year. Additional terms and conditions apply*.
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Witness how the yin and yang philosophy is conveniently demonstrated in some of Greenland’s regions: contrasting cultures and phenomena complementing each other. Learn staggering history, and behold unique marine wildlife and jaw-dropping landscapes as you sail from Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq aboard the luxury, ice-strengthened Ocean Endeavour. Go on a 13-day small ship expedition, discovering the wonders, cultures and terrains of famed regions that’ll ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All transfers as specified in the itinerary
- All onboard meals with afternoon tea and snacks all round
- 12 nights’ accommodation aboard the luxury Ocean Endeavour on a twin share basis
- All shore excursions and zodiac cruises
- Expert expedition team
- Interactive workshops, educational programs & Nikon camera trial program
- Guided activities, sightseeing and community visits as specified in the itinerary
- Access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic
- Complimentary expedition jackets
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- Special access permits, entry, park & port fees
- Evening entertainment
- NOTE: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, to Toronto, ON, Canada. Evening arrival USD 1,455pp is not included. $624 USD fuel surcharge ($48 per day) is not included
Itinerary
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We spend the day exploring Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital, Reykjavik. This city, established in 874 AD, was founded by Ingolfr Arnarson, who fancied the steamy local hot springs. Today, Reykjavik boasts of several geothermally heated outdoor pools and is considered one of the cleanest, greenest cities on Earth. Make sure to make the most of your time in the beautiful city of Reykjavik by engaging in as many activities as possible. Try out sumptuous meals, dip in one of the famed outdoor pools, or check out the towering expressionist-style Hallgrimskirkja Church or the National Culture House, which preserves treasures like the Poetic Edda the Norse Sagas in their original manuscripts. In the evening, as we get ready to depart Reykjavik, you will be greeted by the staff, who will provide you with your cabin tags. Fill in your name and ship cabin number carefully, so your luggage can be delivered to the vessel. Following that, our adventure onboard Ocean Endeavour begins |
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Today, we sail the Denmark Strait from Iceland like the Vikings. The Denmark Strait, also called the Greenland Strait, lies between Greenland (west) and Iceland (east). As we sail this delightful navigational passage, watch out for whales and seabirds. This journey to Greenland will also be an enlightening one, as the onboard learning program will prepare you for the archaeology, history, culture, and wildlife of our destination, Greenland. |
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For the next few days, we will explore the remote reaches of east Greenland. This part of Greenland isn’t convenient for humans to establish habitats but is worth touring by ship and Zodiac. This coast is filled with numerous fjords dotted with pack ice and spectacular peaks. Join our expedition team on deck to watch iconic Arctic wildlife, including seals, humpbacks, bears, and whales. We will explore the remote reaches of glaciated fjords by Zodiac. Marvel at the beauty of the wild on east Greenland as we set out on Zodiacs among the endless acres of ice grind down the polar pack, stunning fjords and fantastic peaks. Get a closer look at the whales and seals as they come in and out of the water. Keep your cameras nearby to immortalise these breathtaking moments. |
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The best part about today is the heart-stopping sights you get to behold. Join the experts on deck as they scout for landing opportunities on the skirts of the mountains. Drink in the jaw-dropping allure of one of the world’s most majestic waterways, Ikerasassuaq (Prince Christian Sound). Ikerasassuaq is where the Irminger and Labrador seas join through the islands of the Cape Farewell Archipelago. This waterway is decorated with high crags and calving glaciers that spit icebergs into the sea. |
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Today, we explore southern Greenland, which lives up to its name and is characterized by jagged mountains and green pastures, in stark contrast to the barren ice that covers much of the country. Here, agriculture thrives, and sheep farms directly border ice fjords. Watch out for uniquely adapted wildlife, including seals, humpbacks and caribou. We visit the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site, where there is a clean blend of Norse history and modern Greenlandic fishing and hunting communities. This subarctic farming landscape bears witness to the fusion of the cultures of European Norse and Inuit. |
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Get immersed in Norse history as you tour the ruins. Visit the Hvalsey Church, which has its stone walls intact but is without a roof and is situated near the modern-day community of Qaqortoq. This fjord-side ruin which doubles as the best-preserved and most eerie Norse structure in Greenland held a wedding as its last recorded event in September 1408. Learn more about the settlement and try to decipher which speculations may be true. Did the Norsemen starve en masse during the Little Ice Age? Decamp back to Iceland? |
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Feel history come alive as you visit the captivating Brattahlíð anglicised as Brattahlid, the fabled home of Erik the Red and his descendants until the 1400s and a UNESCO World Heritage. Situated in the most fertile part of Greenland, it used to be the seat of power of the Eastern settlement, which hosted thousands of settlers on as many as five hundred farms. Go on to explore the Norse church and Viking longhouse featured here to get into it. Now, Greenlandic Inuit run the sheep farms originally worked by Norse settlers. |
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Traverse the transcendent Sermersooq region of Greenland by Zodiac, on foot, or maybe in kayaks depending on the landing conditions. This region is decorated with an awe-inspiring myriad of mountain peaks, glaciers and plunging fjords. We will spend most of our time on the region's western coast, where there are records of human habitation stretching back over 1,500 years. Keep an eye out for nattoralik (white-tailed eagles), seabirds, marine mammals, and bright tiny blooms on the tundra as you enjoy the green vegetation of southwest Greenland. |
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Today, we make a stop at the lively capital of Greenland, Nuuk. This picturesque harbour functions as a bridge between old and new. It pays homage to colonial Denmark (the 170-year-old Saviour’s Church and the statue of missionary Hans Egede) and modern Greenland (the seaside Inuit sculptures and the spectacular national museum where the famed Qilakitsoq mummies rest). Shop and traverse the Nuuk’s downtown, known for its awe-inspiring art, chic boutiques, pubs and cafes. There is also the ancient parliament house and a market where hunters sell sea mammal meat. Explore and enjoy big-city living on the world’s coolest island. |
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Witness how Kangerlussuatsiaq lives up to its Danish name, Evighedsfjorden, meaning “the fjord of eternity.” This fjord is defined by cacophonous bird cliffs, cascading ice water streams, tidewater glaciers, and jagged mountain peaks, with a towering mountain as the backdrop. The waters in this region are relatively warm due to the West Greenland Current and the subarctic location. Be prepared to marvel at its beauty as we venture to the face of the glacier either by ship or Zodiac cruise. A sublime experience that promises to be unforgettable. |
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Bringing our journey to an end, we sail up Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord), a whopping 190-kilometre-long fjord, accessorized by mountains and glaciers, and cross the Arctic Circle on your way. A true polar pleasure. Kangerlussuaq, the historic settlement, is what lies at the head of the fjord. It is a former US Air Force base and Greenland’s primary flight hub. Here, we will disembark the Ocean Endeavour, transferring by Zodiac to the shore, after which you’ll be transported to the airport for your charter flight to Toronto, ON where your enlightening trip ends. (Note: charter flight to Toronto is an additional cost with an evening arrival, USD $1,455pp). Forge forward with a new sense of adventure and inspiration on your journey onwards. Note: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
The price is based on Comfort Cabin Category 6 (Double/Twin). Please contact us for available cabins and prices. NOTE: plus $624 USD fuel surcharge ($48 per day). Free Single Supplement (see details below).
More Info
- The departure point is Reykjavik, Iceland
- The finish point is Toronto, Canada. (Note: Charter flight to Toronto is at own expense, USD $1,455)
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Reykjavik. Reykjavík Airport is the main domestic airport serving Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, located about two kilometres from the city centre. Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport, is the largest airport in Iceland and the country's main hub for international flights.
Iceland
Iceland, near the Arctic Circle, has a cold and temperate climate due to the North Atlantic Current that carries Gulf Stream warm water north. That means that even though winters are cold, Iceland generally experiences higher average temperatures than other places in the world located at a similar latitude. Iceland's climate includes conditions typical for a Nordic country, but there are some variations between different parts of the island: The south coast tends to be warmer, wetter, and windier than the north, and snowfall in winter is more common in the north than in the south. Known as the Land of Ice and Fire due to its many volcanoes, Iceland is always subject to the possibility of volcanic activity.
The summer months of May through August are ideal for lots of daylight hours. December is also popular for the winter holidays and seeing the Northern Lights, although it will be quite dark during that time and you will see very little—if any—sunlight at all.
Greenland
The entirety of Greenland is located in the polar climate zone with average temperatures that do not exceed 10° C (50° F) in the warmest summer months. This means that, in general, it stays chilly all year-round and gets very cold in the winter, but there are large variations from region to region. In all parts of the country the weather is locally changeable and can vary from fjord to fjord and from one valley to the next. This is because there are a number of factors that affect the climate in Greenland, such as the surrounding coastline and the inland ice sheet. Packing for the Arctic Circle is all about layers. With an arctic climate, rapid weather changes should be expected. A day can shift from clear sunshine to a snowstorm in the blink of an eye, and hence visitors need to come prepared.
Capacity: 198 passengers
Length: 137 metres (450 ft.)
Draft: 5.8metres (19 ft.)
Main Engines: 4 x Skoda Sulzer 6ZL40/48
Propellers: 2 x variable pitch propellers
Cruising speed: 15 knots
Crew: 124
Ice Class: 1B
Lifeboats: 6
Life rafts: 12
Safety Features: 6 fully enclosed lifeboats and 8 life rafts. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull and the lifeboat and life raft capacity exceeds SOLAS requirements with at least 25% additional capacity above the number of people on board.
The Ocean Endeavour is the perfect vessel for expedition cruising. Outfitted with twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, multiple lounges, and a panoramic top deck observation room, she is purpose-built for passenger experiences in remote environments. The Ocean Endeavour boasts a 1B ice class, enabling her to explore throughout the polar summers. Launched in 1982, she has had numerous upgrades, most recently in 2018. At 137 meters in length, the Ocean Endeavour has plenty of interior and exterior space. Ample deck space offers comfortable lounge chairs, a swimming pool, two saunas, and a hot tub. The spacious interior allows for varied workshops and presentations to occur simultaneously. The three lounges aboard the Ocean Endeavour are optimal locations for seminars, events, parties, and conversation. Other faculties: Mud Room, Gym, Laundry, Medical Clinic, Elevator service (decks 3-6).
Category 10 (Suite)
Deck seven: orward-facing pic-ture windows, unobstructed view; matrimonial bed, private bath with full tub, refrigerator. Approx. 310 sq. Ft.
Category 9 (Junior Suite)
Deck five: picture windows, unobstructed view; matrimonial bed, sitting area — approx. 270 sq. ft. Deck seven forward: forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view; matrimonial bed, sitting area, private bath with full tub, refrigerator. Approx. 290 sq. Ft.
Category 8 (Superior Twin)
Deck five: two picture windows, unobstructed view; two lower berths, sit-ting area — approx. 210 sq. ft. Deck seven forward: forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view; matrimonial bed, private bath with full tub — approx. 180 sq. ft. Deck seven midship: picture windows, partial obstruc-tion; matrimonial bed, private bath, refrigerator. Approx. 190 sq. Ft.
Category 7 (Select Twin)
Deck five: picture windows, unobstructed view; two lower berths, approx. 190 sq. ft.
Deck eight: oversize windows, partial obstruction; matrimonial bed, private bath, refrigerator. Approx. 145 sq. Ft.
Category 6 (Comfort Twin)
Deck four: two porthole windows, unobstructed view; two lower berths. Approx. 175 sq. ft. Deck seven: picture window, partial obstruction; two lower berths. Approx. 135 sq. ft.
Deck eight: picture windows, obstructed view; matrimonial bed, private bath, refrigerator. Approx. 160 sq. Ft.
Category 5 (Main Twin)
Deck five: picture window, unobstructed view; two lower berths, private bath. Approx. 115 sq. ft.
Category 4 (Exterior Twin)
Deck four: porthole window, unobstructed view; two lower berths, private bath. Approx. 100 sq. ft. (twin) / 90 sq. ft. (single).
Category 3 (Interior Twin)
Deck five: interior cabin, two lower berths, private bath. Approx. 125 sq. ft. (twin) / 110 sq. ft. (single).
Category 2 (Triple)
Deck four: interior cabin, three lower berths, two private baths. Approx. 200 sq. ft.
Category 1 (Quad)
Deck four: interior cabin, four lower berths, private bath. Approx. 240 sq. Ft.
Expedition Jackets: (Complimentary) You will receive a complimentary expedition jacket to keep you protected from the elements. Designed specifically for expedition travel, your jacket is waterproof and windproof. This jacket is yours to keep as a coveted and useful memento of your adventure.
Nikon Camera Trial Program: (Complimentary) Travellers aboard Ocean Endeavour expeditions will be able to use precision, professional-quality photography equipment courtesy of the onboard Nikon Camera Trial Program. Together, we empower our guests to create truly dynamic images and tell vibrant stories.
Qajaq/Kayak: (Additional Cost) Explore at sea level in small groups with our experienced kayak guides. We offer excursions on double kayaks, as well as the essential gear for safety and comfort.
Biking: (Additional Cost) Experience communities and landscapes at your own pace! For fitness enthusiasts and independent explorers, we carry a fleet of Kona mountain bikes. These multi-geared, all-purpose bikes are available during select community excursions.
For those who prefer not to share, we have a limited quantity of cabins in Category 3 through to Category 7 with no single supplement!
When travelling on Ocean Endeavour, solo travellers can take advantage of a limited quantity of cabins in Category 3 through to Category 7 with no single supplement! Once these cabins are sold, the single supplement fee is 1.5 times the berth cost.
If you are willing to share a cabin, you may choose to book a berth in cabin categories 1-7 (based on availability) and Adventure Canada will pair you up with another solo traveller of the same gender. If you consent to share, but we do not find you a roommate, you do not pay extra.
Single occupancy in Categories 8–10 is available at full double-occupancy rates.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine 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 and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.