Greenland: Disko Bay & Ilulissat (Ocean Victory)

Hej! Welcome to Denmark. Your adventure begins with an included flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq – Greenland’s only inland town. When you arrive, you’ll hop on a Zodiac to transfer to your ship, the Ocean Victory. Settle into your cabin, then have a safety and orientation meeting. Raise a glass as you begin your journey through the longest fjord in Greenland – Kangerlussuaq Fjord.

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Immerse yourself in the rich Paleo-Inuit history of Greenland’s second largest city, Sisimiut. Around 2500 BC, a nomadic Paleo-Inuit people called the Saqqaq migrated from Alaska and Siberia to North Greenland, becoming the first inhabitants of Sisimiut. Walk the city streets and see well-preserved historic buildings like the Blue Church, built in 1775, the museum quarter, and KNI – one of Greenland’s largest fish processing factories and supply companies, which services remote settlements. Experience Sisimiut’s blend of traditional and modern Arctic life as you explore the Taseralik Culture Center, learn about Greenlandic trade history at Sisimiut Museum and taste local delicacies like suaasat (Greenland’s national dish, a hearty stew typically made with seal meat). You might also go on a hike to nearby Sallinnguit (AKA Tele Island), where you can see ruins of ancient hunting and fishing grounds.

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At the base of the basalt mountains of Disko Island, you’ll find the town of Qeqertarsuaq, scattered with colourful seaside homes and black sand beaches. The volcanic soil here makes for unusually abundant flora – more than half of all the plant species in Greenland can be found here. This afternoon, embark on a Zodiac expedition to nearby Kuannit, where you’ll find caves, waterfalls, icebergs and basalt columns formed through the cooling and solidification of lava flows.

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Weather permitting, hop back into a Zodiac for an expedition to one of the most active glaciers in Greenland. ‘Eqip Sermia’ is Greenlandic for ‘the glacier at the end of the fjord’. Though this isn’t the largest glacier in the region, this vast expanse of ice puts on quite a show, with ice constantly tumbling off the glacier front. From a safe distance in your Zodiac, hear the roar of the glacier calving and watch as icebergs form.

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Ilulissat is known as the iceberg capital of the world. Today, you’ll find out why, as you head out on a walk from the harbour to the 70-km-long, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ilulissat Icefjord. This fjord leads to Sermeq Kujalleq, the largest glacier outside Antarctica. This glacier produces 10 per cent of the northern hemisphere’s icebergs. Back in town, explore Ilulissat’s fresh seafood, local markets and art galleries. You might also explore the Icefjord further on a hike, boat tour or small aircraft flight.

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Spend today exploring Itilleq, a village set among mountains and fjords just north of the Arctic Circle. Itilleq sits on the fringes of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Aassivisuit – Nipisat. This site preserves archaeological remains dating back 4200 years, including settlements and camps from Paleo-Inuit and Inuit peoples. Itilleq locals still rely on Arctic char, musk ox and reindeer. Learn about the local way of life and experience warm Greenlandic hospitality in this small village of less than 100 residents.

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Reflect on a trip well-travelled as you sail back up the 160-km Kangerlussuaq Fjord and disembark from your ship. You'll be transferred to Kangerlussuaq Airport for your included flight to Copenhagen, where your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Denmark, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.