Arctic Express: Greenland's Northern Lights - Fly North, Fly South (Ocean Nova) 2016 - 2017

Day 1 Arrive Reykjavik

Your adventure begins with an overnight stay in thoroughly-modern Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city. Clients are required to make their own way to the joining hotel in Reykjavik.

Day 2 Embarkation at Constable Point

You’ll fly from Reykjavik to Constable Point to board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!

Day 3 Apelfjord

You’ll cruise through breathtaking Apelfjord. 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. The following Optional Activities are available to participate in, on some or all of the departures of this itinerary. These must be booked in advance (additional costs apply) and space is limited. KAYAKING – Our kayaking adventures are the best way to feel at one with the sea. Taken in small groups of maximum 16 people, multiple times per voyage, kayaking adventures are only conducted during calm weather conditions. Kayaking is open to all levels of experience, however kayaking in the polar waters is not suitable for novice kayakers. Beginners interested in kayaking should first take an introductory course prior to the voyage which includes how to do a wet exit. In addition regardless of your experience, we recommend you take part in some kayaking practise prior to the voyage to ensure that you are comfortable on the water in the icy conditions. INCLUDED OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES HIKING - Hiking is a great way to appreciate the immense windswept landscapes of the Arctic. The tundra comes alive during the brief arctic summer, with bursts of colour from shrubs and plants that eke out a living in this polar environment. You’ll find each hike is different - exploring communities, shorelines or glaciated landscapes, often on the lookout for wildlife. Hiking participation is optional and your Expedition Team will advise you of what levels of activity you can expect prior to each excursion.

Day 4 Brogetdal and Watershausen Glacier

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.

Day 5 Blomsterbugten and Renbugten

Blomsterbugten, the “Bay of Flowers,” is home to beautiful purple and gold colored rocks that we’ll explore in the 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. Artic hare are a common and delightful sight in this area.

Day 6 Ella Oya (Ella Island)

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.

Day 7 Ittoqqortoormiit and Hall Bredning

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 Scoresbysund.

Day 8 Frederiksdal and Sydkapp

Sailing on, deeper into Scoresbysund 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.

Day 9 Disembark at Constable Point

Arrive at Constable Point. 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.

Day 10 Depart Reykjavik

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. No transfer is included.