Getting to know southern Greenland means going beyond the Arctic frontier: a world which until now has been the home of the Inuit people, and which still holds on to the flavour of their traditional lifestyle and of the battle by human beings to adapt to a hostile environment marked by ice and a harsh climate. Southern Greenland offers the traveller the impact of a sea covered in icebergs and the awe-inspiring beauty of the glaciers overflowing into the tranquillity of the fjords. The landscape, with its intense green colours and leafy tundra and its colourful settlements, also provides character to this trip that makes the Arctic reachable for any adventure-minded traveller. On our route, we will be able to navigate through the fjords among blue-tinged icebergs and alongside spectacular glacier tongues. We will sleep in a camp located in a privileged setting, right next to a glacier. We will also have the opportunity to visit one of Inlandis's glaciers, and cover a small part of its immensity, among its rimayas (crevasses), large cracks and drains. We will also be able to take spectacular treks through the tundra and in the glacier valleys, see herds of caribou and marine fauna, fish for Arctic salmon and codfish, or gather mushrooms and cranberries.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Navigate in a sea filled with icebergs, travelling around the glaciers in adventurous RIB boats, observe the blue-tinged ice and admire the beauty of Inlandis or Greenland's Polar Ice Cap.
• Witnessing northern lights, the “Dance of the Sky”, from one of the world’s most special areas.
• Visiting of some Greenlandic settlements, such as Qassiarsuk, Igaliku and Narsaq.
• A unique excursion with crampons, guided through labyrinthine crevasses, drains and ice caves in one of the oldest ice fields in the planet. A truly exclusive trip in Greenland, only comparable to that in Patagonia’s Perito Moreno.
• Sighting of local fauna such as eagles, caribou, foxes and arctic hares, or maybe whales and seals when the journey takes us to the sea.
• Having first-hand experience of the dramatic progress of climate change in Southern Greenland, an area which offers a rare glimpse of the effects of global warming: glacier withdrawal, increase in the amount of ice that has broken of the glaciers, forest and new vegetation sprouting in terrain which for centuries could not sustain plant life.
• Visiting the ruins of Gardar and Brattahlid, the most important archaeological treasures in the South of Greenland.
• Stay in a camp located right next to an incredible glacier, where we will be witness to the thunderous roar of the seracs, or blocks of ice, breaking away.

WONDERS OF SOUTH ICELAND - 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

One of the most full-featured trips in the land of the Inuit. A fully-escorted adventure tour, staying in hostels and tents.

Day 1. Viking Greenland
Flight Reykjavik (domestic airport) – Narsarsuaq. Reception in the airport and transfer in RIB boat through Tunulliarfik Fjord, usually covered by icebergs, to Qassiarsuk. Walk through the village of about 100 inhabitants, mostly farmers, comprising the old Brattahlid, capital of Viking Greenland, and where Eric the Red settled in 985 at the start of the colonisation of the barbarian peoples.
Optional: Brattahlid reconstructions. Guided visit to the original ruins from Erik the Red, and a replica of the original chapel and longhouse.
Accommodation in Hostel

Day 2: Narsaq and Qaleraliq Glacier Camp
We will set off for Qaleraliq camp, navigating along Tunulliarfik fjord among numerous icebergs. We will stop at Narsaq to visit the third most populated town in South Greenland, with about 1700 inhabitants. You will have free time to visit the local market, fur shops… and go for a walk or do some shopping, before boarding the boat again to navigate towards the Inlandis. We will arrive to a cosy, enchanting camp set on a sandy beach, which contrasts with a spectacular view of two glacier fronts from Qaleraliq’s glacier. We will spend the night at the camp, allowing our senses to enjoy the unbelievable views and the thunderclap roar of the icefall from seracs.
Accommodation in tents

Day 3: Ice Cap View
Ascent to the base of Tasersuatsiaq great lake and panoramic view of the Inlandis. Ascent by foot through a unique desert-like sand valley which will lead us to a surprisingly different landscape, that of the green and thick tundra. After passing the lake, we will climb up a mountain 400 metres high, from which we will have a mesmerising view of the lake, one of the largest in Southern Greenland. The summit is also a very special viewing point of the Inlandis, the immense inland glacier. From there you can gaze upon the infinite ice sheet up to the north coast of the island and towards the Arctic Ocean, and see the Nunataks, floating landmarks on the ice sheet. We may pick mushrooms and blueberries, and look for caribou, which are plentiful in the area.
Accommodation in tents

Day 4: Glacier fronts and excursion on ice
We will navigate along the glacier fronts on a RIB boat, admiring the beauty of their vertical ice walls and numerous icebergs as we approach them along their more than 10 kilometres descent to the sea. From there we will start the ice excursion. An impressive trek using crampons (organised to be suitable for all travellers) on one of the oldest masses of ice in the planet. We will explore its crevasses, drains, caves, seracs, and other ice formations, which give an incredible, labyrinthine quality to this glacier. An expert mountain guide will be in charge to make sure we are provided with the appropriate equipment, and to ensure the safety of the group during the trip, while he shares with us his knowledge about the special characteristics of the glaciers in the South of Greenland. A unique experience, exciting and original, surprising both first-time comers and those used to the peculiarities of the glacier world. One of the most impressive sights and one of the best excursions in all Greenland.
Accommodation in tents

Day 5: Igaliko and Qooroq Ice Fjord
Navigation from Qaleraliq to Itilleq via the Tunulliarfik fjord. Easy hike to cross the Kongevejen, or Path of the Kings, to the idyllic Igaliko, a small Eskimo settlement inhabited by not quite 40 people, which is famous for being the most beautiful settlement in the whole Greenland, and where one finds the ruins of Gardar, the archdiocese and religious capital of Viking Greenland. After eating in Igaliko, return in the afternoon to Itilleq, and then to Qassiarsuk. On our way to Qassiarsuk, we will visit the Qooroq Fjord, where one of the most active glaciers in southern Greenland can be found, navigating to the area where iceberg density will make it impossible to carry on, and which is without doubt one of Greenland's best images.
Accommodation in Hostel

Day 6: Tasiusaq, the “Iceberg’s Bay”
Walk to Tasiusaq farm, where seven people live in notable isolation next to Sermilik fjord, which is almost always blocked by the ice and icebergs coming from Eqaloruutsit glacier. Later we can go fishing arctic salmon or for a walk in the region.
Optional: Kayak excursion in the “Iceberg Bay”. A 2 hour sea kayaking trip for beginners among icebergs and ice in one of the safest and best place in the whole Greenland.
Accommodation in Hostel

Day 7: Flower Valley and Glacier
We will cross to Narsarsuaq on our adventurous RIB boats. Then, we will walk through Flower Valley enjoying the spectacular view of a valley formed due to the retreat and the consequent glacial sedimentation with plenty of flowers. We will walk until we can see Kiattut glacier and the landscape around it, with superb panoramic view of the ice sheet and its Nunataks. This is probably the most renowned excursion in all Greenland. Farewell dinner, with typical Eskimo products, whale, seal, caribou, mattak…
Accommodation in Hostel

Day 8: Return to Reykjavik
Transfer to Narsarsuaq. Time to walk around in the area and visit the local museum. Flight Narsarsuaq-Reykjavik (domestic airport)

IMPORTANT BE AWARE OF GREENLAND CONDITIONS:
This itinerary is a unique journey, designed and organised by by the local company South Greenland Expeditions. It keeps the adventure and discovery ingredients present in all our journeys. The route can be done as it is explained above or in reverse order. The order of the activities may not be exactly as planned in this outline. Greenland is the wildest country in the northern hemisphere, infrastructures are almost non-existent and logistics pose enormous challenges. That is the reason why we may not follow this daily itinerary exactly as planned. All activities are subject to change in order to adapt the journey to the weather conditions, sea conditions, or technical and organisational difficulties, and it therefore requires flexibility in the traveller. Activities can be cancelled because of weather or ice conditions as locals say “The weather is Boss in Greenland”.

WONDERS OF SOUTH ICELAND - 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

One of the most full-featured trips in the land of the Inuit. A fully-escorted adventure tour, staying in hostels and tents.

Flight Schedule on Tuesdays from Reykjavík:
Reykjavik 13:45 - Narsarsuaq 14:45 / Narsarsuaq 15:45 - Reykjavik 20:45. Schedules are subject to change. See tour dates under "departure & price".

Time Difference: Please note that there is a two-hour time difference between Iceland and Greenland.

Airport Transfer in Reykjavik: not included

Airport Transfer in Greenland: are included

Currency and credit cards: Important to bring Danish Kronas to Greenland. Foreign currency is not everywhere accepted. Credit cards are accepted only at few locations. i.e. at the hotels and larger stores. Using credit and debit card, an PIN-code is required.

Guide:
An English speaking guide from the local tour company South Greenland Expeditions will be with you throughout the journey and you may also be accompanied by one or more additional guides for specific stages of the journey. The Guide’s job is to point the group in the right direction, to ensure all travellers’ safety and to solve any possible problems that may arise along the itinerary, making changes or adjustments if necessary. Collaboration is expected from travellers and all shared activities will be everybody’s responsibility, including the guide’s.

Qualifications:
The journey is physically challenging but it is designed so that it is suitable for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, who doesn’t mind sleeping in a tent, share accommodation and goes hiking or trekking on a regular basis. The longest trek takes approximately 5-6 hours walking (with a light-weight bag) on easy terrain – maximum accumulate high: 600 metres. All other excursions are easier, approximately 3 or 4 hours walking, on alternate days. Walks are optional. Travellers who wish to stay at the camp or the hostel may do so. If you are not sure if you are fit enough for the journey, please contact our staff for further information and advice.

Level and technical information in the trekking:
The journey is an adventure in spectacular scenery, surrounded by an atmosphere of exploration and discovery of this wild country, in sometimes difficult conditions, which requires a special type attitude. Nevertheless, the treks are quite easy, and suitable for most abilities. The excursion on ice with crampons will be guided by a mountain guide, and is also suitable for anyone physically active and with an adventurous attitude.

Trekking	Distance (km)	Duration aprox.(h)	Accumulated heigh (m)	Maximum heigh (m)	Type of terrain
Tasersuatsiaq Lake	15	5	500	410	Sand
Tundra King’s way	9,2	3	200	100	Way
Tasiusaq	13,2	4,5	375	200	Path
Flower Valley	13,8	6,5	550	300	Path/Rock

Family travelling:
This itinerary can be organised for families. We recommend children are at least 12 years old in order to take part in the excursions. If this is the case, a special meeting before departure is required to give more detailed information to the families about the characteristics of the journey. Consult on your agency about special dates for families

Camps:
Qaleraliq fjord camp is located in one of the most spectacular and beautiful regions of South Greenland. It has a big dining room-kitchen area, cosy, with gas cooker, kitchen utensils, tables and chairs.

Hostels:
At Qassiarsuk we will spend the night at the Leif Eriksson Hostel, located next to the notable, Viking marine monument. It is a clean and cosy hostel, with a spacious terrace overlooking the fjord, different rooms, with shared toilets and showers. We will use sleeping bags at night. Overnight stays at the Leif Eriksson Hostel may be substituted by overnight stays at another local hostel.

Communication:
Most mobile phones can be used in towns and many areas of the coast. Camps will have Iridium satellite phone and radio. RIB boats have special radio systems.

Navigation:
The navigation will be done in a RIB-boat a Rigid Inflatable Boat, The Adventure boat by definition. The RIB boat is an open boat fast flexible and very safe. A special coat is provided for navigation. The RIB Boat allows the traveller to feel the elements and be one with them. RIB boats enable to reach areas that are difficult to access on any other type of boats. This type of boats allows us to be more dynamic, versatile and to enjoy adventure, without compromising safety.

Food:
The journey will finish with a special Eskimo dinner that will include local products available: cooked and dried seal meat and fat, stewed whale meat, raw whale meat, caribou meat, smoked halibut, dried anmmassat and cod… During the day trips we will follow a more practical diet:
Breakfast: Coffee, tea, infusions, cocoa, powdered milk, biscuits, bread, jam, muesli and cereals.
Packed lunch: Bread, cheese, chorizo, salami, ham, foie-gras, chocolate, nuts, biscuits, soup, hot tea…
Dinner: Meals cooked at the camp (no precooked dishes). Rice, pasta, fish, mashed potatoes and meat, sausages, bacon, chorizo, tuna, squid…

Northern Lights:
The northern lights are one of the most wonderful of nature’s phenomena on our planet, a beautiful, delightful display of movement and light against the dark polar skies on clear, calm nights. It is usually possible to witness the aurora in winter. Late summer, however, especially in September, is the best time of the year to watch it in Southern Greenland, which is famous for offering some of the best places to view this spectacular natural display. In July, there is more sunlight and therefore it is not so easy to see it, but in August it can be seen more often, and from September onwards, the aurora can be seen almost every day when the skies are clear.

Fishing and Fruit picking:
Tasersuatsiaq lake, Tunulliarfik fjord and Qassiarsuk are very good areas to go fishing, especially for arctic salmon and cod. We do not provide fishing equipment. We therefore recommend you take it from your country or buy it at Qassiarsuk. Mushroom (Boletus Edulis) and blueberry picking is season dependent, although August is usually the best month.

Weather:
Weather in Greenland is very changeable. It is usually pleasant, but it is essential that you bring appropriate clothes for rainy weather. Temperatures are often more than 15ºC in July, and between 5ºC and 10ºC in August. Mid-August nights are sometimes cold. In September, temperatures are usually between 5ºC to 8ºC during the day and may reach minus 5ºC at night.

Ice conditions:
Eastern Greenland draughts bring great amounts of ice from the Arctic Ocean, which cut off Southern Greenland from May to mid-June. We may also come across ice that makes navigation difficult in July, but it is rare. If this happens, we won’t be able to navigate from Narsaq to Qaleraliq, so we would take an alternative route instead. In August, the ice field poses no special problems and the sea in the region is full of icebergs.

WONDERS OF SOUTH ICELAND - 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

One of the most full-featured trips in the land of the Inuit. A fully-escorted adventure tour, staying in hostels and tents.

19th – 26th June	26th June – 03rd July	3rd – 10th July	10th – 17th July
17th – 24th July	31st July – 7th August	14th – 21st August	28th August - 04th September
04th – 11th September