E X P L O R I N G G R E E N L A N D A N D THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC T H E N AT G E O D I F F E R E N C E • M aneuver between the soaring icebergs at the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. • J oin our naturalists to observe polar bears, walruses, ringed seals, bearded seals, and—with luck—narwhals in their natural habitat. • E xplore Lancaster Sound, the gateway to the Northwest Passage, and hear from our experts about the legendary explorers who sought to make history here. • D iscover Arctic-adapted flora, and seek out caribou and arctic foxes while hiking the landscapes of Baffin Island.
ITINER ARY
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16
DAY S
DAYS 5 AND 6
Depart on an overnight flight to Reykjavík and take a guided tour of the old town, including Hallgrímskirkja Church. After lunch, check in to the hotel in time for a welcome reception and dinner. Grand Hotel | Meals: Day 2: L/D
DAYS 3 AND 4 I KANGERLUSSUAQ, GREENLAND/GREENLAND’S WEST COAST AND SISIMIUT Fly by chartered aircraft to Kangerlussuaq and embark the National Geographic Explorer. Cruise Greenland’s rugged west coast, carved by spectacular glacier-draped fjords. Get an up-close view of the coastline on Zodiac excursions and search for humpback and minke whales. At Sisimiut, a former whaling port, visit the museum and wander amid a picturesque jumble of 18th-century buildings. National Geographic Explorer through Day 13 Meals: B/L/D Daily
Above: In the Davis Strait, the National Geographic Explorer pulls close to an ice triumphal arch sculpted by the elements. 40
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DISKO BAY/AT SEA
Sail into Disko Bay to explore the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ilulissat Icefjord. Glide among towering icebergs at the mouth of the fjord, and then hike to the archaeological site at Sermermiut. Spend the next day at sea, watching for wildlife as we cruise toward Lancaster Sound. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 7–11
DAYS 1 AND 2 I U.S./REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND
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EXPLORING THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC
I N F O R M AT I O N
DAT E S 2018: Aug. 6–21 If departing from outside the U.S., plan to arrive on the morning of Day 2.
COST
Category 1
$1 3,990
Category 2
$14,990
Category 3
$15,600
Category 4
$16,750
Category 5
$20,200
Category 6
$23,290
Category 7
$27,000
Category A Solo
$18,740
We begin our exploration along Lancaster Sound, the eastern gateway to the Arctic archipelago, and will spend our days searching for ringed seals, arctic foxes, walruses, and polar bears. Delve into the region’s human history on visits to archaeological sites of the Thule people at Devon Island and vibrant Inuit villages such as Pond Inlet, sustained by fishing and artistic traditions. Meals: B/L/D Daily
Category B Solo
$19,500
DAYS 12 AND 13 I AT SEA/BAFFIN BAY/ GREENLAND’S WEST COAST
See the description, photos, and deck plan for the National Geographic Explorer on pages 50–51. Prices are per person, double occupancy, except those marked solo, which are based on single occupancy. International airfare to/from Reykjavík and charter air between Reykjavík and Kangerlussuaq are not included in the expedition cost. The round-trip group flights between Reykjavík and Kangerlussuaq are $1,520 per person (subject to change).
Disembark on the eastern shores of Baffin Island to hike the tundra, in search of caribou and arctic foxes. Or follow our naturalists to learn more about hardy arctic plants. We’ll cruise the coastline in search of walruses and other icons of the Canadian north. Meals: B/L/D Daily
DAYS 14, 15, AND 16
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KANGERLUSSUAQ/ REYKJAVÍK/U.S.
Disembark in Kangerlussuaq and fly to Reykjavík by chartered aircraft. The next day features either a full-day tour of the Golden Circle or a walking or city-by-bike tour of Reykjavík. On our final day in Reykjavík you have your choice of excursions: a soak in the Blue Lagoon; a tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula; or a visit to the hot springs, geothermal power plant, and horse farm. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Grand Hotel
Maximum ship capacity: 148
SPECIAL OFFER We will cover your bar tab on board and all tips for the crew on all departures.
EXPEDITION TEAM
Meals: Days 14 and 15: B/L/D Daily; Day 16: B/L
CALL 1-888-966-8687 OR VISIT NATGEOEXPEDITIONS.COM/ARCTIC
A diverse team of experts, including an expedition leader and naturalists, will accompany this trip. National Geographic photographer Phil Schermeister will join this departure. Read his bio and find more experts on our website.
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