Optional Tour Extension To Greenland
August 12 - 15, 2008
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Greenlanders call the eastern stretch of their Island Country “Tunu,”
meaning “land at the back.” A wide belt of icefields has
made Eastern Greenland separate from not only the rest of the island
but from most of the world. As a result, the first visitors came just
100 years ago and the lack of outside influence has made Tunu the true
representation of authentic Greenland language and culture. Sparsely
populated and thus free from the visual corruption of urban sprawl,
Tunu feels like no other place on earth. This tour extension includes
round-trip airfare from Iceland and a combination of exciting adventures
on Ammassalik and Kulusuk islands.
Please be advised that all itinerary activities listed below are subject
to weather-related revisions!
ITINERARY
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Kulusuk Island Adventures
We say goodbye to the members of the group who have opted not to continue
to Greenland this morning, then head to the airport for our flight to
Greenland. The flight takes roughly two-hours, after which we land on
Kulusuk Island on the eastern coast. East Greenland’s international
airport is here, but it is a small airport with a gravel landing strip.
It is also one of Greenland’s busiest airports with 3 - 5 daily
arrivals and departures 6 days a week from Iceland’s Reykjavik
Domestic Airport, and from West Greenland.
Kulusuk Village is situated west of the entrance
to Ammassalik Fjord. The village population is only about 350 Greenlanders!
After hotel check-in, our guide escorts us on a 30-minute walk through
the village, with stops to photograph the magnificent scenery and purchase
hand-made craft articles. Weather permitting, we see a demonstration
of kayak rowing or the ancient drum dance.
The afternoon’s other activities include
a 2-hour iceburg and glacier tour, and a 2-hour jeep safari in search
of wildlife. A buffet dinner is included at our hotel. (All
Meals)
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Ammassalik Island Adventures
After breakfast we take a short helicopter flight that brings us to
Ammassalik island and the town of Tasilaq, the most populous center
in this region. During the flight we may be able to enjoy views of huge
glaciers and floating icebergs.
Visitors rightfully call this place one of
the most beautiful spots in all of Greenland, with the town set on a
picturesque river that cuts it into two halves. Hiking along the water
upstream brings us to the Valley of Flowers, a lush green depression
overflowing with flowering plants and fluttering butterflies. The island
is also a perfect spot for photographing Arctic scenery with awe-inspiring
glaciers, peaks, and fjords. Overnight on Ammassalik Island. (All
Meals)
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Return to Iceland
We take the short hop by helicopter this morning from Ammassalik Island
to Kulusuk Island, enjoying once again the magnificent views from the
air. We connect with our 2-hour return flight to Iceland. Upon arrival
in Reykjavik, we transfer to our original hotel, and the remainder of
the day is at leisure. (Breakfast)
Friday, August 15, 2008
Blue Lagoon / Departure
The morning is free to relax or sleep in after a night of revelry.
We leave the hotel at noon and head to the amazing Blue Lagoon, to luxuriate
in the volcanically-heated, mineral-rich waters. After a shower and
time for a snack, we transfer to the Keflavik Airport in time to check
in for our return flights to the United States. (Breakfast)
|
