The latest edition of this polar travel series takes us to gorgeous Greenland, where in the summer months when the sun hangs low on the horizon, this wild place comes alive with a burst of colour. Our senior marketing manager Felipe Francisco had quite a spectacular trip, taking in glaciers, cultural visits, and incredible fjords from the air!
Felipe enjoying the sights of South Greenland
WHAT DESTINATIONS DID YOU VISIT?
East Greenland, South Greenland, and West Greenland on Quark’s Essential Greenland itinerary.
South Greenland’s sunny skies
HOW DID YOU GET THERE?
I flew from London to Reykjavik in Iceland, and then from there, I boarded Quark’s fantastic Ultramarine ship and sailed across the Denmark Strait towards East Greenland.
Felipe’s view of the Ultramarine from a zodiac
FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP?
First time in Greenland and my first time crossing the Arctic Circle!
Eqip Sermia in West Greenland
FAVOURITE LOCATION?
It’s hard to pick favourites as each area in Greenland is so beautiful and unique. Southern Greenland blew me away with its lush green valleys and beautiful mountains, no wonder this area has been dubbed Arctic Patagonia. West Greenland is equally beautiful, with the bonus of having all the history of the Inuit people, it was fascinating to delve into the cultural aspects as well as the amazing landscapes!
Meeting some Inuit children and their dogs
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
Kayaking in Eqip Sermia, Greenland’s—and arguably the world’s – most active calving glacier! Make sure you give yourself the time to experience these places in their full glory, stop for a minute, and pay attention to the roaring sound of the calving glacier, one of those unique moments you can only have in the Arctic!
Felipe Kayaking in Eqip Sermia
BEST HOLIDAY EXCURSION/EXPERIENCE?
The ‘game changer’ Quark Ultramarine is one of the very few expedition ships equipped with helicopters, and I was lucky enough to go on a few panoramic flights during my voyage. While polar landscapes are spectacular from the sea, they are even more stunning from the air! One of the highlights was flying over the Greenland Ice Sheet—simply breathtaking!
Felipe’s view from Quark’s helicopter
WHAT DO YOU MOST RECOMMEND PACKING OR PREPPING FOR?
A sense of adventure is the number one thing. Try new things – you are in one of the most remote and unique places in the world, so make the most of it. Do the polar plunge, hike to the top of that mountain, and never miss an opportunity to get out of the ship! You won’t regret it!
Felipe’s polar plunge!
FAVOURITE FOOD AND DRINK ON TRIP?
I was super impressed with the food on board, Quark does a great job making sure you are having some fantastic meals (with a view!). But nothing beats an outdoor bar, and the one below that the Quark team put together next to a local Greenlandic hot spring was a highlight for me.
Felipe and guests enjoying the hot spring bar
FAVOURITE PHOTO OR VIDEO YOU TOOK?
My first panoramic helicopter flight in Greenland was nothing short of extraordinary. I was in the copilot seat and flying over Greenland’s granite peaks didn’t even feel real. It was one of those pinch me moments, I felt so incredibly privileged to have that experience!
Birdseye view from the helicopter
SUM UP YOUR TRIP IN THREE WORDS
Surprising, magical, breathtaking.
Felipe enjoying Greenland in the air and on terrafirma
Ready to start planning your incredible Greenland?Simply complete our enquiry form to get in touch, or call our Polar Specialists on 020 3666 1033.
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