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East Greenland – Scoresby Sund – Iceland, Aurora Borealis, Fly & Sail

East Greenland – Scoresby Sund – Iceland, Aurora Borealis, Fly & Sail

From USD $5,900

Description

Sail through Earth’s largest fjord system on a historic three-masted vessel, getting the chance to encounter exotic Arctic wildlife like musk oxen and Arctic hares under the enchanting aurora borealis. Greenland whales may also appear between landing sites, where we will enjoy enormous icebergs, ancient Thule settlements, and scenic shoreline hikes.

Trip Name
East Greenland - Scoresby Sund - Iceland, Aurora Borealis, Fly & Sail
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type:  Expedition Yacht Length: 49.5 metres Passenger Capacity: 33 Built / refurbished: 1900's / 1994 / 2011 S/V Rembrandt Van Rijn was originally built as a herring lugger in 1947. The vessel was then rebuilt as a three-mast passenger sailing schooner in he Netherlands in 1994, sailing in Spitsbergen (1994 – 1996) and the Galápagos (1998 - 2001). The vessel later underwent a complete rebuilding and refurbishment program until 2011. The communication and navigation equipment has been completely renewed according to the latest SOLAS regulations. Perfect for expedition cruising among small islandsT he ship is well suited for expedition cruising among small islands and offer good open deck viewing areas, also when under sail. The two inflatable rubber crafts (Zodiacs) enable landing and wildlife viewing opportunities in otherwise inaccessible areas.  Comfort and Character Rembrandt van Rijn measures 49,50 meters in length, 7 meters in width, and has a draft of 2,8 meters. The average cruising speed on engines is 6,5 knots. It has an experienced crew of 12 persons on board including 2 tour guides. The ship can accommodate a maximum of 33 passengers in 16 cabins. It has one Triple Private cabin (with shower and toilet and porthole), six Twin Private Inside cabins (with shower and toilet, no porthole), and nine Twin Private cabins (with shower and toilet and porthole). Age range & Nationality onboard Passengers on a typical voyage range from their 30s to their 80s - with a majority usually from 45 - 65, but a little younger on the Rembrandt van Rijn, between 30 - 55. Our expeditions attract independent-minded travellers from around the world. They are characterised by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie and spirit that develops aboard is an important part of the expedition experience. Many departures have several nationalities on board. Catering Three simple but good meals of international cuisine per day are served buffet style in the restaurant and is prepared by our cook. Dress code In keeping with our expeditions atmosphere, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery can be appreciated from deck, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles and make sure the parka is never far away in case of the call "Whales!" comes over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside. Wear layers since it is comfortably warm aboard the ship - and often cold on deck. Electric Current The electrical supply aboard the ship is 220 volt 50hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins. U.S. passengers may need a 220v/110v converter. Excursions & Landings Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings will take three to six hours per day over untracked area. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers´ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history. Gratuities The customary gratuity to the ship's crew and expedition leader is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage. Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give is at your discretion. We suggest to give cash in Euros, US Dollars or Danish kroner. Non-smoking policy On board our vessels we have a non-smoking policy. It is prohibited to smoke inside the ship. You can smoke in designated ares. Please respect the wishes of non-smokers. The crew The crew of the ´Rembrandt van Rijn´ consists of  9 experienced crew and 2 expedition guides and a cook. The sailors are in charge during sailing and will bring us ashore.  Your physical condition You must be in good general health and you should be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join most excursions, you must be able to get up and down the ladder from the ship to the water level to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats. This will become progressively easier with practice. Ashore it can be slippery and rocky. You are travelling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Push-off at Constable Pynt
 You arrive by chartered plane from Keflavik and land at Constable Pynt, the airfield at the head of Hurry Inlet. This area is known for its remarkably rich geological history.
Day 2 - Day 2: Sailing among the glaciers
 Enjoy the sights as we sail the glaciated Volquart Boons Coast. Here you may set out on a Zodiac cruise along one of the shoreline glacier fronts, with your first activity near Månegletcher or Vikingebugt.
Day 3 - Day 3: Inuit neighborhood of yesteryear
 We sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If we can also land at Charcot Havn, we will make a walk to the Charcot Glacier before continuing by the Bjørneør and sail to Øfjord.
Day 4 - Day 4-7: Mountain-fringed fjord
 Today marks a visit to the east entrance of one of the most impressive fjords in the world: Ø Fjord is almost 40 nautical miles long (74 km, 46 miles), with mountains on each side up to 2,000 meters high (6,562 feet), and icebergs that drift over depths of more than 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). The aim is to land at Jyttehavn and hike the tundra in mythic surroundings. We may also sail into Harefjord, Rypefjord, and Rödefjord, walking into C. Hoffmanhalvöya and on Storö. We will then land near Sydkap, where you can see colossal icebergs, some of them over 100 meters (328 feet) high and more than a kilometer long (.62 mile). Most of these bergs are grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 meters deep (1,312 feet). At Sakatajik we can also view the remains of Thule winter houses. As many as twenty people lived here once, hunting Greenland whales and building houses out of their vertebrae.
Day 5 - Day 8: The tundra of Jameson Land
 At the western shores of Jameson Land lies a vast tundra with grazing musk oxen. We will try to make a landing on one of the areas, such as Tyskit Nunat, remembering Alfred Wegener’s efforts to cross Vandreblokken. We may also visit Kap Hooker or a lovely lagoon west of Kap Stewart.
Day 6 - Day 9: Settlement at Scoresbysund
 Today’s stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresbysund at about five hundred inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards or just stroll around to see the sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk oxen.
Day 7 - Day 10-11: Under the northern lights
 If there is not too much cloud cover, you might enjoy the magical lightshow of the aurora borealis today.
Day 8 - Day 12: Journey’s end in Akureyri
 We disembark in the Icelandic town of Akureyri, taking home memories that will accompany us wherever the next adventure lies. If requested, you can take a chartered bus (six-hour drive) to Reykjavik.
Day 9 - Please note:
End of tripThis trip concludes with a crossing of the Denmark Strait. Since Northern Atlantic weather can be rough in October, the captain will decide when to depart East Greenland to make for the most pleasant crossing.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
01-10-202512-10-2025USD $5,900Triple Private
01-10-202512-10-2025USD $6,250Twin Private Inside
01-10-202512-10-2025USD $7,300Twin Private Porthole
01-10-202612-10-2026USD $6,200Triple Private
01-10-202612-10-2026USD $6,600Twin Private Inside
01-10-202612-10-2026USD $7,500Twin Private Porthole

Inclusions

    • Sailing among the glaciers
    • Inuit neighborhood of yesteryear
    • The tundra of Jameson Land
    • Settlement at Scoresbysund

Map