Arriving into Kangerlussuaq, it is possible to see
the second-largest ice cap in the world from your airplane window. Boarding the Sea Adventurer
in the afternoon, and make your journey down spectacular Sondre Stromfjord as your Arctic journey begins.

The west Greenland coastline is a rich mixture of fishing communities, myriad islands and complex coastal waterways. You will be making an expedition stop here to explore the Greenlandic landscape.

250km north of the Arctic Circle find the stunning coastal community of Ilulissat. Ilulissat translates literally into "iceberg", and there couldn't be a more fitting name. Your visit will include time in the colourful town and a chance to hike out to an elevated viewpoint where you can observe the great fields of ice. Cruise in your fleet of zodiacs in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ilulissat Icefjord. The Icefjord is where you will find the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the most active and fastest moving in the world at 19m per day and calving more than 35 square kilometers of ice annually. The glacier has been the object of scientific attention for 250 years and, because of its relative ease of accessibility, has significantly added to the understanding of ice-cap glaciology, climate change and related geomorphic processes.

In Karrat Fjord cruise one of Greenland's most spectacular fjords. During ice breakup, narwhals and seals use the long leads created by high winds in this region to hunt the rich waters of the fjord. The cliffs within the fjord should give you good opportunities to see colonies of dovekies. Time spent on deck today should result in some good wildlife sightings, not to mention unbeatable photographic opportunities.

Upernavik means 'springtime place'. This was where people came in spring, when the ice broke up, to trade, fish and to drive the catch out to the open sea. Qaarsorsuaq Mountain, the town's landmark, can be seen up to 10km away.

While crossing Davis Strait, relax and enjoy onboard lectures and opportunities to watch for wildlife from the ship's decks.

Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet) is a picturesque town set against the backdrop of Bylot Island - one of the most dramatic settings of any town in Canada. You’ll be treated to Inuit games and throat singing before exploring the town.

During his pursuit for a faster route to Asia, it was here Sir John Franklin remained trapped for two years (1845-47) waiting for the ice to clear. Explore remnants of his camp and the headstones of those not lucky enough to survive the ordeal.

The tall cliffs of Prince Leopold Island are one of the top bird sites in the High Arctic both during the breeding and summering seasons. It is a breeding site for Thick-Billed Murre, Black-legged Kittiwake, Northern Fulmar, Glaucous Gull, and Black Guillemot. It was beneath these tall cliffs, that Sir James Clark Ross, perhaps the greatest polar explorer of the 19th century, was based in 1848-49. Ross's 1848-49 expedition in search of the Franklin expedition was not successful; they spent a frustrating winter locked by ice in Port Leopold on the northeast coast of Somerset Island and returned to England the following summer. It was also from this area that Sir John Ross (James's uncle) escaped in 1833 after abandoning the Victory and spending four harrowing winters in the Arctic.

Beechey island is best known as the epicentre of the Franklin search, for it was here that the lost expedition spent its first winter (1845-46). The only record of the expedition, and subsequent explorers making it to Beechey, is the remains of three storehouses, workshops, a washhouse, many empty meat tins, and of course, three eerie graves.

Arriving in Resolute early morning, disembark the Sea Adventurer and have a chance to visit the surrounding area before your charter flight home.