GREENLAND 2024
EXPEDITION ULYSSES
CURATED & HOSTED BY JOE SHUTTER
07 - 14 August 2024
Berths available: 1 / 22
Tucked away high above the level of the Arctic Tundra, itself a very unforgiving landscape, lie the world’s largest fjords, some of which extend to over 240 miles in length. Sailing 70° north, only 20 degrees away from the North Pole, this expedition will take you on an invigorating and disconnected exploration far away from the stresses of the modern world. This slice of simplicity and proximity to nature is restoration for the spirit that is weary of modernity.
The human exploration of Scoresbysund is but a brushstroke upon a tremendous and exuberant canvas on one of the oldest places in the world.
We propose to seek out its secrets, and reveal them, with you.
Greenland has the power to inspire wonder in the imagination.
WHAT WILL GREENLAND MEAN FOR YOU?
GREENLAND MEMORIES
APPLY TO JOIN US!
The Great Expedition, codename Ulysses is applied for via written application and scheduled Zoom call.
Scroll down and read through this page. Find the Zoom call scheduling window at the bottom of the page, and book a call with Joe to discuss your participation for 2024 & 2025
JOINING YOU ON BOARD
We have no back-office. Joe & Robbie prefer to imagine, prepare and lead all adventures from the front, alongside you.
Founder, Expedition Leader & Explorer
Welcome, curious explorer! Joe here. British-Brazilian, I have called Iceland my home for the past 10 years.
Greenland has been my boldest adventure so far. There are moments in life that cry out to be fulfilled. For me, seducing the spirits of fellow explorers and sharing in the wonders of Greenland is my repeatable aim. Bringing people together with a common passion has always been my favourite thing: there’s a special energy in this that I have never found anywhere else.
My affinity for the Arctic regions has no limits. Through my lens and many years of exploration I have honed the artful skill of curating positive and purposeful experiences which I take great joy in sharing with fellow explorers.
With humility and respect for the natural world, I am committed to sharing these vast and barely traversed regions with others, using my expertise to help you discover your own connections with the boundless wonderment of Greenland and the surrounding Arctic.
Expedition Co-Host & Nordic Aficionado
Roberto Luigi Pagani, or just Robbie! Medievalist, writer, saga translator, and Iceland expert.
Originally from the idyllic climates of Northern Italy, I followed my heart to Iceland to pursue a life of traversing through iconic landscapes, studying Medieval Sagas, and immersing myself into Nordic culture.
Iceland is so much more than just it’s beautiful outward appearance, and I set out to uncover its riveting cultural heritage. My online audience of 250k+ followers keep up with my journey “An Italian in Iceland” : my innovative cultural communication project that combines academic knowledge and digital communication to strengthen the relationship between Iceland and Italy.
My extensive knowledge and passion for the polar regions will bring a unique flare to our group dynamic, and will no doubt add to your overall experience during our expedition in Greenland.
EXPEDITION ITINERARY
The expedition will start in Iceland. From there, a private charter flight will take us to Constable Point. From Constable Point, we sail down the channel, briefly to the village of Ittoqqortoormiit, and then into the fjord system for the rest of the week. If you’re wondering what the rest of the days have on store for you, you will find a brief description below.
Reykjavik
Pop: 135,688
Reykjavik will very likely feel very small (unless you’ve come from somewhere smaller).
Constable Point (CNP)
Less of an asphalt operation and more of a wet (and sometimes dry) dirt operation. No jets, just turbo props.
Ittoqqortoormiit
Pop: 345
One of the world most remote village at the mouth of the fjord system where it meets the ocean.
Scoresbysund
Pop: 0, just us
Area: 38,000 sq.km. Longest fjords: 340–350 km. (210-216 mi.). Vast, untouched Arctic wilderness.
DAY 1
Meet at Reykjavik Domestic Airport in the morning for our special chartered flight to Constable Point.
Board Opal/Hildur and get an introduction from the Captain and crew before sailing towards the village of Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the world’s most isolated villages. The quaint little houses dot the rocky slopes of South Liverpool Land with magnificent views of Kap Brewster and the Volquart Boons Coast to the south.
DAY 2
Sunrise at Sun Glacier. Sail west between palaces of icebergs that gently drift under the influence of the arctic waters. Anchor at Hekla Havn, on Denmark Ø, the site of an old Inuit settlement.
DAY 3
Get up close to the Red Island and land on the red sandstone shore. The journey continues north through Rødefjord which is often filled with ice crust. Sail down Harefjord in the late afternoon where anchors are set.
DAY 4
Spend the day on the south facing slopes of Harefjord scouting for Muskoxen, snow hares, grouse and other Arctic wildlife which normally graze in these areas.
DAY 5
Sailing continues on day 5 heading deeper and eastwards through the awesome Øfjord, possibly the highlight of the trip. Staggering mountain peaks and granite walls rise 2000 meters up in either direction directly from the sea. We set anchors in Jyttes Havn in the late afternoon on this day.
DAY 6
Known as the Arctic Riviera, here we can hike in and around Jyttes Havn on the Bear Islands. With feet on the ground, you can really appreciate how special it is here. If conditions and time allow, we will tend a cozy bonfire on the beach.
DAY 7
Sailing the channel between the Bear Islands and Milne Land with huge vistas of the archipelago as it fades away into the distance. By the end of this day, we are in position at Constable Point for the flight for following morning.
DAY 8
We disembark the sailboat for the last time and board the aircraft at Constable Point for our return flight back to Reykjavik. The adventures of the expedition begin to sink in and your life after Greenland begins. We say goodbye to each other, not forever, just for now!
DETAILS:
Dates: 07 - 14 August 2024
Price: €9,845 with a 20% deposit payable
Total berths: 22
Available berths: 1
INCLUDED:
Private charter flights from Iceland to Greenland
Champagne, port & Cuban cigars
All meals on board (breakfast-lunch-dinner)
Accommodation on board, incl. bedding & towels
Guided zodiac excursions to shore
Guided hikes
EXCLUDED:
Your flights to and from Iceland
Personal travel & health insurance
Additional beer and wine for meals
Crew gratuities (discretionary)
We recommend that you arrive at least one day before we depart for Greenland, and book your journey home at least one day after we return
“ It is said that there are two stages in life: before Greenland and after Greenland. This landscape transforms you. ” - Captain Heimer
The juxtaposition between these two sibling areas is staggering.
Travelling from Iceland, one of the newest parts of the earth at approximately 16 million years old, to Greenland which is near 3+ billion years old, sets this geological time warp into perspective to play out before your very eyes.
LIFE ON BOARD THE BOATS
ÓPAL
The Silent Schooner
Passengers: 11
This two-masted schooner has sailed all over the world, completing several trans-Atlantic crossings. Ópal has since undergone restoration and had interior work done to better fit her for the new purpose as an expedition ship. Hot tub. Electric hybrid drive engine. Bliss!
TILVERA
“Our existence, our presence”
Passengers: 11
Tilvera is a wonderful steel ketch built in the Netherlands and currently sails under a Dutch flag. She has been sailing for more than twenty years around the world, including both poles and eight times in Antarctica, proving that she is trustworthy and made for arctic adventures.
FAQ’s
Below are some answers to a few commonly asked questions, with some additional suggestions. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, then you can raise it with us via a Zoom call.
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What level of photography do I require?
This is not expressively a photography workshop, but Joe will be happy to assist and guide you as you wish. You can be as creatively active or as inactive as you like!
How fit do I need to be?
You can engage in as much or as little physical exertion as you like, but you do need to be able to get into and out of the ship and zodiac, and manoeuvre the stairs and bunkbeds.
What & where will we eat?
All meals will be prepared and served by a chef on board Linden, and dietary requirements can be supported.
Will we see the Northern Lights?
It’s possible! Mother Nature works in mysterious ways, but we have enjoyed the light show of the Aurora Borealis many times in Greenland between August-September.
What will the weather be like during August in Greenland?
The weather in June will be near 5 °C / 40 °F throughout the day, dropping to 0 °C / 30 °F at night. With this said, windchill may decrease the temperature - please see the ‘Clothing’ FAQ section.
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There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes! It’s essential to dress appropriately for arctic conditions. Below are our recommendations:
Sturdy hiking boots for getting off the boat and exploring land (if you wish to)
Comfy and warm shoes for below deck, such as slippers
1st layer: base layer, like merino wool or bamboo long-sleeve & leggings
2nd layer: mid-layer, like a wool jumper, fleece, or packable puffy jacket.
Main outer layer: like a down-filled coat. We will be sailing in “summer”, but the Arctic does not follow any usual weather rules, so you must come prepared
Waterproof layer: GORE-TEX zip-up coat or similar, and ideally it’s also windproof to tolerate any windchill.
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If you enjoy reading then definitely bring a book or two. You’ll likely cherish that book in the future, knowing where you read it
If you like journaling and writing then bring along a pen & notebook
Sunblock! The Arctic sun has no mercy, and reflects strongly off the snow, ice and sea water
In the same vein as sunblock, bring lip balm, as the Artic summer is drying
A water bottle. It’s much easier to use on board than a regular cup
Finally, don’t forget to bring your expeditionary spirit!
APPLY TO JOIN US!
WHO ARE YOU?
A proper expedition is always comprised of an elaborate mosaic of characters, each with their own story and each with something to offer to the expedition group. Our job is to put together an incredible group of people: similar enough to embrace the spirit of adventure in the Arctic, different enough to introduce healthy diversity and counterpoint in the individual and shared experience of the Arctic.
We need to ensure that everyone who seeks to join us on our expeditions are a positive, forthcoming and interesting individual, hence why The Great Expedition Company follows a curation protocol when selecting guests to join us. This is why our selection process is curated.
Having “what it takes” simply means you’re open to new places, new people and unforgettable sights. We’re all smart in different ways, and it’s up to team leading the expedition to put together a truly excellent group for a truly exceptional experience.
Find the Zoom call scheduling window below, tell us something about yourself and then book a call with us to discuss your participation.