Highlights
Sail in the wake of early Viking explorers on a compelling journey that mixes Arctic wildlife and landscapes with a riveting history that comes alive in well-preserved ruins and local communities continuing to thrive on the edge of the Arctic. Start your adventure in Iceland’s remote Westfjords before charting a course for southern Greenland, where you’ll glide into dramatic fjords flanked by towering, jagged mountains; and visit colorful Qaqortoq, the unofficial capital of the region. In Canada, trace wild coastlines, keeping an eye out for polar bears, whales, and migrating birdlife.
Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport to the city and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship.
Explore Iceland’s western frontier, visiting Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries turned sleepy summer islet. Walk around the charming little hamlet that has survived, and hike across trails that trace the cliffs past a seasonal seabird population.
**In 2025, please know that this landing could be cancelled due to weather conditions across the Denmark Strait and sailing directly to Greenland from Reykjavík.
Sail away from the Westfjords of Iceland and across the Denmark Strait. Connecting the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, the strait is home to the world’s largest waterfall, caused by powerful currents underneath the surface. Listen to talks by experts, relax with a book in the lounge or on the observation deck and keep an eye out for wildlife as the ship sails across the continental shelf.
Sail into Prins Christian Sund, which cuts into the southern tip of Greenland, passing between soaring pinnacles and glaciers, allowing the ship to sail through the sheltered waters of this dramatic landscape. Glimpse hanging glaciers through the fjords that stretch back to the Greenlandic Ice Sheet and keep an eye out for marine and bird life in these sheltered waters.
Home to some of the best preserved ruins of the Viking era in Greenland, Qaqortoq and Qassiarsuk will provide you with two days of insight, culture and local interactions. Walk through the ruins of Bratthlid, Erik the Red’s farm, visiting replicas of the church and the family’s longhouse. Explore the same shores from which their son, Leif Eriksson, launched the first voyages to North America—500 years before Columbus.
Visit the unofficial capital of southern Greenland at Qaqortoq, with just over 3,200 residents. The colonial influence is visible throughout the town, with houses painted in primary colors and architecture dating back to the 1700’s. Stroll through the town square and visit the museum, where Greenlandic kayaks, hunting equipment and local art and handicrafts are on display. Finally, walk through the walls of Hvalsey church, located in the fjords behind Qaqortoq, the best preserved Norse ruins in all of Greenland.
Spend time on the bow of the ship watching for whales, polar bears and other wildlife; enjoy the ship’s amenities; edit your photos alongside photography experts; and attend expert-led talks about the Arctic as the ship navigates the massive icebergs of Davis Strait on the way to Baffin Island.
Spend three days tracing the beautiful, wild coast of Labrador, exploring on foot and by kayak and Zodiac. As the ship weaves its way through the Lower Savage islands, you’ll keep a watchful eye for the polar bears that call these islands home and use Zodiacs as safe havens to experience their environment firsthand. Watch for peregrine falcons and other birds soaring over the rocky shorelines of the spectacularly narrow Mugford Tickle and take in the impressive sight of the 4,000-foot-high Kaumajet Mountains. Continue to scenic Battle Harbour to discover the reconstructed 19th-century buildings and legacy of this historic fishing village.
In the 1960s, the remains of a Viking village established in the 11th century were excavated at L’Anse aux Meadows, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk among the Norse ruins and reconstructed sod huts and learn the saga of the Vikings in North America, who arrived here nearly 500 years before the explorations of Columbus.
Cliffs, fjords and beaches grace the eastern coast of Newfoundland. Hike, kayak or explore by Zodiac with your experts amid this stunning scenery, and keep an eye out for migrating birds and whales.
Disembark in St. John’s and transfer to the airport for flights home.
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Exclusions