In the wake of Vikings

Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital, Reykjavík was established in 874 AD. Powered by geothermal energy, Reykjavík is widely considered one of the cleanest, greenest cities on Earth. Despite centuries of relative isolation, today Reykjavík is a contemporary city with plenty to see and do. The National Culture House preserves treasures like the Poetic Edda, and the Norse Sagas in their original manuscripts. We depart Reykjavík in the evening aboard the Ocean Nova.

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As we sail across the Denmark Strait, keep an eye out for whales breaching the surface and seabirds gliding above the waves. You’ll be tracing the same route once navigated by the Vikings as we journey westward from Iceland towards Greenland. On board, our engaging lecture program delves into the region’s archaeology, history, culture and wildlife, enriching your understanding of the remarkable landscapes and communities that await your arrival.

Meals:  B,L,D

Spend the day sailing through sculpted sea ice, immersed in the striking beauty of the Arctic wilderness. Step out on deck to breathe in the crisp polar air and keep watch for wildlife and seabirds that thrive in these icy waters. As we journey towards Greenland’s dramatic coastline, our expert expedition team will share fascinating insights into the region’s environment, history and culture, helping you connect deeply with this remarkable corner of the world.

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Discover the remote reaches of southeast Greenland by ship, Zodiac and on foot. Your first glimpse of this seldom-visited region reveals a breathtaking coastline carved by deep fjords and scattered with drifting pack ice. Whether exploring on shore, cruising through icy channels or taking in the view from the deck, our expert expedition team will be by your side, sharing their knowledge of the region’s landscapes, wildlife and history. Keep watch for Arctic icons such as polar bears, seals and humpback whales, and gain a deeper appreciation of this remarkable wilderness through your team’s fascinating interpretation and insight.

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We’ll be scouting for wildlife and vistas as we approach Ikerasassuaq through ice. This remote and stunning body of water joins the Irminger and Labrador seas. We are among the islands of the Cape Farewell Archipelago, near Greenland’s southernmost tip. Craggy mountain peaks tower over narrow fjords. Glacial tongues plunge toward the water. Conditions are favourable for calving icebergs, while strong tidal currents limit the formation of sea ice.

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A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brattahlid, meaning “steep slope,” lies at the head of Tunulliarfik Fjord. In this location, the famous Viking explorer Erik the Red had his estate. His descendants made their homes here until the mid-1400s. This area features the best farming conditions in Greenland. Here we will find a reconstruction of the first Norse church in Greenland, as well as a Viking longhouse. There are substantial archeological remnants here, preserving the legends of the Norse.

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South Greenland lives up to its namesake; here, the land is fertile and agriculture thrives. Farms and vegetable husbandry contrast with the barren ice that covers so much of the country. Jagged mountains rise from beyond green pastures, with sheep farms directly bordering icefjords. Here, Norse settlement history intersects with contemporary Greenland life.

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Explore the striking Sermersooq region of Greenland by Zodiac or on foot, depending on landing conditions. This remarkable area is defined by soaring mountain peaks, sweeping glaciers and deep fjords, with traces of human habitation dating back more than 1,500 years. As you journey through this wild landscape, keep an eye out for nattoralik (white-tailed eagles), seabirds and marine mammals, and take time to appreciate the surprisingly lush vegetation that thrives along Greenland’s southwest coast.

Meals:  B,L,D

Greenland’s capital bridges old and new. The old harbour region of town includes many buildings dating from the Danish colonial days. The modern downtown core includes shopping, cafes and restaurants, and public institutions with a European flair. The Greenland National Museum is one of Nuuk’s outstanding features; the world-famous Greenland mummies are housed here. The museum’s exhibits also offer in-depth information about colonial, Norse, and Inuit presence in Greenland, a must-see.

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Here we will disembark the Ocean Nova and transfer to the airport for our return charter flight. If you choose to take the optional charter flight the flight departs Nuuk bound for Toronto (Ontario) in the early evening. We suggest you book overnight accommodation in Toronto.

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