Iceland to Greenland: In the Wake of the Vikings

Description

The Norse originally set sail from Iceland in search of plentiful farmland, and their search was rewarded in the beautiful and fertile fjords of Greenland. Follow Erik the Red’s original route to explore this seldom-seen coastline, visiting important archaeological sites and modern Greenlandic communities along the way.

Trip Name

Iceland to Greenland: In the Wake of the Vikings

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 137m Passenger Capacity: 199 Built: 1982 - refurbished 2001, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018 Ocean Endeavour is a comfortable, well-appointed small expedition ship expertly engineered to explore the Polar Regions. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull, Zodiacs for exploration and remote landings, and advanced navigation equipment. The newly-refurbished vessel offers a superb guest experience with an expansive choice of cabin categories, large cabins and common areas, a sundeck and observation area, plenty of deck space for polar landscape viewing, and lounges for learning and reflection. The ship’s interiors have a contemporary aesthetic that provides a bright and spacious feel throughout. Endeavour is also the only polar adventure ship in Antarctica focused on health and wellness , and offers a contemporary approach to cuisine and newly-designed health and fitness features. Facilities include a spa serviced by organic spa provider VOYA, His & Hers saunas, a salt water pool, a gym, and a juice and smoothie bar. Complimentary activities include yoga and stretching classes, an exclusive Polar Photography program, the Scientists in Residence program, and more adventure activities than any other Quark vessel. The ship also has a polar library, and a Polar Boutique for gifts and any needed gear. Features of the Ocean Endeavour VOYA spa treatments and beauty products, Choice of 13 cabin categories, Bright, spacious cabins and common areas, Plenty of deck space for observation, Lounge with expansive views, Quiet zone for contemplation, Newly-refurbished restaurant, Contemporary dining with complimentary wine with dinner, Juice and smoothie bar, Lecture theater, Polar library, Polar boutique, Health and Wellness, Spa treatments and beauty products by spa provider VOYA - Organic Beauty From The Sea, Spa menu for face, body, hair and nails, including the exclusive Quark Explorer’s treatment, and signature VOYA hand and foot rituals, Yoga and stretching classes, His & Hers saunas, gym, and heated salt water pool Full range of adventure activities including: kayaking, camping, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac cruising, shore landings and hiking/ walking. Deck plan varies for the trips to Antarctica

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland The Adventure Begins

Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital, Reykjavík was established in the year 874 CE. Powered by geothermal energy, Reykjavík is widely considered one of the cleanest, greenest cities on Earth. Food, culture, and nightlife abound. 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 Endeavour.

Day 2 - Day 2: At Sea Set Sail like the Vikings

Sailing west from Iceland, we are truly in the wake of the Vikings. We’ll be watching for whales and seabirds as we sail the Denmark Strait. Our onboard program will prepare you for the archaeology, history, culture, and wildlife that awaits us in Greenland!

Day 3 - Day 3-5: East Greenland Fjords, Icebergs, and Whales

Our first view of Greenland’s east coast will reveal a coastline traced with innumerable fjords and potentially dotted with pack ice. Our spotters will be watching for iconic Arctic wildlife, such as bears, seals, and humpback whales. We’ll explore the remote reaches of glaciated fjords by Zodiac.

Day 4 - Day 6: Ikerasassuaq (Prince Christian Sound) Mountains & Glaciers

Joining the Irminger and Labrador Seas through the islands of the Cape Farewell Archipelago, Ikerasassuaq (Prince Christian Sound) is among the world’s most majestic waterways. Craggy mountain peaks tower over still waters fed by calving glaciers. We’ll make the most of our deck time, scouting for landing opportunities on the skirts of the mountains.

Day 5 - Day 7: South Greenland Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site

South Greenland lives up to its namesake; 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 ice fjords. Here we find the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Norse settlement history intersects with contemporary Greenland life.

Day 6 - Day 8: Hvalsey Viking Archaeology

The settlement at Hvalsey was a major Norse centre in the early centuries of the last millenium. Hvalsey Church is the best-preserved Norse ruin in Greenland. The last known record from the original Norse colony is of a wedding held here in September 1408!

Day 7 - Day 9: Brattahlíð UNESCO Reconstructed Norse Settlement

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brattahlíð is in the most fertile part of Greenland and was the home of Viking explorer Erik the Red and his descendants until the 1400s. A reconstructed Norse church and Viking longhouse are featured here. Greenlandic Inuit now run the sheep farms originally worked by Norse settlers.

Day 8 - Day 10: Sermersooq Birdwatching & Zodiac Cruising

The Sermersooq region of Greenland has a stunning myriad of mountain peaks, glaciers, and deep fjords. Our time will be spent on the western coast of the region, where records of human habitation stretch back over 1,500 years. We’ll explore by Zodiac or by foot, as landing conditions permit. We’ll keep a look out for nattoralik (white-tailed eagles), seabirds, and marine mammals, and enjoy the lush vegetation of southwest Greenland.

Day 9 - Day 11: Nuuk Museums, Shopping, and Cafés

Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, bridges old and new. The old harbour region of town includes many buildings dating from the Danish colonial days, while contemporary Nuuk is known for art, shopping, pubs, and cafes.The Greenland National Museum is one of Nuuk’s many outstanding features; the world-famous Qilakitsoq mummies rest here.

Day 10 - Day 12: Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord (Evighedsfjorden) Zodiac Cruise

Defined by jagged mountain peaks, sheer bird cliffs, cascading streams, and calving glaciers, Kangerlussuatsiaq lives up to its Danish name, Erighedsfjorden which means “the fjord of eternity.” Whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, or kayak, a visit to the face of the glacier is truly a sublime experience.

Day 11 - Day 13: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland A Fond Farewell

Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord) offers 190 kilometres of superb scenery as we cross the Arctic Circle. Kangerlussuaq, the settlement at the head of the fjord, is a former U.S. Air Force base and Greenland’s main flight hub. Here we will disembark the Ocean Endeavour and transfer to the airport for our charter flight to Toronto, ON.

Day 12 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Follow the Norse explorers
Glaciers and icebergs
Vikings lived here!
Experience Greenland’s unique blend of cultures