Departures:
07/18/2013
Ship(s):
National Geographic Explorer
Trip Highlights:
Discover vibrant villages, Viking ruins, and spectacular natural wonders with hiking, kayaking, excellent guides, and a National Geographic Photographer.
Summary: Centuries ago, Erik the Red became the first European to visit Greenland, and in 1972, Lars-Eric Lindblad pioneered expeditions to the icy country. The region’s history is enriched through walks amid Viking ruins and colorful villages, with a naturalist staff providing a rich understanding of the dramatic landscape and wildlife. On this journey from Iceland to Greenland, there will be opportunities to hike, Zodiac and kayak Iceland’s Westfjord region and Greenland’s east coast. Explore Viking sites settled by Erik the Red 500 years before Columbus. Plus, meet the friendly Greenlanders who maintain their traditional lifestyle.
All departures are photo expeditions, see end of page for details.
Depart home and board flights for Reykjavik, Iceland.
Day 2: Reykjavik / Embark
Arrive in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies only a fraction below the Arctic Circle and receives just four hours of sunlight in winter and 22 in summer. Have a guided overview of the Old Town, including Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower, and shed some light on Nordic culture at the National Museum, with its Viking treasures and artifacts. Embark National Geographic Explorer.
Day 3: Explore the West Coast of Iceland
National Geographic Explorer navigates Iceland’s wild western frontier, sailing past the immense Latrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razorbills. The cliffs are an area once famous for egg collecting; the men were tied to ropes and lowered like spiders down onto the ledges. Continue to Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries, for walks around the charming little hamlet that grew here.
Day 4: Crossing the Denmark Strait
Follow the wake of Eric the Red and Brendan the Navigator as you cross to Greenland. Watch for blue whales.
Day 5: Exploring East Greenland
The Greenland Ice Sheet, roughly 80% of the surface of Greenland, is the second largest ice body in the world, after the Antarctic Ice Sheet. The high arctic-like climate is dominated by ice floes. Among the options for exploration are landings at Skjoldungen fjord or Napasorsuaq fjord. Tools for exploration will be used to the fullest, taking Zodiac or kayak forays among the icebergs and deploying an ROV.
Day 6: Prins Christian Sund / Nanortalik
Prins Christian Sund is a major fjord on the southern coast of Greenland. Surrounded by mountain pinnacles and glaciers, the decks are perfect for viewing this landscape. Anchor off Nanortalik, Greenland’s most southerly town. Go ashore to the picturesque little town by the water’s edge.
Day 7: Qaqortukulooq (Hvalsey Ruins) / Qassiarsuk / Brattahlid
Explore two remarkable sites on the Viking Trail. Qaqortukulooq was settled by one of Erik the Red’s cousins in 986 AD. A World Heritage Site, it is the most extensive Norse site in Greenland. Your ship continues to Eriksfjord, the area Erik the Red chose for his farm when he settled here in 982 AD. Explore Brattahlid, site of the first Christian church in the western hemisphere, built by Erik’s wife, Tjodhilde. This region is also the starting point of the first voyages to North America by his son Leif Eriksson 500 years before Columbus.
Day 8: Qaqortoq
Inhabited since Norse times, the Scandinavian influence is still apparent in the colorful wooden buildings and town museum, displaying Greenlandic kayaks, hunting equipment, art and crafts.
Day 9: Nuuk
Nuuk is the world’s smallest capital city with 15,000 inhabitants. Visit the National Museum with its famous 15th-century Qilakitsoq mummies, found near Uummannaq, and the subject of a National Geographic cover story.
Day 10: Greenland’s West Coast
Today is left open for exploration of this rugged coastline. Take a Zodiac cruise, kayak, or hike across the tundra. Your Undersea Specialist may launch the ROV to see the marine life inhabiting the fjord floor.
Days 11 - 12: Kangerlussuaq / Disembark / Fly to Ottawa / Home
Disembark in Kangerlussuaq and fly to Ottawa via privately chartered aircraft. Overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, or similar, and fly home from Ottawa.
Photo Expeditions: All departures
The photo team, a National Geographic Photographer and a Photo Specialist, will enhance your voyage by working with you on photo composition and exposure; helping you develop your own unique vision; showing you how professionals edit and store images while on the go; and sharing the stories behind some of their greatest images. Whether expert or interested beginner, you'll find added benefits such as walks ashore and Zodiac cruises dedicated to photography, presentations on the creative and technical aspects of photography, and one-on-one mentoring and coaching in the field.
Included:
One hotel night in Ottawa; ship accommodations; meals onboard; excursions; services of expedition staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; all port charges and service taxes.
Not Included:
Air transportation; visa/immigration fees; personal items such as alcoholic beverages, emails, laundry, etc.; discretionary tips to ship’s crew.
Why does AntarcticConnection partner with ExpeditionTrips?
True experts with first-hand polar experience, the ExpeditionTrips staff has sailed on the ships they represent; with a combined amount of 100 Antarctic trips between them;and can help you thoroughly compare and contrast the expeditions.
Their approach to travel is highly personal and professional, offering unbiased travel assistance to ensure you choose the very best Antarctica trip to meet your needs!
ExpeditionTrips works only with the highest quality small ships-all under 200 passengers-ranging from a 48-passenger Russian research vessel to a 200-passenger luxury expedition ship.