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Follow in the footsteps of some of the
most tenacious explorers and imagine their
reaction as they reached the frozen land
of Greenland – with Arctic wildlife,
spectacular vistas, indigenous Inuit
communities and the possibility to see
the magical northern lights (aurora
borealis). Birds abound with fulmar,
kittiwake, Arctic tern and eider to be
seen. Westward to the north of Canada,
gain further insight into the Inuit
and explore this Arctic wilderness
watching for Polar Bear, whale and
dolphin. Along the coast of Labrador
and then eastern Newfoundland evidence
has been found of the Inuit, Pre Dorset,
Thule, Moravian Brethren, Vikings and
early European settlers and fishermen.
These coastlines are a true wilderness
where you may find, flint, volcanic
rock, striking fjords, Polar Bear,
caribou, whales, the peregrine falcon,
gannet and other birds.
Day 1: Iceland
Embark in the thriving town of Reykjavik
to follow in the footsteps of the Vikings.
Days 2-3: Denmark
Strait
While at sea relax, socialize and attend lectures.
Day 4: Greenland
The cruise through Prins Christiansund
Fjord is a scenic highlight and leads
to the picturesque town of Nanortalik,
a remote yet thriving Inuit community.
Day 5: Brattahlid
Brattahlid is home to the first Christian
church in Greenland established by Erik
the Red’s wife. Later in the day, hike
from Ittilek to Igaliko, which has the
ruins of the Cathedral of the Fjords –
Garđar.
Day 6: Hvalsey &
Qaqortoq
A beautifully preserved Viking church
ruin is found in Hvalsey. Later in the
day we visit the Inuit town of Qaqortoq,
cheerfully decorated with brightly coloured
houses.
Days 7-8: Davis
Strait
Watch for whales, dolphins and icebergs as
we cruise “iceberg alley” and attend lectures.
Day 9: Nunavut,
Canada
Capital of the newest territory of Canada,
Iqaluit is becoming a cultural centre of
Baffin Island with displays of Inuit art.
Day 10: Frobisher Bay
A beautiful day in the Inuit wilderness
allows you toenjoy the landscapes and
watch for Polar Bears, seals and seabirds
along the shores of Frobisher Bay.
Day 11: Akpatok
Island
Largely a plateau with sandstone cliffs
reaching down to the sea, Akptok Island
is home to walrus, Polar Bear, Thick-billed
murres and startling scenery.
Days 12 & 13: Labrador, Canada
Inuit legends hold that in this region the
spirit world overlaps our own here in the
Torngat Mountains and it is home to some of
the earth’s oldest rock, as well as Black
Bear, Polar Bear and a coastline of fjords,
cliffs and peaks. Explore the fjords of Saglek and
Nackvak, and Hebron with remnants
of the Moravian Brethren.
Day 14: Hopedale
Greet the community of today in Hopedale with about
800 people and learn about their life and history
including the Moravian Brethren influence.
Day 15: Groswater Bay
Groswater Bay abounds in archaeological sites
dating back over at least 7,000 years and is
home to a variety of marine and terrestrial
wildlife.
Day 16: Battle
Harbour
The outport communities of Battle Harbour
(restoration and once home to the Labrador
Schooner Fishery) and Williams Harbour (still inhabited) provide an insight
into seafaring lives of the past.
Day 17: Newfoundland, Canada
At the northern tip of this island province
is St Anthony, home of Sir Wilfred Grenfell, honoured for his medical mission work.
Nearby is Norstead and L’Anse aux Meadows,
the only authenticated Viking settlement
in North America and UNESCO site.
Day 18: Bonavista
Bonavista is home to a replica of John
Cabot’s ship the Matthew, a restored
lighthouse and reconstructed fishing
village.
Day 19: St John's
Disembark in the sheltered harbour of St. John’s,
North America’s oldest city.
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