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North in the Atlantic Ocean lie some beautiful
areas of unspoiled nature. From Iceland the
M/V Polar Star begins a journey following
the Viking trail and head to the south of
Greenland
then over to Labrador and Newfoundland.
We then explore Newfoundland and the islands
of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. These are
beautiful untouched areas with a history of
discovery, a life of simpler times and a
purity of nature not often found today.
The ship offers other amenities like a
lounge area and bar, a library stocked with
pertinent reference books and light reading,
and an exercise facility. On an expedition
cruise, your entertainment comes in the form
of staff lectures and, of course, the
destinations themselves. In the off-hours,
many people devote themselves to writing in
their journals, conversing with shipmates, and
enjoying the passing - and usually magnificent
- scenery.
Day 1: Reykjavik,
Iceland
We board the M/V Polar Star in colourful
Reykjavik to begin our Viking adventure.
Days 2-3: Denmark
Strait
As we head towards Greenland, we relax onboard
and attend lectures. Our bridge and large deck
areas are ideal lookouts for spotting whales,
dolphins and seabirds.
Day 4: Nanortalik,
Greenland
This morning we navigate the narrow waters of
Prins Christian Sund with its amazing array of
glaciers, icebergs and melting rivers of ice.
This is a scenic highlight of the cruise. In
the picturesque town of Nanortalik, we visit
the open air market and the local museum with
Norse and Inuit relics.
Day 5: Brattahlid
We land at Brattahlid, where Erik the Red’s
wife established the first Christian church in
Greenland and today we can see a
reconstruction of the village. In the
afternoon we walk to the ruins at Igaliku,
once the religious epicentre of the local
Viking settlement.
Day 6: Hvalsey &
Qaqortoq
In Hvalsey, we see some of the best preserved
Viking ruins (1300’s) including the church
where the last religious ceremony was
performed in 1408 before the people
mysteriously vanished from the area. We visit
Qaqortoq to wander the streets lined with
stoned sculptures and brilliantly painted
houses.
Days 7-8: Davis
Strait
We spend two days onboard as we cruise
“iceberg alley” which separates Greenland from
Baffin Island. Our lecture program continues
as we look out for icebergs and wildlife.
Day 9: Iqaluit,
Canada
We make landfall at the capital of Nunavut on
Baffin Island to embark on a community tour
which includes displays of beautiful Inuit
art, and enjoy an arctic luncheon.
Day 10: Savage
Islands
Today is a day in the wilderness with Zodiac
cruising and perhaps a landing in Frobisher
Bay. There is the possibility to see Polar
Bears, seals and a variety of seabirds here.
Day 11: Akpatok
Island
A delight for geologists and naturalists
alike, this limestone island is knows for its
fossils, gigantic cliffs and a good
opportunity for sightings of Polar Bear and
peregrine falcon.
Day 12: Torngat
Mountains
Known to the Inuit people as “land of the
spirits”, these mountains were formed from
rocks thought to be almost four billion years
old. Black Bear and Polar Bear live amongst
the area’s majestic network of fjords, cliffs
and peaks. Zodiac landings are planned at
Saglek and Nackvack.
Day 13: Cape
Mugford & Hebron
In Hebron, we explore the buildings that
Moravian Brethrens left behind after bringing
their mission to the area. The settlement was
abandoned in 1959. We also visit Cape Mugford,
home to unique volcanic rock formations.
Day 14: Hopedale
This community was also settled by Moravian
missionaries. We explore the ruins and see
what is thought to be the oldest building east
of Quebec.
Day 15: Battle
Harbour
Battle Harbour, first settled by Europeans in
1770, was home to the Labrador Schooner
Fishery. Today it is an excellent restoration
giving insight into the rugged lifestyle of
those days.
Day 16: St.
Anthony & L'Anse aux Meadows
In St. Anthony, we visit the museum honouring
Sir Wilfred Grenfell who dedicated his life to
the fisherman living in these remote and
challenging areas. We visit L’anse Aux Meadows
where the series of mounds are the remains of
the only authenticated Viking settlement in
North America, and Norstead, a reconstructed
Norse village.
Day 17: Bonavista
We spend the day exploring Bonavista, where
Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot) is said to have
first glimpsed North America (1497). We visit
a replica of Cabot’s ship the Matthew, the
restored historic lighthouse (1843) and
reconstructed fishing village.
Day 18: St John's
Disembark in the beautiful natural harbour of
St John’s.
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