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Greenland to Newfoundland: Mountains, Wildlife, and Viking History Expedition

Greenland to Newfoundland: Mountains, Wildlife, and Viking History Expedition

From AUD $20,195

Description

Our 14-day Greenland to Newfoundland: Mountains, Wildlife and Viking History is our only itinerary that features Greenland, the Canadian High Arctic and the East Coast of Canada. This brand-new itinerary is also unique because it enables you to explore both Arctic and boreal environments. This means you’ll have the opportunity to experience boreal biomes— also known as taiga—which are cold, dense forests dominated by coniferous trees, boreal woodlands and boreal wildlife such as caribou, black bears, red and Arctic foxes, and peregrine falcons. This is a sharp contrast to what you’ll experience in Arctic biomes, treeless regions marked by extreme winters, low vegetation consisting mostly of mosses and lichens, and wildlife species such as polar bears, seals and migratory birds call home.
“Greenland to Newfoundland” starts with a charter flight from Reykjavik, Iceland, to your embarkation port in Kangerlussuaq, West Greenland. Within a few days we’ll cross the Davis Strait to Nunavut, then south to Labrador, and ultimately to St. John’s, Newfoundland. Our team designed this itinerary so guests could immerse themselves in a cross-section of cultural traditions: Greenlandic culture in places like Sisimiut; Inuit and Nunatsiavut culture in Nunavut and Labrador; Viking history at l’Anse Aux Meadows in Newfoundland; then the welcoming East Coast hospitality of St. John’s, famously steeped in Celtic music and history thanks to its vast population of Irish descendants.
On this voyage you’ll get to visit three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Greenland’s Ilulissat Icefjord, home to some of the most active glaciers on the planet; Red Bay Basque Whaling Station in Labrador; and the 11th century Viking ruins at l’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site.
Greenland to Newfoundland: Mountains, Wildlife and Viking History will deliver one of the most diverse adventures of a lifetime as you journey from the Arctic to the Atlantic.

Trip Name
Greenland to Newfoundland: Mountains, Wildlife, and Viking History Expedition
Days
14
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Expedition Length: 342 ft (104.4 m) Passenger Capacity: 138 Built: 2021 The Ocean Explorer is a modern, purpose-built expedition vessel combining contemporary elegance with advanced polar exploration technology. Accommodating up to 138 guests, this state-of-the-art ship features the innovative ULSTEIN X-BOW® design, which ensures smooth, stable sailing even in rough seas. A highlight of the vessel is its stunning two-story, glass-walled library located at the bow—perfect for quiet reflection with panoramic views of the polar landscapes. Almost all spacious cabins include private verandas, while the ship’s sleek Scandinavian-inspired interiors create a sense of understated luxury. Guests can unwind in the fitness centre, sauna with large windows overlooking the ice, or one of two outdoor Jacuzzis while taking in the surrounding scenery. Designed with both exploration and comfort in mind, Ocean Explorer offers generous outdoor viewing spaces and elevated observation decks for exceptional photography and wildlife watching. A fleet of 15 Zodiacs ensures quick, safe embarkation for off-ship adventures. Social spaces such as the elegant Main Dining Room, Latitude Bar, and Observation Lounge provide a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, complemented by fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines and cutting-edge sustainability systems, including waste-to-energy technology. Every detail of the Ocean Explorer reflects innovation, comfort, and environmental consciousness—setting a new standard for luxury expedition cruising.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Arrive in Iceland
Upon your arrival at Keflavik International Airport, make your way independently to your included hotel in downtown Reykjavik, approximately 45 minutes from the airport. If your arrival schedule allows, you’ll have time to explore the fascinating Icelandic capital on your own. Many major tourist attractions and historic sites are within walking distance of the city center.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Fly to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland and embark on Ocean Explorer
This morning you’ll catch your charter f light to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, where you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for great adventures ahead. Expect a welcome and safety briefing from your Expedition Leader.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Explore Sisimut and Maniitsoq: Fjords, Mountains, and Glaciers
Today we’ll explore two towns in the Qeqqata Municipality on the west coast of Greenland along the Davis Strait. The first is Maniitsoq, which translates into “the place of rugged, uneven terrain.” That’s precisely what you see in the surrounding terrain: towering mountains, pristine rivers, seemingly endless glaciers and incredibly deep f jords. In fact, one of the day’s highlights is a journey along Eternity Fjord, which is 75 kilometers (47 miles) long and reaches a depth of 1,200 meters (3,937 feet). Later in the day you’ll have time to wander through the historic town of Sisimiut, where several 18th-century colonial buildings still stand, one of which is Bethel Church. Just look for the striking blue-and-red wooden place of worship. Today’s activities also include a demonstration of the traditional art of kayak making. Experiencing a cultural resurgence, the kayak is a symbol of Greenland and can be traced back over 4,000 years to the Inuit, who used the vessels for hunting and transportation. For those inclined to other modes of transport, mountain biking is another option during our visit to Sisimiut.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Ilulissat: Iceberg viewing at the UNESCO World Heritage site
Ilulissat, Greenlandic for icebergs, is one of the highlights of any journey along west Greenland. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, Ilulissat Icefjord gives birth to countless icebergs. In fact, it’s home to one of the most productive glaciers in the northern hemisphere, Sermeq Kujalleq (also known as Jakobshavn Glacier). A Zodiac excursion is a unique way to enjoy the spectacle of enormous bergs floating out to Disko Bay. We plan to Zodiac cruise ashore to visit the nearby town of Ilulissat, and from there we’ll hike to the icefjord, where you can view this incredible parade of icebergs from the rocky shore. Expect to see a lot of dogs while you’re in town. There was a time when sled dogs actually outnumbered citizens in Ilulissat, which, unsurprisingly, is the birthplace of the first European to traverse the Northwest Passage by dogsled, explorer Knud Rasmussen. If time allows, you can visit a local museum dedicated to his memory.
Day 5 - Day 5 - At Sea: Crossing the Davis Strait
As your ship navigates across the Davis Strait, onboard polar experts will present on a variety of topics to deepen your understanding of the places featured in the itinerary. Our experts include glaciologists, historians, wildlife specialists and other polar specialists.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Pangnirtung: Stronghold of Inuit culture
Today is our first day exploring the Canadian Arctic as we arrive in Nunavut, Canada’s youngest territory. Nunavut, which means “our land” in the Inuktitut language, stretches north of the Arctic Circle and covers over 1.8 million square kilometers, and is considered the homeland of the Inuit in Canada. Guests will get to spend time in Pangnirtung, located at the mouth of Pangnirtung Fjord, which merges with Cumberland Sound. It’s a stronghold of the Inuit community, and an ideal place to learn about Inuit culture while admiring finely crafted traditional art, especially the textiles. You may want to purchase a famous Pang toque, a must-have knit cap for anyone visiting the community.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Cape Mercy: A fascinating history lesson
History buffs will enjoy a visit to Cape Mercy, an isolated cove at the southern tip of Cumberland Sound in Nunavut. Cape Mercy was named by British explorer John Davis, who sailed through this part of the Arctic in 1585. Fastforward several centuries to the 1950s when Cape Mercy was selected as the site of a Distant Early Warning Line (DEW) installation, a system of radar stations set up during the Cold War to detect nuclear attacks. It should be noted that the Inuit hunted and fished in Cape Mercy and the surrounding area long before the arrival of European explorers. You can join a guided shore walk to enjoy incredible views of the vast Davis Strait, which connects Baffin Bay to the Labrador Sea.
Day 8 - Days 8 and 9 - Torngat Mountain National Park: Exploring the boreal wilderness
Torngat Mountains National Park will leave you awestruck. Within the 10,000 square-kilometer national park, established in 2008, are Canada’s highest mountains east of the venerable Rockies. The park is a wilderness landscape painting brought to life: breathtaking f jords, dramatic glacial formations, stunning landscapes, boreal woodlands and wildlife. For students of Indigenous history, Torngat Mountain National Park is especially meaningful: the park is located at the northern edge of autonomous Nunatsiavut territory, which was recognized as the homeland of the Labrador Inuit in 2005, operating under its own constitution and administration. In fact, these lands have been home to the Nunatsiavut and their predecessors for over 7,500 years. We are honored to explore this majestic wilderness territory with you. Torngat, in Inuktitut, means “place of the spirits,” which reflects the spiritual significance of the region to the Inuit communities. As a national park, this wilderness domain offers protection to boreal woodland caribou, black bears, Labrador wolves, red and Arctic foxes, polar bears, and peregrine falcons, among other species. You will have opportunities to explore this national wilderness area during Zodiac and kayaking excursions, as well as guided hikes.
Day 9 - Day 10 - Nain, Nunatsiavut: Home of the Labrador Inuit
Nain, which has a population of approximately 1,200, is the administrative capital of Nunatsiavut, the semi-autonomous region in northern Labrador claimed by the Inuit. Visitors can learn about Labrador Inuit heritage through interactive exhibits, artwork, and cultural programs at the very modern-looking Illusuak Cultural Centre. Then, to learn about the other cultural group that influenced the region, stroll through town to discover the historic Moravian Mission complex, established in 1771. The white-painted church and mission house bear witness to centuries of cultural exchanges between the Inuit and European missionaries. You’ll have time to engage with friendly locals to hear stories passed down through the generations, and sample traditional foods like arctic char and cloudberries. There will be a guided hike to take in breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and sea.
Day 10 - Day 11 - At Sea
As our ship heads south, enjoy the views of the southern coast of Baffin Island Labrador. While at sea for the day, join expedition staff out on deck as they look for whales and birdlife. This is also your chance to relax with a glass of wine or hot tea and simply take in the wondrous beauty around you.
Day 11 - Day 12 - L'Anse aux Meadows: Vikings in North America
Consider the wooden longboats that transported the Vikings an incredible 2,180 kilometers from Greenland to Newfoundland in 1000 AD. Today, you’re going to visit the archeological remains at the place they landed in their handhewn vessels. L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site (also a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the only confirmed Norse or Viking settlement in North America. Join a guided tour to see where Norseman Leif Erikson, son of Erik the Red, is believed to have founded “Vinland” (the East Coast area including what would later be known as Newfoundland) around 1000 AD. Explore the reconstructed sod huts and Norse ruins throughout the historic site—proof that Vikings discovered North America 500 years before Christopher Columbus’ much-chronicled arrival.
Day 12 - Day 13 - At Sea
Your final at-sea day is a great opportunity for you to ask any lingering questions you have for our team of onboard experts, attend one last polar presentation, relax in Tundra Spa & Sauna or in one the outdoor Jacuzzis.
Day 13 - Day 14 - Disembark in St. John's, Newfoundland
Your ship arrives at the pier in St. John’s for a morning disembarkation. After breakfast, you may make your way to St. John’s International Airport to connect with your onward flight, or stay longer if you have booked additional accommodation
Day 14 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-09-202627-09-2026AUD $21,895Deluxe Veranda Forward
14-09-202627-09-2026AUD $22,995Veranda Stateroom
14-09-202627-09-2026AUD $24,395Veranda Suite
14-09-202627-09-2026AUD $28,595Studio Single
14-09-202627-09-2026AUD $28,595Junior Suite
14-09-202627-09-2026AUD $30,995Studio Veranda Single
14-09-202627-09-2026AUD $33,195Penthouse Suite
14-09-202627-09-2026AUD $35,495Owners Suite
13-09-202726-09-2027AUD $26,195Balcony Suite
13-09-202726-09-2027AUD $30,895Deluxe Balcony Suite
13-09-202726-09-2027AUD $32,095Terrace Suite
13-09-202726-09-2027AUD $34,495Penthouse Suite
13-09-202726-09-2027AUD $36,695Solo Panorama
13-09-202726-09-2027AUD $42,795Owner's Suite
13-09-202726-09-2027AUD $47,595Ultra Suite
13-09-202726-09-2027AUD $20,195Explorer Triple
13-09-202726-09-2027AUD $23,795Explorer Suite
15-09-202728-09-2027AUD $20,195Triple Suite
15-09-202728-09-2027AUD $22,595Deluxe Veranda Forward
15-09-202728-09-2027AUD $23,795Veranda Stateroom
15-09-202728-09-2027AUD $25,295Veranda Suite
15-09-202728-09-2027AUD $27,117Junior Suite
15-09-202728-09-2027AUD $32,695Studio Single
15-09-202728-09-2027AUD $34,495Penthouse Suite
15-09-202728-09-2027AUD $35,295Studio Veranda Single
15-09-202728-09-2027AUD $36,895Owners Suite

Inclusions

    • Experience the unique features of both Arctic and boreal environments
    • Witness countless icebergs at Ilulissat Icefjord
    • Visit the Viking ruins at l’Anse aux Meadows UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Explore the unrivalled wilderness of Torngat Mountains National Park
    • Experience northern Indigenous cultures in Greenland and Labrador
    • End your voyage in St. John’s, Newfoundland, one of the oldest cities in North America.

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