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Peregrine Travel Centre

In the Wake of the Vikings

In the Wake of the Vikings

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Description

Like the Vikings of old, we sail west from Reykjavík. There lies a region of mountains, glaciers, fjords, and icebergs. The icy realm of Greenland awaits.

Greenland’s east coast is just a short voyage from Reykjavík. Breathtaking fjords define this seldom-seen region. Aboard the Ocean Endeavour, we’ll explore in comfort—and Zodiacs will be standing by for scenic excursion opportunities.

Whales and seabirds are abundant here. Photographers, birders, and hikers will be in awe.

Villages around Greenland’s southern tip offer glimpses of Greenlandic culture. Bask in the Unartoq geothermal springs. Explore the ruins of Brattelid—a settlement founded by Erik the Red!

Kangaamiut is a quaint fishing village. Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, offers shopping and dining. We’ll sail mighty Sondre Stromfjord to our destination, Kangerlussuaq—gateway to Greenland’s ice cap.

Trip Name
In the Wake of the Vikings
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 137m Passenger Capacity: 199 Built: 1982 - refurbished 2010, 2014 & 2017 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’s cosmopolitan capital, Reykjavík (“steamy bay”) was established in 874 AD. Powered by geothermal energy, Reykjavík is widely considered one of the cleanest, greenest cities on Earth. Despite centuries of relative isolation, today Reykjavík is a contemporary city with plenty to see and do. 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 Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
Vestmannaeyjar lies off the south coast of Iceland and comprises fourteen islands, numerous rocks and skerries. Only the largest island, Heimaey, is inhabited. Numerous species of seabirds, including the famous puffins, nest in the steep rock faces along the ocean cliffs. The volcanically active area has seen two major eruptions in recent times: the formation of the island of Surtsey in 1963, and the Eldfell eruption ten years later that destroyed much of Heimaey and nearly blocked its harbour.
Day 3 - Day 3 At Sea
Sailing west from Iceland, we are in the wake of the Vikings. Norse explorers set out from Iceland a millennium ago in open longboats. Their destination: Greenland. Later they would also reach Baffin Island, Labrador, and Newfoundland.We’ll be watching for marine mammals and bird life as we sail in these rich northern waters. Along the way, our expedition team will enrich your understanding of the archeology, history, culture, and wildlife that await us in Greenland!
Day 4 - Day 4 East Greenland
An expedition day on Greenland’s east coast means that we’ll be cruising in the ice, looking for opportunities for Zodiac exploration. As ever, our expedition team will be on deck looking for bears, seals, and humpback whales as we navigate a coastline traced with innumerable fjords and dotted with pack ice.
Day 5 - Day 5 Ikerasassuaq (Prince Christian Sound)
We’ll be scouting for wildlife and vistas as we approach Ikerasassuaq through ice. This remote and stunning body of water joins the Irminger and Labrador seas. We are among the islands of the Cape Farewell Archipelago, near Greenland’s southernmost tip.Craggy mountain peaks tower over narrow fjords. Glacial tongues plunge toward the water. Conditions are favourable for calving icebergs, while strong tidal currents limit the formation of sea ice.
Day 6 - Days 6 - 7 South Greenland
South Greenland lives up to its namesake; here, 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 icefjords. Here, Norse settlement history intersects with contemporary Greenland life.
Day 7 - Day 8 Hvalsey and Oaqortoq
Hvalsey Church is the best-preserved Norse ruin in Greenland. The last known official record from the original Norse colony is of a wedding held here in September 1408! Nearby Qaaqortoq is the largest town in South Greenland. The area has been inhabited for over 4,000 years, beginning with the Saqqaq culture.
Day 8 - Day 9 Brattahlid
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brattahlid—meaning “steep slope,”—lies at the head of Tunulliarfik Fjord. In this location, the famous Viking explorer Erik the Red had his estate. His descendants made their homes here until the mid-1400s. This area features the best farming conditions in Greenland.Here we will find a reconstruction of the first Norse church in Greenland, as well as a Viking longhouse. There are substantial archeological remnants here, preserving the legends of the Norse.
Day 9 - Day 10 Nuuk
Greenland’s capital bridges old and new. The old harbour region of town includes many buildings dating from the Danish colonial days. The modern downtown core includes shopping, cafes and restaurants, and public institutions with a European flair.The Greenland National Museum is one of Nuuk’s outstanding features; the world-famous Greenland mummies are housed here. The museum’s exhibits also offer in-depth information about colonial, Norse, and Inuit presence in Greenland—a must-see.
Day 10 - Day 11 Qeqqata Kommunia
The west Greenland coastline is a rich mixture of fishing communities, many islands and complex coastal waterways. The waters are relatively warm here, due to the West Greenland Current and the sub-Arctic location—making for more lush vegetation. We will be making an expedition stop here to explore the landscape of wild Greenland.
Day 11 - Day 12 Kangerlussuaq
Sondre Stromfjord is one of the longest fjords in the world and boasts 168 kilometres of superb scenery. We end our adventure by sailing up this dramatic fjord as the sun rises to greet us. Kangerlussuaq, the town at its eastern head, is a former US Air Force base and Greenland’s primary flight hub. Here we will disembark the Ocean Endeavour and transfer to the airport for our return charter flight.
Day 12 - Please Note:
The itineraries/programs described are subject to change at the discretion of the ship’s master.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-07-201925-07-2019USD $4,995Category 1 - Quad
14-07-201925-07-2019USD $5,995Category 2 - Triple
14-07-201925-07-2019USD $7,395Category 3 - Interior Twin
14-07-201925-07-2019USD $8,695Category 4 - Exterior Twin
14-07-201925-07-2019USD $9,995Category 5 - Main Twin
14-07-201925-07-2019USD $11,295Category 6 - Comfort Twin
14-07-201925-07-2019USD $12,595Category 7 - Select Twin
14-07-201925-07-2019USD $13,895Category 8 - Superior Twin
14-07-201925-07-2019USD $15,195Category 9 - Junior Suite
14-07-201925-07-2019USD $16,495Category 10 - Suite

Inclusions

    • Wander the streets of Nuuk, Greenland’s dynamic capital
    • Visit Erik the Red’s former estate at Brattahlid, UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Visit the Norse ruins at Hvalsey, abandoned in the 1400s
    • Experience village life in tiny Greenlandic fishing hamlets
    • Get close to glaciers, calving mighty icebergs
    • Experience east Greenland’s pristine, stunning fjords
    • Follow the Viking route across Denmark Strait to Greenland

Map

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