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Path of the Vikings – Iceland, Greenland & Canada

Path of the Vikings – Iceland, Greenland & Canada

From USD $4,995

Description

This superb voyage links three countries and follows the path taken by early Vikings as they navigated across the Atlantic on their quest of discovery a 1,000 years ago. Rich history is accompanied by breathtaking scenery, as we sail into deep fjords, past enormous icebergs and discover the culture and people of the region. The region teems with wildlife and we anticipate encounters with numerous whale species. The skies are full of migratory and resident birdlife. We enjoy daily excursions off the ship in the company of expert guides. The choices are endless: exploring in the Zodiac boats, observing wildlife, and strolling through the local villages or stretching our legs on longer hikes.

Please Note: This trip commences in Reykjavik – Iceland’s fascinating capital city. We recommend you
arrive in Reykjavik at least one day prior to the scheduled voyage departure date. This gives you a buffer in the event of any unexpected travel delays between home and trip departure time. A group transfer will be provided from a central location on Day-1 to the port for embarkation. At the conclusion of the trip, we arrive into Sydney, Nova Scotia in the morning. Transfers are provided to a central location and to nearby
Sydney Airport for onward flights to Halifax and Toronto.

Trip Name
Path of the Vikings - Iceland, Greenland & Canada
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Expedition Vessel Passenger Capacity: 146 Built: 1993 Named after the HMS Resolute, a British Royal Navy Arctic exploration vessel, as well as the Inuit town of Resolute in Canada’s Nunavut Territory, RCGS Resolute will arrive in Canada in November 2018 for its inaugural polar voyage. RCGS Resolute also carries the name of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), since we are exclusive education, environmental science, and expedition partners in Canada’s north. This longstanding partnership works to the benefit of our guests, who have the opportunity to learn from and interact with world-renowned educators, researchers, naturalists, marine biologists, artists, historians and photographers. With an unsurpassed ice classification, a proven track record for stability and safety, large indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, and exceptional maneuverability, RCGS Resolute is ideally equipped to guide guests through the world’s most pristine regions, further expanding our expertise in exploration and discovery. RCGS Resolute will carry a maximum of 146 passengers in unparalleled comfort, with an array of luxury amenities, educational opportunities and activities tailored to guests’ particular interests, and individual, personalized service.  Superb Design and Layout. Throughout the ship there are spaces ideally suited to every need. Spacious outer decks provide 360 degree viewing platforms perfect for photography, wildlife watching, birding and appreciating expansive views.  The salt water plunge pool, large relaxation deck, hot water jacuzzi are all located aft of the wellness centre (massage therapy, Finnish Sauna, steam room) and well equipped gymnasium.  Inside there are multiple areas to explore ranging from our well appointed theatre style presentation room, aft observation lounge and bar, forward observation lounge and bar, and both dining rooms. Add in the One Ocean Expeditions multimedia room, and mobile laboratory and the opportunities are endless.  Six Different Cabin Categories. All cabins feature outside viewing ranging from deck three traditional with port holes, up to decks 4 through 6 offering expansive panoramic windows.  Cabins all have lower berths that have the ability to be single beds, or 1 double bed depending on our guests needs.  Extensive renovations have provided new carpets, high quality cabinetry with soft close drawers, contemporary and spacious bathroom design, all paired with soft accent lighting offering options dependant on our guests daily activities and mood. All cabins offer modern sectional lounge quarters, providing a quiet nook to read or catch up on journalling.  Space is exceptional as each cabin offers 22M squared living space, whilst the One Ocean Suites are absolutely palatial offering 44M squared with enough room to entertain or do back - flips (your choice)! Enjoy Great Dining? So do we. At One Ocean Expeditions, the priority is on the expedition.  However with every activity, option, event, or excursion we find we build up incredible appetites to indulge in superb and extensive menu options.  Our bistro dining room provides early birds the option to get their social caffeine or smoothy start to the day, accompanied by light breakfast style snacks.  Full meal service includes buffet breakfast and lunches incorporating an international flare.  For those with special dietary requirements - no problem, we can accommodate that too.  Dinner is a great opportunity to catch up about the day’s events, as well as look to where we expect to explore next.  Five course menu options are offered a la carte, and seating is open in our business casual dining room featuring 180 degree sweeping views.  There’s also an excellent wine list featuring a range of international wines and other beverages of choice.  Join us on the Bridge. There is an open-bridge policy and guests are welcome to meet the navigating crew at virtually any time of day; there’s always something to learn from the officers on watch and the bridge is one of the best places on the ship for spotting whales and sea birds.  The bridge is closed during times of tricky navigation, pilotage, or weather. Operational Safety. There are no compromises here. The expedition staff and crew onboard RCGS Resolute have the deepest respect for changeable weather in the polar regions and the varying sea and ice conditions. That respect is apparent in every decision made throughout the voyage. The ship carries the most extensive inventory of safety equipment on all excursions and require leaders to undergo vigorous and effective safety training programs. Your expedition team are well prepared, so you can relax and enjoy your voyage.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Reykjavik
Your voyage begins in Reykjavik, Iceland’s picturesque capital city. We recommend spending a few days prior to voyage departure exploring this fascinating city and surrounds. This afternoon, we board our home for the next 11 nights – RCGS Resolute. Once onboard you will meet the expedition team and following welcome drinks and dinner, we depart Iceland bound for Greenland and Canada.
Day 2 - Days 2 & 3 At Sea - Iceland to Greenland
We awaken to the open waters of the Denmark Strait which separates Iceland from Greenland. We make an easier time of it in our modern expedition ship than the Vikings did in their longboats more than 1,000 years ago. Our onboard experts educate us with a series of presentations about the environment, the wildlife and history and the locations we hope to visit in the coming days. Be sure to visit the ship’s bridge and watch the Captain and officers navigate our modern expedition vessel.
Day 3 - Day 4 Prince Christian Sound, Greenland
The coast is in sight and the ship navigates towards the entrance of Prince Christian Sound, providing a spectacular welcome to Greenland. The sound separates the mainland from the island archipelago that forms the southern tip of the country. Mountains tower around us and waterfalls tumble down the steep cliffs as the Captain carefully navigates through the passage. We pass numerous icebergs along the way and can’t help but wonder what the Viking’s experienced as they pushed deeper into the sound, on their journey of discovery.
Day 4 - Day 5 Tasermiut Fjord & Nanortalik
For many, today may well be a highlight of the trip. Tasermiut Fjord has a well-known reputation as 'the Patagonia of the North' due to the towering rock formations that surround the narrow waters. The highest peak is over 1800m and has a sheer granite face of more than a kilometre. This is nature at her most powerful. We return to the small town of Nanortalik and venture into the pretty harbour in the Zodiacs for a stroll through the colourful houses in town.
Day 5 - Day 6 Narsarsuaq
This is quintessential Greenland. As we navigate the ship further into the fjord system, we are awestruck by the beauty. Not surprisingly, the Vikings were just as impressed and Narsarsuaqand surrounds are among the most historically significant locations in the country. The Brattahlid open-air museum is a fascinating spot and features a reconstructed church and Viking longhouse. Nearby is Igaliku, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful villages in the country and home to the ruins of Gardar – a stone church constructed in the 11th century.
Day 6 - Day 7 Bredefjord & Narsaq
The coast of western Greenland is famous for icebergs and we observe several glaciers at close quarters when navigating the ship along Bredefjord. At the end of a remote arm of the fjord are two giant glaciers, known locally as ‘the twins’. We navigate in the Zodiacs to get a better view of the glacial face and delight at the endless photo opportunities the ice sculptures provide us. This afternoon we visit the small community of Narsaq. Our time in Greenland has come to an end and as we depart this enchanting place in the soft evening light, we look forward to the days ahead.
Day 7 - Day 8 At Sea - Davis Strait
While sailing south towards Newfoundland our onboard experts will recap on our adventures in Greenland and prepare us for the days ahead. This is an important migration corridor for birds and whales, and we keep our eyes out for signs of wildlife from the outer decks. Large icebergs of all shapes drift on the currents of the Davis Strait and while these won't be your first iceberg sightings, seeing them in open water is an impressive sight. Our educational program continues, and our onboard experts entertain us with interactive presentations and lively discussions.
Day 8 - Day 9 L’Anse aux Meadows
Having arrived in Newfoundland, our excursion this afternoon tells a story a thousand years in the making. We board the Zodiacs for a short cruise to the rocky shoreline. A millennium ago, Viking long-ships would have been found along this same beach. L’Anse aux Meadows is one of Canada’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Day 9 - Day 10 Woody Point - Gros Morne National Park
Today we find ourselves anchored in majestic Bonne Bay, just offshore from the small community of Woody Point, the gateway into the southern reaches of Gros Morne National Park. This is a Registered Historic District with several significant structures along the waterfront. Gros Morne is best known for the World Heritage-listed Tablelands and is celebrated for its unique geology and exceptional scenery. We make a visit to the excellent Discovery Centre before continuing through the park. We meet the ship at Trout River re-boarding in the afternoon and continue our voyage southwards.
Day 10 - Day 11 Cape North, Nova Scotia
Overnight we have crossed the broad Gulf of St Lawrence, which separates Newfoundland from Nova Scotia. Our final day will be spent exploring the northern reaches of Cape Breton. Cape North is a small community situated on the famous Cabot Trail and is a gateway into the Highlands National Park. There are some excellent hiking opportunities here. Tonight, our chefs have prepared a special farewell dinner attended by the Captain of the ship. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate and reflect on a memorable journey as we sail to the final port of Sydney.
Day 11 - Day 12 Sydney, Nova Scotia
This morning we enter the port of Sydney, situated on the north coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Our fabulous trip comes to an end and we reflect on the truly memorable journey. We disembark in the morning and, while some of us will head to the airport, many will add a few extra days in Nova Scotia to enjoy the hospitality, culture and renowned seafood.
Day 12 - Please Note:
Small ship expedition cruising can sometimes be unpredictable. Specific sites visited will depend on prevailing weather andsea conditions at the time of sailing. The above itinerary should be read as a 'guide only' and may change. The ship's Captain in conjunction with theExpedition Leader continually review the sailing plan throughout the voyage, making adjustments to the itinerary along the way to take advantage ofoptimal weather and sea conditions or to maximize our encounters with wildlife. Years of experience spent exploring these waterways mean we haveplenty of outstanding landing sites and Zodiac cruising locations to consider, even when the weather conditions may not be ideal. A flexible approachis something we encourage you to bring to the ship.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
01-07-202012-07-2020USD $4,995Triple Private
01-07-202012-07-2020USD $6,495Twin Private
01-07-202012-07-2020USD $7,495Superior
01-07-202012-07-2020USD $7,695Superior Plus
01-07-202012-07-2020USD $8,995Shackleton Suite
01-07-202012-07-2020USD $10,895One Ocean Suite

Inclusions

    • Link three exceptional countries on a single voyage crossing from east to west
    • Experience the fjords and glaciers of southern Greenland
    • Wildlife encounters with various whale species and abundant birdlife
    • Diverse activities on shore with daily excursions in the company of expert guides

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