Arctic Odyssey: Iceland, Greenland, and Canada Expedition
Sail in the wake of early Viking explorers on a compelling journey that mixes Arctic wildlife and landscapes with a riveting history that comes alive in well-preserved ruins and local communities continuing to thrive on the edge of the Arctic. Start your adventure in Iceland’s remote Westfjords before charting a course for southern Greenland, where you’ll glide into dramatic fjords flanked by towering, jagged mountains; and visit colorful Qaqortoq, the unofficial capital of the region. In Canada, trace wild coastlines, keeping an eye out for polar bears, whales, and migrating birdlife.
Highlights
• Take in picturesque views as we sail through dramatic fjords and past glaciers and ice floes in southern Greenland
• Hike in Iceland’s remote Westfjords to observe puffin colonies along scenic cliffs
• Step back in time at Viking ruins, like Erik the Red’s farm in Greenland and the 11th-century village at L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Canada
• Visit modern Inuit communities along the coasts of Greenland and Canada
• Keep watch on the open Bridge for polar bears, falcons, whales, and other wildlife along the stunning coast of Labrador
Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport and visit the Old Town, including Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower, before embarking the ship in the afternoon.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Explore Iceland’s western frontier, visiting Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries, turned sleepy summer islet. Walk around the charming little hamlet that has survived, and hike across trails that trace the cliffs past a seasonal puffin population.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sail away from the Westfjords of Iceland and across the Denmark Strait. Connecting the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, the strait is home to the world’s largest waterfall, caused by powerful currents underneath the surface. Listen to talks by our experts, relax with a book in the lounge or on the observation deck, and keep an eye out for wildlife as we sail across the continental shelf.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sail into Prins Christian Sund, which cuts into the southern tip of Greenland and allows our ship to pass through the sheltered waters of this dramatic polar landscape. Marvel at soaring pinnacles and glimpse hanging glaciers through the fjords that stretch back to the Greenlandic ice sheet. Along the way, keep an eye out for marine and birdlife.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Home to some of the best-preserved ruins of the Viking era in Greenland, the town of Qaqortoq and the Tunulliarflik Fjord provide us with two days of insight, culture, and local interactions. Visit the working farms of a UNESCO World Heritage site and learn about how they’re carrying on the centuries-old tradition of Arctic sheep farming at the edge of Greenland’s ice cap. Walk through the ruins of Bratthlid, Erik the Red’s farm, visiting replicas of the church and the family’s longhouse. We’ll also explore the same shores from which their son, Leif Eriksson, launched the first voyages to North America—500 years before Columbus.
Visit the unofficial capital of southern Greenland at Qaqortoq, with just over 3,200 residents. The colonial influence is visible throughout the town, home to houses painted in primary colors and architecture dating back to the 1700s. Stroll through the town square and visit the museum, where Greenlandic kayaks, hunting equipment, and local art and handicrafts are on display. Finally, walk through the walls of Hvalsey church, its Norse ruins located in the fjords behind Qaqortoq.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend time on the bow of the ship watching for whales, polar bears, and other wildlife; enjoy the ship’s amenities; edit your photos alongside our professional photographers; and attend expert-led talks about the Arctic as we navigate the massive icebergs of Davis Strait on the way to Baffin Island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend three days tracing the beautiful, wild coast of Labrador, exploring on foot and by kayak and Zodiac. Weaving our way through the Lower Savage islands, keeping a watchful eye for the polar bears that call these islands home, we will use our Zodiacs as safe havens to experience their environment firsthand. Watch for peregrine falcons and other birds soaring over the rocky shorelines of the spectacularly narrow Mugford Tickle and take in the impressive sight of the 4,000-foot-high Kaumajet Mountains. Continue to scenic Battle Harbour to discover the reconstructed 19th-century buildings and legacy of this historic fishing village.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the 1960s, the remains of a Viking village established in the 11th century were excavated at L’Anse aux Meadows, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk among the Norse ruins and reconstructed sod huts and learn the saga of the Vikings in North America, who arrived here nearly 500 years before the explorations of Columbus.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cliffs, fjords, and beaches grace the northwestern tip of Newfoundland. Hike, kayak, or explore by Zodiac with our experts amid this stunning scenery and keep an eye out for migrating birds and whales.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, disembark in St. John’s and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Itineraries are subject to change.
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More Cabin Categories & Prices Available
Category 1. From
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More Cabin Categories & Prices Available
Category 1. From
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 108 meters
Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins)
Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008
National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world.
Public areas: Bistro Bar; Chart Room; Restaurant; Global Gallery; Library, Lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; Mud Room with lockers for expedition gear, and Observation Lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation.
Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.
Cabins: A New Look for National Geographic Explorer Suites
National Geographic Explorer recently debuted updated suites, enhanced with the sleek, Scandinavian design that has become the hallmark of our polar fleet. Each of these elegant cabins now holds a Command Center, which allows guests to continue to explore from the comfort of their suites with a set of tools that includes a barometer, a National Geographic Atlas, a television that broadcasts entertainment and ship navigation, a coffee maker, and multiple USB and universal electric ports for cameras and other devices. 81 outside cabins
All feature windows or portholes, private facilities, climate controls, hair dryers, and TV, plus Ethernet, Wi-Fi connections, and USB ports for mobile devices. Some cabins have balconies. Single cabins in Category SA and Category SB are located on the main deck and upper deck.
Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, Crow’s Nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear.
Special Features: A full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, LEX Photo Specialist and Video Chronicler, Internet Cafe and laundry.
Wellness: The vessel is staffed by two Wellness Specialists and features a glass enclosed Fitness Center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and Sauna.
Inclusions
• All accommodations, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages aboard ships
• Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
• Services of our expert expedition team and guest speakers
• Services of a ship physician on most voyages
• Certain hotels and meals ashore as indicated in the itinerary
• Round-trip transfers based on group flights
• Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
• Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion)
Exclusions
• Air transportation (except when we indicated in the itinerary, as included) Extensions
• Passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Travel Protection Plan
• Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
• Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
• Items of personal nature
• Phone and Internet Service
• Laundry
• Gratuity for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships)
Luxury Expedition
Our Associates Include
