Viking Trail to the Americas – 19 Days

Starts: Reykjavik, Iceland

Finishes: St. John's, Newfoundland

2010 Departure Date: September 19th

Included

• Accommodations, meals and taxes

We set sail on this remarkable journey that follows in the footsteps of the early explorers to visit the southern part of Greenland and learn about the lives of the early explorers and the Inuit of yesterday and today – from Nanortalik to Brattahlid, Hvalsey and Qaqortoq. We then sail across "iceberg alley" for Baffin Island of the Canadian Arctic and keep a keen watch for seabirds, seals, whales and perhaps Polar Bear. We explore the coast of Frobisher Bay before reaching Iqaluit, the capital of the newly created Nunavut territory of Canada. As we journey southbound, we explore the amazing coast of isolated Labrador with boreal forests, fjords and tundra and learn about the lives of the early inhabitants and settlers. We then come to the island province of Newfoundland with their fishing "outport" communities and rugged natural coastline. This journey is a fascinating tale of tenacious people in a challenging environment.

Day 1: Iceland

Embark in the thriving town of Reykjavik to follow in the footsteps of the Vikings.

Days 2 -3: Denmark Strait

While at sea relax, socialize and attend lectures.

Day 4: Greenland

The cruise through Prins Christiansund Fjord is a scenic highlight and leads to the picturesque town of Nanortalik, a remote yet thriving Inuit community.

Day 5: Greenland

Brattahlid is home to the first Christian church in Greenland established by Erik the Red's wife. Later in the day, hike from Ittilek to Igaliko, which has the ruins of the Cathedral of the Fjords – Garðar.

Day 6: Greenland

A beautifully preserved Viking church ruin is found in Hvalsey. Later in the day we visit the Inuit town of Qaqortoq, cheerfully decorated with brightly coloured houses.

Days 7 - 8: Davis Strait

Watch for whales, dolphins and icebergs as we cruise "iceberg alley" and attend lectures.

Day 9: Nunavut, Canada

Capital of the newest territory of Canada, Iqaluit is becoming a cultural centre of Baffin Island with displays of Inuit art.

Day 10: Nunavut, Canada

A beautiful day in the Inuit wilderness allows you to enjoy the landscapes and watch for Polar Bears, seals and seabirds along the shores of Frobisher Bay.

Day 11: Nunavut, Canada

Largely a plateau with sandstone cliffs reaching down to the sea, Akptok Island is home to walrus, Polar Bear, Thick-billed murres and startling scenery.

Days 12 - 13: Labrador, Canada

Inuit legends hold that in this region the spirit world overlaps our own here in the Torngat Mountains and it is home to some of the earth's oldest rock, as well as Black Bear, Polar Bear and a coastline of fjords, cliffs and peaks. Explore the fjords of Saglek and Nackvak, and Hebron with remnants of the Moravian Brethren.

Day 14: Labrador Canada

Greet the community of today in Hopedale with about 800 people and learn about their life and history including the Moravian Brethren influence.

Day 15: Labrador Canada

Groswater Bay abounds in archaeological sites dating back over at least 7,000 years and is home to a variety of marine and terrestrial wildlife.

Day 16: Labrador Canada

The outport communities of Battle Harbour (restoration and once home to the Labrador Schooner Fishery) and Williams Harbour (still inhabited) provide an insight into seafaring lives of the past.

Day 17: Labrador Canada

At the northern tip of this island province is St Anthony, home of Sir Wilfred Grenfell, honoured for his medical mission work. Nearby is Norstead and L'Anse aux Meadows, the only authenticated Viking settlement in North America and UNESCO site.

Day 18: Labrador Canada

Bonavista is home to a replica of John Cabot's ship the Matthew, a restored lighthouse and reconstructed fishing village.

Day 19: Disembark

Disembark in the sheltered harbour of St. John's, North America's oldest city.