Viking Saga: From Iceland to Greenland

National Geographic Explorer follows in the wake of Eric the Red, from Iceland across the Denmark Strait to Greenland. While Iceland’s volcanic landscape is the world’s youngest and most dynamic, the rocks of Greenland are the oldest yet discovered on the planet. Southern Greenland has a dramatic coast with few inhabitants, innumerable fjords cut between the towering mountains and glaciers tumbling down from the gigantic icecap. Each new landing will present opportunities for discovery: hikes on the wild tundra, Zodiac or kayak forays amid icebergs and marine mammal sightings (we’ll search for the blue whales which frequent these waters.) And we explore Greenland’s ancient past: seeing the famous 15th-century Qilakitsoq mummies at the Nuuk National Museum, and walking amid two of the most important historical sites on the Viking trail. An optional extension in Iceland is available.

Itinerary

DAY 1 — U.S./Fly overnight to Reykjavik, Iceland

DAY 2 — Reykjavik/Embark Ship
Arrive in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital. After lunch, we explore the city: Albingi Parliament House, Government House, built in the 18th century, and the impressive Hallgrimskirkja Church with its 210-foot tower. Embark National Geographic Explorer. (L,D)

DAY 3 — Flatey Island & the West Coast
This morning we sail past the immense Latrabjarg cliffs, homes to a huge population of razorbills. This is the westernmost point of Iceland. At Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries, we walk around the charming hamlet that grew here, and take a Zodiac cruise along the coast. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 — Hornstrandir, the Western Fjords
Located in the Westfjord region, the Hornstrandir is one of the most isolated and beautiful parts of Iceland. Rugged cliffs, home to thousands of seabirds, and inviting valleys and beaches will offer opportunities for Zodiac cruises, kayaking and hiking ashore. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 — At Sea, Crossing the Denmark Strait
Leaving Iceland, we follow in the wakes of Eric the Red and Brendan the Navigator, as we make our way across the Denmark Strait towards Greenland. Our route will depend on the sea-ice conditions off the east coast of Greenland, where the ocean currents carry ice floes down from the high Arctic. These are rich waters, and we keep watch for marine mammals, such as the blue whale which frequents these waters. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 — Ammassalik, Greenland
With more sled dogs than people, not a single traffic light, and continuing subsistence living on hunting and fishing, the 3,000 inhabitants of East Greenland are settled into only four villages on the entire 1,600-mile coastline. As we approach Greenland this morning our plans will be dictated by the pack ice off the coast. We plan to visit Ammassalik, where the East Greenlanders maintain their traditions and lifestyles with an unexpectedly friendly smile for visitors. Lars-Eric Lindblad pioneered travelers’ expeditions here in 1972 and helped to develop the groundbreaking Hotel Angmagssalik. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 — Exploring the East Greenland Coast
Today is dedicated to exploring this seldom-visited stretch of Greenland’s coastline. The climate on this part of the coast is more like that of the High Arctic, dominated by the ice floes carried from further north by the current. Only a few miles from the Arctic Circle, you’ll have the midnight sun to make the most of your visit. Plans depend on weather and ice conditions. Among the numerous options for exploration landings are Skjoldungen fjord or Napasorsuaq fjord, where we may stop for hikes on the wild tundra, Zodiac or kayak among icebergs in the sheltered waters. And we can expect to see archaeological sites from the Paleo-Eskimo and Thule cultures scattered along this coast. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 — Prins Christian Sund & Nanortalik
This morning we arrive near the entrance to Prins Christian Sund, a major fjord on the south coast of Greenland. Surrounded by mountain pinnacles towering to over 5,000 feet, and glaciers cascading down to sea level, the decks of National Geographic Explorer are perfect for viewing this incredible landscape. We anchor off Nanortalik, Greenland’s most southerly settlement, which boasts a well-preserved old quarter and an open-air museum. Zodiacs take us ashore to mingle with the locals, who show us around their picturesque little town of colorful houses perched by the water’s edge and, perhaps give us a demonstration of traditional Greenlandic kayaking. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 — Qaqortukulooq (Hvalsey Ruins)/Qassiarsuk & the Bra
Today we explore two remarkable Viking sites. Navigating through the labyrinth of fjords, we reach Qaqortukulooq, settled by one of Erik the Red’s cousins in 986 AD. AKnown as Hvalsey, it has the best-preserved Norse site in Greenland. With our archaeologist, we explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the early 1300.

The ship continues to the entrance of Eriksfjord. The lush pastures here are what lead Erik the Red to choose this site when he settled here in 982 AD. We explore one of the most important sites on the Viking trail: Brattahlid, the site of the first Christian church in the western hemisphere, built by Erik’s wife Tjodhilde. It’s also the starting point of the first voyages to North America by his son Lief Eriksson, 500 years before Columbus. The present-day settlement of Qassiarsuk continues the tradition as one of the main sheep farming areas of Greenland. We explore the settlement, getting a taste of Norse life in the reconstructed buildings.

DAY 10 — Qaqortoq
Continue to Qaqortoq, a settlement of around 3,500 people. Inhabited since Norse times, the Scandinavian influence is still apparent today as we walk amid colorful wooden buildings to reach the town museum. Housed in buildings built in 1804 and once used by famous anthropologist Knut Rasmussen and aviator Charles Lindbergh, the museum features displays of Greenlandic kayaks, hunting equipment, art and craftwork. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 — Nuuk, Greenland
Today we arrive in Nuuk, the world’s smallest capital city with just 15,000 inhabitants. The oldest town in Greenland, Nuuk is a bustling city where ancient Greenlandic culture meets European living. A short walk from the colonial harbor with its beautiful old buildings brings you to “the board,” where Greenlandic hunters display the day’s catch, including seal and whale meat, an important element of traditional living in the Arctic. Nearby we visit the National Museum with its display of the famous Qilakitsoq mummies, found near Uummannaq and dated to 1475. The unforgettable image of an infant boy who lived and died in 15th-century Greenland from this remarkable discovery appeared on the cover of NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazine in February 1985. (B,L,D)

DAY 12 — Exploring the West Coast of Greenland
Today is left open to explore one of the innumerable fjords along this indented coastline. Once awed by the grandeur of the fjords from the ship’s deck, we may take a Zodiac cruise along the base of the walls, or kayak on our own for personal discovery, or follow our naturalists on a hike across the tundra. Our Undersea Specialist may launch the ROV—capable of depths to 500 feet—to allow us to see the marine life inhabiting the sea floor of the fjords. (B,L,D)

DAY 13 — Kangerlussuaq/Disembark/Ottawa, Canada
Disembark our ship at the head of picturesque Kangerlussuaq Fjord, the aptly named “long fjord” at over 100 miles long. Fly to Ottawa by privately chartered aircraft and overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Lapier. (B)

DAY 14 — Ottawa/Home

What's Included:

All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), tips (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.

What's Not Included:

Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship’s crew at your discretion.

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