Along the Viking Trail: From Iceland to Greenland
« All National Geographic Explorer cruise options
- Day 1 Arrive Reykjavik/Embark Ship
- Day 2 Explore the West Coast of Iceland
- Day 3 Crossing the Denmark Strait
- Day 4 Exploring East Greenland
- Day 5 Prins Christian Sund & Nanortalik
- Day 6 Qaqortukulooq (Hvalsey Ruins) / Qassiarsuk & Brattah
- Day 7 Qaqortoq
- Day 8 Nuuk
- Day 9 Exploring Greenland’s West Coast
- Days 10-11 Kangerlussuaq / Disembark / Fly to Ottawa
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||||||
| Cat 1 | Cat 2 | Cat 3 | Cat 4 | Cat 5 | Cat 6 | Cat 7 | Cat SA | Cat SB | |
| Jul 19 '13 |
$9,620 | $10,260 | $10,640 | $11,280 | $13,340 | $15,550 | $17,770 | $12,830 | $13,330 |
Kids under age 18 save $500 per person
Deposit & Payment Day 1 Arrive Reykjavik/Embark Ship
Arrive in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies only a fraction below the Arctic Circle and receives just four hours of sunlight in winter and 22 in summer. Have a guided overview of the Old Town, including Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower, and shed some light on Nordic culture at the National Museum, with its Viking treasures and artifacts. Embark National Geographic Explorer.
Day 2 Explore the West Coast of Iceland
National Geographic Explorer navigates Iceland’s wild western frontier, sailing past the immense Latrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razorbills. The cliffs are an area once famous for egg collecting; the men were tied to ropes and lowered like spiders down onto the ledges. Continue to Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries, for walks around the charming little hamlet that grew here.
Day 3 Crossing the Denmark Strait
Follow the wake of Eric the Red and Brendan the Navigator as you cross to Greenland. Watch for blue whales.
Day 4 Exploring East Greenland
The Greenland Ice Sheet, roughly 80% of the surface of Greenland, is the second largest ice body in the world, after the Antarctic Ice Sheet. The high arctic-like climate is dominated by ice floes. Among the options for exploration are landings at Skjoldungen fjord or Napasorsuaq fjord. Use your tools for exploration to the fullest, taking Zodiac or kayak forays among the icebergs and deploying the ROV.
Day 5 Prins Christian Sund & Nanortalik
Prins Christian Sund is a major fjord on the southern coast of Greenland. Surrounded by mountain pinnacles and glaciers, the decks are perfect for viewing this landscape. Anchor off Nanortalik, Greenland’s most southerly town. Go ashore to the picturesque little town by the water’s edge.
Day 6 Qaqortukulooq (Hvalsey Ruins) / Qassiarsuk & Brattah
Explore two remarkable sites on the Viking Trail. Qaqortukulooq was settled by one of Erik the Red’s cousins in 986 AD. A World Heritage Site, it is the most extensive Norse site in Greenland. Our ship continues to Eriksfjord, the area Erik the Red chose for his farm when he settled here in 982 AD. Explore Brattahlid, site of the first Christian church in the western hemisphere, built by Erik’s wife, Tjodhilde. This region is also the starting point of the first voyages to North America by his son Leif Eriksson 500 years before Columbus.
Day 7 Qaqortoq
Inhabited since Norse times, the Scandinavian influence is still apparent in the colorful wooden buildings and town museum, displaying Greenlandic kayaks, hunting equipment, art and crafts.
Day 8 Nuuk
Nuuk is the world’s smallest capital city with 15,000 inhabitants. Visit the National Museum with its famous 15th-century Qilakitsoq mummies, found near Uummannaq, and the subject of a NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC cover story.
Day 9 Exploring Greenland’s West Coast
Today is left open for exploration of this rugged coastline. Possibly take a Zodiac cruise, kayak, or hike across the tundra. Your Undersea Specialist may launch the ROV to see the marine life inhabiting the fjord floor.
Days 10-11 Kangerlussuaq / Disembark / Fly to Ottawa
Disembark in Kangerlussuaq and fly to Ottawa via privately chartered aircraft (not included in cruise fare). Overnight at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, or similar, and fly home from Ottawa on your independent flight home.
Itinerary Notes
Costs Include: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), gratuities (except to ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.
Not Included:
Air transportation, private charter flight from Kangerlussuaq to Ottawa on day 11 of the itinerary, extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, internet access, and laundry. Gratuities to ship's crew are at your discretion.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is varies, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Final payment by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 149-50 days | 30% |
| 49-31 days | 40% |
| 30-0 days | 100% |
National Geographic Explorer
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 148
- Luxury Expedition Ship
The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing comfort. The National Geographic Explorer houses technology for sea exploration, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional accommodations include multiple dining venues, a lounge area designed specifically for educational presentations and a luxury wellness spa.
Public areas include two restaurants, a lounge and bar, library, observation lounge, spa, fitness center, and sauna. A mud room with lockers provides storage for guests’ expedition gear. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls.
Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, remotely operated vehicle (R.O.V.), snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing craft.
Services include a full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, Wellness Specialist, LEXspa Therapist, and Video Chronicler. There is internet access for guests, a business center, and laundry. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows guests to learn about the art of navigation and state-of-the-art navigational equipment from our Captain and Officers.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Cat 1 Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308 |
 | Cat 2 Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336. |
 | Cat 3 Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350. |
 | Cat 4 Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-180, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228. |
 | Cat 5 Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224. |
 | Cat 6 Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #213. |
 | Cat 7 Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230. |
 | Cat SA C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window. |
 | Cat SB Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208. |
