Embark on a rare expedition and join an exceptional community aboard National Geographic Explorer on an 8-day circumnavigation of the island of Newfoundland that includes an exploration of outlying islands in the Canadian Maritimes. Join a historic celebration of 125 years of National Geographic on this special Canadian small ship cruise.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Day 1: Arrive in St Johns, Newfoundland, Canada / Fly to Staint-Pierre, France
Arrive in St. Johns and fly by private charter to Saint-Pierre Island, France’s oldest remaining overseas territory and embark the National Geographic Explorer. Your guest speaker Gil Grosvenor first traveled here in 1967 on assignment for National Geographic. (D)
Day 2: Louisbourg & Baddeck, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Today visit the reconstructed Fortress of Louisbourg, an 18th-century fort where the British and French fought. Later, visit the village of Baddeck, where Alexamder Graham Bell build his summer home - now the centerpiece of a beautiful park and museum. Explore Bell's life, guided by his great grandson, Gil Grosvenor. Enjoy an optional "white glove" touir of the Bell Museum and have the oppotunitiy to hold historic artifacts. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Iles De La Medeleine, Quebec
A cluster of wispy islands isolated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine are home to dunes that stretch for many miles, grassy hills, and dazzling red sandstone cliffs. The caves, sea arches, and rocky nooks along the coast are perfect for exploring by Zodiac and kayak. Visit La Grave, site of the islands’ first settlement, and stroll the shores where fishermen once laid out their cod to dry—now lined with cafes and boutiques. Learn about Acadian culture, which dates back some 250 years on the archipelago, and still lingers today. Set off into the green hills on a hike, or explore the islands by bicycle. Weather permitting, enjoy a lobster bake on the beach with local musicians this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Gros Morne National Park
Graced by cliffs and fjords, glacial valleys and a sweeping alpine plateau, Gros Morne National Park has been designated a World Heritage site for its unique and spectacular geology. Take a walk with your geologist to learn about the forces that shaped this land and the ancient serpentine rock and other formations that illustrate the phenomenon of plate tectonics. Then continue to Western Brook Pond, a pristine, glacier-carved fjord cut off from the sea. (B,L,D)
Day 5: L'Anse aux Meadows
In 1960, the remains of a Viking village established in the 11th century were discovered 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—nearly 500 years before Columbus arrived. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Exploring Eastern Newfoundland
Wild, rugged, and often accessible only by sea, discover tiny fishing villages tucked into coves and inlets along these stunning shores. Back on board, gain insight from your ship's experts into the civilizations and wildlife that have made this island home. (B,L,D)
Day 7: St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
St. John's is set on a natural harbor at the most easterly point of North America. Sail through the harbor narrows in the early morning as you approach the picturesque capital city of Newfoundland and have the day to explore the surrounding sites. Explore St. John's with a full day of options: tour the city visiting Cape Spear and Signal Hill, discover the botanical gardens or visit the Rooms Museum. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Disembark in St. John's
After breakfast, disembark in St. John’s and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
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Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
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Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336.
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Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350.
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Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.