Although for a long time the Norse colonization of America was just a myth, in 1960 archaeological finds in North America confirmed that there was indeed some truth to the stories. This expedition is a journey in the wake of the Viking settlers who left to find a better land. Starting in Iceland, sail to the Norse heart of Greenland and continue to North America, following the route described in the Vinland Sagas. As you would expect, there is a lot of Viking history, but you can also get the chance to see places of astonishing natural beauty, participate in exciting excursions, and see the vast wilderness of the Arctic.
Highlights
Visit the magnificent Snæfellsjökull Glacier in Iceland
Explore the reconstruction of Erik the Red’s longhouse
Discover Labrador and observe its astonishing landscapes and wildlife
See L’Anse aux Meadows, first evidence of Vikings settling in North America
Watch for amazing Arctic wildlife, including humpback whales
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
The Vikings were the first people to permanently settle in Iceland. According to The Book of Settlements (Landnámabók), Ingólfur Arnarson settled here around 870 A.D. He named the place after the steam from the hot springs in the area: ‘Reykjavik’ (bay of smoke). Iceland’s modern capital is the starting point of this expedition.
Snæfellsjökull National Park has many famous sites, and the magnificent Snæfellsjökull Glacier is just one of the highlights. Other attractions include basalt cliffs and the many fascinating lava formations. At Djúpalónssandur, you can test your ‘Viking strength’ on the four ‘lifting stones’: Amlóði (Useless), Hálfdrættingur (Weakling), Hálfsterkur (Half Strength), and Fullsterkur (Full Strength).
Rather than rowing a longship across the Denmark Strait to reach Greenland, sail in the modern and very comfortable MS Spitsbergen. Enjoy lectures designed to prepare you for your experience in Greenland.
Greenland’s southern shores contain some of the most culturally and scenically diverse regions on this giant island. Conditions permitting, sail through the narrow, 70-mile-long channel Prins Christian Sund, which crosses the southernmost point of Greenland, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. If the channel is blocked with ice, sail around Nunap Isua (Cape Farewell).
Qassiarsuk is the site where Erik the Red built his Brattahlíð estate in 982 A.D. He had been banished from Iceland and escaped to the land he called Greenland. He chose to settle in Qassiarsuk, believing it to be the richest and best site on the island. Join the settlement walk to explore the reconstruction of Erik the Red’s longhouse and the church that Erik the Red named after his wife, Tjodhildur Church.
Igaliku is home to the well-known ruins of Garðar, once the religious heart of Norse Greenland. In Hvalsey, find some of the best-preserved ruins from the Norse period in the former town of Austurbygd. Erik the Red’s relatives established the farmstead in the late 10th century. In 1408, 500 years after the town was established, all the inhabitants suddenly left. Among the ruins, find the remains of the church where the last known Viking wedding took place.
As you cross the ocean again, you have plenty of time to imagine how it must have felt to cross an ocean more than 1,000 years ago. According to The Saga of the Greenlanders, Leif Erikson (son of Erik the Red) set out in the year 1002 or 1003 A.D. and the first land he found to the west was covered with flat rocks, so he called it 'Helluland', the land of flat stones, from the Old Norse 'hella'.
After Helluland, Leif Erikson arrived at a land that was flat and wooded with white-sand beaches, which he called 'Markland' (Forest Land). Today, this area is known as Labrador. Explore Labrador, making several explorer-style landings to discover more of the area’s astonishing nature and wildlife. Outdoor enthusiasts may enjoy hiking along the trails and the countless miles of wilderness to explore, and others may appreciate learning more about the history, cultures, and traditions of the area at the numerous historic sites you visit.
In L’Anse aux Meadows, see the first known evidence of the Vikings settling in North America. This is probably where Thorfinn Karlsefni and several others settled in 1010 A.D. In 1960, two Norwegian archaeologists started excavating in this area and discovered the fascinating remains of a Viking camp. In 1979, L’Anse aux Meadows became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the re-created camp, you can see original artifacts from this internationally renowned archaeological find.
According to the sagas, the Viking settlement Hóp was considered to be the ‘land of grapes and wheat’. When Leif Erikson discovered it, he called the place 'Vinland' (Wineland). This is where the Norse settlers first encountered ‘Skrælings’, the indigenous people. They started trading with the Skrælings, but after a brutal attack, the frightened Norse abandoned this lush land to go back to the north.
With its tiny seaside communities, encompassing forests, freshwater fjords, bogs, barren lowlands, and striking cliffs and shorelines, this area is world-renowned for its complex geology. Even the wildlife is amazing, with some 10,000 humpback whales visiting the area every year.
St. John’s is the oldest and easternmost city in North America. This is where your adventure ends. Explore this historic town, especially the Basilica of St. John with its striking twin clock towers and excellent shopping, before you fly home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Polar Inside - B
Outside cabin, 193 sq ft. With limited/ no view, queen bed, kettle, TV, bathroom with shower. Accessible to guests with limited mobility
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Polar Inside - I
Most cabins have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, some have a double bed or upper and lower berths, shower/wc
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Polar Inside - K
Some cabins have a double bed, some have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, shower/wc
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Polar Outside - AJ
Upper and lower berths, shower/wc, limited/no view
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Polar Outside - J
Some cabins have a double bed, some have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, or upper or lower berths, shower/wc, limited/no view
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Polar Outside - A
Upper and lower berths, shower/wc
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Polar Outside - N
Some cabins have a double bed, some have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, or upper or lower berths, shower/wc
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Polar Outside - O
Some cabins have a double bed, some have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, or upper or lower berths, shower/wc
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Arctic Superior - P
Some cabins have a double bed, some have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, kettle, coffee/tea, shower/wc
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Arctic Superior - U
Some cabins have a double bed, some have 3 or 4 beds, some have a seating area, kettle, coffee/tea, TV, mini bar, shower/wc, limited/no view
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Arctic Superior - QJ
Some cabins have a double bed, some have separate beds, where one can be turned into a sofa, kettle, coffee/tea, shower/wc
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Expedition Suite - Q
One room with a double bed, some with seating area, some with 3-4 beds that can be upper beds, TV, mini bar, kettle, coffee/tea, shower/wc, view
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Expedition Suite - MG
One or two rooms with seating area, double bed, TV, stereo, mini bar, kettle, tea/coffee, shower/wc, some with bathtub, most with private balcony or bay window
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Expedition Suite - MX
Two rooms with a double bed, seating area, dining table, TV, mini bar, kettle, coffee/tea, stereo, shower, w/c, private balcony
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
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.
