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.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
32 minutes ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
1 day ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
2 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
2 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
3 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.