THE VIKING TRAIL TO THE AMERICAS

aboard M/V Polar Star

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10 days / 9 nights, Reykjavik / Iceland – Greenland - Baffin Island - Iqaluit / Canada

Departure: PS56-16, August 31 – September 09, 2006

9 days / 8 nights, Iqaluit, Baffin Island – Labrador – St John’s, Newfoundland, Canada

Departure: PS56-17,  Sep 09 – Sep 17, 2006

North in the Atlantic Ocean lie some beautiful areas of unspoiled nature. M/V Polar Star sets off from Svalbard, islands of Norway far north of mainland Norway and heads west to explore the natural splendor of  East Greenland coming as far north as ice will allow. We travel down the coast of Greenland exploring awesome fjords, then to Iceland. From Iceland we begin a journey following the Viking trail and head to the south of Greenland then over to Labrador and Newfoundland. We then explore Newfoundland and the islands of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. These are beautiful untouched areas with a history of discovery, a life of simpler times and a purity of nature not often found today. Our final destination of this series of travels is Halifax a port city with a cosmopolitan spirit and small town charm.

In 2006 we offer this voyage as two consecutive trips. You can choose whether to make the entire voyage or choose one leg. It is a fantastic trail of Viking exploration and examples of past cultures and the Inuit culture today. Our travels take us through the Arctic environment of Greenland and Baffin Island to possible Polar Bear denning sites, the sub Arctic wilderness of Labrador with boreal forests, fjords and tundra, and the fishing outposts and yesteryear charm of Newfoundland.
 

Day 1 REYKJAVIK

Board M/V Polar Star in the volcanic islands of Iceland and set sail in the wake of the Vikings.

Day 2 – 3 DENMARK STRAIT

Enjoy these days on deck watching for seabirds and whales, and attending lectures about wildlife, Vikings and other seafarers.

Day 4 NANORTALIK

This charming harbour town is set in a backdrop of mountains. We learn about the Inuit culture with a stroll through the town, museum, lovely church and perhaps the open air market with its unusual selection of wild game.

Day 5 BRATTAHLID - IGALIKU

We visit this reconstruction of the original farm community of Erik the Red 1,000 years ago. We then hike to Igaliku, one of the oldest towns of the country. It was an important religious center in the days of the Vikings, and the ruins of the cathedral, built in the 11th century, are one of the highlights of the region. 

Day 6 HVALSEY & QAQORTOQ

In Hvalsey we visit the well preserved ruin of a community church where the last religious ceremony was performed by the Vikings. We then visit Qaqortoq a thriving community with wonderful Scandinavian stone sculptures placed throughout the town.

Day 7 – 8 DAVIS STRAIT

These days at sea take us across “Iceberg Alley” as we head for Baffin Island. Lectures and an onboard program continue.

Day 9 BAFFIN ISLAND

Cruising up Frobisher Bay, we Zodiac cruise at the Lower Savage Islands where we hope to see Polar Bears and later perhaps visit a new archaeological site thought to be of Viking origin.

Day 10 IQALUIT, CANADA

In the capital of Nunavut, some passengers may disembark and some may choose to continue to follow the Viking Trail with us.
 

THE LURE OF NORTHEAST CANADA THROUGH TIME
9 days / 8 nights, Baffin Island – Labrador – Newfoundland

Day 1 IQALUIT
Board the M/V Polar Star in the afternoon in the Inuit capital of Nunavut.

Day 2 BAFFIN ISLAND
In Frobisher Bay we visit a new archaeological site thought to be of Viking origin, and Zodiac cruise by the islands at the mouth of the bay where there is a good chance of seeing Polar Bears.

Day 3 AKPATOK ISLAND
This isolated island in Ungava Bay has towering cliffs and is known for its seabirds, Polar Bears and fossils.

Day 4 NORTHERN LABRADOR
Our first dramatic view of the mainland is the Torngat Mountains. This coast has evidence of ancient cultures, Pre-Dorset, Thule and the present day Inuit. We plan landings at Saglek Bay and Hebron.

Day 5 HOPEDALE
Farther south we land here to explore the remote community and area.

Day 6 BATTLE HARBOUR
We spend an afternoon ashore learning about the bygone era of the Labrador schooner fishery in this preserved and reconstructed village.

Day 7 ST. ANTHONY & L’ANSE AUX MEADOWS
St. Anthony is home to Sir Wilfred Grenfell, a philanthropic physician and missionary. In the afternoon, we visit L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO world heritage site and only authenticated Viking settlement in North America, and the reconstructed Viking village site of Norsted.

Day 8 BONAVISTA & TRINITY
We visit Bonavista with the Matthew replica and a traditional lighthouse, and historical community of Trinity.

Day 9 ST. JOHN’S

We steam by Signal Hill and enter the fine naturally sheltered harbour of St. John’s.
 

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