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31 Days Great Explorer Trail - Iceland, Greenland & Northwest Passage
  • 31 Days Great Explorer Trail - Iceland, Greenland & Northwest Passage

    $49,173.00Price

    This expedition cruise sails from Iceland to the wild fjords of Greenland before entering the heart of Canada’s Northwest Passage.

     

    From Reykjavík, we sail across the Denmark Strait to the spectacular east coast of Greenland. Our destination is Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system. In total, this vast pristine region fans out over 14,000 square miles. Under the expert guidance of our Expedition Team, you’ll take an intimate look at this precious ecosystem through landings, nature walks, and kayaking tours.

    Wildlife abounds in this peaceful haven. Watch for whales and other marine wildlife as we glide through dark, placid waters beneath soaring mountains. Birding enthusiasts should look out for species including Brünnich’s guillemots, snowy owls and Greenlandic gyrfalcons.

     

    From here, you’ll sail south to Prince Christian Sound, a remarkable maze of granite rock filled with ice floes and glaciers. We’ll spend four days exploring the fjords and settlements, including the capital, Nuuk, and the stunning UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord.

     

    The next part of your cruise takes us across the Davis Strait into Canada’s Northwest Passage. This icy waterway is only passable a few weeks of the year, so navigating it safely involves challenging the elements, needs some flexibility, and requires a sense of adventure. All routes include breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife, with Thule and Inuit settlements. Your adventure ends in cosmopolitan Montréal.

        Early Bird Specials:

         

        • Up to 45% Off
        • Exclusive Onboard Credit of 90 Euro per person from Polar Dream Travel

         

        Please click "Prices and Departures" above for departure dates, cabin types and prices.

         

        Day 1 Reykjavik, Iceland - The adventure begins 
        Start your expedition cruise in Iceland's capital city, a center for art, culture, history, and pleasure. 


        Your expedition cruise begins at Reykjavik, where MS Fram awaits in the harbor. Reykjavik means 'Smoky Inlet', coming from the steam rising from its hot springs. Today, the hot water from geothermal energy heats numerous pools and hot tubs. 

         

        Day 2 At sea - Crossing the Denmark Strait
         

        Day 3-11 Scoresbysund fjord system - Largest fjord system on Earth Spend over a week exploring the most immense fjord system on the planet. 


        This enormous fjord system is renowned for its spectacular scenery. Glistening white and blue icebergs float on the mirror-like waters amid mountains towering to 6,500 feet. The serenity is broken only by the cries of sea birds, such as little auks, puffins, fulmars, and gulls. 


        The waters are also home to various species of whales and seals. Your Captain and Expedition Team will seek out opportunities to go ashore for nature walks or explore the fjords by kayak. Keep your eyes open! On land, you may spot musk oxen, Arctic foxes, Greenlandic gyrfalcons, and mountain hares. 
         

        Day 12 Denmark Strait - Heading back to Iceland
         

        Day 13 Reykjavik - The start of your next adventure
        Upon returning to Reykjavík, you have another opportunity to explore the delights you may have missed on your first visit. In this city of art and culture, there are plenty of galleries and museums to enjoy. Or if you simply wish to relax, why not take a trip to the famous Blue Lagoon?

         

        Day 14-15 At sea - Denmark Strait, revisited

         

        Day 16 - Prins Christian Sound Region - A river of melted ice
        Follow in the footsteps of explorer John Cabot among jagged mountain peaks. 


        Expect some of the most incredible landscapes on the planet as we cruise into Prins Christian Sound. The explorer John Cabot compared the view, with its bergs and floes, to a 'river of melted ice'. Jagged mountain peaks rise to 7,200 ft, their muted grey and green hues contrasting sharply with the brilliant white glaciers. 

         

        Day 17 - Kvanefjord - Icy expedition day
        Enjoy an expedition day in one of Greenland's most picturesque fjords. 


        The unspoiled Kvanefjord is a 30-mile inlet in Sermersooq, the 'Place of Much Ice'. Icebergs and floes glide past in pristine white with shades of blue as we sail along the fjord. Be among the few visitors to admire the majestic scenery of this almost unexplored place. 
         

        Day 18 Nuuk, Greenland - The Capital of Greenland 
        Explore Greenland's capital and take a scenic hike in Paradise Valley. 


        Greenland's capital is located at the mouth of a fjord system and is a cheery and fascinating place, filled with colorful houses and mix of old and ultra-modern architecture. Founded in 1728, Nuuk is Greenland's oldest modern-day settlement, but still has fewer than 18,000 citizens. 

         

        Day 19 - Sisimiut, Greenland  - Fur, fox holes, and outdoor fun
        Musk oxen, Arctic foxes, and a popular venue for adventurous activities 


        Sisimiut is a modern town with a spectacular location 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Human settlement here dates back 4,500 years, giving its small museum many local artifacts. The people are proud of their traditions and maintain them. 

         

        Day 20 Ilulissat, Greenland - Icefjord - UNESCO World Heritage Site 
        Our journey brings us to Disko Bay, one of Greenland's major attractions. The nutrient-rich waters of Ilulissat's bay once supported huge populations of whales, walruses, and seals. Erik the Red is credited as the first European to enter the bay, settling in the area in 985 A.D. 


        Today, the area is a World Heritage Site and a vibrant hub for those seeking adventure on Greenland's icecap. You can take a short-but-beautiful hike from the colorful houses by the water to the old Inuit settlement of Sermermiut. Or, simply relax and watch the icebergs change hue as they slowly drift by. 
         

        Day 21-22 Labrador Sea - Crossing the Davis Strait
        Sailing toward Canada from Greenland.

         

        Day 23-29 The Northwest Passage - The heart of the Northwest Passage 
        Sail into the heart of the fabled Northwest Passage in the wake of famed explorers. 


        We now begin to follow the trail of historic explorers as we sail into the heart of the Northwest Passage. Many failed in their attempts to discover the fabled Northwest Passage, which would connect the Atlantic and the Pacific. The route was finally established by Roald Amundsen from 1903 to 1906. 


        The sea ice varies from year to year, but we will try to follow the route bringing you to the Inuit and European settlements that played such a large part in the history of exploration in this territory. These include the traditional Inuit community of Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik) and the abandoned settlement of Dundas Harbor, which has several archeological sites. The scenery is stunning and there are ample opportunities to observe local wildlife. 
         

        Day 30 Cambridge Bay, Victoria Island - A fitting place to end the expedition
        The end of your expedition cruise is a place famed for its legendary explorers. 


        It's only fitting for your expedition cruise to end here, where Arctic explorers of old often sheltered while seeking the Northwest Passage. Now you can add your name to that illustrious list, which of course includes the legendary Roald Amundsen. 


        Cambridge Bay is a hamlet with fewer than 2,000 residents. The region’s native name reveals the biggest clue about the region's hunting and fishing heritage. In Inuinnaqtun, Cambridge Bay is called 'Iqaluktuuttiaq', meaning a 'good fishing place'. 


        The abundant wildlife, including musk oxen and caribou, is an obvious point of attraction for explorers. From here, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Montréal, where you'll spend the night. 
         

        Day 31 Montreal, Canada - Say ‘au revoir’ in Quebec’s premier city 
        It’s the perfect place to cap off your expedition cruise. 


        Your adventure starts in Montreal, the largest city in the beautiful province of Quebec, and the second-most populous city in Canada. The city is a hub for Canadian history and culture. It has a modern cosmopolitan feel, brought about by both French and British influences. 


        Montreal is famed for its year-round festive atmosphere, with a variety of events and festivals. Unwind after a day's exploration at one of the pubs and bars along Downtown's Crescent Street, renowned for their welcoming social atmosphere. Enjoy a cocktail on a terrace or share memories of your epic month-long expedition cruise with some of your new-found friends! 

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