Greenland GOH Iceland
The dramatic coastline of Greenland near the glacier fields of Illulissat

In the Wake of the VikingsA cruise from Iceland to Greenland

Aug 12 - 24, 2013
Discover the dramatic natural world of Iceland and Greenland during a cruise aboard aboard the deluxe M.S. Le Boréal
Starting at $8,635
Call 855-330-1542
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Overview
  • Journey to the very edge of civilization and experience the midnight sun during this rare opportunity to cruise from Iceland to Greenland and cross into the Arctic Circle. Discover Iceland’s unparalleled geological riches, then enjoy eight days cruising the rugged west coast of Greenland. Aboard the deluxe ice-class ship Le Boréal, trace the sea-lanes traveled by Viking and Norse explorers and call on remote towns to learn about the first Norse settlers and native Inuits who have lived here for centuries. Crossing north into the Arctic Circle, witness ice-filled fjords, calving glaciers, and majestic icebergs. During your voyage, our expert naturalists lead Zodiac excursions to explore the intricate ecosystems and marvelous nuances of wildlife.
    • Smithsonian Experts
  • Throughout this cruise, enjoy presentations by extraordinary speakers. Ari Friedlaender and David Johnston are both research scientists at the Duke University Marine Laboratory. Dr. Friedlaender is a marine ecologist and studies, among other things, whales and seals in the Arctic. Dr. Johnston is a biological oceanographer and marine conservation biologist, whose research focuses on the foraging ecology and habitat needs of marine animals in relation to pressing conservation issues.
    • Special Highlights
  • Cruise aboard the exclusively chartered 240-guest ice-class ship, M.S. Le Boréal, an elegant ship offering top amenities. Explore one of the world’s last great frontiers on this ice-class ship, which can visit small ports and coastlines that are inaccessible to larger ships.
  • Discover the natural world of the far north, home to eight species of whales, two million seals, walruses, reindeer, and an amazing variety of seabirds.
  • Enjoy Zodiac excursions led by expert naturalist guides and educational lectures aboard ship.
  • Explore Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park, a World Heritage site, as well as the rift valley, stunning Gullfoss, and the spouting geysers of Geysir.
  • Visit Greenland’s Narsaq, founded in A.D. 985 by the Vikings under Eric the Red and steeped in Inuit and Norse history. Today, it is a typical Greenlandic town with small brightly painted houses perched on the shores of Narsaq Sound, where surreally shaped icebergs float in the deep blue fjord.
  • Discover Nuuk, Greenland’s capital and largest town, located at the mouth of spectacular Godthaab Fjord. It is also the oldest town, founded in 1728 by “the apostle of Greenland” Hans Egede, a Danish-Norwegian missionary, and is the home of The National Museum of Greenland.
  • Cross into the Arctic Circle and experience the very edge of civilization.
  • Experience the power and majesty of Greenland’s glaciers at Eqi, and the icebergs of Ilulissat Ice Fjord, a World Heritage site, and Disko Bay, a world of giant icebergs and whales.
  • Complement your cruise with the Pre-Cruise Option to Akureyri and Myvatn in northern Iceland.
    • World Heritage sites
  • This tour features the following World Heritage sites:
    • Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
    • Ilulissat Ice Fjord, Greenland)
    See a complete list of all Smithsonian tours featuring World Heritage sites.


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