SETI

Cruise from Greenland to Canada: Viking Sagas under the Northern Lights

Kangerlussuaq→Halifax

17.09.26 - 30.09.26

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V2626091713SH VEGA

Ports12

Countries2

Nights13

Embark on a luxury cruise from Greenland to Canada, tracing a legendary route rich in history and natural wonders. This journey begins in Nuuk, Greenland's bustling capital, and concludes two weeks later in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Along the way, witness towering icebergs and explore remote communities, offering a unique glimpse into the Arctic world

Cruise Plus

Perfect for travellers who like peace of mind that everything is taken care of

Price on request

Your selected stateroom

All meals onboard

Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise

24-hour room service

Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers

One selected shore excursion per port of call

All expedition landings

Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available)

Gym, sauna, pool

24/7 self service laundry

Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep

In polar regions: branded parka, yours to keep and use of rubber boot

Memory Package

Onboard gratuities & port taxes

Charter flights

Group transfers

One night pre-cruise accommodation

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Throughout this Arctic adventure, you'll visit awe-inspiring locations like the Evigheds Glacier's calving icebergs and Eternity Fjord. Discover the ancient Norse site at the UNESCO site L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, and marvel in Gros Morne National Park's fjords. Additionally, a stop in Iqaluit offers insight into Inuit traditions, while the towering cliffs of Lady Franklin Island reveal some of Earth's oldest rocks. Aboard the luxury cruise, indulge in a range of activities. Enjoy expert-led lectures and photographic workshops, kayak with an expedition team, or explore Arctic waters by day and rest in comfort aboard. Perfect your photography skills or dive into the ship's well-stocked library to deepen your understanding of the region. This journey promises a rare blend of adventure and discovery amidst the pristine Arctic landscape

NOTE: This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

Overview

Day 1

Kangerlussuaq

Once a WWII airbase at the head of Kangerlussuaq Fjord, Kangerlussuaq's history is told at the airport’s museum, showcasing Inuit artefacts. This ice-filled glacial area and tundra is a haven for wildlife, including reindeer, arctic foxes, arctic hare, gyrfalcons and around 10,000 muskoxen

Day 2

Evigheds Glacier

Evigheds Glacier is one of Greenland’s most impressive tidewater glaciers, where vast rivers of ice descend from the inland ice sheet into deep Arctic waters. Known for its towering ice walls and frequent calving, the glacier creates a dramatic landscape of floating icebergs and shifting blue-white formations. Cruising past Evigheds Glacier offers a powerful sense of the scale and movement of Greenland’s frozen world, set against stark mountains and the profound silence of the High Arctic

Day 3

Qeqertarsuaq

Qeqertarsuaq is the largest town on Disko Island, Greenland’s largest island, where colourful houses pop against dramatic red basalt mountains. Overlooked by striking Lyngemark Glacier, the area is shaped by its volcanic origin, unique terrain featuring dramatic basalt columns, rolling hills black sand beaches. Thanks to its relatively fertile landscape, it supports unique plant species, such as wild angelica, rarely found elsewhere in Greenland

Activities:

Included

Open Town Qeqertarsuaq

1.5 hour

Embark on a captivating journey to Qeqertarsuaq, nestled on the enchanting Disko Island in Greenland. Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque town, taking in the awe-inspiring vistas of towering mountains and pristine waters. Your adventure continues as you step into the rich tapestry of local culture at the town's museum, where you will explore its exhibits and uncover the fascinating history and heritage of this remote island community. Next, venture towards the historic local church, a beacon of faith amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Admire its architectural splendor and delve into the stories etched within its walls, offering a glimpse into the spiritual essence of the island. As your exploration unfolds, meander through the charming streets adorned with colorful houses and feel the pulse of daily life in this remote outpost as you encounter friendly locals and discover hidden gems around every corner. Before returning, don't forget to visit our wonderfully charming hotel for a coffee or tea and a slice of local cake. The visit concludes with a traditional polka dance. Enjoy! Note: The town has paved roads and is quite flat, with few stairs to climb. Walking during this visit will cover up to 2–3 km

Optional

Meet the Greenlandic Sledge Dog

2 hours

On this tour, a local will bring you to some of his sled dogs, where he will share insights into the sled dog culture. Talking about laws related to Greenlandic sled dogs, dog food in Greenland, the responsibilities of owning sled dogs, and showcase sled dog equipment (almost everything is handmade and homemade). Your host will be eager to answer your questions and share many stories of dog sledding adventures. He will give you an inside peek to the work it takes to put together a successful sled dog team and keep them happy and healthy. Don’t miss getting your picture taken with these beautiful dogs and learning about the oldest form of transportation in the Arctic before saying goodbye to your new pals. Note: Greenlandic dogs are working animals, not pets. For the safety of both guests and host it is very important to follow the instructions of your host

Optional

Kuannit Hike

5 hours

Join a guided hike to Kuannit, a stunning location characterized by its basalt columns and abundant flora. Notably, wild angelica thrives here, a traditional ingredient in Greenlandic cuisine still gathered by locals. Embark on the hike from town, passing landmarks like the supermarket, church, power plant, café, and heliport, offering insights into Qeqertarsuaq's history and local life. Upon leaving the town, approximately 1.2 km into the hike, the landscape transforms, offering panoramic views of Disko Bay, icebergs, birds, and possibly whales. The unique volcanic nature surrounding Qeqertarsuaq sets it apart within Greenland. Note: This hike covers approximately 5 km each way, with a duration of 4-5 hours, depending on the group's pace. Variations in speed may slightly extend or shorten the journey. The route features a gradual ascent with an elevation gain of about 80 m, transitioning from asphalt road to gravel, before leading to a hiking trail. The final stretch to reach the basalt formations requires sure footing due to uneven terrain.

Day 4

Itilleq

Brightly painted houses fan out across the waterfront of the remote Itilleq island, accessible by weekly ferry or helicopter. Just north of the Arctic Circle on the Davis Strait, surrounded by glaciers and mountains, this former trading station was once a fishing community. Islanders come together for football when not in school, at the factory, or hunting. Birds here include snow buntings, kittiwakes and guillemots

Activities:

Included

Local cultural event incl. entrance to the Old Museum area

1 hour

Immerse yourself in Greenlandic culture through a tasting tent offering a selection of local specialties, a singing tent showcasing Greenlandic melodies, and a Greenland Dog presentation highlighting the sled dogs and their cultural significance. Experience the rich heritage, camaraderie, and traditions of Greenland in this unforgettable event.

Day 5

Day at Sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers

Day 6

Iqaluit, NU

The native Inuit are an integral part of Iqaluit, a remote community at the head of Frobisher Bay. The bay provides insight into Inuit history and culture including dog-sledding on handmade qamutik sleds led by qimmiq - North America's oldest and rarest purebred canine. Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum displays Inuit artwork while Crystal II, an ancient Thule Inuit settlement, lies outside of Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park

Activities:

Included

Nuuk Sightseeing and National Museum

2 hours

Discover Nuuk’s vibrant culture and history on a guided tour, exploring key landmarks like the colonial harbor and statues of Hans Egede and Sedna. Visit the National Museum of Greenland to view unique artifacts, including Inuit mummies. Enjoy scenic stops, souvenirs, and cafés before returning to the harbor.

Day 7

Lady Franklin Island, NU

Most known for its huge vertical cliffs of Archean rocks, reputedly the oldest stones in Canada, Lady Franklin Island is an uninhabited isle off Hall Peninsula on Baffin Island. Black guillemots, ptarmigan and gulls all nest in this ice-filled area of the Davis Strait. Lumbering walrus haul out to the south at Monumental Island, a well-known denning site for polar bears. Nearby, the Cumberland Sound is home to its own species of beluga whale

Day 8

Cruising Torngat Mountains National Park, Nachvak Fjord

Torngat Mountains National Park, and the dramatic Nachvak Fjord, represent one of the wildest and most remote regions of the Canadian Arctic. Towering mountains rise directly from the sea, framing deep fjords carved by ancient glaciers and shaped by powerful natural forces. This rugged landscape is rich in Inuit heritage and renowned for its raw beauty, silence, and sense of isolation. As the ship cruises through Nachvak Fjord, guests are surrounded by sheer cliffs, pristine waters, and vast Arctic skies, offering an unforgettable encounter with one of North America’s last true wildernesses

Day 9

Nain, NL

Nain is the northernmost community in Labrador and a cultural heart of the Inuit region of Nunatsiavut. Set between rugged mountains and the cold waters of the Labrador Sea, Nain offers a powerful sense of remoteness and tradition. The town is known for its strong Inuit heritage, reflected in local art, music, and storytelling, as well as its close relationship with the surrounding land and sea. Visitors experience a place where daily life remains deeply connected to Arctic nature, history, and resilience, framed by dramatic coastal scenery and wide northern skies

Day 10

Day at Sea

Day 11

L’Anse aux Meadows

The 1,000-year-old Norse settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows (Meadows Cove), on the northernmost tip of Newfoundland, is the first and only authenticated Viking site in the Americas, believed to have been occupied by Leif Erikson. He was the first European to explore Canada's east coast in around 1021. Some of the 800 original Norse artefacts and eight sod houses are on view during a tour of the recreated village, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Activities:

Included

Viking Experience

3.5 hours

Visit the remarkable ancient settlement founded by Vikings more than 1,000 years ago. Here, at L’Anse aux Meadows, Leif Eriksson, son of Erik the Red, was the first European to set foot on American soil. The Viking originally called his discovery “Vinland,” which many believe translates from Old Norse into “land of meadows.” You will tour this finely restored village with your guide, gaining immeasurable insight into what life was like for the continent’s first Norse explorers. See the sod houses, constructed of soil packed over wooden frames, and see evidence of carpentry and ironsmith workshops. You will also learn about the 1960 discovery of the site by the adventurer Helge Ingstad and his wife, archaeologist Anne Stine Ingstad. Next we visit the recreated Viking village of Norstead to learn more about life in these northern reaches one millennium ago. See the replica of the Viking Knarr Snorri, a boat that sailed from Greenland to here and named for the first European child born in North America. Journey through this rough and ready site in the footsteps of fierce Viking warriors of the past before returning to your ship. Note: This activity features a leisurely walk of 1-2 km through the archaeological sites

Day 12

Bonne Bay, Norris Point, NL

Norris Point lies on the northern side of Bonne Bay at the junction of the south and east arms, connected by a 15-minute ferry ride to Woody Point. Established as a fishing community centred on herring fishing, it later became a fur trading post and town grew with settlers from England, Ireland and Scotland. It still maintains its coastal charm with a close-knit community and access to natural beauty within Gros Morne National Park

Day 12

Bonne Bay, Woody Point, NL

Bonne Bay, located near the charming town of Woody Point in Newfoundland and Labrador, is a stunning natural inlet framed by steep cliffs and lush forests. This tranquil fjord is part of Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic landscapes shaped by ancient glaciers. Visitors to Bonne Bay can enjoy peaceful waters, abundant wildlife, and the small-town charm of Woody Point, making it an ideal spot to connect with nature and local culture

Activities:

Included

Tablelands, a UNESCO-listed insight into the Earth interior

3 hours

The Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park showcase a rare geological phenomenon, where ancient mantle rock is exposed on the Earth’s surface, earning the park its UNESCO World Heritage status. This unique terrain, rich in heavy metals, supports only a few hardy plant species found nowhere else. The Discovery Centre offers insights into the park’s geology, history, and biodiversity, featuring exhibits, a theatre, and stunning views of Bonne Bay and Gros Morne Mountain. A walk through the Tablelands provides an extraordinary chance to experience the Earth's interior firsthand.

Optional

The North Coast of Gros Morne

3 hours

Discover the north side of Gros Morne, stopping at Lobster Cove Lighthouse to explore local history and shipwrecks. Visit the Bonne Bay Marine Science Centre for an up-close look at marine life, then take in stunning views from the Historic Jenniex House and stroll through Norris Point, embracing Newfoundland's rich heritage and natural beauty.

Optional

Western Brook Pond boat tour

6.5 hours

Explore Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse, uncovering the history of North America’s first inhabitants and local shipwrecks. Hike 3 km along the Western Brook Pond trail to reach the boat dock, where a scenic 2-hour fjord tour showcases dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and unique wildlife. Conclude the day with a return hike, keeping an eye out for moose or caribou, before heading back to Norris Point.

Day 13

Day at Sea

Day 14

Halifax

Halifax, the vibrant capital of Nova Scotia, is a bustling port city rich in maritime history and culture. With its picturesque harbor, historic waterfront, and lively neighborhoods, Halifax offers a dynamic blend of old-world charm and modern energy. Visitors can explore iconic sites like the Citadel, stroll along bustling boardwalks, and savor fresh seafood, all set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean