Discovering Viking Legends Beneath the Northern Lights

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Discover the magic of the Arctic Circle on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, perfect for adventurers and history buffs alike. From the dramatic fjords to the shimmering auroras, every moment invites awe and discovery. Whether tracing Viking footsteps or witnessing pristine wilderness, this Arctic cruise promises an enriching experience that connects you deeply with the region’s heritage and natural wonders

Itinerary route map

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

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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

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The Evigheds Glacier, a majestic outflow from the Greenland Ice Sheet, carves through the dramatic Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord, also known as Eternity Fjord. This 75-km-long waterway is a haven for wildlife, with white-tailed eagles and black-legged kittiwakes soaring above. Calving icebergs showcase Greenland's raw beauty, but sadly like many glaciers, it is slowly retreating due to global warming's impact on this fragile Arctic ecosystem

Day 3. Qeqertarsuaq

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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:

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Included

Open Town Qeqertarsuaq

1.5 hour

Explore the picturesque town of Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island, surrounded by towering mountains and pristine waters. Visit the local museum to uncover the island's rich history and the historic church for a glimpse into its spiritual heritage. End your journey with a stroll through colorful streets and a treat at a charming hotel café.

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Included

Meet the Greenlandic Sledge Dog

2 hours

Join a local guide to learn about Greenlandic sled dogs, their culture, laws, and care, while exploring handmade sled dog equipment. Hear fascinating stories of dog sledding adventures and the effort behind building a successful team. Capture memorable photos with these beautiful dogs before bidding farewell.

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Included

Kuannit Hike

5 hours

Embark on a guided 5 km hike to Kuannit, featuring basalt columns, lush flora like wild angelica, and the unique volcanic terrain of Qeqertarsuaq. Pass local landmarks before enjoying panoramic views of Disko Bay, icebergs, birds, and possibly whales. The 4–5 hour hike offers gradual elevation and scenic resting spots.

Day 4. Sisimiut

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The second largest town in Greenland, just above the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut remains remarkably ice free in winter and is known as an adventure sports hub all year round. Inhabited for more than 4,500 years by the Dorset, Thule and eventually the Inuit people, dog sledding remains a vital form of transportation. The area is home to humpback whales and Arctic foxes in their summer coat

Activities:

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Included

Local cultural event incl. entrance to the Old Museum area

2 hours

Immerse yourself in Greenlandic culture through a tasting tent with authentic delicacies, a singing tent showcasing Greenlandic melodies, and a Greenland Dog Adventure to connect with sled dogs and their cultural significance. Experience the rich heritage, camaraderie, and traditions of Greenland in this unforgettable event.

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Included

Mountain Discovery Hike

3 hrs 20 min

Experience Greenland’s breathtaking landscapes on a guided hike along the Arctic Circle Trail, starting at the town border. Traverse rugged terrain, cross creeks, and admire the vibrant Arctic flora. At the highest point, take in panoramic views of Sisimiut and distant fjords before returning to the cruise ship.

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Included

ATV Backcountry Tour

2 hours

Explore Sisimiut’s rugged backcountry on an ATV adventure along its rare gravel road. Pass through the town, cross a river with pristine water, and reach a breathtaking viewpoint before retracing the scenic route. This thrilling experience requires an 18+ driver’s license and good physical fitness.

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Included

Inuit Historical Hike

2 hours

Explore Tele Island (Sallinnguit), where ancient Inuit artifacts and modern telecommunication installations coexist. Learn about Inuit life before European arrival, early colonization, and visit ruins from various eras. Enjoy breathtaking views of the town and historic hunting grounds.

Day 5. Day at sea

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Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts

Day 6. Iqaluit, NU

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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:

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Nuuk Sightseeing and National Museum

2.5 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

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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

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Nestled along the rugged Labrador coast, the park is a sanctuary of towering peaks, dramatic fjords, and pristine Arctic landscapes. Nachvak Fjord, a striking glacial inlet within the park, offers awe-inspiring views of ice-carved cliffs and abundant wildlife. This is a rare chance to explore untouched nature, rich Indigenous culture, and the raw beauty of the North in an intimate and respectful way

Day 9. Nain, NL

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Nain, the northernmost permanent settlement in Newfoundland and Labrador, is a gateway to the vast wilderness of Labrador. This small Inuit community offers a glimpse into Indigenous culture and traditions that have thrived here for centuries. Surrounded by rugged coastline, fjords, and boreal forests, Nain is a place where nature and heritage come together, inviting visitors to experience authentic Arctic life and stunning natural beauty

Day 10. Day at sea

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Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts

Day 11. L'Anse Aux Meadows, NL

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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:

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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

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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

Activities:

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Included

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.

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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 12. Bonne Bay, Woody Point, NL

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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:

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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.

Day 13. Day at sea

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Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts

Day 14. Halifax

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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