Follow in the footsteps of the early explorers as they headed west to the New World. This expedition cruise presents a fascinating history of the Vikings and the life of the Greenlandic and Inuit today and in the past. There are also remnants of Pre-Dorset, Thule and Moravian Brethren. From Iceland to Greenland and on to Canada – Baffin Island, Labrador and Newfoundland, the northern landscapes are bathed in the warm autumn light and the flora brushed with vibrant autumn colours. Hike in the wilderness, enjoy spectacular vistas, and keep a keen eye watching for wildlife – birds and perhaps caribou, whales and Polar Bears. At this time of year it is also possible to see the mystical northern lights (aurora borealis).

Embark in the thriving town of Reykjavik to follow in the footsteps of the Vikings.

Crossing the Denmark Strait, the program gets underway with lectures, still leaving time to relax, read and watch for birds and marine wildlife. While at sea it is possible to see whale and dolphin and perhaps late season icebergs.

The first impression of this frozen island is at Prins Christiansund Fjord – the cruise here is often remembered as a scenic highlight. From there the ship goes to the picturesque town of Nanortalik to explore the community and visit the museum and open air market. While in the Arctic Region, birds to watch for include kittiwake, fulmar, Arctic tern and eider.

The first Christian church in Greenland was established in Brattahlid by Erik the Red’s wife and today there is a replica village. In the afternoon, walk to Igaliku, to see the ruins of Gadar (Cathedral of the Fjords). This was once the religious epicentre of the Local Viking settlement.

The best preserved Viking ruins (from the 1300’s) are found in Hvalsey including a church where the last religious ceremony was performed in 1408 before the people of the area mysteriously vanished. Enjoy a walking tour of Qaqortoq with its brightly coloured homes and large scale Scandinavian stone sculptures throughout the town.

The ship now heads for Canada crossing the Davis Strait, also known as “iceberg alley”. Attend lectures and watch for wildlife.

After customs clearance, it is time to explore the capital of the newest territory of Canada, Iqaluit – visit the arts centre, museum and park, and enjoy an Arctic luncheon.

This day is spent exploring Frobisher Bay in the Canadian Arctic wilderness. Throughout the time spent in the Arctic and far northern regions a keen watch is kept for Polar Bear, seals, whales and seabirds.

Cruise in Ungava Bay where Akpatok Island lies. This largely sandstone plateau is home to walrus, Polar Bear and Thick-billed murres. This island and the coast of Labrador are known for fine examples of flint.

The Inuit believe that the spirit world overlaps our own in the Torngat Mountains. Today it is a UNESCO site and National Park. It may be possible to see Polar Bear on the coast of northern Labrador and also Black bear, caribou and Peregrine falcon. Cruise into Nachvak Fjord where mountains tower almost 6000 feet above the magnificent coastline and wilderness. The remote fjords were carved by glaciers and today cascading waterfalls and ancient burial grounds can be found. Cruise Saglek Bay, located at the mouth of a fantastic fjord system, and where the cultural remains of Maritime Archaic, early Paleo-Eskimo and Dorset Eskimo periods have been found. The untouched landscapes are breathtaking.

Early morning, visit Hebron, a former Moravian mission that was the northernmost settlement in Labrador. The mission disbanded in 1959. The next excursion is planned at Cape Mugford. This region is the site of ancient camps of the early pre-Dorset people between around 4000 and 3400 B.C. Cape Mugford is home to unique volcanic rock formations and one of the two sources along the coast of Labrador of the stone, Ramah Chert - used over 7000 years by the Paleo-Eskimo peoples and the Maritime Archaic Indians.

Hopedale is a largely Inuit community, transformed by the arrival of the Moravian Missionaries in 1782 and today remains a small but thriving community. Remnants of the Hopedale Mission include a church, mission house, storehouses, workshops and other smaller buildings. Visit the community to learn about the past as well as life today.

Battle Harbour was originally settled by Europeans in 1770 and was famous as a key base for the Labrador Schooner Fishery. Today it is an excellent restoration of an “outport”.

From St. Anthony set off for a day steeped in Norse history. Visit Norstead (a re-enactment of a Viking settlement) and then L’Anse aux Meadows, the only authenticated Viking settlement in North America and a UNESCO site. Time permitting, visit the home of Sir Wilfred Grenfell, whose life’s work to relieve the fishermen’s plight led to the first hospital ships.

During the afternoon in Bonavista visit the replica of John Cabot’s ship, Matthew, a restored lighthouse and Ryan Premises that commemorates the role of East Coast fishery in Canadian history. In the evening the ship sets off to cover the remaining few miles to St. John’s.

Disembark in the sheltered harbour of St. John’s, North America’s oldest city.