Passage to Greenland
A voyage from Toronto to Greenland including the St Lawrence River, Labrador & Newfoundland aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration
- 30 June 2020
For this expedition we are delighted to be working with our associates at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises who have made some cabins available to us aboard their five-star vessel, the Hanseatic Inspiration. This unusual itinerary combines the sophisticated cities of the Canadian east coast with the great outdoors and some of the world’s last remaining wilderness areas such as the vast coastal region of the Labrador Coast and the southwestern tip of Greenland with its great towering cliffs, walls of glacial ice, winding fjords, vast ice sheets and flowing glaciers.
Before embarking the Hanseatic Inspiration, we have an overnight stay in Toronto and a visit to the wonderous Niagara Falls before we set sail north, cruising through some breathtaking scenery with a day spent in Lake Ontario, a call in to Montreal and a day sailing along the St Lawrence River. Continue on to Newfoundland Island and visit Gros Morne National Park, the second largest national park in Atlantic Canada, and discover Newfoundland and Labrador´s towering mountains, massive rock faces, deep forests and infinite supply of lakes and rivers. Much of the deeply indented Labrador coastline is a vast wilderness area, virtually unknown to modern travellers and the isolated communities can only reach each other by sea or air. We will sail through the mixing ocean currents of the Davis Strait and Labrador Sea, a biologically rich area, before reaching coastal Greenland, one of the last great wilderness areas where man has made little difference to the landscape, and our final days will be spent exploring this grand, spectacular and unspoilt scenery.
This expedition promises to be a unique experience featuring coastlines steeped in history set against stunning landscapes of natural wonders. Good use will be made of the fleet of Zodiacs as we navigate small bays and land in otherwise inaccessible places and we hope to encounter fascinating wildlife including eagles, whales and polar bears. There will be a range of optional excursions on offer as well as ample time to relax on board this wonderful vessel on which you can be assured of the most excellent service, food and luxurious surroundings.
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Hanseatic Inspiration
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the Hanseatic Inspiration is a new five-star expedition ship launched in October 2019. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica), this unique vessel offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere on board with more open deck space than any other expedition ship. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
Itinerary
Day 1 - London to Toronto, Canada.
Fly by scheduled flight and on arrival, transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The evening is free to explore at leisure and dine independently.
Day 2 - Toronto.
After breakfast, we visit the Niagara Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour before taking a cruise aboard the Hornblower where we witness the breathtaking power and amazing mist of the magnificent falls. Enjoy lunch before transferring to embark the Hanseatic Inspiration where the crew will welcome us aboard. Sail this evening.
Day 3 - Cruising Lake Ontario.
Lake Ontario is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is the 14th largest lake in the world in terms of surface area. Like all of the Great Lakes, Lake Ontario as it is known today was the result of glacial shifting and melting at the end of the most recent Ice Age. The Hanseatic Inspiration will scale seven locks, something very few ships can do, on the way to Montreal.
Day 4 - Montreal.
The francophone metropolis of Montreal is situated on a picturesque island in the St. Lawrence River and there will be a choice of optional excursions here. Join a city tour on which you will witness the view of the city and Notre-Dame Basilica from Mont Royal (the local mountain). Just as majestic, though formed by nature, alternatively visit the Laurentian Mountains with panoramic views of endless forests and deep-blue lakes. Lastly, there is the option to explore the cultural riches on a bicycle tour through Montreal. Discover popular sights from the Old Port to the bustling Atwater Market on one of North America’s best cycle networks.
Day 5 - Sailing on the St. Lawrence River.
Today we spend the day sailing along the St. Lawrence River, keep an eye out for whales as we pass along the lifeline of the Canadian wilderness.
Day 6 - Tadoussac.
Our route to the north-east takes us to Canada’s oldest village, Tadoussac, which was founded in 1535. Discover the region’s majestic scenery whilst whale watching on the St. Lawrence Fjord. Keep an eye out for blue, fin and humpback whales and there is also a chance of seeing white beluga whales. Alternatively, join an optional hike on the Sentier du Fjord trail, one of Quebec’s most beautiful hiking routes.
Day 7 - At Sea.
Enjoy a day at sea as we cruise towards Newfoundland. Join one of the lectures or relax and enjoy the facilities on board.
Day 8 - Norris Point, Newfoundland.
Following a passage through the Gulf of St. Lawrence, we reach Norris Point in Newfoundland. This charming town in Bonne Bay is the starting point for the optional tours today. Join a hike in Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which will take you to ancient table mountains and the fishing village of Lobster Cove Head. Alternatively, enjoy the view of the lunar-like Tablelands from a boat trip in Bonne Bay where two fjords flow together, picturesque villages sit by the shore and, with a little luck, whales and eagles will add the perfect touch to this idyllic panorama.
Days 9 to 12 - Labrador (Red Bay, Battle Harbour, Rigolet & Hopedale).
The further north the Hanseatic Inspiration goes, the further we leave civilisation behind. Labrador is largely untouched by tourism. This remote paradise beckons you to explore its impressive scenery and culture and the villages of Red Bay and Battle Harbour display the region’s grand history of fishing. We also hope to cruise through the Inuit community of Rigolet (subject to permissions from the local authority). We continue onto Hopedale, a small town located in the north of Labrador where you can visit a local museum which provides an insight into the culture and history of the First Nations, Canada’s indigenous peoples.
Day 13 - At Sea.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we sail through the Labrador Sea.
Days 14 to 16 - Hudson Strait (Akpatok Island, Sugluk Bay & Diana Island (Diana Bay).
Enjoy breathtaking views cruising through the Labrador Sea as the Hanseatic Inspiration heads further north towards the famous Hudson Strait. Ice conditions at this time of year often determine the course here which adds to the sense of discovery. On the wild Akpatok Island, marvel at the untouched landscapes as steep rocky coasts form the backdrop for potential polar bear sightings. Explore the region’s geology up-close in a Zodiac during our visit to the rugged, rocky hills of Sugluk Bay and on Diana Island (Diana Bay), home to musk oxen and reindeer, you will be able to experience how the pioneers felt all those years ago.
Day 17 - Cruising off Monumental Island.
A wonderful natural spectacle awaits on Monumental Island: with luck, a Zodiac ride off the island will bring you face-toface with walrus.
Day 18 - At Sea.
Today is our last full day at sea as we cruise towards the coast of Greenland. Join one of the lectures in the HanseAtrium or relax with a book in the lounge.
Days 19 to 21 - Western coast of Greenland (Qeqertarsuaq, Ilulissat, Disko Bay & Sisimiut).
Our first destination on Greenland, Qeqertarsuaq, is a picturesque natural harbour and a whalebone gateway leading to a world of colourful houses, kayaks and huskies. Meanwhile, Ilulissat reveals its charm: with experts by our side, we will reach the old settlement of Sermermiut and enjoy fantastic views of bizarre icebergs. With luck, this almost surreal scene in blue and white will be unveiled in Disko Bay. The icebergs drift slowly through the water, leaving observers astonished. In Sisimiut, bid farewell and look back on an expedition filled with spectacular scenery, fascinating cultures and unspoilt wilderness.
Day 22 - Kangerlussuaq.
Disembark
this morning and transfer to the
airport for our chartered flight
from Kangerlussuaq to Dusseldorf.
On arrival in Dusseldorf, transfer to our hotel for an overnight
stay.
Please note that the arrival
airport for the charter flight from
Greenland is subject to change.
Should it be necessary to change
to another airport in Germany, we
will advise and amend the hotel
accommodation and flight to
London accordingly.
Day 23 - Dusseldorf, Germany to London.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 30 June to 22 July 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| 1 Outside cabin Deck 4, 5 & 6 | £13235 | |
| 2 Panoramic cabin Deck 4 & 5 | £13885 | |
| 3 French balcony cabin Deck 6 | £14385 | |
| 4 Balcony cabin Deck 5 | £15465 | |
| 5 French balcony cabin Deck 7 | £15465 | |
| 6 Balcony cabin Deck 6 & 7 | £16695 | |
| 7 Balcony cabin Deck 6 | £17895 | |
| 8 Balcony cabin Deck 7 | On Request | |
| 9 Junior suite with balcony 6 & 7 | On Request | |
| 10 Grand suite with veranda Deck 6 & 7 | On Request | |
| 2 Panoramic cabin for sole use | £20175 | |
Tour Reference Code: SCHI300620
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel from London to Toronto • Overnight hotel accommodation in Toronto with breakfast • Tour to Niagara Falls with lunch as described • 20 nights aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration on a full board basis • Mini-bar with soft drinks in your cabin restocked each day • Zodiac excursions • Expedition team including onboard lectures • Specially chartered air travel from Kangerlussuaq to Dusseldorf • Overnight hotel accommodation in Dusseldorf with breakfast • Gratuities • Transfers • Landing fees • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) which is required for entry into Canada, shore excursions (details will be available to pre-book three months before departure and payment will be made on board), dinner on days 1 & 22.
N.B Flight schedules are yet to be released at the time of going to print and the itinerary may change on their release.
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Deckplan
Hanseatic Inspiration
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the Hanseatic Inspiration is a new five-star expedition ship launched in October 2019. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica), this unique vessel offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere on board with more open deck space than any other expedition ship. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
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Deck plans
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Deckplan
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Deckplan
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000