Greenland & Beyond
An expedition along the western coast of Greenland to Labrador, Newfoundland & the St Lawrence River aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration
- 2 September 2021
Here is a wonderful expedition aboard a vessel on which you can be assured of excellent service, food and sumptuous surroundings. For this unique voyage 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 great towering cliffs, walls of glacial ice, winding fjords, vast ice sheets and flowing glaciers of western and southern Greenland with highlights along the Canadian east coast with its diverse wildlife, history and rich Inuit culture.
We begin our journey in coastal Greenland, one of the last great wilderness areas where man has made little difference to the landscape and tourists are still a rarity. It is a marvel to behold; for most visitors their first encounter with Greenland is a humbling experience as they witness nature in the raw and look out across a magnificent Arctic world. The expedition continues across the Labrador Sea to Canada where we call into Newfoundland Island for a visit to Gros Morne National Park, the second largest national park in Atlantic Canada, Tadoussac, one of the country’s oldest villages and the wonderful city of Quebec as well as experiencing some stunning scenery whilst cruising along the St Lawrence river and on Lake Ontario. Before returning to London we will visit the wondrous Niagara Falls.
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 and whales. There will be a range of optional excursions on offer as well as ample time to relax on board while cruising when you can pass the time on deck looking for wildlife, attend the series of lectures by members of the expedition team or simply enjoy the onboard facilities. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience spectacular natural scenery in a world far away from the stresses of modern life.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
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
Please note that flexibility is key to a successful expedition in the Arctic. Although we have outlined an itinerary below, this is only a preliminary plan and the exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions and the wildlife encountered. Please note that with the exception of Zodiac excursions, shore excursions are not included in the price and details of what excursions will be available along with prices will be sent to you three months before departure.
Day 1 London to Germany.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to a hotel for an overnight stay. Please note that the departure airport for the charter flight to Greenland will be confirmed closer to departure.
Day 2 Germany to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.
After breakfast in the hotel transfer to the airport for our specially chartered flight to Kangerlussuaq. On arrival transfer to the Hanseatic Inspiration and embark. Sail this evening.
Days 3 to 7 Western coast of Greenland (Sisimiut, Ilulissat, Disko Bay, Qeqertarsuaq, Fjords of Greenland).
Gleaming ice, deep fjords and majestic glaciers await as we explore Greenland’s west coast. The first of many encounters with Inuit culture takes place in Sisimiut. Follow in the footsteps of the Saqqaq culture and visit the old town which resembles a museum village. From Ilulissat, a hike with the onboard experts will take you to the famous ice fjord where glistening ice formations gather from the Jakobshavn Glacier. This will set the tone for an even more moving scene in Disko Bay where glittering sculptures drift slowly through the water. You will be able to witness these wonders from on board the Hanseatic Inspiration and during a Zodiac excursion. The fascination continues in Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island where an octagonal wooden church and a museum provide insights into the history of this former centre of whaling. We then continue south where further wonders await in the fjords of Greenland. Here too, you will be able to witness the impressive views of the vast landscape from the Zodiacs.
Days 8 to 10 Southern Coast of Greenland (Paamiut, Qassiarsuk & Unartoq).
Paamiut conveys what life is like in these remote regions. The town is known to whale researchers and we will keep an eye out for humpback and fin whales. Qassiarsuk has an interesting history as this is where Erik the Red founded Greenland’s first Viking settlement in 982. In Unartoq, you can round off your Greenland experience by bathing in the hot springs as you watch the icebergs drift by.
Day 11 At Sea.
Enjoy a leisurely day at sea. Join one of the lectures and enjoy the facilities on board.
Day 12 Red Bay, Labrador, Canada.
Canada, the beautiful unknown. Many people are familiar with this North American country, but away from the usual routes, the sparsely populated east coast features some wonderful scenery. Nature awaits in the province of Labrador, discovered by Europeans in the 16th century. The fishing village of Red Bay seems to have been forgotten by the world. This was once a centre for Basque whalers, now documented in a museum.
Day 13 Norris Point, Newfoundland.
Our expedition continues as we head for Newfoundland. A world of fjords, home to whales and a kayaking region, the island is an adventurer’s dream. Surrounded by green mountains, the small town of Norris Point describes itself as a ‘photographer’s paradise’. A hike in the magnificent Gros Morne National Park illustrates the monumental diversity between the mountains and coastline with glaciers, fjords and lakes.
Day 14 At Sea (Gulf of Saint Lawrence).
Today the St Lawrence River, North America’s mighty river system between the Atlantic and the Great Lakes at a length of almost 3000 kilometres stretches out before us. As we travel along the river, the onboard experts will provide illuminating historical insights such as how it has developed since the early Woodland period and the current economic significance of the First Nations peoples.
Day 15 Tadoussac.
Our expedition continues to Tadoussac, one of the country’s oldest villages. With some luck you may spot a beluga whale in the waters as this area is home to the world’s most southerly population. Majestic marine mammals will also be the focus if you choose to join the whale watching tour on the St Lawrence Fjord. Alternatively, a hike on the Sentier du Fjord trail will take you through secluded forests and past waterfalls and springs to breathtaking viewpoints.
Day 16 Baie Eternite & Cruising on the Saguenay.
Dramatic nature shapes our journey today on the largest side branch of the St Lawrence River, the Saguenay, as well as our landing at Baie Eternite, surrounded by mountains almost 400 metres high. The Hanseatic Inspiration will slowly cruise on the Saguenay to allow for potential whale sightings.
Day 17 Quebec.
Untouched wilderness meets savoir vivre in Quebec, where French flair and the North American spirit complement each other perfectly. A 360-degree experience awaits on a helicopter flight over Quebec. At around 80 metres high, Montmorency Falls and Ile d’Orleans, one of North America’s most important pilgrimage sites, are truly outstanding sights to behold.
Day 18 Seven Locks of St Lawrence River.
The Hanseatic Inspiration will scale seven locks between Montreal and Lake Ontario with a height difference of up to 15 metres. This will take place during the day to allow you to watch the thrilling manoeuvres from the spacious decks.
Day 19 Passage through the Thousand Islands, Cruise on Lake Ontario.
The passage through the Thousand Islands takes you through a labyrinthine archipelago. Every island is different: some with green forests, others with an English castle or colourful houses. We continue on to Lake Ontario where our journey comes to an end.
Day 20 Toronto to London.
Disembark this morning and 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 in a local restaurant before transferring to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 21 London.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
2 to 22 September 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
1 Outside cabin Deck 4, 5 & 6 | £13275 | £12775 |
2 Panoramic cabin Deck 4 & 5 | £13825 | £13325 |
3 French balcony cabin Deck 6 | £14475 | £13975 |
4 Balcony cabin Deck 5 | £15075 | £14575 |
5 French balcony cabin Deck 7 | £15075 | £14575 |
6 Balcony cabin Deck 6 & 7 | £15925 | £15425 |
7 Balcony cabin Deck 6 | £17525 | £17025 |
8 Balcony cabin Deck 7 | £18075 | £17575 |
9 Junior suite with balcony 6 & 7 | £19925 | £19425 |
10 Grand suite with veranda Deck 6 & 7 | Not Available | Not Available |
2 Panoramic cabin for sole use | £17725 | £17225 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHI020921
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Chartered flight from Germany to Kangerlussuaq • Overnight hotel accommodation in Germany with breakfast • 18 nights aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration on a full board basis • Tour to Niagara Falls with lunch as described • Mini-bar with soft drinks in your cabin restocked each day • Zodiac excursions • Expedition team including onboard lectures • Gratuities • Transfers • Landing fees • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for Canada, shore excursions (details will be available to pre-book three months before departure and payment will be made on board), dinner on day 1.
NB. Flight schedules are yet to be released at the time of going to print and the itinerary may change on their release. Itinerary subject to change based on weather and ice conditions.
-
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.
Also of Interest
Expedition High Arctic - In the Land of Extremes
An exploration of coastal Greenland & the Canadian Arctic aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration
Hanseatic Inspiration
Hanseatic Inspiration
Itinerary at a glance
- Dusseldorf / Kangerlussuaq / Baffin Island / Ellesmere Island / Smith Sound / Nares Strait / Etah / Siorapaluk / Cape York / Ilulissat / Disko Bay / Sisimiut / Kangerlussuaq / Dusseldorf
Cities & Rivers of Canada & New England
A voyage from Toronto to Boston discovering the St Lawrence River & Nova Scotia aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration
Hanseatic Inspiration
Hanseatic Inspiration
Itinerary at a glance
- Toronto / Lake Ontario / Montreal / Quebec / St Lawrence River / Saguenay Fjord National Park / Gaspe / Iles de la Madeline / Baddeck / ST John / Bar Harbor / Boston
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000