
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 German 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 then continues across the Labrador Sea to Canada where we call into Newfoundland for a visit to Gros Morne National Park, the second largest national park in Atlantic Canada, as well as Tadoussac, one of the country’s oldest villages, and the wonderful city of Quebec. We will also experience some stunning scenery whilst cruising along the St Lawrence River and across Lake Ontario.
This expedition promises to be a unique experience, featuring coastlines steeped in history and set against stunning landscapes of natural wonders. The onboard expedition team will make good use of the fleet of Zodiacs to navigate small bays and land in otherwise inaccessible places, where there will be opportuities to witness some suberb wildlife such as eagles and whales. A range of optional excursions will be on offer as well as ample time to relax on board while cruising. Spend 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.
Hanseatic Inspiration / Spirit / Nature
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, these three Hanseatic expedition class vessels – Inspiration, Nature and Spirit - are five-star vessels that were launched between 2019 and 2021. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica and circumnavigation of Spitsbergen), these unique vessels offer plenty of open deck space including a walkway that allows access to the bow of the ship for front row wildlife sightings and incredible views. 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. 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.
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 at the hotel, transfer to the airport for the specially chartered flight to Kangerlussuaq. On arrival, transfer to the Hanseatic Inspiration and embark. Sail this evening.
Days 3 to 5 Greenland’s Western Coast: Sisimiut, Ilulissat, Disko Bay, Qeqertarsuaq, Fjords of Greenland.
Gleaming ice, deep fjords and majestic glaciers await as we explore Greenland’s west coast, a vast and silent landscape that is home to relics of a 4,500-year-old culture. In Sisimiut, where the remarkable old town seems like a museum village, settlement traces date back over 4,000 years to the Saqqaq culture. Join the experts to hike over rocks and through tundra to relics from the whaling era. A hike to Tele Island will also take you back thousands of years to see ancient ruins and graves, crowned by magnificent views of Sisimiut and the coast. We will also visit the famous Illulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where glistening ice formations accumulate. On a guided hike, enjoy the shimmering ice masses, which appear in many striking formations. Disko Bay offers even more memorable moments as ice sculptures in all manner of forms drift slowly through the vast seascape. Enjoy this natural spectacle from your front-row seat on deck, or take a Zodiac ride to the centre of the action. Illuminated by the sunlight, the ice gleams in a fascinating play of colour from white to azure blue. Our exploration continues to Qeqertarsuaq which, founded on Disko Island in 1773, is a small town full of character and entered through the whalebone gateway. Explore Godhavn – the “good harbour” - with your experts, or wander through the Arctic tundra to the Windy Valley. Whale sightings are common in these waters. The ship will chart a flexible course through Greenland’s fjords amid majestic mountain ranges and the deeply carved coastlines, making good use of the Zodiacs. With a little luck, you might spot whales amidst the colossal scenery.
Days 6 to 9 Greenland’s Southern Coast: Qassiarsuk & Unartoq.
Spend the next few days discovering the south coast of Greenland. Qassiarsuk has a fascinating history as this is where Erik the Red founded Greenland’s first Viking settlement in 985. At Unartoq, you can round off your Greenland experience by bathing in the hot springs while watching the icebergs drift by.
Day 10 At Sea.
Enjoy a leisurely day at sea. Join one of the lectures and enjoy the facilities on board.
Days 11 to 13 Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada: L’Anse aux Meadows, Red Bay, Woody Point.
Newfoundland is an open book of eventful history, shaped by the Indigenous peoples, Vikings, and European explorers. Rivers rush through the landscape like lifelines, and the remote coast is home to seals and whales. Follow in the footsteps of the Icelandic/Greenlandic settlers as you explore L’Anse aux Meadows and its extensive Viking settlement, discovered in the 1970s. This archaeological site, at the northernmost tip of Newfoundland, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an open-air museum featuring a Viking boat, a chieftain’s house, a church and fairground. Reconstructed peat houses illustrate life around the year AD 1,000. Also visit the fishing village of Red Bay which seems to have been forgotten by the world. This sheltered natural harbour on the coast of Labrador was once a centre of Basque whaling. Though is not known exactly why whaling ceased here, it was most likely abandoned after the whales were depleted by over-hunting. Today, a museum provides fascinating insights. We then continue to Gros Morne National Park, surrounded by fjords, bays, lakes, plateaus and mountain valleys, and visit the small town of Woody Point. Idyllically situated on the shore, the early 19th century buildings, some of which are historic, reflect the heritage of fishermen and loggers. With around 280 inhabitants, there are scarcely more residents than guests aboard your expedition ship.
Day 14 At Sea: Gulf of Saint Lawrence and arrival at the St Lawrence River.
Today, North America’s mighty St Lawrence River stretches out before us, linking the Atlantic Ocean with the Great Lakes over a course of nearly 3,000 kilometres. As we travel along the river, the onboard experts will share fascinating historical insights from its development since the early woodland period to its ongoing economic and cultural significance for First Nations peoples.
Day 15 Tadoussac.
This charming village of about 800 inhabitants lies where Saguenay Fjord joins the St Lawrence River. One of Canada’s oldest settlements, it was first settled by Europeans in the 17th century. We will explore the town, whose relaxed pace of life is reflected in its colourful houses, welcoming restaurants, and small shops lining the main street, and surrounded by green wooded hills. The world’s southernmost population of beluga whale inhabits the waters off Tadoussac.
Day 16 Saguenay.
Jacques Cartier first set foot in the area around Saguenay in 1535. The explorer was amazed by the vastness of the region and named it “Kingdom”. The reference has stuck, and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean never misses an opportunity to remind its visitors of this with a variety of cultural and historical activities. It was only in 2002 that the present-day city of Saguenay was officially created by merging the surrounding small towns and communities. In one of the largest side branches of the St Lawrence River, the Saguenay Fjord, nature is particularly vibrant and beautiful. Keep an eye out for whales and with a little luck, you may spot belugas as you cruise. These whales can be found here year-round hunting for fish and plankton. The open decks and bow viewing areas provide the best vantage points, while the surrounding mountain scenery makes this passage truly unforgettable.
Day 17 Quebec.
On the approach along the impressive the St Lawrence River, an iconic structure already provides a hint of Quebec’s French flair: the Chateau Frontenac, a hotel in the style of a Norman castle, sits majestically high above the city. Take a fascinating journey of discovery through the picturesque old town: wander down the narrow, cobbled lanes, past traditional French architecture, charming boutiques and bistros. The ensemble is enclosed by a centuries-old city wall, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. In addition to the slower pace of life, Quebec is characterised by a vibrant cultural scene in which art galleries, theatres and street artists come together.
Day 18 Seven Locks of St Lawrence River.
The Hanseatic Inspiration negotiates seven locks 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, Cruising on Lake Ontario.
Where the St Lawrence River creates the border between the United States and Canada, the Hanseatic Inspiration will pass through a photogenic labyrinth of skerries. Cruising through the Thousand Islands offers highly diverse island contrasts. In fact, there are not just 1,000, but more than 1,800 islands. Each island is different: some are covered in green forests, some have an English castle or colourful cottages – and the best views of them can be enjoyed from the many open deck areas. The eastern part of Lake Ontario is lined with dunes and many nesting sites for coastal and migratory birds and the western side of the lake is characterised by urban cities like Toronto. Meanwhile, the southern side is particularly fertile, with fruit-growing areas and vineyards.
Day 20 Toronto to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 21 London.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
| 19 July to 8 August 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 1 Outside cabin Deck 4, 5 & 6 | £12995 | £12495 |
| 2 Panoramic cabin Deck 4 & 5 | £13495 | £12995 |
| 3 French balcony cabin Deck 6 | £14795 | £14295 |
| 4 Balcony cabin Deck 5 | £15995 | £15495 |
| 5 French balcony cabin Deck 7 | £15995 | £15495 |
| 6 Balcony cabin Deck 6 & 7 | £17295 | £16795 |
| 7 Balcony cabin Deck 6 | £18495 | £17995 |
| 8 Balcony cabin Deck 7 | £19495 | £18995 |
| 9 Junior suite with balcony 6 & 7 | £22495 | £21995 |
| 4 (Sole) Balcony cabin for Sole Use Deck 5 | £17995 | £17495 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHI190727
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 • 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.
Please note that all bookings (including those made by Commodore Club members) are subject to a 20% deposit and that the balance payment will be due 150 days before the date of departure. Please also note that between 149 and 70 days before the date of departure, cancellation charges shall be 40% of the total holiday price payable.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
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Deckplan
Hanseatic Inspiration / Spirit / Nature
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, these three Hanseatic expedition class vessels – Inspiration, Nature and Spirit - are five-star vessels that were launched between 2019 and 2021. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica and circumnavigation of Spitsbergen), these unique vessels offer plenty of open deck space including a walkway that allows access to the bow of the ship for front row wildlife sightings and incredible views. 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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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000






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