Expedition Cruise Experience
Flying across the Atlantic is nowhere near as thrilling as sailing across it.
Route of the Vikings: Expedition to the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland & Beyond weaves together Viking history, remote subarctic lands, and a healthy dose of adventure to give you a glimpse of what life is like in the farthest corners of the Earth. Like a Norse saga, your expedition will be filled with dramatic views, unbelievable discoveries, and unforgettable experiences.
Cultural Insight
What’s an “Address to a Haggis”? What
is haggis? You’ll find out on this expedition, which will complement the sweeping scenery with a flurry of cultural insights. You’ll enjoy entertainment ranging from Scottish bagpipes to Faroese folk music; learn about the WWII legacy left by Italian prisoners of war in the Orkney Islands, and observe Inuit traditions in Greenland’s smallest village. As we cruise from the traditional to the cosmopolitan in Québec City and Montréal, the historic architecture and contemporary allure of Canada’s Francophile cities will remind us of how culture can evolve in myriad brilliant ways.
Natural Splendor
During this expedition, you’ll encounter some of the most awe-inspiring natural habitats on our planet — from the mountains and lochs of the Scottish Highlands, to the cliffside homes of seabirds at the Westman Islands. At UNESCO-listed Gros Morne National Park, you’ll walk amid vast tablelands and mountains, and also learn about the region’s marine system at the Bonne Bay Marine Science Centre. Best of all, however, is the chance to spot whales as you cruise the St. Lawrence River, or even polar bears lounging on passing pack ice in Nanortalik!
Far-Flung Destinations
You’ll be a true explorer on this trip, braving the elements to reach the islands of the North Atlantic Ocean, inhabited since prehistoric times but so remote that they remained the stuff of legend for centuries. Iceland’s now-established Golden Circle, with its waterfalls and geysers, is just the start: You’ll be rendered speechless when the hills and fjords of Kulusuk unfold before you, or when you become one of the few visitors to experience Inuit traditions in Isortoq, Greenland — a village bound by pack ice and home to fewer than 100 residents.
Follow in the footsteps of the Vikings
Did you know that the Vikings once occupied the Shetlands and used them as a base for pirate raids on Norway and Scotland? On our “In Viking Footsteps” tour of Shetland, you’ll see how the ancient Norse
reused ancient Pictish settlements in Old Scatness, and left their own mark on the land with rectangular longhouses, tools, drawings, and other artifacts in Jarlshof that date back to the ninth century. Throughout your voyage, you’ll also have the opportunity to attend lectures offered by your Expedition Team and learn about the kingpins of Viking history — including Leif Erikson, the first European to set foot on continental North America.
