Route of the Vikings: Greenland to Nova Scotia

By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’.

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After breakfast in your hotel, board your flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, where your 6-star Discovery Yacht awaits.  The Captain and crew of Scenic Eclipse will welcome you on board with a glass of Champagne as you familiarise yourself with your new home. With only up to 228 guests on board, you’ll experience an immersive, engaging cruise through this fascinating part of the world.Meet Scenic Eclipse's world-class crew, including the Discovery Team comprised of expert naturalists, marine biologists, and historians, who will enrich your voyage with their passion and knowledge. Settle into your luxurious suite, then join your fellow guests on the Sky Deck to toast the start of an unforgettable voyage.

The name Kangerlussuaq means “Big Fjord” in the local Kalaallisut language. The settlement of about 500 people is located in western Greenland on flat land at the head of a fjord with the same name. Kangerlussuaq is the site of Greenland’s largest commercial airport and most of the economy here is dependent on the air transportation hub and tourism. The rugged lands around the settlement support terrestrial Arctic fauna including muskoxen, caribou, and Gyrfalcons.

Known as the birthplace of icebergs, the Ilulissat Icefjord produces nearly 20 million tons of ice each day. In fact, the word Ilulissat means “icebergs” in the Kalaallisut language. The town of Ilulissat is known for its long periods of calm and settled weather, but the climate tends to be cold due to its proximity to the fjord. Approximately 4,500 people live in Ilulissat, the third-largest town in Greenland after Nuuk and Sisimiut. Some people here estimate that there are nearly as many sled dogs as human beings living in the town that also boasts a local history museum located in the former home of Greenlandic folk hero and famed polar explorer Knud Rasmussen.

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Spectacular days await as you cruise Disko Bay. Ilulissat is the main town on the bay, named from the Inuit word for ‘iceberg’. It’s famous for the large number of icebergs breaking away from the nearby Ilulissat Icefjord, a World Heritage-listed site. The Icefjord is the mouth of the vast Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the world’s fastest moving and most active glaciers, calving a remarkable 46 cubic kilometres of ice annually. Listen for the rumbling sounds in the distance as huge chunks of ice break from the glacier and tumble into the water below.Scenic Freechoice: Town Walk of Ilulissat & Museum: Enjoy a guided walk of Ilulissat, exploring this town at 69°N, once called the town of 10,000 souls. Discover polar explorer Knud Rasmussen’s bust and birth home, and learn of the town’s cultural growth 400 km north of the Polar Circle.Sermermiut Easy Hike: Hike through the ancient Inuit settlement of Sermermiut, approximately 3km, to a cliffside viewpoint over the iceberg-filled fjord, learning about its history and Arctic nature along the way.Kangia Ice Fjord Cruise: Board a local boat for an unforgettable journey among the towering icebergs of Ilulissat‘s Kangia Fjord. Drift through this frozen wonderland and experience the pure, tranquil beauty of the Arctic.Greenlandic Kaffemik: Visit a Local Family: Step inside a local home for coffee, cake and heartfelt hospitality. Hear stories of life in the far north, see traditional costumes and share in the warmth of Greenlandic traditions.Sled Dog Visit: Visit a local dog site and meet Greenland’s sled dogs. Learn about their history, how they are trained and cared for, and their vital role in Arctic life from sledding to ice fishing, while hearing captivating stories of Greenlandic culture.Scenic Discovery: Weather permitting and with harbour master approval, you may get the opportunity to enjoy immersive Discovery experiences including hiking and Zodiac cruising.

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Expect more thundering ice today as we sail around the Eqip Sermia Glacier, one of Greenland’s most active glaciers. Hear and feel the shudder as huge blocks of ice calve into the water from your private verandah or the Observation Lounge. The expert Discovery Team will be on hand to guide you through the glacier’s activity, showcasing its awe-inspiring beauty and fascinating history.Scenic Discovery: Weather permitting and with harbour master approval, you may get the opportunity to enjoy immersive Discovery experiences including kayaking and Zodiac cruising.

Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the northernmost town in Greenland where the port remains free of ice in the winter. Yet it is also the southernmost town where there is enough snow and ice to drive a dogsled in winter and spring. In Sisimiut, travelling by sled has been the primary means of winter transportation for centuries. In fact, the area has been inhabited for approximately 4,500 years. Modern Sisimiut is the largest business center in the north of Greenland, and is one of the fastest growing Greenlandic cities. Commercial fishing is the lead economy in the town‘s thriving industrial base.

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Sitting around 40 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the second-largest town in Greenland. With colourful houses sprinkled around a picturesque bay, the town is bathed in perpetual sunlight during the summer months. Explore Sisimiut’s rich history, dating back some 4,500 years, at the local museum, which has a collection of ancient Saqqaq artifacts. You'll have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs crafted from qiviut, the inner wool of a muskox, such as scarves, hats, or mittens. Immerse yourself in authentic interactions with local communities, adding depth and authenticity to your Arctic experience.Scenic Freechoice: Sisimiut Town Walk: Stroll through Sisimiut at a relaxed pace, exploring the old town, Nalunnguarfik Lake and local markets, while discovering the town’s history, culture and everyday life.Mountain Discover Hike: Venture into Greenland’s wild beauty with a hike along the Arctic Circle Trail. Cross clear-water creeks, discover delicate Arctic flora and take in breathtaking mountain views before returning to the ship energized and inspired.Greenlandic Tasting at Grandmother’s House: Enjoy a visit to Aannaap Illua (Grandmother’s House), a cozy wooden cottage, to experience authentic Greenlandic flavours. Explore traditional dishes, gaining insight into cultural heritage in a warm setting reflecting daily life.Cruise to Nipisat Island: Sail through Sisimiut’s stunning archipelago to UNESCO-listed Aasivissuit–Nipisat. Explore ancient Inuit history and wildlife on Nipisat Island, guided by a local expert. Experience Greenland’s rich culture and pristine Arctic wilderness on this mini cruise and moderate hike.Scenic Discovery: Weather permitting and with harbour master approval, you may get the opportunity to enjoy kayaking in this unique location with your Discovery Team.

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Enjoy a slow day cruising through Evighed Fjord, or ‘Eternity Fjord’, considered one of the most beautiful in Greenland. Stretching for more than 75 kilometres, you’ll be awed by the endless fields of ice glittering under the sun. Tall, jagged peaks threaded with glaciers rise straight up out of the calm blue waters. Many of the glaciers are very active and you will likely hear chunks of ice calving away and collapsing loudly into the ocean. In Evighed Fjord, you’ll feel the beauty and power of nature all around you.Scenic Discovery: Weather permitting and with harbour master approval, you may get the opportunity to enjoy immersive Discovery experiences including kayaking and Zodiac cruising.

Around the year 1000, Vikings from Greenland and Iceland founded the first European settlement in North America, near the northern tip of Newfoundland. They arrived in the New World 500 years before Columbus but stayed only a few years and were forgotten for centuries. Since the settlement’s rediscovery in the last century, the archaeological site has brought tourism to the area. Viking themes abound but so do views, whales, icebergs, fun dining experiences, and outdoor activities. L’Anse Aux Meadows on the northern tip of the island of Newfoundland is a remote community of just 40 people, with St Anthony, 40 minutes away, having a population of only 3,500. The region is locally famous for springtime polar bears, nesting eider ducks, the northern extreme of the Appalachians at nearby Belle Isle, numerous spring and summer icebergs, and a rich ocean fishery. L’Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site is the UNESCO World Heritage Site that tells the story of Leif Erickson and the first Europeans in the new world. This site is often the keystone attraction for cruises themed around the Vikings. Discovered in 1960, it is the site of a Norse village, the only known one in North America outside of Greenland. The site remains the only widely-accepted instance of pre-Columbian trans-oceanic contact, and is notable for possible connections with the attempted colony of Vinland established by Leif Ericson around 1003, or more broadly with Norse exploration of the Americas. The root of the name “L’Anse aux Meadows” is believed to have originated with French fishermen in the area during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, who named the site L’Anse aux Meduses, meaning ‘Jellyfish Bay’.

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Sitting at the northern tip of the island of Newfoundland, L'Anse aux Meadows is the site of the first recorded European contact with North America. It’s a true milestone in the history of human migration and discovery. Now a World Heritage Site, it marks the sole Viking-established settlement on the continent, dating back to the 11th century. The archaeological remnants, including remnants of wood-framed peat-turf buildings, mirror those found in Norse Greenland Iceland. Exploring the site, you’ll embark on a fascinating journey tracing the footsteps of Vikings who arrived in North America centuries before Columbus.Scenic Freechoice: Viking Settlement & Archaeology: Explore a UNESCO-listed Viking site with a private archaeologist. Tour reconstructed sod huts, visit the museum and savour authentic Viking-inspired snacks on this immersive journey into Norse history.Coastal Hike & Birdwatching: Hike rugged coastal trails with a naturalist guide, spotting seabirds like puffins and gannets while enjoying breathtaking views of the Labrador Sea. Conclude with a gourmet picnic on a secluded bluff amid stunning surroundings.Kayaking along the Viking Coast: Kayak along the pristine coast near L'Anse aux Meadows with expert guides. Enjoy close-up views of rugged shores, spot seals and seabirds, then relax with a warm beverage on a secluded beach.Bog & Berry Foraging: Discover local bogs with a guide to forage wild berries like cloudberries and bakeapples. Learn about Newfoundland’s edible flora, then enjoy a tasting session and gourmet picnic featuring foraged delights.Scenic Discovery: Weather permitting, you may join the Discovery Team for an exciting kayaking experience or a guided coastal hike, where breathtaking views of the rugged shoreline await.

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Scenic Eclipse will continue sailing down the west coast of Newfoundland, bound for Bonne Bay and Woody Point. These small towns are nestled within Gros Morne National Park, a World Heritage-listed site that was formed over 485 million years. This sprawling and beautiful park is made up of strikingly diverse landscapes, from moody mountains and deep fjords to barren tablelands and deserted beaches. On the water, the cove is divided into Inner and Outer Bonne Bay. Inner Bonne Bay boasts serene wooded coves and sandy beaches, while Outer Bonne Bay serves as the gateway to the majestic Bonne Bay fjord.Scenic Freechoice: Gros Morne Geological Hike: Hike Gros Morne’s extraordinary terrain with a geologist, exploring ancient rock formations and the UNESCO-listed Tablelands. Walk atop exposed Earth’s mantle, enjoy panoramic Bonne Bay views and savour a luxurious picnic featuring local flavours.Woody Point Cultural & Culinary Experience: Stroll through Woody Point’s charming village with a local guide, explore heritage buildings and indulge in a private tasting of authentic Newfoundland specialties on this cultural and culinary journey.Kayaking Hidden Coves of Bonne Bay: Glide through Bonne Bay’s tranquil waters in premium sea kayaks with expert guides. Explore hidden coves and coastal trails inaccessible by larger boats, paddle beneath dramatic cliffs, spot seabirds and otters, and enjoy a warm beverage on a secluded shore.Lobster Boil & Folklore Experience: Savour an exclusive beachside lobster boil prepared by local chefs, accompanied by captivating Newfoundland storytelling and live folk music. Complete the experience with delightful artisanal desserts under the open sky.Scenic Discovery: Weather permitting and with harbour master approval, you may join the Discovery Team for an exciting kayaking experience.

Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, is a thriving seaport located on the eastern tip of Cape Breton Island. French settlers first arrived in Louisbourg in 1713, using the island as a base for their lucrative cod fishery. Soon, the town became one of the busiest harbours in North America and an important trading outpost and military hub. They named it Louisbourg, in honour of King Louis XIV. The fortress was built to defend against the threat of a British invasion. After two major attacks, the fortress was destroyed in the 1760’s. In 1961 the Canadian Government commenced a $25 million reconstruction project to restore portions of the fortress to its pre-siege glory of the 1740’s. It was the largest reconstruction project in North America. The lighthouse was Canada’s first, constructed in 1734, but was severely damaged during the last siege and was abandoned in 1758. The existing lighthouse was built in 1923.

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Step into a piece of living history when you go ashore at Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island. This well-preserved 18th century fortress will immerse you in French colonial life amidst charming cobblestone streets and historic buildings. It’s the largest historical reconstruction in North America and authentic fortifications, kitchen gardens and homes sit alongside the original ruins. Uncover the secrets of this World Heritage-listed site as you wander through its picturesque streets and soak in the unique atmosphere.Scenic Freechoice: Fortress of Louisbourg: Step back to 1744 at the Fortress of Louisbourg, Canada’s largest historical reconstruction. Explore bustling streets, meet costumed locals, and enjoy a taste of heritage chocolate in this immersive 18th-century seaport experience.Heart of the Island: Experience Cape Breton’s Scottish soul at the Nova Scotia Highland Village. Explore historic homes, hear Gaelic stories, and take in breathtaking views of the Bras d’Or Lakes on this immersive cultural journey through 180 years of heritage.Coal Miners of Cape Breton: Discover the rich coal-mining heritage of Cape Breton at the Glace Bay Miners Museum. Descend into the Ocean Deeps Colliery with a retired miner and explore life underground, then wander the restored miners’ village above.Sydney Highlights: Uncover Sydney’s storied past on a scenic drive through its historic harbour, coastal villages and former industrial communities. Visit Whitney Pier and Lingan, where coal, steel and wind have shaped both landscape and local life.

Surrounded by natural treasures and glorious seascapes, Halifax is an attractive and vibrant hub with noteworthy historic and modern architecture, great dining and shopping, and a lively nightlife and festival scene. The old city manages to feel both hip and historic. Previous generations had the foresight to preserve the cultural and architectural integrity of the city, yet students from five local universities keep it lively and current. It’s a perfect starting point to any tour of the Atlantic provinces, but even if you don’t venture beyond its boundaries, you will get a real taste of the region.It was Halifax’s natural harbor—the second largest in the world after Sydney, Australia’s—that first drew the British here in 1749, and today most major sites are conveniently located either along it or on the Citadel-crowned hill overlooking it. That’s good news for visitors because this city actually covers quite a bit of ground.Since amalgamating with Dartmouth (directly across the harbor) and several suburbs in 1996, Halifax has been absorbed into the Halifax Regional Municipality, and the HRM, as it is known, has around 415,000 residents. That may not sound like a lot by U.S. standards, but it makes Nova Scotia’s capital the most significant Canadian urban center east of Montréal.There’s easy access to the water, and despite being the focal point of a busy commercial port, Halifax Harbour doubles as a playground, with one of the world’s longest downtown boardwalks. It’s a place where container ships, commuter ferries, cruise ships, and tour boats compete for space, and where workaday tugs and fishing vessels tie up beside glitzy yachts. Like Halifax as a whole, the harbor represents a blend of the traditional and the contemporary.

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Your journey concludes this morning in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A charming coastal city, Halifax boasts a rich maritime history, vibrant waterfront, and welcoming atmosphere.After a final delicious breakfast onboard, bid farewell to the crew and new friends who shared this incredible voyage with you. You'll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey or return flight home, taking with you memories that will last a lifetime.Please book your flight to depart out of Halifax after 12:00 PM.+All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. #Spa treatments at additional cost. ~Kayaking may not operate in all locations.   Helicopter not in operation in Greenland and Canada. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.