Compare The Vinland Saga Adventure by Hurtigruten vs Scenic Iceland & the Northern Lights - Small Group, Winter 2022 2023 Small Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
3.5 | Average
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Scenic Iceland & the Northern Lights - Small Group, Winter 2022 2023 Small Group
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Insight Vacations
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 8,207 | $ 4,974 |
| Price Per Day | $ 547 | $ 711 |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Sail in the wake of the Norse settlers. See the untouched wilderness they inhabited and the fascinating remains from this period. Between 800 and 1000 A.D., the feared and fabled Vikings carried out a number of expeditions to explore the North Atlantic Ocean. It is thought that they set out to colonise new lands as a result of population pressures and political unrest in their homeland. The Vikings were able to explore so extensively thanks to their remarkable longships, which allowed them to travel long distances across rough oceans and through stormy weather. They were also exceptional navigators, relying only on simple maps and using the position of the sun and stars when in open water |
Experience the iconic sights of Iceland as you gasp in awe at the exploding hot springs in Geysir and lose yourself in the Northern Lights dancing overhead in Reykjavik. From the thundering waterfalls of Skógafoss and the majesty of the Hekla volcano, to the allure of the Golden Circle and the earth shaking Mid-Atlantic Ridge, this one-week tour has it all. Uncover Iceland’s volcanic history at the Lava Centre en route to Vik, visit a geothermal bakery in Fontana where fresh bread is dug out of the hot ground before your very eyes and hone your horticulture skills at the massive greenhouse tomato farms in Friðheimar. Discover how Iceland was settled at a fascinating exhibit in Borgarnes and conclude your tour with a Local Expert in Old Reykjavik, as they guide you through the capital. |
Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland
The Vikings were the first people to permanently settle in Iceland. According to 'The Book of Settlements (Landnámabók)', Ingólfur Arnason was the first to settle here around 870 A.D. He named the settlement Reykjarvík (bay of smoke), after the steam from the hot springs in the area:. Today, Iceland's modern capital is the starting point of this expedition.
Day 2: Snæfellsjökull National Park
The Snæfellsjökull National Park has many famous sites, and the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier is one of the highlights. Other attractions include basalt cliffs and the many fascinating lava formations. At Djupalonssandur, you can also test your 'Viking strength' on the four 'lifting stones': Amlodi (Useless), Halfdraettingur (Weakling), Halfsterkur (Half Strength) and Fullsterkur (Full Strength).
Day 3: At sea
Rather than rowing a longship across the Denmark Strait to reach Greenland, we'll sail in the modern and very comfortable MS Spitsbergen. Join our Expedition Team’s fascinating on board lectures to learn about Norse Greenland before our arrival.
Day 4: At sea
Greenland’s southern shores contain some of the most culturally and scenically diverse regions of this massive island. Conditions permitting, we will try to sail through the narrow, 70-mile-long channel Prins Christian Sund, which crosses the southernmost point of Greenland, to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. If the channel is blocked with ice, we will instead sail around Nunap Isua (Kap Farvel).
Day 5: South Greenland
Qassiarsuk is the site where Erik the Red built his Brattahlíð estate in 982 A.D. He had been exiled from Iceland and escaped to the land he called Greenland. He chose to settle in Qassiarsuk believing it to be the richest and best site in on the island. Join the settlement walk to explore the reconstruction of Erik the Red's longhouse and the church that his wife Tjodhildur made him build.
Day 6: South Greenland
Igaliku is home to the well-known ruins of Garðar, once the religious heart of Norse Greenland. In Hvalsey, you'll find some of the best-preserved ruins from the Norse period in the former town of Austurbygd. Erik the Red's relatives established the farmstead in the late 10th century. In 1408, 500 years after the town was established, all the inhabitants suddenly left. Amongst the ruins, you'll find the remains of the church where the last known Viking wedding took place.
Day 7: At sea
As we cross the ocean again, you will have plenty of time to imagine how it must have felt to cross an ocean more than 1,000 years ago. According to The Saga of the Greenlanders, Leif Erikson (son of Erik the Red) set out in the year 1002 or 1003 A.D and the first land he found to the west was covered with flat rocks, so he called it Helluland, the land of flat stones (From Old Norse: hella).
Day 8: 'Markland'/Labrador, Canada
After Helluland, Leif Erikson arrived at a land that was flat and wooded, with white sandy beaches, which he called Markland (“Forest Land”). Today, this area is known as Labrador.
Day 9: 'Markland'/Labrador
'Markland'/LabradorWe will explore Labrador, making several explorer-style landings to discover more of the area's astonishing nature and wildlife.
Day 10: 'Markland'/Labrador
While we are here, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking along the trails and the countless miles of wilderness to explore, whilst others will appreciate learning more about the history, cultures and traditions of the area at the numerous historic sites we will visit.
Day 11: At sea
Enjoy a day at sea. There will be lectures on various topics or you can spend some time on deck enjoying the wildlife we'll see on our journey.
Day 12: L'anse Aux Meadows, Newfoundland
In L'Anse aux Meadows, you'll see the first known evidence of the Vikings settling in America. This is probably where Thorfinn Karlsefni and several others settled in 1010. In 1960, two Norwegian archaeologists started excavating in this area and discovered the fascinating remains of the Viking camp. In 1979, L´Anse aux Meadows became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the recreated camp, you can see original artefacts from this internationally renowned archaeological find.
Day 13: 'Vinland'/Newfoundland
According to the sagas, the Viking settlement Hóp was considered to be the 'land of grapes and wheat'. When Leif Erikson discovered it, he called the place Vinland (wineland). This is where the Norse settlers first encountered 'Skrælings', the indigenous people. They started trading with the Skrælings, but after a brutal attack, the frightened Norse abandoned this lush land to go back north. We can promise, however, that the welcome we will receive while visiting the small settlements in this area will be anything but hostile!
Day 14: 'Vinland'/Newfoundland
With its tiny seaside communities, encompassing forests, freshwater fjords, bogs, barren lowlands, and striking cliffs and shorelines, this area is world-renowned for its complex geology. The wildlife is amazing with large seabird colonies, huge moose and caribou populations, and a rich marine life including several species of whales. With some 10,000 humpback whales visiting the area every year, don’t be surprised if you inadvertently capture a whale in a photograph you take on deck!
Day 15: St. Johns, Newfoundland
St. John's is the oldest and most easterly city in North America, and is where our Vinland Saga Adventure ends. We recommend that you explore this historic town, with its striking twin clock towers of the Basilica of St. John the Baptist and its excellent shopping before you fly home.
Day 1: The Viking City of Reykjavík
Welcome to Iceland. At Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.Join your Travel Director and travelling companions at 18:15 for your Welcome Reception and enjoy the opportunity to get to know each other, over a pleasant evening of wine and a light buffet. Afterwards, search for the most spectacular show on Earth—the northern lights. See the breathtaking night sky filled with the aurora borealis and its vast spectrum of colour.Please note the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Day 2: South Shore Adventure to Vík Relaxed Start
Take a journey through the stunning landscape of Iceland's south coast and through the land of Njál‘s Saga–a region of breathtaking scenery and legendary stories. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, heading east to visit Iceland’s newest geothermal and electric power station at Hellisheiðavirkjun Your journey continues, as you witness the majesty of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Stand awestruck by the beauty of these thundering waterfalls, before venturing on to view more spectacular phenomena. See the magnificent Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes and visit the Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur, dedicated to Iceland's history of volcanic activity and earthquakes. Arrive in the welcoming community of Vík. Later, perhaps enjoy another chance to go in search of the mystical northern lights?
Day 3: The Golden Circle to Flúðir
Embark on a day of discovery around Iceland's Golden Circle, taking in some of the famous landmarks this magical country has to offer. Experience the exploding hot springs at Geysir before continuing on to the mighty Gullfoss waterfalls, the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara Falls. Next stop is Friðheimar, to learn about Icelandic greenhouse horticulture. Visit a family-run vegetable farm, specialising in tomatoes. Explore their greenhouses and sample the sweet, unique flavour of their lovingly grown crop. Continue on to your hotel in Flúðir for another chance to catch nature's theatre unfolding in the night sky.
Day 4: Thingvellir, Borgarnes and Húsafell Relaxed Start
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Fontana on a visit to a geothermal bakery. Here, sample delicious rye bread, dug out from the steaming hot ground and served with butter. Continue to Thingvellir. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge line, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The first meeting of the Icelandic parliament was held here in A.D. 930. Journey along the trail of Viking warrior and poet Egill Skallagrímsson and stop at Reykholt for an orientation with your Travel Director. In Borgarnes, learn about Iceland's history with a fascinating visit to the Icelandic Settlement Centre. Enjoy views of the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls as you drive through glorious landscapes. Your travels continue to Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring.
Day 5: Reykjavík sightseeing Relaxed Start
Journey back to the Icelandic captial, where a Local Expert will show you Old Reykjavík, the 19th century parliament building and Höfði House. In 1986, US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev met here for the famous Reykjavík Summit. Later, visit the colourful harbour and the Hallgrímskirkja, a modern church and landmark that can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 6: Choice in Reykjavik Relaxed Start
Explore Reykjavik with Insight Choice. Choose to experience the magic of Iceland on an exhilarating flight-ride at FlyOver to see incredible scenery from sweeping glaciers to stunning fjords. Alternatively, relax in the Blue Lagoon. Surrounded by lava fields and snowcapped mountains, the lagoon is a wonder of nature and offers a unique experience for both body and soul. With your newfound friends, toast to the culmination of your fascinating journey of discovery during a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Farewell Reykjavík
Your Icelandic adventure comes to an end, with a transfer to Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport.
