ATLANTIC CANADA AND GREENLAND (FRAM) Explore the eastern coasts of Canada and visit sites in Nova Scotia, Québec, and Newfoundland & Labrador before journeying up to the shores of southern Greenland. This voyage combines and sometimes even contrasts the stunning and wild landscapes, local customs, and intricate histories of these two neighbouring countries. ITINERARY Day 1 Capital of Nova Scotia Your journey starts in Halifax, capital of Nova Scotia. There are red-brick heritage buildings, parks, a landmark citadel, some world-class museums, and a 4km seafront boardwalk. We definitely recommend spending more time exploring Halifax with our Pre-Programme before embarking MS Fram. Day 2 Where the Past is Present We head for the large island of Cape Breton to reach Louisbourg, home to the historic Fortress of Louisbourg. At this National Historic Site, you can experience what life was like in the bustling French fortified town in 1744, which was then one of the largest European fortifications in North America. Day 3 Deep Acadian Traditions 0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com This traditional fishing village dates back to 1785 and is an Acadian Leaving the coast of Canada behind, we head out to sea, and set course for community that has managed to maintain age-old French traditions and Greenland across a stretch of the North Atlantic. Our days at sea will be filled culture. Nearby Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers spectacular sea with lectures and you’ll have time to chat with fellow travellers, perhaps to views, as well as valleys and forests where moose, black bears and bald share what you have seen and done so far. eagles can be found. Day 11 Title Exploration Day, Kvanefyord Day 4 Home of the Madelinots We discover the beautiful region of Paamiut by sailing deep into Kvanefjord. Twelve islands make up the sand archipelago called Îles de la Madeleine. The Our experienced captain and Expedition Leader will take advantage of the coastline here is made up of iron-rich, red and grey sandstone cliffs shaped current weather and ice conditions to identify our activity for the day. This by wind and waves to form picturesque bays that are dotted with could be a hike ashore for a scenic view of the area, or possibly small-boat multi-coloured houses. We dock in Cap-aux-Meules, home to more than half cruising or kayaking. of the archipelago’s population. Day 12 Muskoxes and a Norse Settlement Day 5 Magnificent Views and Wonderful Wildlife According to archaeologists, Vikings settled in this area more than a thousand Percé Rock with its natural arch lies just off the coast of this artist’s village, years ago but didn’t remain. Ivittuut is believed to be the last Norse settlement best seen from the suspended glass platform at the UNESCO Global Geopark. in Greenland, but first to be abandoned. Nowadays, the only inhabitants that Nearby Bonaventure Island is one of the most accessible gannet colonies in might appear in the town are wandering muskoxen which normally graze in the the world. Rare North Atlantic right whales are known to visit the area as well. nearby plains. Day 6 Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve Day 13 Fertile Farmland and Viking History Famous for the largest concentration of limestone monoliths in Canada, the Busy farmsteads of green fields dotted with white sheep contrast against the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve encompasses close to a thousand icescapes in the nearby sea. Join a guided walk through the settlement, islands and islets sprinkled along 93 miles from east to west. We hope to including a visit to the reconstruction of Viking Erik The Red’s longhouse and board our small expedition boats and take to the waters to explore this unique the church that Erik’s wife Tjodhildur made him build following his banishment landscape of geological wonders. from Iceland. Day 7 Lectures and Scanning for Wildlife on Deck Day 14 Picture-Perfect Greenlandic Town The Expedition Team will continue the lecture programme, covering topics like Many consider Qaqortoq one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland for its history, the great explorers, marine biology, wildlife, oceanography and climate colourful houses and photogenic setting. It is the biggest town in South change. Spend some time on deck and look out for wildlife. In the Science Greenland, with some 3,000 inhabitants, but still easy to explore on foot. You Center, observe the samples gathered during this voyage up close with our can also join one of our excursions to get even more insight into local culture. state-of-the-art microscopes. Day 15-16 Heading to Iceland Day 8 Canada’s Hidden but Rich Maritime History After exploring exhilarating Greenland, we set course to Iceland. Spend the Preserved in the ice-cold waters, the remains of several 17th century Basque days at sea recapping your experiences, having fun in the Science Center or whaling ships have led to the town being designated a UNESCO World just relaxing on deck, looking at the sea birds which follow our ship or maybe Heritage Site. Visit the local museum that documents this interesting history or even spotting whales. take the trail up to Tracey Hill for scenic views, and where, legends say, pirate captain Kidd buried treasure. Day 17 The Stylish Capital of Iceland Day 9-10 Title Crossing the North Atlantic Ocean You arrive in the northernmost capital city in the world early in the morning. The name Reykjavik means 'Smokey Bay', so called because of the steam that 0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com rises from its many natural hot springs. It is well worth booking a Post-Programme to explore the geysers, mountains, glaciers and geothermal baths before heading home. Please Note. Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition. 0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com YOUR SHIP: FRAM YOUR SHIP: Fram VESSEL TYPE: Expedition LENGTH: 114m PASSENGER CAPACITY: 276 BUILT/REFURBISHED: 2007 MS Fram is designed for sailing in polar waters, holds the highest safety standards and is the perfect size for optimum nautical manoeuverability and guests' comfort. With space for only 276 guests, you are sure to get to know many of your fellow travellers. You will share stunning sights and memories of a lifetime long after returning home. The Norwegian word Fram means 'forward' - lifting expectations of the voyage at hand. MS Fram was built in 2007 with one mission in mind - to bring her guests closer to nature, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. As well as offering numerous lounges in which to relax, our more active guests can use our well-equipped gym. Meanwhile, on deck, our Jacuzzis guarantee you surreal memories when passing the towering icebergs of Antarctica or Greenland. 0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com INSIDE YOUR SHIP 0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com PRICING Optional extras & upgrades Optional Tours and Excursions. Please contact us for more Details 0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com.