Travel Through Inuit Nunangat Alongside Inuit on this Iceland to Greenland Adventure Cruise. Experience the extraordinary privilege of journeying through Inuit Nunangat—the ice, water, and lands of Inuit.
Delve into a dynamic culture as you learn about the language, arts, cuisine, music, and traditions. Each facet is thoughtfully integrated into our on-board and onshore educational program, creating moments of authentic learning throughout your voyage.
As honoured guests in the Inuit homeland, you’ll gain unique insights into the kinship between Inuit and the nuna (land). Connect with Inuit—artists, cultural educators, academics and more—who graciously share their knowledge and expertise.
Try your hand at Inuit games, sample country food, visit a local hamlet, or simply walk the tundra with Inuit expedition team members who share Inuit Nunangat, their homeland, with you
Contact us for more info about this Iceland to Greenland Cruise – HERE.
Highlights
STARTS AT
USD per Person
DATES: JULY 12-24, 2025
DAY 1: Reykjavík, Iceland
Begin Your Adventure
Your journey begins in the late afternoon, following a day of independent exploration and arrival in the captivating city of Reykjavík.
Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital was established in the year 874 CE.
Powered by geothermal energy, Reykjavík is widely considered one of the cleanest, greenest cities on Earth. Food, culture, and nightlife abound.
The National Culture House preserves treasures like the Poetic Edda and the Norse Sagas in their original manuscripts.
DAY 2: AT SEA
Set Sail like the Vikings
Watch for whales and seabirds as we sail the Denmark Strait.
You’ll be truly in the wake of the Vikings as we journey westward from Iceland.
The on-board learning program will prepare you for the archaeology, history, culture, and wildlife that await you in Greenland!
DAY 3-5: EXPLORING EAST GREENLAND
Witness Fjords, Icebergs, and Whales
Explore the remote reaches of east Greenland by ship, in Zodiacs, and on land.
Your first views of this seldom-visited region will reveal a stunning coastline traced with innumerable fjords and potentially dotted with pack ice.
Whether on foot, on shore, or on the ship, our expert expedition team will be by your side, sharing their extensive knowledge and insights. Join them out on deck to keep a keen eye out for iconic Arctic wildlife, including the polar bears, seals, and humpback whales. Learn from their expertise as they provide fascinating interpretation and help you gain a profound connection to the stunning landscapes we traverse.
DAY 6: Ikerasassuaq (Prince Christian Sound)
Marvel at Mountains and Glaciers
Make the most of your time out on deck, as our experts scout for opportunities to go ashore along this breathtaking landscape.
Soak in the breathtaking beauty of one of the world’s most majestic waterways, Ikerasassuaq (Prince Christian Sound), where the Irminger and Labrador Seas join through the islands of the Cape Farewell Archipelago.
Here, craggy mountain peaks tower over still waters fed by calving glaciers.
DAY 7: SOUTH GREENLAND
Visit Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site
Pay a visit to the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Norse settlement history intersects with contemporary Greenlandic life.
Admire the jagged mountains that rise from beyond green pastures, with sheep farms directly bordering ice fjords.
Along its southern coast, Greenland lives up to its name; the land is fertile, agriculture thrives, and farms and vegetable husbandry contrast with the ice that covers so much of the rest of the country.
Discover Greenland’s only heated outdoor spa with complete views of icebergs and mountain peaks. This hot spring has been cherished for centuries, with a notable tale about Leif Erikson who, a thousand years ago, took a refreshing swim before embarking on his journey towards uncharted lands to the west.
Unlike volcanic hot springs, this oasis gets its warmth from geothermal subsoil. As the soil layers rub against each other in the spring, the water is heated, reaching temperatures of around 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit).
DAY 6: HVALSEY
Immerse Yourself in Viking Archaeology
Walk amongst the ruins of captivating history!
Learn more about the settlement at haunting Hvalsey, a major Norse centre in the early centuries of the last millennium.
Hvalsey Church is the best-preserved Norse ruin in Greenland—the last known record from the original Norse colony is of a wedding held here in September 1408!
DAY 9: Brattahlíð
Tour a Reconstructed Norse Settlement
Visit the fascinating Brattahlíð, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the most fertile region of Greenland. Walk amongst a reconstructed Norse church and Viking longhouse to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
It was once the home of Viking explorer Erik the Red and his descendants until the 1400s. Today, Greenlandic Inuit run the sheep farms originally worked by Norse settlers.
DAY 10: Sermersooq
Enjoy Birdwatching and Zodiac Cruising
Explore the Sermersooq region of Greenland by Zodiac or by foot, as landing conditions permit.
Here you’ll find a stunning myriad of mountain peaks, glaciers, and deep fjords, with records of human habitation that stretch back over 1,500 years.
Keep a look out for nattoralik (white-tailed eagles), seabirds, and marine mammals while you enjoy the lush vegetation of southwest Greenland.
DAY 11: NUUK
Visit Museums, Shops, and Cafés
Stop in at vibrant Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Visit the Greenland National Museum, one of the city’s many outstanding features, where the world-famous Qilakitsoq mummies rest.
The old harbour includes many buildings dating from Danish colonial days, while contemporary Nuuk is known for art, shopping, pubs, and cafés.
DAY 12: Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord (Evighedsfjorden)
Take a Zodiac Cruise at the Foot of a Glacier
Kangerlussuatsiaq means “the rather big fjord” in Greenlandic, while the Danish name Evighedsfjorden translates to “the fjord of eternity,” underscoring its vastness and seemingly never-ending nature.
See why Kangerlussuatsiaq Fjord lives up to its name and marvel at this complex coastal waterway that includes calving glaciers, sheer bird cliffs, and streams cascading against a towering mountain backdrop.
Explore this sublime glacial landscape by ship and by Zodiac. The waters here are relatively warm, due to the West Greenland Current and the subarctic location.
DAY 13: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Cross the Arctic Circle
Complete your journey up Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord), a 190-kilometre-long fjord surrounded by mountains and glaciers, and cross the Arctic Circle on your way.
Kangerlussuaq, the settlement at the head of the fjord, is a former US Air Force base.
Transfer by Zodiac to shore, then ride to the airport by bus for your charter flight to Toronto, ON.
Tour Exclusions
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Mother Nature, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: No single supplement on a limited quantity of cabins in categories 3 to 7!
Once these cabins are sold, the single supplement fee is 1.5 times the berth cost.
STARTS: Reykjavík, Iceland
ENDS: Toronto, ON, Canada
Flights
SOUTHBOUND CHARTER FLIGHT: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland to Toronto, ON, Canada. Evening arrival.
Price: $1,450 USD
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until your trip is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS & VACCINATIONS: Responsibility of the traveller.
PRICES FROM: $5,395 to $13,695 USD per person based on Double / Twin accommodation (pricing may vary depending on season). Contact us for cabin information.
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
How did the ‘Peaks of the Balkans’ trail originate?
The premise of the route was to offer a culturally immersive adventure travel and sustainable tourism product . The hope was that this would support local families in remote mountain areas through hikers staying the night at their guest houses.
At first, this sort of cross-border project may not sound like a big deal. But, when you consider the region’s turbulent history and once tightly controlled borders, it really is. Virtually free movement across borders is now possible in a way that was inconceivable a couple of decades ago. The various bunker ruins and abandoned guard towers scattered across the region stand testament to this and to the evidence of change.
How do I get there?
Arrival- Fly into Tirana, Albania the day before the trip starts. Cedar Path shuttle will pick you up at the Tirana airport meeting spot the morning of the expedition start date. You will drive about 6-7 hrs (summer traffic!) to Theth, Albania where the group will meet at the Guesthouse for orientation and dinner that night.
Departure- Cedar Path shuttle will drop you off in Tirana, Albania the day after the expedition ends. Do not book morning or afternoon flights that day. (4-6 hours drive). *Recommended to spend that night in Tirana in case of unforeseen travel circumstances before international flights.
Travel on your own schedule from Tirana to Theth with a local taxi (approx. $200) for the arrival night orientation and dinner.
Fly into Podgorica, Montenegro and taxi (approx. $200) to Theth (4 hrs) for the arrival night orientation and dinner.
Do I need a Visa to enter Albania, Montenegro or Kosovo?
No. USA and Canadian citizens do not need a Visa to enter these countries
Do I need border crossing permits on the hike?
Yes. Cedar Path Expeditions will take care of this for you. It is included in the trip price. We will need your travel document information prior to the trip to organize the permits.
How difficult is this expedition?
This trail is rated easy-moderate. There are no technical skills or technical equipment needed. Some parts will be easygoing and smooth and some parts will be challenging and harder with long days and rocky or muddy terrain. You can expect a lot of elevation gain and loss everyday. In fact, there’s potentially more elevation gain in total, than a peak climb to Mt. Kilimanjaro- but the big difference is altitude! We are not in high altitude areas and therefore the stress on the body is less. As well, we travel up and down each day, which can be much different than only straight up as with peak ascents. We tend to travel lighter and faster with small packs and no camping gear.
This trip is for people with some hiking/backpacking experience.
Ocean Endeavour – Expedition Cruise
Our spacious, ice-strengthened vessel features twenty Zodiacs, and advanced navigation equipment. A doctor, paramedic, medical clinic, and enhanced health regime offer peace of mind. Roomy facilities offer comfortable travel with plenty of breathing room for all.
Food On Board
Enjoy open-seating meals in the roomy Polaris Restaurant, surrounded by ocean views. Adventure Canada staff mingle and share their expertise over meals.
Breakfast and lunch include a wide variety of tasty and healthy choices. Globally inspired a la carte suppers offer options to suit every taste, including fish and vegetarian options. Desserts, made fresh daily, are a highlight! Food sensitivities, special diets, and personal choices can be accommodated with advance notice.
Early-bird breakfast, afternoon tea, late-night snacks, and treats round out the offerings. And tea, coffee, and cookies are always available!
Life On Board
Life aboard Ocean Endeavour is as relaxed or as engaged as you want it to be. The onboard spa, library, hot tub, sauna, gift shop, multiple lounges, and viewing areas offer comfort and ease.
Our programming is designed to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the regions we visit. Presentations, workshops, entertainment, and special events complete the excursions.
From dances to polar plunges, from lounge concerts to theme parties, we love to have a great time together!
Facilities
- Nautilus LoungePrimary meeting room, presentation space, and concert venue. Equipped with full bar, stage, multiple TV monitors, and enough seating for all aboard. The Gift Shop is located here.
- Aurora LoungeIntimate presentation space for film screenings, lectures, and small functions.
- Meridian ClubTop-deck lounge with panoramic windows and easy access to the outdoor observation platform. Often used for yoga and stretching classes, tabletop games, and small-group workshops.
- Compass ClubShipboard library with 24-hour coffee/tea station and comfortable seating.
- Polaris RestaurantOpen-seating dining room with three meals served daily.
- Mud RoomExpedition preparation room with personal cubby storage for all guests. Rubber boots and lifejackets are available here, and wet gear may be stored as needed.
- Gym24-hour workout space with stationary bikes, rowing machine, and hydraulic resistance machines.
- Sauna Relaxation space with female, male, and co-ed sauna dry-saunas available.
- Pool DeckOutdoor space with available seating and heated salt-water pool (available based on sea conditions).
- Hot TubSalt-water relaxation tub with panoramic views (available based on sea conditions).
Additional Facilities
- Laundry
- Medical Clinic
- Panoramic top-deck observation platform
- Elevators service, decks 3–6
- Smoking Area
Technical Details
- Capacity198 passengers
- Crew:124
- Registry:Madeira, Portugal
- Type of vessel:Passenger cruise ship
- Ice Class:1B
- Year built:1982, Szczecin, Poland
- Refurbished:2001, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018
- Length:137 metres (450 ft.)
- Breadth:21 metres (69 feet)
- Draft:5.8 metres (19 feet)
- Main Engines:4 x Skoda Sulzer 6ZL40/48
- Propellers:2 x variable pitch propellers
- Cruising Speed:15 knots
- Bow-thruster:600kW / 800hp
- Electricity:220 volts/60Hz
- Total Capacity:608 Persons
- Lifeboats:6
- Life Rafts:12
- Safety Features:6 fully enclosed lifeboats and 8 life rafts. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull and the lifeboat and life raft capacity exceeds SOLAS requirements with at least 25% additional capacity above the number of people on board.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading.No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable.Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
JOIN OUR FINISTERRA COMMUNITY
Stay up-to-date with us when you sign up for our newsletter.