Ottawa & Greenland Adventure Cruise
15 Days
from
$11,424 pp*
Highlights:
Ontario
(Ottawa)
,
Arctic
(Greenland Cruise)
,
Iceland
(Reykjavik)
Trip Start/End:
Ottawa
/
Reykjavik
Trip Schedule:
Departs on
28-Aug-2013
Experience Ottawa with your private guide before you embark on an expedition cruise to Greenland. From the Fjord of Eternity to the Arctic ghost town of Skoldungen, a Greenland cruise rewards you with sites and experiences unlike any other place on Earth. Dogsledding settlements and cultural shows give you a connection to the people who live there, while whale-watching, tundra hiking and exploring one of the world’s fastest moving glaciers get you close to nature. Greenland remains largely untouched by humans, a rare treat - ideally suited for this expedition cruise. Explore portions of West, South and East Greenland, each offering their own unique natural environments, and wildlife havens. An undeniable 'bucket list' adventure.
Departure Dates (2013):
Aug 16 (Iceland-Greenland-Canada)
Aug 28 (Canada-Greenland-Iceland)
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Ottawa
| - Private - 1/2 d Vehicle, Driver & Guide at disposal (4hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Private - 1/2 d Canadian Museum of Civilization (4 hrs) - Guide/Admission
- Dinner (not included)
| Lord Elgin Hotel (Standard) - Or Similar
|
- Day 2
- Ottawa - Kangerlussuaq - Greenland Cruise
| - Airport
- Air - Ottawa - Kangerlussuaq [Flight] - Charter flight
- Port
- Dinner on Board
- Embarkation & Departure
| Sea Spirit (13N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Ilulissat - Greenland Cruise
| - West Greenland
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (13N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Ilulissat - Greenland Cruise
| - Amerdloq Fjord
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (13N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Ilulissat - Greenland Cruise
| - Fjord of Eternity
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (13N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Kangerlussuaq - Greenland Cruise
| - Zodiac Excursions & Mountain Hikes
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (13N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Nuuk - Greenland Cruise
| - The Capital of Greenland
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (13N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Nuuk - Greenland Cruise
| - Greenland Mummies
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (13N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Nanortalik - Greenland Cruise
| - Tasermiut Fjord
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (13N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 10
- Tasiilaq - Greenland Cruise
| - Arctic Ghost Town
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (13N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 11
- Tasiilaq - Greenland Cruise
| - Zodiac Excursions in Skoldungenfjord
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (13N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 12
- Tasiilaq - Greenland Cruise
| - Community Visit
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (13N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 13
- Denmark Strait - Greenland Cruise
| - At Sea, en route to Reykjavik
- Breakfast on Board
- Lunch on Board
- Dinner on Board
| Sea Spirit (13N)
Main Deck Suite (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 14
- Reykjavik
| - Breakfast on Board
- Disembarkation
- Transfer - Private - Port Transfer - Vehicle/Driver
- Private - 1/2 d The Blue Lagoon - Vehicle/Guide
| Radisson Blu 1919 (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 15
- Reykjavik
| - Transfer - Private - Airport Transfer - Vehicle/Driver
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Ottawa
Lord Elgin Hotel
Day 1: Ottawa
Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of having a car, driver and guide at your disposal for half of the day.
Visit the Canadian Museum of Civilization which is nestled on the shores of the Ottawa river where you will be treated to a private tour. This is Canada's most visited museum and traces 1,000 years of Canada's history and features special exhibitions. Watch a 3-D show in the onsite IMAX theatre before being tansferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Lord Elgin Hotel (Standard) - Or Similar The Lord Elgin Hotel is a landmark hotel in downtown Ottawa. One of Ottawa's finest, and ideally located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, you'll be situated directly across from Confederation Park and the National Arts Centre. The Lord Elgin Hotel is steps away from the Rideau Canal, Ottawa Congress Centre, Parliament Buildings and the Ottawa Rideau Centre. Lord Elgin’s Guestrooms reflect Ottawa’s elegance. From the tall picture windows, bold tulip inspired artwork, to Biedermeier style luxury furnishings, you cannot help but feel pampered. Ottawa hotel guests enjoy the lap pool with adjoining whirlpool, sauna and varied fitness equipment.
Greenland
Sea Spirit
Day 2: Ottawa - Kangerlussuaq - Greenland Cruise
Join your group transfer to the airport this morning.
Enjoy a charter flight from Ottawa to Kangerlussuaq.
Upon arrival in Greenland, an expedition representative will assist you with the port transfer to your awaiting ship.
Welcome aboard!
Take some time to get settled in to your stateroom, and explore the length of the ship. You'll be setting sail this evening.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (13N) Sail aboard the remarkably comfortable Sea Spirit and experience the polar regions in grand style with spacious suites. Carrying a maximum of 112 passengers this outstanding vessel, approved for polar waters, is equipped with rubber inflatable boats - called Zodiacs- for shore transfers and cruising. Kayaking and camping options are available on select departures. All suites have facilities en suite and exterior views. Deluxe Suites, Premium Suites and the Owner's Suite have private balconies for viewing the breathtaking landscapes of the Arctic, Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands (Malvinas). Cruise with all the comfort of home - king-size beds (twin beds for those who prefer them), an open bar, balconies and a hot tub.
Magnificent Fjords
Day 3: Ilulissat - Greenland Cruise
Your exploration of West Greenland is now in high gear. The coast of Greenland provides many dramatic, mountainous landscapes where fjords open up into the sea. Your first fjord to explore is Ilulissat Icefjord, home to one of the world’s fastest moving glaciers. Moving approximately 19m per day, the glacier here provides you with a great opportunity to capture ice crashing into the sea, as it calves more than 35 cubic km of ice each year.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (13N) 
Sled Dog Puppies
Day 4: Ilulissat - Greenland Cruise
Continuing along in the vicinity of Ilulissat, the Amerdloq Fjord provides you with a chance to stretch your legs, by exploring abandoned villages and ancient Thule sites. The nearby town of Sisimiut is an interesting place to visit as there are more dog sleds here than humans.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (13N) 
Expedition Mates
Day 5: Ilulissat - Greenland Cruise
Evighedsfjorden, meaning Fjord of Eternity is a favored place for us to take you out on some Zodiac cruises. This long, deep fjord has very few settlements, helping you to appreciate nature in its rawest form.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (13N) 
Dramatic Photo Opportunities
Day 6: Kangerlussuaq - Greenland Cruise
Hiking among the towering mountains, you’ll have plenty of chances to photograph the vegetation and dramatic landscapes of Greenland.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (13N) 
Nuuk
Day 7: Nuuk - Greenland Cruise
You'll also visit Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, yet home to fewer than 16,000 people. You’ll have time to wander the streets and see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede Statue near the waterfront, named after the missionary who founded the settlement.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (13N) 
Incredible Sunsets
Day 8: Nuuk - Greenland Cruise
While exploring Nuuk, you’ll also visit the museum to see the famous Greenland Mummies. From Nuuk, you’ll pass Cape Farewell and head on to Southern Greenland.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (13N) 
Mountain Vistas
Day 9: Nanortalik - Greenland Cruise
Cruising along past Nanortalik in the south of Greenland, climbers and mountaineers around the world know this area well, as Tasermiut Fjord is famous as one of the world’s most prolific big wall playgrounds. This part of Greenland is one of the most dramatic, being nicknamed the “Arctic Patagonia”. A bit of a history lesson will be provided here, as you learn about the settlements of the area, founded by Erik the Red.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (13N) 
Abandoned Settlement
Day 10: Tasiilaq - Greenland Cruise
Get a feel of what an Arctic ghost town is like, as you’ll visit the abandoned Skoldungen settlement, where inhabitants were forced to move to larger, more accessible towns in 1961.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (13N) 
Zodiac Excursion
Day 11: Tasiilaq - Greenland Cruise
The narrow part of Skoldungenfjord is a great place to explore by Zodiac and kayak, allowing you to glide past icebergs and get some great photographs.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (13N) 
A Peek In To Town
Day 12: Tasiilaq - Greenland Cruise
Before your Greenland journey ends, the expedition aims to visit Tasiilaq and the Ammassalik fjord. It is the largest community in East Greenland, where the inhabitants may put on a cultural show, and you’ll also have time to take a scenic hike to the Valley of Flowers. Time and weather permitting, you may go on a search for whales in Ammassalik Fjord.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (13N) 
On Board Activities
Day 13: Denmark Strait - Greenland Cruise
Bid farewell to Greenland, as your expedition turns east towards Iceland. Keep an eye out for potential whale spotting, and many different types of seabirds.
Accommodation: Sea Spirit (13N) 
Reykjavik
Blue Lagoon (Bláa Lónið)
Radisson SAS 1919 Hotel
Day 14: Reykjavik
This morning you'll arrive to the port of Reykjavik where you will disembark from your ship and bid farewell to your fellow cruisemates.
Enjoy a port transfer with private vehicle and driver.
Avail of a half day private guided tour as you are lead through rugged lava fields to the Blue Lagoon, a unique natural pool of mineral rich geothermal water located in the middle of a lava field in the pure, beautiful Icelandic wilderness. The Blue Lagoon is known for its special properties and its beneficial effect on the skin and attracts visitors from all over the world in search of health, and relaxation. Stop for a refreshing bath or swim in the pleasantly warm mineral-rich water, reputed for its healing properties. At the end of your tour you will be brought to your hotel. The tour includes private driver-guide for the tour and entrance fee to the Blue Lagoon included.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu 1919 (4*) The Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel (4*) is located right in the heart of the city center, restaurant and bar district of Reykjavik and lies within walking distance of the commercial and shopping district, just 50 minutes from the Keflavik International Airport. The hotel's building is renowned as one of the most beautiful, historic buildings in Reykjavik. The hotel boast 88 studio concept rooms and suites, all equipped with Free high-speed, wireless Internet access, in-room safe and mini bar. This Reykjavik hotel features local ingredients and seasonal dishes at the on-site 1919 Restaurant & Lounge, complimentary access for guests to the Health and Fitness Centre. This four-star lifestyle accommodation in Reykjavik is centrally located, offering easy access to famous attractions, including the Blue Lagoon and the National Museum of Iceland.
Day 15: Reykjavik
Enjoy a private airport transfer with vehicle and driver.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
Lord Elgin Hotel (Standard) - Or Similar
The Lord Elgin Hotel is a landmark hotel in downtown Ottawa. One of Ottawa's finest, and ideally located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, you'll be situated directly across from Confederation Park and the National Arts Centre. The Lord Elgin Hotel is steps away from the Rideau Canal, Ottawa Congress Centre, Parliament Buildings and the Ottawa Rideau Centre. Lord Elgin’s Guestrooms reflect Ottawa’s elegance. From the tall picture windows, bold tulip inspired artwork, to Biedermeier style luxury furnishings, you cannot help but feel pampered. Ottawa hotel guests enjoy the lap pool with adjoining whirlpool, sauna and varied fitness equipment.
- Sea Spirit
Sea Spirit (13N) - Greenland Cruise
Sail aboard the remarkably comfortable Sea Spirit and experience the polar regions in grand style with spacious suites. Carrying a maximum of 112 passengers this outstanding vessel, approved for polar waters, is equipped with rubber inflatable boats - called Zodiacs- for shore transfers and cruising. Kayaking and camping options are available on select departures. All suites have facilities en suite and exterior views. Deluxe Suites, Premium Suites and the Owner's Suite have private balconies for viewing the breathtaking landscapes of the Arctic, Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands (Malvinas). Cruise with all the comfort of home - king-size beds (twin beds for those who prefer them), an open bar, balconies and a hot tub.
- Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel
Radisson Blu 1919 - Guest Room
Radisson Blu 1919 (4*) - Reykjavik
The Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel (4*) is located right in the heart of the city center, restaurant and bar district of Reykjavik and lies within walking distance of the commercial and shopping district, just 50 minutes from the Keflavik International Airport. The hotel's building is renowned as one of the most beautiful, historic buildings in Reykjavik. The hotel boast 88 studio concept rooms and suites, all equipped with Free high-speed, wireless Internet access, in-room safe and mini bar. This Reykjavik hotel features local ingredients and seasonal dishes at the on-site 1919 Restaurant & Lounge, complimentary access for guests to the Health and Fitness Centre. This four-star lifestyle accommodation in Reykjavik is centrally located, offering easy access to famous attractions, including the Blue Lagoon and the National Museum of Iceland.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Iceland
VISA/PASSPORT
Iceland is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Iceland for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/iceland.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Reykjavík.
Government: Republic. Gained full independence from Denmark in 1944.
Language: The official language is Icelandic; English and Danish are widely spoken.
Religion: Lutheran, with a Catholic minority.
Time: GMT.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are two-pin.
Telephone: Country code +354.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with many international companies. Coverage is good.
Internet: Many Internet cafes can be found, especially in Reykjavík.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation in the cabin mentioned, Activities, Transfers & Tours, and Fees as mentioned in the itinerary, Meals on cruise - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (35% of program price, minimum $1500). The balance is due 130 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 181 days or more after booking will receive full refund minus a $1500 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 121-180 days will be subject to loss of 35% of program price. 120 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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