Arctic Safari - Polar Bears, Walrus, Inuit Communities.

The timeless lure of the North has drawn many to the upward reaches of our planet. The Aurora borealis, the ice, the marvelous creatures, the midnight sun, the endless landscape are all a part of the magneticism that beckon us, call us forward on our quest. Four thousand, five hundred years of human history lies behind us on our journey of exploration. Northern people attune to the harsh realities of their natural environment, cultivated ingenious adaptations to thrive in Arctic. Only a few hndred years ago early European explorers navigated the icy waters of Baffin Bay in search of whales, gold, a route to the orient and in the case of the Vikings, a new home. Our classic Arctic expedition, Arctic Quest, connects areas of great cultural, historical and natural significance flowers and (usually) calm, warm weather we recommend this trip as the best way to experience the Arctic for the first time.

Itinerary Highlights:
Beginning in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland we set sail on one of the country's longest fjords, crossing the Arctic Circle.

Visit the splendid town of Ilulissat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A zodiac cruise into the ice-fjord where towering icebergs calve from the massive Greenland icecap as it tumbles down to meet the sea will surely leave you breathless and refreshed.

We will visit the vibrant Inuit communities of Kangiqtugaapik (Clyde River) and Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet) making new friends along the way. We'll meet with local hosts; elders, school kids, community leaders all eager to showcase their home.

Explore the wilder places in this untamed land: the sheer bird cliffs of Bylot and Prince Leopold Islands, the ocean trench paralleling Isabella Bay - home to bowhead whales, and the winding fjords of Northeast Baffin. The landscape is an artist's paradise, and has served as inspiration for many notable artists. Sketchers, painters, sculptors and photographers get prepared to be invigorated!

On Beechey Island we find three graves, men of the lost Franklin expedition. An erie mecca for history buffs, Beechey Island presents a convergence of the European narrative. A base for many rescue missions, passage seekers and modern explorers, we find countless cairns, monuments and historical remnants, evidence of private and public pursuits. Join us for your own Arctic Quest.

July 30, 2012 to August 9, 2011

12 Nights

Max Group Size: 118

Accomodations: Ship Cabin, Clipper Adventurer

$3,595USD Quad, $4,645 Triple,From $5,845 Twin + HST

DETAILED ITINERARY