Charter flight from Zurich to Kangerlussuaq. Departure 22:00 hrs.

The fjords of Greenland will open up a millennia-old book on the history of the earth. The Zodiacs offer a flexible way to explore the deeply carved coastlines against the backdrop of majestic mountain ranges. On Disko Island, enter Qeqertarsuaq through a whalebone gateway leading to a world of colourful houses, kayaks and huskies. Natural wonders await in Ilulissat: enjoy a hike with your experts to the ice fjord with views of the ice masses that gather here. Disko Bay has even more spectacular sights to offer. Glittering sculptures drift through the water – with you at the centre as you cruise or take a Zodiac ride. In Sisimiut, where the old town feels like a museum village, you’ll bid farewell and leave with unforgettable memories of an expedition full of contrasts.

What better way for Greenland to warm your explorer’s heart than with a dip in the hot springs of Unartoq with a view of drifting icebergs? Perhaps by discovering the Viking history of Qassiarsuk, where Erik the Red settled in around 985.

Away from the usual routes, Canada’s sparsely populated east coast is a real insider’s tip. Newfoundland is an open book of eventful history, ranging from the indigenous people and the Vikings to European explorers. Trace the Icelandic/Greenlandic settlers as you explore the excavations at L’Anse aux Meadows independently. Afterwards, you will travel to the remote settlement of Red Bay on the opposite side of Labrador's south coast. With only about 250 inhabitants, the local museum landscape is all the more astonishing and offers you interesting insights into the whaling era. Back on Newfoundland, the small town of Woody Point welcomes you, which is the starting point for various excursions into the hinterland.

Your experts will supply a wealth of information as you cruise on the St Lawrence River and through the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, taking a cultural journey from the early Woodland period to the First Nations and the area’s modern economic significance. St Lawrence River is North America’s mighty river system between the Atlantic and the Great Lakes at a length of almost 3,000 km (1,864 mi.).

With a little luck, you’ll spot beluga, blue, humpback or fin whales whilst whale watching* off Tadoussac.

The visit to Saguenay is full of dramatic nature, with rugged mountains towering almost 400 m (1,312 ft) around this hiking paradise. The HANSEATIC inspiration will also take its time when cruising on the Saguenay Fjord to allow for potential whale sightings.

Savoir vivre awaits you next in Quebec. Enjoy the charming historic quarter – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – on a city walk with tea at Chateau Frontenac*. The 80 m (262 ft) high Montmorency Falls and Ile d’Orleans* also promise special experiences.

If you’re looking to take things up a notch, an adventure through the locks on the St Lawrence River is just the ticket. The HANSEATIC inspiration will scale seven locks with a height difference of up to 15 m (49 ft). You can watch the thrilling manoeuvres from the spacious decks during the day.

After passing through the maze of the Thousand Islands and cruising on Lake Ontario, your adventure of rich contrasts comes to an end in Toronto – but your experiences will stay with you forever.

The life motto of the Canada’s Haida Nation couldn’t be more perfect for this expedition: “Learn something new every day.” The small HANSEATIC inspiration makes this possible with a route rich in experiences and a top-class team of experts on board. Leaving Toronto, you’ll get a first sense of the vastness of North America as you cruise on Lake Ontario.

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000 or enquire here