For the ultimate expeditionary journey spanning the two dramatic islands of Iceland and Greenland in the Nordic north, plus a treasure trove of Viking history, join Latitude 33 in August 2021.
The recently-released, once-in-a-lifetime, 20-night Venture to the North tour is limited to just 20 guests and incorporates a 14-night cruise onboard the brand new, ultra-luxury, purpose-built expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, plus stays in 5-star accommodation in London and Iceland, and including two nights at one of the world’s most unique hotels, Iceland’s The Retreat at Blue Lagoon.
This unforgettable journey will commence in London on August 31, 2020, with a two-night stay at The May Fair. Once the residence of the Earl of Chesterfield, the storied mansion exudes aristocratic charm from top to bottom, not to mention sumptuous interiors and first-class service. Located in the heart of Mayfair, within walking distance of the Royal Parks and some of the city’s most prestigious shopping, it is the ideal base from which to spend a day exploring one of London’s most exclusive neighborhoods before joining your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner at The Sexy Fish Restaurant in Berkeley Square.
From here, it’s just a short flight to Iceland where you will spend the next two nights at the regal Art Deco Hotel Borg, in downtown Reykjavík, with plenty of time to discover the city’s charms at your leisure, before being among the first guests to embark on board Seabourn Venture for a 14-night immersive expedition cruise to Greenland.
Featuring 132 luxurious oceanfront veranda suites, and custom built to PC6 Polar Class standards, Venture has been designed to carry a complement of kayaks and 24 Zodiacs that can accommodate all guests at once. Even better, it will also carry two custom-built submarines onboard, providing an unforgettable perspective of the world beneath the ocean’s surface. Plus, it will include a plethora of modern hardware and technology, as well as a team of 26 experts, all guaranteeing a truly unforgettable expedition experience.
Onboard, pass through vast and spectacular landscapes including Iceland’s geologically rich Westman archipelago, the vast ice-covered expanses of Greenland’s Sermilik Fjord and Umivik Bay, the otherworldly dwarf forests of Skjoldungen Fjord and the breath-taking vistas of Prince Christian Sound in Greenland’s south. Authentic cultural experiences are also a highlight on visits to remote Greenlandic communities and traditional villages like Aappilattoq, Paamiut and Itilleq with their colorful houses, and Qaqortoq, home to open-air art exhibition – The Stone & Man project, where you can learn first-hand about the local people and their cultures.
Tracing the steps of Erik the Red, explore ancient archaeological sites including Hvalsey, with its spectacular medieval ruins; and Tunulliarfik Fjord in southwestern Greenland, once home to Brattahlid, one of Greenland’s earliest Viking colonies established in the 10th century, where you can marvel at the replica of the first European church in the New World, as well as the remains of farm buildings and other remnants of a community which survived until the 15th century. Other highlights include the city of Nuuk, Greenland’s capital and gateway to a captivating fjord system; the intersecting natural canals of Maniitsoq – the ‘Venice of Greenland’; and Sisimiut, with its fascinating history as a missionary station and trading post.
Bidding farewell to Seabourn Venture on September 18, return to Reykjavik and take advantage of Latitude 33’s EARLY BOOKING BONUS including helicopter transfers to “Three Peaks Crater”. Venture to the center of the earth to the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano where the more adventurous can descend 120 meters to the bottom of its magma chamber. From here you will be transferred directly by helicopter to your final destination, the Blue Lagoon, listed amongst National Geographic’s 25 natural Wonders of the World. Spend two nights in a Junior Suite at the stunning new hotel, The Retreat at Blue Lagoon. Carved into an 800-year-old lava field, the hotel delivers the heady double hit of an otherworldly landscape coupled with serene Scandinavian design, where you can bathe in the lagoon’s mineral-rich water, indulge yourself in the underground spa and tempt your taste buds with traditional Icelandic fare at Moss restaurant before departing for your flight on September 20, 2021.
Prices for Latitude 33’s Venture to the North journey start from $31,874 per person twin share including return international economy class airfares from Australia with premium and business class upgrades available, all accommodation, return airport transfers in Australia, award-winning cuisine onboard Seabourn Venture accompanied by complimentary fine wines with lunch and dinner, complimentary expedition gear including expedition-grade parkas and day-packs, Zodiac landings and tours each day – conditions permitting, BONUS helicopter and volcano tour, and all transfers and baggage handling.
*Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
For more information, please visit www.latitude33.travel.