The Reykjanes Peninsula holds many geological wonders – one of the country’s deepest lakes, bubbling and steaming earth and the world-renowned Blue Lagoon.  Your journey will start with a pleasant drive through Reykjavík city center with a short photo stop by one of the city’s main attractions, Hallgrímskirkja church. We will continue our tour by driving through the lively port town of Hafnarfjörður, situated picturesquely on an ancient lava flow. Continue on along the enchanting Kleifarvatn Lake, one of the deepest lakes in Iceland where you will have a photo opportunity and enjoy the rugged scenic landscape.  Then on to Krýsuvík where in the geothermal field, powerful jets of steam escape from deep below the earth’s crust and the multicolored pools of boiling mud bubble and pop continuously. You will head on across the impressive volcanic plateau of Reykjanes, driving through the bustling fishing village of Grindavík before arriving at the Blue Lagoon, located in the middle of a beautiful lava field. The Lagoon’s aquamarine-colored water, the steam and the lava landscape surrounding it succeed in creating a unique and memorable atmosphere. You will have a unique bathing experience here.   Homeward bound you will drive through the Reykjanes lava fields and through Reykjavik city before arriving at the Windstar hotel. 

 

Please note:  This itinerary may operate in a different order if necessary. Wear comfortable walking shoes. . At the end of the tour guests will be transferred to the chosen Windstar Hotel. If guests are booked at different hotels they will need to pay for transportation from the Windstar Hotel to their chosen property.

 

 

 

This classic city tour takes in all the highlights of Reykjavík.  Your journey will begin with a drive through Laugardalur (“Warm Water Valley”) where you will pass one of the most popular outdoor geothermal swimming pools. From there the road will lead you to drive past the open-air museum at Árbær.  You will, then cross the Ellidaá River, one of the world’s cleanest salmon rivers. Eventually you will reach Álftanes Peninsula where the President’s residence, is located.  Returning to the city  you will drive to Perlan, The Pearl with its viewing deck that offers great panoramic views over Reykjavik. You will head towards Hallgrímskirkja, the church that dominates the city skyline with its imposing tower, then drive through the charming old quarter of Reykjavik with its colorful wooden houses and narrow streets , past the University of Iceland complex and along the city pond, Tjörnin. Then you’ll reach the old harbor where you’ll make a quick stop. Finally you will follow the coastline and make one short stop at Höfdi House where the summit meeting between President Ronald Reagan and Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev was held in 1986. Drive directly to the Viking World Museum to enjoy the delicious Icelandic meat soup before exploring the museum. Then you will be drive to the airport or your waiting hotel.

 

Please note:  The order of the itinerary might be reversed if necessary. At the end of the tour guests will be transferred to the chosen Windstar Hotel. If guests are booked at different hotels they will need to pay for transportation from the Windstar Hotel to their chosen property.

 

 

 

You will start your city walk of Qaqortoq from the harbor. Your guide will take you through the town and share historical and personal knowledge about the Inuit culture, old traditions as well as modern traditions and how it is to life in the Arctic region. The walk will pass the harbor and its fishing industry. Your guide will tell you about the outdoor gallery around town, take you to the churches, talk about the school system and the youth. You will end the tour at the town square and see the first fountain made in Greenland. The walk stops at the museum. From here you can, individually without your guide, visit the museum, go shopping, go for a hike or you can go back to your waiting ship with your guide.

Please note:  This tour is not appropriate for guests with limited mobility. Wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes, bring a water bottle, and insect repellent.  Wear layered clothing that is weather appropriate and bring local currency.

Sit in the Arctic Wilderness away from everybody else. You will only be joined by people from Windstar Cruises on the spot however, if locals come, they will be invited to join you. You can enjoy the scenery of the green Arctic, while bathing in approx. 86°F hot water and see small icebergs floating in the ocean on the side. Visit the hot springs of Uunartoq on an amazing boat trip through Arctic waters, before arriving to the hot springs. Here at the hot springs you will have approx. 1.5 hours free time, which will give you time to enjoy the hot pools and the contrast of icebergs floating by in the fjord. Enjoy!

Please note:  Wear comfortable shoes, and bring your bathing suit, towel, water bottle, sack lunch, snack, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. 

This excursion will feature a visit to the Grenfell Interpretation Center, which chronicles the inspiring life of Sir Wilfred Grenfell, the young English doctor who visited St. Anthony in 1892 and founded the Grenfell Mission. Dr. Grenfell was renowned for bringing medicine and education to the Inuit and European settlers along the harsh Labrador Coast. His adventures were required reading in eastern Canada and taught valuable lessons to rural schoolchildren. His tales of courage and charitable efforts made him a friend of American presidents and governors, as well as European royalty. You will also visit his home, where you can view the artifacts gathered from a life of Arctic adventure and global philanthropy.  The name Grenfell is still associated with arctic-inspired fashions in the 21st century.

 

Please note: Folks with a medical background will enjoy looking at medical instruments from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.   Moose are frequently sighted along the way.

            

 

 

Visit the remarkable ancient settlement site of the Norse founded more than 1,000 years ago, at L'Anse aux Meadows, Leif Eriksson, son of Erik the Red, was the first European to set foot on American soil. The Viking originally called his discovery "Vinland." You will tour this finely restored UNESCO outpost guided by local hosts, gaining immeasurable insight into what life was like for the continent's first Norse explorers. See the sod houses, constructed of soil packed over wooden frames, and see evidence of carpentry and ironsmith workshops. You will also learn about the 1960 discovery of the site by the adventurer Helge Ingstad and his wife, archaeologist Anne Stine Ingstad.  On your way back to your ship, stop to visit the recreated Viking village of Norstead to learn more about life in these northern reaches 1,000 years ago.

Please note:   It is recommended that guests wear flat, comfortable shoes. 

Explore the north side of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your stops will include the Lobster Cove Lighthouse which will introduces you to the first peoples of North America and the history of the local communities including some famous local shipwrecks. Newfoundland's geological history will come alive at Western Brook Pond where you will look inland at the raised fjord that was carved by the sea and filled by the ocean a mere 15,000 years ago.  You will have many opportunities to enjoy the scenery - including Gros Morne Mountain - and to learn about the history and geology of our planet together with the fishing culture of Newfoundland and Labrador.  If time allows, you will also visit the Bonne Bay Marine Science Centre for some wonderful up-close looks at life in the ocean off Gros Morne.

 

Please note:  Wear comfortable walking shoes.

 

 

 

 

 

You will discover the charm and character of the Old Town as you explore the historic landmarks followed by a brief journey along the St-Lawrence River to view the spectacular scenery surrounding Montmorency Falls. You will start your tour at Dufferin Terrace located 200 feet above the waterway. From here you will have a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River, Île d’Orléans, and the Laurentian Mountains. You will also drive by one of Québec’s most celebrated landmarks, the Château Frontenac. Make a stop in Place-Royale a beautifully restored market square of typical 17th and 18th century stone architecture at the heart of the Lower Town. It is the location of the oldest standing Catholic church in North America, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires.  Find National Battlefields Park, also known as the Plains of Abraham, this park was the site of the historic battle where the French surrendered to the British in 1759. Located on the cliffs overlooking the St.-Lawrence River, the Plains of Abraham is now a beautiful 250-acre park with hills, gardens, monuments and artillery artifacts.  Cap-Diamant is located in National Battlefield Park, a photo stop opportunity will be made at Cap-Diamant which was named after the shiny stones explorer Jacques-Cartier mistook for diamonds. From here you will have spectacular views of the St Lawrence River, Lower Town, and surrounding countryside.  Your route will take you along the Grande-Allée, the Champs-Élysées of Québec lined with quaint shops, sidewalk cafés, and boutiques to the Hôtel du Parlement, an imposing Second Empire-style building overlooking the city. Within minutes of the walled city of Old Quebec are the beautiful pastoral landscapes of Quebec’s countryside.  A photo stop will be made at the Montmorency Falls where you will enjoy the breathtaking views and see the powerful forces of nature as the water of the Montmorency River roars down the cliff to eventually meet with the St. Lawrence River.

 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.

 

 

 

Embark on a cultural journey to the First Nation of Wendat! Wendake, a quiet and peaceful village nestled in the woods on the outskirts of Quebec is the only community in Canada where the Huron-Wendat Nation is located. In this 3.5-hour tour, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in their culture and discover a Nation proud of its origin and its know-how. Upon arrival you will be met by a First Nation’s guide dressed in traditional clothing. You will enjoy a guided tour of the highlights of the village. In the longhouse you will become acquainted with the daily life and customs of the Huron people. Continuing to the smokehouse you will learn about the techniques used for meat drying and food preservation methods. In the Sweat Lodge you will learn about the spirituality of the Huron people as well as the techniques and process of purification used by their ancestors. Relax in the comfort of a large war canoe as your guide explains their construction and use. In a large tepee you will learn about the Huron’s lifestyle before the first contact with Europeans as well as their traditional and herbal forms of medicine.  Inaugurated in 2008, the Huron-Wendat Museum is an institution created to protect and promote the heritage of the Wendat people. With permanent exhibitions and numerous activities, the Museum carries out its mandate to teach and popularize the history, culture and art of the Wendat people and of others First Nations.  During your visit, you will discover artworks of Bourgault (a Wendat artist), ancient manuscripts, and much more. A natural site of rare beauty, the Kabir Kouba Falls plunges into a 138-feet- deep canyon. From 2007 to 2009, archeological digs revealed the vestiges of a flour mill, a saw mill and a paper mill built in the 18th and 19th centuries.

 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes

 

 

 

Discover Montreal's cultural heritage and cosmopolitan blend of the old and the new on this overview of their delightful city. You will visit the financial district, Westmount and its opulent residences, and Montreal's university. This tour also includes a stop on Mount Royal for a panoramic view of Montreal and a guided visit of Notre Dame Basilica, an outstanding example of Neo-Gothic architecture, China Town and the historical district on your way to the airport.

 

Please note:   It is recommended that you wear flat, comfortable shoes and have your camera ready.

 

 

 

Discover Montreal's cultural heritage and cosmopolitan blend of the old and the new on this overview of their delightful city. You will visit the financial district, Westmount and its opulent residences, and Montreal's university.  This tour also includes a stop on Mount Royal for a panoramic view of Montreal and a guided visit of Notre Dame Basilica, an outstanding example of neo-gothic architecture, China Town and the Historical district on the way to your Windstar hotel.

 

Please note:   It is recommended that you wear flat, comfortable shoes and have your camera ready.