Isafjordur, Iceland and Whale Watching with ZamsZanyTravels.com!

 

We arrived in Isafjordur, Iceland aboard the Viking Vela during our Iconic Iceland, Greenland, and Canada Ocean cruise.  If you enjoy searching for whales, then this is a worthwhile excursion for you!

Whale watching was a definite success today under sunny skies and cool temps. Several Humpback families were present. It was about an hour out before we found the whales and we stayed there for about an hour. There was limited seating up on deck. Justin and I had to stand at the railing by the time we could get up there after the safety briefing downstairs in an enclosed room.  (Sit at the back by the steps if you want to get out sooner and up the steps to the deck seating.)

But that gave us great views of the ocean and first up to take pictures until the rest of those seated crowded around. Be sure to stand your ground as with any crowds. 

Enjoy! ZamsZanyTravels.com

#Vikingvela. #vikingcruises

Qaqortoq, Greenland and our Iceberg Safari with ZamsZanyTravels.com

 

Qaqortoq, Greenland is a small town that is a “repository of Viking, Inuit, and Danish history.”  It’s one of the largest and best preserved Viking settlements and was established by Erik the Red’s uncle in the 10th century.  Soon after, the Inuit’s arrived and fortunately left behind many artifacts from their early years. The historic buildings reflect the Danish colonial period including an 1804 blacksmith shop and a black tar log building from 1797. 

The excursion we took was with locals in their boats for an Iceberg Safari! We sped quickly out to view three very large icebergs. Two were from Greenland and one came from the North Pole! Some of the occupants in our small boat sampled some iceberg pieces. Justin and I did not. Highly recommend this excursion for a very close up view of these beautiful icebergs and getting to know the locals. 

Happy and safe travels to all!

~ Cindy

#VikingVela.  #VikingCruises

L’Anse aux Meadows with ZamsZanyTravel.com

 

This was our first time being able to tender into L’Anse aux Meadows. On a previous Viking journey, the seas were too rough for the tender boats. However, today was a very smooth ride and the weather has been wonderful! We finally hit cooler temperatures which is a favorite of mine when traveling.

L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada, is a unique site. We were able to walk on the mounds where Vikings settled in the late 10th century by nearly 500 years prior to Columbus. Leif Eriksson’s voyage to Greenland put this location on the map.

There were local park guides available to explain more about the history and life of this settlement. Further down from the mounds was Norstead. This was constructed as a reenactment settlement and locals were there to show us how the Vikings lived and worked. 

Highly recommend visiting on our Viking Iconic Iceland, Greenland, and Canada cruise.

Happy and safe travels to all!

~ Cindy