What is life like in the Greenland Arctic and along Canada’s most famous river? Encounter the wonders of nature in the vast expanse – topped off with an adventure through the locks. The world’s largest island provides the prologue to your expedition. The HANSEATIC inspiration begins its explorer route in Sisimiut on the west coast of Greenland. Follow in the footsteps of the Saqqaq culture and visit the old town, which resembles a museum village. Hike from Ilulissat to the ice fjord, just a taste of what awaits in Disko Bay, where glittering sculptures drift slowly through the water – with you at the centre as you cruise and take a Zodiac ride. With its octagonal church and the museum, the settlement of Qeqertarsuaq, which was founded in 1773, tells stories of modern life and the former whaling centre on Disko Island. Your ship will chart a flexible course through the fjords of Greenland. The Zodiacs are put to good use here again. With a little luck, you might spot whales, surrounded by the colossal scenery.

Qassiarsuk has an interesting history – this is where Erik the Red founded Greenland’s first Viking settlement in around 985. In Unartoq, round off your experiences by bathing in the hot springs as you watch the icebergs drift by. The island is best known for its thermal springs. They are created by groundwater that is heated in a fissure in the earth and then flows back to the surface. The springs are described in records as early as the 14th century.

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. Hiking in Gros Morne National Park* between the mountains and coastline also reveals an array of varied sights with table mountains, fjords and lakes.

Then a gigantic lifeline stretches before you: the St Lawrence River, North America’s mighty river system between the Atlantic and the Great Lakes at a length of almost 3,000 km (1,864 mi.).

As you travel along the river, the experts on board will tell you all about the great history – from the early Woodland period and the First Nations to the current economic significance. With a little luck, you’ll spot beluga, blue, humpback or fin whales whilst whale watching* off Tadoussac.

A 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.

Untouched wilderness meets savoir vivre in Quebec. Enjoy the contrasts of the French roots and Canadian sense of freedom on a city walk with tea at Chateau Frontenac*. The 80 m (262 ft) high Montmorency Falls and Ile d’Orleans* are also something to look forward to.

If you’re looking to take things up a notch, a lock adventure 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.