Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
This is a once in a lifetime chance to visit what may be the most spectacular place on Earth. Fogo Island is not so much a place as a state of mind.
With a long maritime history, this largest offshore island of Newfoundland and Labrador is a gentle world of bright colored clapboard houses, sea cliff footpaths, lush forest and warm hospitality against a striking coastline.
Overview:
Most of Fogo Island is an open space for exploration to wander around unfathomably old glacier-scraped rocks and breath air as pure as any on Earth.
Walk along ancient footpaths steeped in history and follow animal tracks along lichen covered barrens into untamed forests.
Overview:
Everywhere you turn is stunning geology with a 420-million-year-old history evidenced in fascinating contortions of rock formed by ice, fire, and sea. It is one of the few places on earth where you can see the full spectrum of the magma chamber exposed.
The island contains an unspoiled wilderness that is home to a diverse mix of marine, sub-arctic climate wildlife including puffins, razorbills, and garnets to name a few along with pods of whales and caribou found munching on moss
Overview:
We’ll experience all of this natural beauty from our home in the sleek, Nordic style Fogo Island Inn that sits on an island off an island in a space that feels like one of the four corners of the Earth.
With a perfect dark sky, gaze up into the universe for a spectacular expanse of twinkling stars overhead in numbers you’ve never experienced and a clear view of the Milky Way.
Overview:
April is a special month to experience “Iceberg Alley” as a number of icebergs traverse the waters between Greenland and Newfoundland and is extra special this year to view a total solar eclipse! Stand at the edge of North America for a truly fabulous sight as you see the sun’s corona and stand in the shadow of the moon.
Don’t miss this escape into amazing where we begin journey at the world’s end.
Day One: Halifax
Our adventure starts with the journey itself. This isn’t the easiest place to get to! We first make our way to Halifax, Nova Scotia’s city by the sea. Here we’ll settle in for one comfortable night where you can stroll along the waterfront boardwalk following the water’s edge alongside the world’s second largest ice-free harbor. Take your time to browse the shops, restaurants, and cafes for an enjoyable evening.
Day Two - Four: Fogo Island Inn
Today we ferry across the Atlantic to the magical Fogo Island. It’s a breathtaking view as we drive up to the Fogo Island Inn, perched on stilts hugging the North Atlantic coastline with its sharp angles and rough contours that match the jagged and uneven landscape to perfection.
This architectural masterpiece not only supports the structure but also minimizes the overall building footprint and impact on the rocks, lichen, and berries underneath.
Fogo Island Inn:
Each room is unique, but all have dramatic floor to ceiling windows that swing open onto the wildest and most powerful ocean on the planet. Unlike most places you visit, the inn is built for sustainability and respect for nature and culture. It is a community asset where 100% of operating surpluses are reinvested into the community to help secure a sustainable and resilient future for Fogo Island.
Step into your room and be amazed and delighted as you unpack and settle in. Each piece of furniture was designed and handcrafted by Fogo Islanders in a collaborative process with contemporary artisans and designers. Each room is adorned with a key furniture piece and decorated in a way that brings joy with color and fun, whimsical touches. You’ll snuggle warmly under the custom-made quilts crafted by local quilters in an assortment of colors and patterns and enjoy the in-floor radiant heating.
Dining:
All meals are included (welcome snack, daybreak service, breakfast, lunch, supper and non-alcoholic beverages) with menus that are an expression of local foodways.
Dishes can include berries that grow in barrens and bogs, edible plants plucked from the shoreline and forest and vegetables fresh from the garden or overwintered in grass topped root cellars. Of course you’ll also dine on North Atlantic seafood fished from local waters. Menus change by season and for April, snow crab, pink Northern shrimp, and whelks are harvested.
When bergs of ice float by, the pure glacial chunks are harvested to chill drinks as Fogo Islanders have done for centuries. 80% of ingredients come directly from Fogo and surrounding islands and the inn incorporates regenerative practices and a zero-waste mission.
One of the inn’s most iconic spaces is the dining room featuring a dramatic vaulted ceiling decorated with distinctive handmade chandeliers and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the ocean to Barr’d Islands in the distance.
There’s a lively space for gathering and unwinding at the Inn’s Bar & Lounge where you can enjoy a cocktail or cappuccino with local live music.
Indoor Spaces:
The first floor features a contemporary “white cube” art gallery with exhibitions and new work by artists who have participated in the Fogo Island Arts international residency program.
Indoor Spaces:
On the second floor you’ll find a cozy library containing an extensive collection of books pertaining to the history and culture of Newfoundland and Canada.
Also, there is a 37-seat cinema inspired by classic Art Deco style movie houses, a gym and reading room.
Indoor Spaces:
The fourth floor rooftop deck is the place to be for a wood fired sauna, either north facing or south facing and two outdoor hot tubs, a perfect spot to watch the stars and sea.
Indoor Spaces:
There is also The Shed, a short walk from the Inn, a casual place to escape to while exploring for a quiet moment out of the wind and weather.
Community Hosts:
A unique and fantastic program at the Inn includes a half day, customized island orientation with a host from the local community. You will be matched with a passionate, lifelong Fogo Islander who is happy to provide their insight into the island’s natural and cultural heritage. They have fished the island’s shores, picked its berries, climbed its rocks, driven its roads, and walked its trails hundreds of times over.
The hosts will guide you through the curiosities and particulars of each of the island’s seven seasons and range of activities, passing along their extensive knowledge of Fogo Island’s history and culture to each guest.
THIS JUST IN!:
As a guest on the 2024 Solar Eclipse, we will be joined by the ESA/Hubble & James Webb Telescopes Chief Science Communications Officer, Bethany Downer and former NASA aerospace research engineer, Dr. Tom Edwards who will enhance our appreciation of this remarkable celestial event by sharing expertise, stories, and experiences. They will lead astronomy-related activities that will enrich our experience with perspectives of how space research enhances the understanding of our lives.
Free Activities:
Wildlife Watching – Experience the island’s flora and fauna through outdoor hikes and foraging excursions – venture out on your own or with a naturalist guide
Free Activities:
Trip to Change Islands – Visit a paradise for artists and photographers due to its dramatic geologic features and historical architecture including salt box houses, tidy gardens, red ochre fishing stages, and stores that hug its charming coves.
Free Activities:
Hiking Trails – Hike or walk on 14 paths, routes, and trails to truly get to know this mystical island and all its hidden wonders. Trails range from easy to moderate from 0.7 miles to 5 miles in length.
Take the short Brimstone Head hike to one of the “corners of the Earth”
Or walk along the ocean’s edge to find hidden treasures of china and broken glass made smooth by the water.
Free Activities:
Fish & Ships – Meet with a local fisher and explore Fogo Island’s fishing industry aboard a docked crab fishing boat
Free Activities:
Introduction to Boat Building – A local boat builder will share his techniques and recount his life experiences
Free Activities:
Jam & Jelly Making – Learn traditional techniques for making tarts, savory dishes and perhaps berry ice cream
Free Activities:
Visit Gardens & Root Cellars – Explore traditional storage and preservation techniques through the use of root cellars
Free Activities:
Architecture Tours – Tour artist studios, visit Fogo Island Workshops, and the national historic district of Tilting
Free Activities:
Iceberg Watching – Keep an eye out along Iceberg Alley for the behemoths of ancient ice
Bicycling – View the islands stunning ocean vistas and rich landscape by bicycle
Additional Activities:
For an additional fee, join in any of the following fun activities that speak to you: Pottery Making, Art Workshops, Exclusive Marine Encounter, Island Explorer Boat Tour
Day Five:
Today we sadly say goodbye to our Newfoundland dream and make our way back to Halifax for one more comfortable night on our journey back to New Jersey.
Day Six:
Hop aboard our nonstop flight to home and much warmer temperatures!
Pricing & Departures:
Air transportation is provided by United Airlines. A surcharge will apply if United Airlines increases the price of its airfare. One piece of luggage per person (baggage fee by United is not included) and one small carry-on are permitted. A valid, government-issued picture ID is required to board the plane.
Friday, April 5: Flight # departs Newark at AM and arrives in Halifax at PM
Tuesday, April 10: Flight # departs Halifax at PM and arrives in Newark at PM
Saturday, April 6: Flight # departs Halifax at AM and arrives in Gander at PM
Monday, April 9: Flight # departs Gander at PM and arrives in Halifax at PM
*Due to the changes in airline booking policies, airfare may need to be booked before the cancellation date, Once flights are booked, we cannot refund that portion of the tour unless you’d like to pay an additional cost for refundable tickets.
Price per person is $7,995 Twin & $10,995 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $500 per person. Make checks payable to “Group Tours & Travel”, and mail to our address above. A 50% non-refundable payment is due October 31, 2023. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after October 31, 2023. Final payment is due January 10, 2024. Once airfare is purchased, despite cancellation date, we are unable to provide refunds. Group Tours is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change the itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended, but not included. This tour will run rain or shine.
Upon submitting final payment you are agreeing to our new policy.
Wet Blanket Policy:
Wet blanket
– a person who makes it difficult for other people to enjoy themselves by complaining, acting negatively, creating drama, etc.
– one that quenches or dampens enthusiasm or pleasure
- Our philosophy of travel involves getting out of the ordinary to experience other cultures and places with an open minded attitude and flexibility. Since as in daily life, anything can and will happen, let’s embrace these situations with acceptance and understanding because they will either lead to an unexpected, amazing experience or positive learning experience.
- If anyone brings along excess baggage such as incessant complaining, under the breath rude comments, outward negativity or other such behaviors that infect the entire group or individuals, we have the exclusive right to remove them from the tour at their own cost with no refunds. (yes, this means you)
- If any major concerns arise during a tour, please just come talk to us and we’ll work it out!
The Educated Wanderer
Group Tours & Travel
PO Box 632 Berwyn, PA 19312
973-513-9001
