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Legendary Northern Isles: Scotland, Faroes, & Iceland

Legendary Northern Isles: Scotland, Faroes, & Iceland

From AUD $16,420

Description

Sail from the historic waterfront town of Bergen, Norway, to seldom-explored islands in the Faroes and Scotland, and then explore all of Iceland’s coastal wonders on a near-circumnavigation. In Scotland you’ll encounter Shetland ponies roaming verdant landscapes. Then go back in time at Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old stone-slab village on Orkney, and see the mysterious standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar. Walk with a historian through Jarlshof archaeological site, a complex of ancient settlements spanning 4,000 years of human history. Meet the welcoming islanders who call the scenic Faroe Islands home. Observe incredible birdlife—massive puffin colonies in the Faroe Islands and Grimsey, and on the Cliffs of Noss, thousands of murres and kittiwakes.

Trip Name
Legendary Northern Isles: Scotland, Faroes, & Iceland
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 108 meters Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins) Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008 National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world. Public areas: Bistro Bar; Chart Room; Restaurant; Global Gallery; Library, Lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; Mud Room with lockers for expedition gear, and Observation Lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair. Cabins: A New Look for National Geographic Explorer Suites National Geographic Explorer recently debuted updated suites, enhanced with the sleek, Scandinavian design that has become the hallmark of our polar fleet. Each of these elegant cabins now holds a Command Center, which allows guests to continue to explore from the comfort of their suites with a set of tools that includes a barometer, a National Geographic Atlas, a television that broadcasts entertainment and ship navigation, a coffee maker, and multiple USB and universal electric ports for cameras and other devices. 81 outside cabins All feature windows or portholes, private facilities, climate controls, hair dryers, and TV, plus Ethernet, Wi-Fi connections, and USB ports for mobile devices. Some cabins have balconies. Single cabins in Category SA and Category SB are located on the main deck and upper deck.  Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, Crow’s Nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear. Special Features: A full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, LEX Photo Specialist and Video Chronicler, Internet Cafe and laundry. Wellness: The vessel is staffed by two Wellness Specialists and features a glass enclosed Fitness Center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and Sauna.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: Bergen, Norway / Embark
Bergen is one of the major cities of the powerfulHanseatic League. Hansa merchants operated inthe historic Bryggens Wharf area, filled withwooden buildings from the Middle Ages. (D)
Day 2 - DAY 2: Orkney Islands, Scotland
Enjoy a morning at sea, then see the standingstones at the Ring of Brodgar and the stoneslabvillage of Skara Brae. Step into the past at the redsandstone cathedral of St. Magnus, built in 1137.(B,L,D)
Day 3 - DAY 3: Shetland Islands
Our ship glides past the towering bird cliffs of Nossfor views of murres and kittiwakes. Visit theJarlshof archaeological site, a prehistoric andNorse settlement continuously inhabited for morethan 4,000 years, and see the famous Shetlandponies. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - DAY 4-6: The Faroe Island Archipelago
The rugged Faroese are proud of their Vikingancestry, reflected in their ancient language andlove of the sea. We will explore the archipelagowith possible stops: in Tórshavn, wooden boatsbob at anchor in the harbor and harken back toViking times; visit the natural history museum andthe Kirkjubøur archaeological site, a medievalfarming and religious center; see the incrediblebird cliffs and scenic landscapes of northernStreymoy, at the cliffs of Vestmanna. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - DAY 7: Djúpivogur, Iceland
Dock in Djúpivogur and drive down the coast toexplore the vast Vatnajökull icecap and the deepblue icebergs of the large ice lagoon ofJökulsárlón. Alternatively, go by 4x4 vehicle to visitsome of the secluded valleys and remotewaterfalls in the countryside around Djúpivogur orvisit a local farm to meet the families living in ruralIceland. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - DAY 8: At Sea / Grimsey
Enjoy a morning at sea as we sail northward to theland of the midnight sun, going ashore in theevening at the tiny island of Grimsey. Home tonesting sea birds, it lies exactly on the ArcticCircle. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - DAY 9: Lake Mývatn / Akureyri
Drive to Lake Mývatn, the most geologically activearea in Iceland. See the mud pools at Hverarondand the unforgettable sight of Goðafoss, thewaterfall of the gods. Visit the explosion crater atViti. Drive to Akureyri with its beautiful periodhouses, backed by snow-capped mountains.(B,L,D)
Day 8 - DAY 10-11: Western Iceland
Located in the Westfjords, Ísafjördur is surroundedby water on three sides, sculpted by glaciers.Explore the town and taste some Icelandicculinary delicacies, or visit a center dedicated toarctic foxes. Learn about the fishing industry thatwas the mainstay of this town for generations.Continue to charming Flatey Island, a trading postfor centuries, for walks around the 19th-centuryhamlet and opportunities to see and photographnumerous species of birds. Zodiac cruise thecoast and see where Erik the Red sailed from inthe year 982 A.D., bound for Greenland. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - DAY 12: Surtsey & Heimaey, Westman Islands
The Westman Islands were formed by underseavolcanoes and are among the youngest of theworld’s archipelagos. Surtsey, a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site, was created in 1963 and 10 yearslater, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows thatnearly closed off its harbor. Visit the crater wherethe earth is still hot and see areas that wereengulfed by lava. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - DAY 13: Reykjavík / Disembark / Home
Today we disembark in Reykjavík with options tovisit either the famous Blue Lagoon thermal bathsor the hot springs, geothermal power plant and ahorse farm, prior to our flight home. (B,L)
Day 11 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-08-202424-08-2024AUD $16,420Category 1
12-08-202424-08-2024AUD $17,550Category 2
12-08-202424-08-2024AUD $18,290Category 3
12-08-202424-08-2024AUD $19,640Category 4
12-08-202424-08-2024AUD $21,950Category SA (solo)
12-08-202424-08-2024AUD $22,870Category SB (solo)
12-08-202424-08-2024AUD $23,690Category 5
12-08-202424-08-2024AUD $27,300Category 6
12-08-202424-08-2024AUD $31,640Category 7

Inclusions

    • Go aboard National Geographic Explorer and sail in the wake of early Viking explorers, learning the region’s dramatic history
    • Encounter the Bronze Age ruins and Viking longhouses of Jarlshof, a prehistoric settlement in the Shetland Islands
    • Discover the unique culture of the Faroe Islands, where residents cling proudly to their Viking heritage
    • Observe nesting seabirds in dramatic settings—on Iceland’s skyscraping Látrabjarg cliffs and amid Shetland's spectacular Cliffs of Noss
    • Sail past the dramatic sea cliffs of the Faroe Islands to see cliff-nesting puffins, gannets, and northern fulmars

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