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Scotland, Faroe Islands & Iceland: Footsteps of Vikings and Gaels

Scotland, Faroe Islands & Iceland: Footsteps of Vikings and Gaels

From USD $5,995

Description

Follow in the footsteps of Vikings and Gaels and explore the stunning islands of the North Atlantic. Explore the dramatic coastlines of Scotland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands and immerse yourself in the regions ancient history.

Our voyage begins in Scotland, known for its rich tapestry of history, culture and rugged, natural beauty. Harsh lands are fringed by a dramatic coastline, broken up by the occasional fishing village and quaint seaside town. Passing through the Outer Hebrides, the UK’s most remote islands, our voyage continues to the unique landscape of the Faroe Islands. An archipelago in the middle of the North Atlantic, the Faroe
Islands are some of the more remote, inhabited islands in the world. Famous for their natural beauty, rolling green hills and grass covered roofs, the country is dominated by steep mountains, sheep, and the largest colony of storm petrels in the world. The weather is volatile, but this doesn’t seem to bother the millions of seabirds that settle here.

Our last stop on our North Atlantic adventure takes us to Iceland, home to ice covered volcanoes, immense glaciers and geothermal lagoons. A stark, volcanic land with a warm heart, Iceland’s shallow fjords are a haven for whales, dolphins and seals alike and there is a surprising array of wildlife. This superb voyage links three of the gems of the North Atlantic. Each day we explore off the ship in the company of expert guides, cruising in the zodiacs and enjoying walks on shore.

Trip Name
Scotland, Faroe Islands & Iceland: Footsteps of Vikings and Gaels
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Expedition Vessel Passenger Capacity: 146 Built: 1993 Named after the HMS Resolute, a British Royal Navy Arctic exploration vessel, as well as the Inuit town of Resolute in Canada’s Nunavut Territory, RCGS Resolute will arrive in Canada in November 2018 for its inaugural polar voyage. RCGS Resolute also carries the name of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), since we are exclusive education, environmental science, and expedition partners in Canada’s north. This longstanding partnership works to the benefit of our guests, who have the opportunity to learn from and interact with world-renowned educators, researchers, naturalists, marine biologists, artists, historians and photographers. With an unsurpassed ice classification, a proven track record for stability and safety, large indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, and exceptional maneuverability, RCGS Resolute is ideally equipped to guide guests through the world’s most pristine regions, further expanding our expertise in exploration and discovery. RCGS Resolute will carry a maximum of 146 passengers in unparalleled comfort, with an array of luxury amenities, educational opportunities and activities tailored to guests’ particular interests, and individual, personalized service.  Superb Design and Layout. Throughout the ship there are spaces ideally suited to every need. Spacious outer decks provide 360 degree viewing platforms perfect for photography, wildlife watching, birding and appreciating expansive views.  The salt water plunge pool, large relaxation deck, hot water jacuzzi are all located aft of the wellness centre (massage therapy, Finnish Sauna, steam room) and well equipped gymnasium.  Inside there are multiple areas to explore ranging from our well appointed theatre style presentation room, aft observation lounge and bar, forward observation lounge and bar, and both dining rooms. Add in the One Ocean Expeditions multimedia room, and mobile laboratory and the opportunities are endless.  Six Different Cabin Categories. All cabins feature outside viewing ranging from deck three traditional with port holes, up to decks 4 through 6 offering expansive panoramic windows.  Cabins all have lower berths that have the ability to be single beds, or 1 double bed depending on our guests needs.  Extensive renovations have provided new carpets, high quality cabinetry with soft close drawers, contemporary and spacious bathroom design, all paired with soft accent lighting offering options dependant on our guests daily activities and mood. All cabins offer modern sectional lounge quarters, providing a quiet nook to read or catch up on journalling.  Space is exceptional as each cabin offers 22M squared living space, whilst the One Ocean Suites are absolutely palatial offering 44M squared with enough room to entertain or do back - flips (your choice)! Enjoy Great Dining? So do we. At One Ocean Expeditions, the priority is on the expedition.  However with every activity, option, event, or excursion we find we build up incredible appetites to indulge in superb and extensive menu options.  Our bistro dining room provides early birds the option to get their social caffeine or smoothy start to the day, accompanied by light breakfast style snacks.  Full meal service includes buffet breakfast and lunches incorporating an international flare.  For those with special dietary requirements - no problem, we can accommodate that too.  Dinner is a great opportunity to catch up about the day’s events, as well as look to where we expect to explore next.  Five course menu options are offered a la carte, and seating is open in our business casual dining room featuring 180 degree sweeping views.  There’s also an excellent wine list featuring a range of international wines and other beverages of choice.  Join us on the Bridge. There is an open-bridge policy and guests are welcome to meet the navigating crew at virtually any time of day; there’s always something to learn from the officers on watch and the bridge is one of the best places on the ship for spotting whales and sea birds.  The bridge is closed during times of tricky navigation, pilotage, or weather. Operational Safety. There are no compromises here. The expedition staff and crew onboard RCGS Resolute have the deepest respect for changeable weather in the polar regions and the varying sea and ice conditions. That respect is apparent in every decision made throughout the voyage. The ship carries the most extensive inventory of safety equipment on all excursions and require leaders to undergo vigorous and effective safety training programs. Your expedition team are well prepared, so you can relax and enjoy your voyage.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Edinburgh (Leith), Scotland
Your voyage begins in Edinburgh, Scotland’s picturesque capital city. In the afternoon, we board our home for the next 11-nights – RCGS Resolute. Once onboard you will meet the expedition team and set sail. Following a welcome drink and dinner, we depart north, skirting the Scottish coastline.
Day 2 - Day 2 Dunnottar Castle, Scotland
We wake up cruising the stunning east coast of Scotland ready for our first historical destination; Dunnottar Castle - a medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland. For those wanting to stretch their legs, a stunning and undulating coastal path will take you 3km north to the town of Stonehaven. Also in the area, keen birders will have the opportunity to visit the spectacular cliffs which are packed with 130,000 breeding seabirds in the spring and summer.
Day 3 - Day 3 Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland
Today we reach the Orkney Islands. Many are uninhabited, allowing us to truly enjoy the local wildlife, including seals, and prolific birdlife. Orkney is considered to be the best place in the UK for viewing seabirds. It is a land of breathtaking beauty and famous for its unique archaeological sites, such as the well-preserved Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae and Maeshowe, a Neolithic tomb with Viking graffiti.
Day 4 - Day 4 Stornoway, Hebrides, Scotland
The Scottish Western Isles of the Outer Hebrides are a diverse chain of inter-connected islands with their own unique way of life. The dramatic cliffs and large windy beaches are ideal to stroll along, breathing in the fresh Atlantic air. A highlight of our visit will be a trip to the 5000-year old Standing Stones at Callanish. Afterwards, treat yourself to a dram of single malt at Abhainn Dearg Distillery sampling its famous scotch whiskey!
Day 5 - Day 5 Unst, Shetland Islands
A unique place of peace, pure air and wide-open spaces, visitors to Unst in the Shetlands savour the wildlife, the birdlife and the warm community spirit. Rugged coastline and golden, empty beaches will give us the perfect playground to explore by zodiac, kayak or foot. Keen birders will rejoice with close-up views of tens of thousands of breeding gannets, guillemots, puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars.
Day 6 - Day 6 Torshavn, Faroe Islands
By morning we have arrived in the Faroe Islands - a group of 18 rocky, volcanic islands situated between Iceland and Norway. Visitors are drawn to the islands’ mountains, valleys, grassy heathland and steep coastal cliffs. We begin our time exploring in Tórshavn, on Streymoy Island. Our small-group zodiac cruises will allow you to explore the narrow sounds and deep grottoes in the shadow of the 1500 feet high cliffs where thousands of seabirds nest.
Day 7 - Day 7 Miovagur, Faroe Islands
Today we will visit Sørvágsvatn, the largest lake on the islands. Dubbed “the lake over the ocean” due to an optical illusion, the lake appears to hover in mid-air. The famous Bøsdalafossur waterfall provides a great hiking excursion and Mulafossur Waterfall is best viewed by sea. We then visit Mykines island which provides some of the best bird watching in the Faroe Islands. Here we find colonies of cormorants, while the cliffs make perfect nesting ledges for guillemots and razorbills. On the grassy slopes above the bird cliffs, thousands of colourful puffins can be observed at close proximity.
Day 8 - Day 8 Seydisfjordur, Iceland
A place of singing waterfalls and interesting characters, Seydisfjordur is a welcoming town with a rich history. Experience the flourishing art scene, enjoy local cuisine or experience the delightful hiking trails. One of the highlights to be sure will be a pleasant hike down ‘Waterfall lane’. A slightly longer hike brings us to a lookout with glorious views. The Skaftfell Center for Visual Arts provides us with a great alternative to the outdoors, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Icelandic culture.
Day 9 - Day 9 Hofn, Iceland
Twisting away from the main route between Höfn and Djúpivogur, curious visitors will arrive at what appears to be a remote Viking village in pristine condition. The Viking village is located close to the town of Höfn, a traditional Icelandic fishing town near Horanfjordur fjord, one of the many spectacular fjords on the island. Hofn also offers scenic views of Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe covering 8% of the island’s land mass, and the perfect place to spend the day exploring the national park.
Day 10 - Day 10 Reynisdrangar, Iceland
Just east of the outskirts of Vik lies one of Europe's biggest Arctic tern breeding grounds. To the south of Reynisfjall mountain, a spectacular set of rock columns called Reynisdrangar rise majestically out of the Atlantic Ocean. These towering, spiky rock formations jut out from the ocean 66 meters (217 ft) into the air. Our approach by sea will give a unique perspective and the chance to view this spectacular landmark in small groups, perfect for bird viewing and exploring through your lens.
Day 11 - Day 11 Heimaey, Westman Islands
Leaving the shores of the mainland, we journey into the North Atlantic to the tiny, but beautiful, Westman Islands. Rich in volcanic history and known as a ‘modern Nordic Pompeii’, Heimaey’s once-solitary volcano, Helgafell (or “Holy Mountain”) created the island in an eruption 7,000 years ago. The seabird life in the Westman Islands is abundant and we are on the lookout for whales and seals. One major highlight is a visit to Storhofoi, the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world.
Day 12 - Day 12 Reykjavik, Iceland
Our expedition concludes in the world’s most northerly capital - the colourful and quirky city of Reykjavik. Why not stay a few days to explore the city and surroundings? A transfer is provided to a downtown location or to the airport for your onward journey.
Day 13 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
13-06-202024-06-2020USD $5,995Triple Private
13-06-202024-06-2020USD $7,395Twin Private
13-06-202024-06-2020USD $8,095Superior
13-06-202024-06-2020USD $8,395Superior Plus
13-06-202024-06-2020USD $9,595Shackleton Suite
13-06-202024-06-2020USD $11,595One Ocean Suite

Inclusions

    • Explore the stunning coast lines of some of the most remote islands in Europe
    • Visit some of the world’s rarest bird colonies alongside expert ornithologists
    • Immerse yourself in the ancient Nordic culture and Gaelic history
    • Enjoy long hours of daylight, perfect for wildlife and landscape photography

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