LEGENDARY NORTHERN ISLES: SCOTLAND, FAROES & ICELAND
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13 DAYS
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bergen, Norway | Explore Bergen, Embark the National Geographic Explorer |
| 2 | Orkney Islands, Scotland | See the Rings of Brodgar, stoneslab village and the red sandstone cathedral |
| 3 | Shetland Islands | Visit the Jarlshof archaelogical site, see shetland ponies and spot an abundance of seabirds including murres and kittiwakes |
| 4 - 6 | The Faroe Islands | Explore the town of Tórshavn, see the incredible bird cliffs & scenic landscapes of Vestmanna |
| 7 | Djúpivogur, Iceland | Explore the Vatnajökull icecap or visit some secluded valleys & remote waterfalls |
| 8 | At Sea & Grimsey Island | Spend the morning at sea, in the evening visit the tiny island of Grimsey -home to nesting sea birds & lying exactly on the Arctic circle |
| 9 | Lake Mývatn & Akureyri | See the mud pools at Hverarond & the unforgettable site of Godafoss waterfall |
| 10 | Ísafjördur | View the stunning fjord landscape |
| 11 | Western Iceland | Cruise past the Latrabjarg cliffs, walk around Flatey Island |
| 12 | Surtsey & Heimaey, Westman Islands | Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Surtsey, visit the crater where the earth is still hot & see areas that were engulfed by lava |
| 13 | Reykjavik, Iceland | After breakfast disembark the National Geographic Explorer |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
National Geographic Explorer
National Geographic Explorer was completely redesigned and rebuilt prior to being relaunched in 2008. The ship is equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment making it ideal for Antarctic expeditions, and offers a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the regions explored. The Explorer accommodates guests in 81 spacious outside cabins, most with feature windows and some with balconies. Public areas include a lounge and bar, a spa, fitness centre and sauna, and a choice of dining options that offer regionally inspired cuisine.
Day 1 Bergen, Norway
Arrive in Bergen, Norway. A once bustling seaport town nestled amongst the fjords of southwestern Norway, Bergen has been revitalised as an amazing look back into the medieval times and the Hanseatic League that once dominated this harbour town. The colourful wooden clapboard commercial buildings that line the old wharf are just one of many picturesque backdrops to our tour of this historic city. Embark National Geographic Explorer.
Day 2 Orkney Islands, Scotland
Enjoy a morning at sea, then see the standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar and the stone slab village of Skara Brae. Step into the past at the red sandstone cathedral of St. Magnus, built in 1137.
Day 3 Shetland Islands
Today the ship glides past the towering bird cliffs of Noss for views of murres and kittiwakes. Visit the Jarlshof archaeological site, a prehistoric and Norse settlement continuously inhabited for more than 4,000 years, and see the famous Shetland ponies.
Day 4 – 6 The Faroe Island Archipelago
The rugged Faroese are proud of their Viking ancestry, reflected in their ancient language and love of the sea. You will explore the archipelago with possible stops: in Tórshavn, wooden boats bob at anchor in the harbour and harken back to Viking times; visit the natural history museum and the Kirkjubøur archaeological site, a medieval farming and religious centre; see the incredible bird cliffs and scenic landscapes of northern Streymoy, at the cliffs of Vestmanna.
Day 7 Djúpivogur, Iceland
Dock in Djúpivogur and drive down the coast to explore the vast Vatnajökull ice cap and the deep blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Alternatively, go by 4×4 vehicle to visit some of the secluded valleys and remote waterfalls in the countryside around Djúpivogur or visit a local farm to meet the families living in rural Iceland.
Day 8 At Sea & Grimsey Island
Enjoy a morning at sea as you sail northward to the land of the midnight sun, going ashore in the evening at the tiny island of Grimsey. Home to nesting sea birds, it lies exactly on the Arctic Circle.
Day 9 Lake Mývatn & Akureyri
Drive to Lake Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. See the mud pools at Hverarond and the unforgettable sight of Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Visit the explosion crater at Viti. Drive to Akureyri with its beautiful period houses, backed by snow-capped mountains.
Day 10 Ísafjördur
Located in the Westfjords, the tiny town of Ísafjördur is surrounded by water on three sides and is a great place to view the stunning fjord landscape and photograph tiny flowering plants.
Day 11 Western Iceland
Cruise past the immense Látrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razor bills. Continue to Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries. Walk around the charming hamlet that grew here.
Day 12 Islands of Heimaey & Surtsey, Westman Islands
The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you will see as you cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Now you can visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, and have amazing views of areas that had been engulfed by lava.
Day 13 Reykjavik, Iceland
Today you will disembark in Reykjavík with options to visit either the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths or the hot springs, geothermal power plant and a horse farm, prior to your flight home.