A in-depth exploration of Iceland aboard the Sea Explorer - PDF document

A in-depth exploration of Iceland aboard the Sea Explorer PER PERSON FOR LIMITED TIME ONLYBOOK RLYAV Day 1 Aberdeen. Embark this afternoon. Transfers will be provided from Aberdeen airport and train station at a �xed time.After a relaxing morning at sea we arrive in the Orkney Islands at lunchtime. This afternoon we head into the west of Mainland, Orkney’s largest island. We pass through the gentle rolling landscape and into the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney; an area designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. We will venture out on a guided lunch, watch the glacier which calves icebergs into the land-Day 6 Mjoifjordur & Nekaupstadur, This morning we enjoy the bene�ts of our small ship as we explore the lesser known fjords in the south east of Iceland. At �rst light we cruise through Mjoifjordur where we can enjoy the wilderness of this remote area. We also hope to land at the small town at Nekaupstadur for a chance to visit the excellent museum which features the local art gallery, Museum of Natural History and Maritime Museum. The more active amongst us can hike to the avalanche barriers behind the town, offering great views of the surrounding areas. From Husavik we travel by bus to the Lake Mývatn- Kra�a area, a �ne example of the volcanic world with lava �elds, boiling and steaming sulphur and craters. The area illustrates the sheer magnitude of Iceland’s forces at work. The lake itself, with beautiful natural rock formations and hot springs, is also a unique ecosystem and the largest migratory bird sanctuary in Europe. Our route will then take us by Godafoss (falls of the Gods), an imposing sight, and the excellent f you want to see nature in the raw, where better than the ‘Land of Ice and Fire’ - Iceland. Europe’s least populated country offers the visitor an unparalleled experience of elemental forces at work. Its largely deserted interior is dotted with huge ice-caps and glaciers, active volcanoes, gurgling whales, orcas and white-beaked dolphins. The island provides sparks that are the telltale signs of its youthfulness as Europe’s Kpjo vt gps pvs djsdvnobwjhbujpo bt xf fyqmpsf uif nbhoj�dfou landscapes and learn more of the centuries old legacies of a Viking and Norse heritage. After our exploration of Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands and a couple of days in the Faroe Islands, we start our discovery of this unique island with a visit to the largely untouched West Fjords and venture east discovering areas such as Grimsey Island which is abundant in birdlife, the picturesque town of Siglufjordur and the breathtaking Vatnajokull Glacier.A journey by small ship is an ideal way to get up close to nature and explore areas inaccessible to larger vessels. We will Snaefellsnes Peninsula ATLANTICOCEANARCTIC SCOTLAND Aberdeen Kirkwall FAROE TorshavnMjoifjordur BreidafjordurWestern FjordsSiglufjordur The Itinerary Here we will see the Standing the Ring of Brodgar; a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5000 years. We continue to the 5000-year old village of Skara Brae to see the remarkable dwellings revealed from beneath the sand dunes by storms only 150 years ago. On our return to Kirkwall we will see the magni�cent St Magnus Cathedral.Day 3 Torshavn, Faroes. We arrive in the Faroe Islands at lunchtime. From our berth in Torshavn we will join a guided tour over the hills to Kirkjubour, the island’s oldest cultural centre where we see the ruins of the 13th century St. Magnus Cathedral and the 11th century church. We also visit the 900-year old “Roykstovan”, the old bishopric, considered to be the oldest wooden house in Europe. We will moor overnight for those that wish to explore the town this evening.Day 4 Mykines, Faroes. Today we will use our Zodiacs to explore the westernmost islands of the Faroes. We will visit Mykines which is wonderfully green and its single village with bright turf roofed houses and turf streets is a delight. One of the best walks in the Faroes can be found here at “Lundaland” (land of the puf�n) on the islet of Mtkinesholmur, connected to Mykines by a small bridge. This is a strenuous hike but rewarding as the island is inhabited by a large number of puf�ns and gannets.Today we will see the shimmering white Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier, sometimes called an icecap. The 600 metre thick ice surmounts active volcanoes, one of which erupted in 1996, creating a crater on the surface of the glacier, delightful town on the north a remote location. In summer months the gardens and window boxes are ablaze with colour and in the botanic garden you �nd species from Africa, China and the Mediterranean growing alongside the Alaskan, Greenlandic and indigenous specimens. We will also have time to explore the town to visit Art Alley, where artisans keep their workshops and galleries, or the local church with its beautiful views over the fjord. Stay out on deck to enjoy the long evening as we sail along the beautiful Eyafjordur while keeping an eye out for whales. If conditions permit we may explore in the Zodiacs.Day 9 Siglufjordur and Grimsey Siglufjordur is an unbelievably picturesque town that enjoys an idyllic setting in a small fjord backed by mountains. Here in the early 1900s, a booming economy due to the herring industry resulted in a prosperous town with some marvellous Icelandic architecture. Stroll through the town and visit the Herring Era Museum. Over lunch sail to Grimsey Island. The Arctic Circle bisects Grímsey Island which is known for its tiny community, basalt cliffs and large variety of birdlife.Day 10 Western Fjords, Iceland.This morning we are in the Western Fjords, an isolated but spectacular area of Iceland. We cruise round the north coast of Iceland at the Hornbjarg Cliffs. These stunning cliffs rise 534 metres from the sea and this is one of the largest centres for puf�ns in Iceland. This afternoon we will use our Zodiacs to explore Isafjordur and Jokulfjordur and, whilst the itinerary will be dependent on local weather conditions, we hope to land on Vigur Island or �nd a remote landing for a nature walk.Day 11 Breidafjordur, Iceland.We will again use our small ship to explore. We hope to visit the Latrabjarg cliffs this morning, the westernmost point of Europe and home to millions of birds including puf�ns, northern gannets, guillemots and razorbills. Sailing at lunchtime we continue to Breidafjordur to enjoy expedition cruising in the small islets where we will see thousands of birds. We will Our �nal day in Iceland sees us at the Snaefellsnes Peninsula dominated by the Snæfellsjökull volcano which is regarded as one of the symbols of Iceland. Again we will use our Zodiacs to land in some of the more remote areas. Arnastapi is known as the setting for Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Centre of A journey by larger vessels. Economy class scheduled �ight from Reykjavik to London, 12 nights aboard the Sea Explorer on a full board basis including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard, shore excursions, Noble Caledonia expedition team, gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions, transfers, port taxes. Travel insurance. Ports and itinerary subject to change. Cabin DescriptionCatPricesPRICES Based on double occupancy EDCBE Suite with portholesSuite with windowSuite with windowCorner Suite with windowSuite with private balconySuite with private balconySuite with portholes for sole useSuite with window for sole useVerandaPenthouse Ilsa Coiba Callanish standing stones, ScotlandFaroe Islands the Earth” and is a stunning location with columnar basalt, ravines and grottoes and magni�cent lava formations. The cliffs between Arnastapi and Hellnar became a Natural Reserve in 1979 and are home to Arctic tern, kittiwake and fulmar.Disembark after breakfast and enjoy a morning in Reykjavik with a local lunch before transferring to the airport for your scheduled �ight LY AAVLY 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE+44 (0)20 7752 0000 | info@noble-caledonia.co.uk | noble-caledonia.co.uk ike her sister ships, our very own MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky, Sea Explorer is one of the �nest small ships in the world and owing to popular demand of our two �agships, we are delighted to have chartered her for a variety of voyages in 2015. Built in Italy in 1991 and refurbished in 2005 the Sea Explorer offers exceptionally spacious and well designed suites, beautifully appointed public areas and the highest standards of service and food. Previously named Corinthian II this private yacht-like cruise ship is out�tted with the most current navigational and communications technology as well as with retractable �n stabilizers for smooth sailing. The vessel is ice strengthened and features a �eet of ten Zodiac in�atable craft for forays ashore. Your Cabin/Suite With a maximum of 114 passengers accommodated in 57 spacious outside facing suites, the Sea Explorer offers suites across its �ve decks. Those on the lower deck have portholes, the middle two decks have a large picture window and the two top decks have patio doors leading on to a private balcony. On average the suites measure 245 sq. ft. Each suite affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathrooms, large wardrobes and excellent storage. There are mini-fridges, telephones, satellite televisions and CD/DVD players in each suite. Suites feature queen size beds which can be con�gured into twins or double depending on your preference. Your Space The spacious and �nely decorated public rooms include a lounge, elegant bar, library with internet access, �tness room and a single sitting dining room. Outside there is a rear sun deck, where passengers can relax in warmer weather with shade, a bar, spa pool and comfortable deck furniture. Your DiningThe single sitting dining room is located on Deck 2 and is both spacious and light. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style with a selection of hot and cold dishes, and fresh produce. Dinner is served to your table and comprises of four courses with a vegetarian option always available. Complimentary wine and beer is served with dinner and in good weather there will be the opportunity to take your meals on the Sun Deck on deck 5. Life Onboard The atmosphere onboard is focused on exploration and discovery with all the creature comforts you would expect from a vessel of this calibre. The onboard crew of 72 provide �ne onboard service and the vessel features four star amenities. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, informative talks and brie�ngs from the onboard team and of course good food, which is created by the highly regarded master chefs. All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Godafoss waterfall During this voyage you will be visiting out of the way destinations and will be accompanied by an expedition team. Landings and excursions will be made by Zodiac landing craft. This cruise will appeal to the more adventurous and those who enjoy the natural world. DECK 2DECK 4DECK 3VERANDA DECKPENTHOUSE DECK603601604602GYMSUN DECKJACUZZISALONBRIDGESUN DECKCAFE511509507505512510508506CLUBLIBRARY427425423421419417415428347345343341339335333329348346344342340338336334330426424422418420416414LOUNGERECEPTIONRESTAURANT H261259257255260262258256254252250 CATEGORY E CATEGORY D CATEGORY C CATEGORY B CATEGORY A CATEGORY AA