HIGHLIGHTS
- Cruise
from Scotland to the lush green islands of Orkney, Shetland, and The
Faroes and Iceland
- Enjoy
this 8-day spring adventure with fair-lighted days and matchless
landscapes and seascapes
- Delight
your eyes on migrating birds, dolphins, and whales, which are only some
of the sights we expect in this expedition
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
Start Date | End Date | Category F | Category G | Category E | Category D | Category C | Category B | Category A | Premium Suite |
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
Start Date | End Date | (Starting from) Category F | (Mid-range) Category C | (High-end) Premium Suite |
ITINERARY
DAY
1: EMBARKATION IN ABERDEEN
Our
journey begins in Aberdeen in North East Scotland, where MV Ocean
Atlantic is moored in the Dee River. Boarding is in the afternoon,
where the cabins are designated. After the mandatory security review
and drill, we sail out through the mouth of the Dee River towards the
North Sea.
DAY
2: ORKNEY ISLANDS. HISTORIC KIRKWALL – WITH POSSIBILITY OF
VISITING SKARA BRAE
During
the night we will have sailed out into the waters between Outer and
Inner Hebrides, and in the early morning we’ll reach the town
of Kirkwall on the windy Orkney off the mainland of Scotland. Orkney is
old Norse for the "seal islands", and, like the other North Atlantic
islands, Orkney has a rich Viking story.
We
depart Kirkwall and head into the west of Mainland, Orkney’s
largest island. Along the way we will pass through rolling gentle
landscapes into the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney, an area designated
as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology.
Passing the Standing Stones of Stenness, we will stop at the
5000-year-old ceremonial circle: the Ring of Brodgar. From here we
continue to as history goes even further back to one of the oldest
European civilizations. Skara Brae, Northern Europe's Pompeii, which
was hidden for almost 5000 years before a massive storm (150 years ago)
revealed the ancient settlement. The 10 small homes are almost ready
for moving into, fully furnished and with sanitation - all made in
stone.
Back
in Kirkwall, we will visit one of the local distilleries for a tasting
of some of the northernmost drops in Scotland. A fitting end to an
excursion with such an amazing historical backdrop. (The
excursion is part of the excursion package and not included in the
price of the trip).
For
guests wishing to stay in Kirkwall, at short walking city tour will be
arranged, passing by St. Magnus cathedral as well as the picturesque
ruins from Bishop's and Earl's Palace.
DAY
3: SHETLAND ISLANDS. THE HARBOUR AND FISHING VILLAGE OF LERWICK
Ocean
Atlantic approaches Lerwick near the "Main Land" of Shetlands in the
morning. The island of Shetland consists of more than 100 islands and
shores, of which only 15 are inhabited year-round. The islands form the
northernmost part of the British kingdom, located approximately 300 km
north of the mainland of Scotland. This "central" location in the North
Atlantic has through the ages led many to the islands, and the
Scandinavian heritage still shines through dialects, folklore and place
names.
Once
securely docked at the port, we depart through Lerwick towards
Scalloway for a short scenic drive. From the elevated position we can
enjoy the view of the charming village and the imposing Scalloway
Castle. After a short photo stop, we continue eastwards through the
area that is locally known as the “Black Gates”
– an area where peat is still cut to use as fuel.
Following
the road northwards our main destination of Clickimin Broch is only a
short drive. There will be free time to discover this well preserved
and restored Broch and learn more about life in the Iron Age. (The
excursion is part of the excursion package and not included in the
price of the trip).
Afterwards,
we will return to Lerwick and the ship in the middle of the day. The
rest of the day is for enjoying at leisure before departing in the
afternoon.
DAY
4: FAROE ISLANDS. TORSHAVN AND THE NORTH ATLANTIC
We
arrive after lunch at Tórshavn, possibly the smallest
capital in the world, ruling the scattered 18 islands that make up the
Faroes. Centred around the charming grass-roofed Parliament on
Tinganes, Tórshavn is now an almost bustling modern city
with shops, cafés and even three traffic lights!
By
mid-morning you can participate in an optional bus excursion where we
will try to look a bit back in history. We drive out of the capital and
over the mountains to the south. As the climate on the Faroe Islands is
‘stably unstable’ it is not unlikely that we will
drive through the cloud base and experience some fog on the way. But if
you wait a moment, it also not unlikely that it will clear up. We
arrive in Kirkjubøur, the most important historical site on
the islands. Kirkjubøur was in medieval times the Episcopal
centre of the Faroe Islands, and also its undisputed cultural centre.
We visit the ruins of the impressive Magnus Cathedral that perhaps
never was completed, and the St. Olav church – the only
remaining medieval church on the Faroe Islands. Upon our return to
‘Havn’ – as Tórshavn is often
just called – you can go for a leisurely stroll through the
old citadel near the harbour. A visit to the Art museum and the Nordic
House is also very recommendable. (The
excursion is part of the excursion package and is not included in the
price of the trip).
DAY
5: FAROE ISLANDS, KLAKSVIK. POSSIBLE EXCURSION TO EYSTUROY ISLAND
During
the morning we will have arrived to the little port of Klaksvik on the
island of Bordoy, located in the eastern side of the island nation. The
town is the second largest (4800 inhabitants) in the Faroes, with
history dating back to Viking times. The port supports the fishing
industry which still sets its mark on the town. We will be able to
witness the atmosphere and the small open-deck boats as we dock.
By
mid-morning you can participate in an optional bus excursion where we
explore the nearby Eysturoy with its wonderful nature, high peaks and
wildlife. We depart by coach through a tunnel that connects Bordoy and
Eysturoy, and afterwards we pass along the long Skalafjord. This leads
us to the small harbor village Gjogv, where we explore the area and
maybe even walk the gorge that has given the village its name. We will
have time to take some photos where some of the famous rock formations
and cliffs are visible along our way. All in all, this roundtrip gets
us some insights of the Faroese lifestyle and the truly spectacular
natural beauty that the islands hold. An excursion that lets us test
the famous tagline for the country: Unspoiled, Unexplored,
Unbelievable. (The
excursion is part of the excursion package and not included in the
price of the trip).
DAY
6: ON THE SEA TOWARDS THE WESTMAN ISLANDS, LOOKING FOR SEABIRDS,
DOLPHINS AND WHALES
Listen
to a lecture from our experienced expedition staff, see a film about
Arctic nature – or go out on deck to catch glimpses of
migrating birds and hopefully some whales.
DAY
7: WESTMAN ISLANDS, SURTSEY AND UNESCO NATURAL HERITAGE SITES AND CITY
WALK IN HEIMAEY
The
Westman Islands were on the headlines of the world press in January
1973, when a volcano erupted in the Heimaey island. All 5,000
inhabitants evacuated, but most have now returned, and today the
population is about 4,000. The Westman Islands are only 14 kilometers
off the southwest coast of Iceland and consist of 15 green small
islands and about 30 moorings.
When
you go sailing, you can see the islands steep and grateful profiles in
clear weather from a long distance. They are beautifully raised by the
sea, and looking at them, one understands why an Icelandic poet would
compare them with the sapphires in a silver ring. The
birdlife on these edges is unique and hosts, among other natural
beauties, puffins and not least the "Queen of the Sea", the gannet.
We
start the day by passing close to one of the world's newest islands,
Surtsey. The island rose from the sea in 1963 and arrived in 2008 on
UNESCO's list of world natural heritage sites. The island is closed to
the public and only researchers are allowed. In the
morning we head to Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the
archipelago where we can see the recently excavated houses from the
1973 eruption.
DAY
8: REYKJAVIK AND DISEMBARKATION
In
the morning Ocean Atlantic goes alongside in the port of Reykjavik.
It’s time to say farewell to the crew and begin the
disembarkation.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
INCLUSIONS
- 8-day/7-night
cruise in a shared outside double cabin with private bathroom/toilet
- English-speaking
guides
- Zodiac
landings
- Near-port
town walks with the expedition team
- Information
briefings and lectures by expedition team
- Full
board on the ship
- Free
coffee, tea and afternoon snacks on the ship
- Special
photo workshop
- Welcome
and farewell cocktails
- Digital
visual journal link after voyage, including voyage log, gallery,
species list and more!
- Taxes
and tariffs
EXCLUSIONS
- International
flights to/from Aberdeen/Reykjavik.
- Hotel
accommodation in Abderdeen/Reykjavik.
- Travel
insurance.
- Cancellation
insurance.
- Extra
excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Single
room supplement.
- Meals
not on board the ship.
- Beverages
(other than coffee and tea).
- Tips
for the crew (we recommend USD 14 per person per day).
- Personal
expenses.
- Anything
not mentioned under 'Price includes'.
Optional
Excursions
- Orkney
Islands - Kirkwall; Excursion to Skara Brae
- Faeroe
Islands - Torshavn: Excursion to Kirkjubøu
- Faeroe
Islands – Klaksvik: Excursion to the island Eysturoy and
Gjógv
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Boat
Trips
- Bus
Excursions
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- USD 235
- Lectures
- Photography
- Wildlife
Observations
- Zodiac
Cruises