HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit
Iceland, the land of ice, fire and natural wonders
- Explore
Stykkisholmur, located in western Iceland at the northern end of the
Snæfellsnes peninsula, which is the commerce center for the
area
- Go
on a Flatey Island Walking Tour, which was once a hub for fishing and
trade
- Visit
Vigur Island, which is the second largest island in the Isafjardardjup
Fjord
- Visit
Bolungarvik, which is the Westfjords' second largest town
- Explore
Akureyri, Iceland's Capital of the North - a thrilling land of roaring
waterfalls, soaring volcanoes and glorious wildlife
- Watch
Humpback and minke whales cavort and feed in the waters around the
impressive volcanic island of Jan Mayen
- Visit
the Svalbard Northern Region, and watch several walrus haul-outs,
spectacular glaciers, bird cliffs and bird islands
- Also
explore the Svalbard Southern Region, to find remains of huts and
mines, as well as active commercial and scientific settlements
- Land
on Longyearbyen, the biggest settlement in Svalbard, and the seat of
the Norwegian administration
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Starting from |
|---|
| Jun 30, 2023 | Jul 12, 2023 | 14,700 |
| Jun 14, 2024 | Jun 26, 2024 | 13,900 |
| Jul 14, 2024 | Jul 26, 2024 | 13,900 |
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
| Start Date | End Date | Starting from |
|---|
| Jun 30, 2023 | Jul 12, 2023 | 14,700 |
| Jun 14, 2024 | Jun 26, 2024 | 13,900 |
| Jul 14, 2024 | Jul 26, 2024 | 13,900 |
ITINERARY
Please
Note: The Jul 14, 2024 sailing is a
return trip in the opposite direction (from Longyearbyen to Reykjavik)
Day
01: Reykjavik, Iceland
The
capital of Iceland's land of ice, fire and natural wonder, Reykjavik is
a city like no other - blossoming among some of the world's most
vibrant and violent scenery. Home to two-thirds of Iceland's
population, Reykjavik is the island's only real city, and a welcoming
and walkable place - full of bicycles gliding along boulevards or
battling the wind when it rears up. Fresh licks of paint brighten the
streets, and an artistic and creative atmosphere embraces studios and
galleries - as well as the kitchens where an exciting culinary scene is
burgeoning. Plot your adventures in the city's hip bars and cosy cafes,
or waste no time in venturing out to Iceland's outdoor adventures.
Reykjavik's buildings stand together in a low huddle - below the whip
of winter's winds - but the magnificent Hallgrímskirkja
church is a solid exception, with its bell tower rising resolutely over
the city. Iceland's largest church's design echoes the lava flows that
have shaped this remote land and boasts a clean and elegant interior.
The Harpa Concert Hall's sheer glass facade helps it to assimilate into
the landscape, mirroring back the city and harbour. Its LED lights
shimmer in honour of Iceland's greatest illuminated performance
– the northern lights. Walk in the crusts between continents,
feel the spray from bursts of geysers and witness the enduring power of
Iceland's massive waterfalls. Whether you want to sizzle away in the
earth-heated geothermal pools, or hike to your heart's content, you can
do it all from Reykjavik - the colourful capital of this astonishing
outdoor country.
Day
02: Stykkisholmur, Iceland
Stykkishólmur,
located in western Iceland at the northern end of the
Snæfellsnes peninsula, is the commerce center for the area.
Its natural harbor allowed this town to become an important trading
center early in Iceland's history. The first trading post was
established in the 1550s, and still today fishing is the major
industry. The town center boasts beautiful and well-preserved old
houses from earlier times. Stykkisholmur is very environmentally
conscious – it was the first community in Europe to get the
EarthCheck environmental certification, was the first municipality in
Iceland to start fully sorting its waste, and was the first town in
Iceland to receive the prestigious Blue flag eco-label for its harbor.
It has also been a European Destination of Excellence (EDEN), since
2011.
4
Included Shore Excursions
Taste
of the ocean – Boat Adventure around
Breiðafjörður Bay
Activity
Level: Moderate
Stykkishólmur
Walking Tour and Eider down center
Activity
Level: Moderate
Hiking
in the Berserk Lava fields
Activity
Level: Extensive
Bjarnarhöfn
Shark Farm and Helgafell
Activity
Level: Moderate
Day
02: Flatey Island, Iceland
Flatey
is the ‘flat island' just as the name sounds. These days
Flatey is mainly seasonally populated with many brightly painted,
wooden summer cottages to be found here. Like many other small islands
around Iceland though, Flatey was once a hub for fishing and trade.
This particular island prospered so much that it was the center of
commercial and cultural life in the 19th century for this part of
Iceland. Thanks to the surroundiung nutrient-rich waters 35 species of
birds have been counted on Flatey ranging from Eider Ducks and Atlantic
Puffins, to Arctic Terns, Red-necked Phalaropes, Ringed Plover and Snow
Buntings.
1
Included Shore Excursion
Flatey
Island Walking Tour
Activity
Level: Moderate
Day
03: Vigur Island, Iceland
Vigur
Island is the second largest island in the Isafjardardjup Fjord,
measuring 2 kilometers in length by 400 meters in width. It is home to
a single sheep farming family, which ferries the sheep in summer across
to the mainland, so that the Eider Ducks nesting on the island will not
be disturbed. One of the export articles from this small island was
eider down and one can still see where the Eider Ducks nest and how the
down is collected and cleaned. The small settlement of a few houses is
on the southern side, next to a small rocky beach, a concrete wall and
floating pier. On approach grey seals can often be seen on the
otherwise seaweed-covered boulders. Apart from the grey of the basalt
and green of the grass, lichens add a splash of color. A path has been
prepared and the grass cut, so that visitors can leisurely walk across
the island to take in the beautiful scenery and to observe the large
colony of Arctic Terns, Black Guillemots and Atlantic Puffins usually
only seen during the summer months. A meticulously preserved historical
landmark, a small windmill dating back to the 1840s was still in use in
1917 to grind wheat imported from Denmark. Viktoria House, one of the
preserved wooden farm houses dating back to 1862, is used as a
café where home-baked cakes and cookies are offered to
guests. One of Europe's smallest post offices can be found here, too.
1
Included Shore Excursion
Vigur
Island Walking Tour
Activity
Level: Extensive
Day
03: Bolungarvik, Iceland
Although
the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is further north across the
Isarfjardardjup, Bolungarvik is Westfjords' and Iceland's northernmost
town. Despite its relative isolation, Bolungarvik has been settled for
hundreds of years and is already mentioned in the settlement period of
Iceland. Located next to rich fishing grounds and the cove of the same
name, Bolungarvik has always been a place for fishermen and one of the
town's attractions is a replica of an old fishing station. Just to the
northwest is Bolafjall Mountain which blocks off the wind and swell
from the Atlantic Ocean. The view from the top (at 638 meters above sea
level) not only covers Bolungarvik and the surrounding valleys and
mountains, but several fjords and the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.
Although only 950 residents call Bolungarvik their home, this is the
Westfjords' second largest town. There even is a nine hole golf course
(par 71) with 18 sets of tees.
5
Included Shore Excursions
Arctic
Foxes & Avalanches
Activity
Level: Moderate
Life
& Culture
Activity
Level: Moderate
Biking
in Bolungarvík
Activity
Level: Physically fit
Hike
in Syðridalur & Mt Bolafjall
Activity
Level: Extensive
Valagil
Hike
Activity
Level: Extensive
Day
04: Akureyri, Iceland
Iceland's
Capital of the North is the gateway to a thrilling land of roaring
waterfalls, soaring volcanoes and glorious wildlife. It may lie a mere
60 miles from the Arctic Circle, but Akureyi blossoms with a bright,
cosmopolitan feel, and explodes into life during the summer months,
when its outdoor cafes and open-air bathing spots fill up with visitors
ready to immerse themselves in Iceland's cinematic scenery. Feel the
thundering impact of Iceland's celebrated natural wonders shaking your
bones at Godafoss Waterfalls, known as the ‘Waterfalls of the
Gods'. Here, the Skjálfandafljót river unleashes
a colossal torrent of water over charcoal-black rocks below. Or, find
some peace at the Botanical Gardens, which opened in 1957 and offer
space for contemplation - amid plants that bloom with unexpected
vibrancy, even at this northerly latitude. The Lutheran,
Akureyrarkirkja Church rises like a grand church organ and is the
town's most striking landmark. The 112-step climb is worth the effort
to see light flooding in through its narrow stain glass windows,
spreading colourful patchworks across the interior. Magic and mythology
are important elements of Icelandic folklore, and you'll even bump into
giant sculptures of grizzled, child-snatching trolls on the town's high
street. Or, meet more earthly - but no less magical - creatures in the
waters around Akureyi, where immense blue whales cruise by and dolphins
playfully leap.
7
Included Shore Excursions
Akureyri
Farmland
Activity
Level: Moderate
Wonders
of the North
Activity
Level: Moderate
Whale
Watching
Activity
Level: Moderate
River
rafting in Skagafjörður
Activity
Level: Physically fit
Mountain
pass to Mountain top
Activity
Level: Physically fit
Kjarnaskogur
Forest Walk
Activity
Level: Moderate
Past
and Present walking tour with the Botanic Garden
Activity
Level: Extensive
1
Selected Shore Excursion
Polar
Flight to Grimsey Island
Activity
Level: Moderate
Day
05: Day at sea (International Waters)
Days
at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with
what you've been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym,
visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply
topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to
busy days spent exploring shore side.
Day
06: Jan Mayen Island, Norway
Humpback
and minke whales cavort and feed in the waters around the impressive
volcanic island of Jan Mayen with its towering ebony peaks and broad
black lava beaches. The primordial landscape is dominated to the north
by the 7,500 feet high (2,300 meters) Mt Beerenberg, an active volcano
covered in glacial ice that last erupted in 1985. With permission from
the Norwegian authorities, a landing is possible at this rarely visited
outpost. Visitors may walk to the research and weather station, or
beyond, for birds-eye views of the meteorological station and the long
black sandy eastern shore of the island. Birds to be seen here may
include Atlantic Puffins, Northern Fulmars, and Snow Buntings.
4
Included Shore Excursions
Zodiac
Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level: Moderate
Hiking
with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level: Extensive
Kayaking
with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level: Extensive
Expedition
activities with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level: Moderate
Day
07: Day at sea (International Waters)
Days
08-10: Svalbard Northern Region, Norway
Svalbard's
northern region is less influenced by the Norwegian Current coming
through the Greenland Sea than the southern region and shows more ice.
The northern part of the island of Spitsbergen shows quite a number of
impressive fjords, bays and glaciers. The Nordaust Svalbard Nature
Reserve includes Spitsbergen's east coast, the Hinlopen Strait,
Nordaustlandet and some islands further east like Kvitoya and Storoya.
Several walrus haul-outs, spectacular glaciers, bird cliffs and bird
islands, as well as surprising flora in Arctic deserts and the
possibility to see polar bears and to visit historically important
sites make this an area prone for exploration. Ice conditions will
dictate which sites can be seen.
4
Included Shore Excursions
Zodiac
Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level: Moderate
Hiking
with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level: Extensive
Kayaking
with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level: Extensive
Expedition
activities with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level: Moderate
Days
11-12: Svalbard Southern Region, Norway
Svalbard's
Southern Region and specifically Spitsbergen's west coast is less
ice-clogged than the rest of Svalbard due to the moderating influenced
of the Gulf Stream. Several fjords cut into the western coast of
Spitsbergen and have been used by trappers and hunters, as well as the
different mining companies that tried to exploit the riches of the
archipelago's largest island of Spitsbergen. Remains of huts and mines,
as well as active commercial and scientific settlements can be found
and visited. Depending on the time of the season, glaciers can be
visited on foot or by sea. Hornsund will reveal fascinating views of
geological formations, craggy mountains, spectacular glaciers and a
variety of seabirds and seals.
4
Included Shore Excursions
Zodiac
Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level: Moderate
Hiking
with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level: Extensive
Kayaking
with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level: Extensive
Expedition
Activities with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level: Moderate
Day
13: Longyearbyen, Norway
Longyearbyen
is the biggest settlement in Svalbard. Seat of the Norwegian
administration, it also has the best services and infrastructure in the
archipelago. Located deep in the Adventfjord, a sidearm of the
Isfjorden (Icefjord), Longyearbyen's airport can be used all-year
round, but its harbor is blocked by ice in winter. Most shops, hotels,
restaurants and a hospital are within easy walking distance of the
port. One of the most prominent buildings in town is the UNIS center,
where several Norwegian universities have joined forces to operate and
offer the northernmost higher education to both Norwegian and
international students. Adjacent to UNIS, and well worth a visit, is
the Svalbard Museum, covering the natural history and exploitation of
Svalbard. Remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around
Longyearbyen and even in town.
Silver Wind (Luxury Expedition, 298-guests)
Break new waters with Silver Wind. Still timelessly elegant, still luxuriously relaxed, her improved cruising versatility means she is able to whizz from the Polar Regions at the ends of the earth to the iconic ports of the Mediterranean with fluid ease.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Butler
service in every suite
- Unlimited
Free Wifi
- Personalised
service – nearly one crew member for every guest
- Choice
of restaurants, diverse cuisine, open-seating dining
- Beverages
in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, select wines and
spirits
- In-suite
dining and room service
- Onboard
entertainment
- Onboard
gratuities
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Boat
Adventure around Breiðafjörður Bay
- Stykkishólmur
Walking Tour and Eider down center
- Hiking
in the Berserk Lava fields
- Bjarnarhöfn
Shark Farm and Helgafell
- Flatey
Island Walking Tour
- Vigur
Island Walking Tour
- Arctic
Foxes & Avalanches
- Life
& Culture
- Biking
in Bolungarvík
- Hike
in Syðridalur & Mt Bolafjall
- Valagil
Hike
- Akureyri
Farmland
- Wonders
of the North
- Whale
Watching
- River
rafting in Skagafjörður
- Mountain
pass to Mountain top
- Kjarnaskogur
Forest Walk
- Polar
Flight to Grimsey Island
- Zodiac
Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
- Hiking
with Silversea Expedition team
- Kayaking
with Silversea Expedition team
- Expedition
activities with Silversea Expedition team
