HIGHLIGHTS
- Our
journey begins on the Scottish East Coast in Aberdeen, where we embark
Albatros Expeditions’ ice-class 1b vessel Ocean Atlantic, our
home for the next 6 days
- Our
first stop is Kirkwall, off the northeastern coast of Scotland, the
fascinating capital of Orkney, an archipelago known for its sandstone
cliffs and Neolithic cities, before we sail further north to the Faroe
Islands, where Tórshavn, its capital and largest town,
awaits us
- We
will approach the Westman island of Surtsey, UNESCO Natural Heritage
Site and youngest island of the world, and spend an exciting day in
Heimaey, the largest island of the archipelago, before arriving to our
destination: Reykjavík
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
Start Date | End Date | Category G | Category F | Category E | Category D | Category C | Category B | Category A | Premium Suite |
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
Start Date | End Date | (Starting from) Category G | (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 WITH HISTORIC KIRKWALL - POSSIBILITY OF VISITING
SKARA BRAE
During
the night we’ll 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 worth visiting. But
history goes even further back to one of the oldest European
civilizations.
Skara
Brae, Northern Europe's Pompeii, was hidden for almost 5,000 years
before a massive storm revealed the ancient settlement. The 10-room
homes are almost ready for moving into, fully furnished and with
sanitation - all made in stone. After arriving at Kirkwall there is a
bus ride to visit Skara Brae on a short excursion. Back in Kirkwall, we
will visit Highland Park, considered by many to be the world's best
distillery. On four occasions, the golden drops from Highland have been
voted the world's best. It is also Scotland's northernmost whisky.
(The
excursion is part of the excursion package and is not included in the
price of the trip).
DAY
3: FAROE ISLANDS TÓRSHAVN AND THE NORTH ATLANTIC
We
arrive after breakfast 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
midmorning 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 Island is
‘stable 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
4: ON THE SEA TOWARDS WEST 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
5: 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
6: REYKJAVÍK AND RETURN HOME
In
the morning Ocean Atlantic goes alongside in the port of Reykjavik.
It’s time to say farewell to the crew and begin the homeward
journey or extend you journey with days in Iceland.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
INCLUSIONS
- 6-day/5-night
cruise in a shared outside double cabin with private bathroom/toilet.
- English-speaking
guides.
- Zodiac
landings.
- Near-port
town walks with expedition team.
- Information
briefings and lectures by expedition team.
- Full
board on the ship.
- Free
coffee, tea and afternoon snacks on the ship.
- Taxes
and tariffs.
- Guiding
and lectures by our experienced expedition leader and team
- Special
photo workshop
- Welcome
and farewell cocktails
- Digital
visual journal link after voyage, including voyage log, gallery,
species list and more!
EXCLUSIONS
- International
flights to Aberdeen/from Reykjavik, Iceland.
- Excursion
package, including bus tour to Skara Brae on Orkney and to
Kirkjubøur in Faroe Islands.
- Hotel
accommodation before/after the voyage.
- 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 (USD 14 per passenger per day).
- Personal
expenses.
- Anything
not mentioned under 'Price includes'.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS