Itinerary

Day 1: Glasgow, Scotland
In the heart of the Clyde Valley, the bustling city of Glasgow contrasts starkly with the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. Scotland's biggest city overflows with landmarks from its extensive artistic heritage and outstanding architectural tradition. The city's chequerboard layout makes walking through the major pedestrian thoroughfares easy: go with the flow and let the lively street atmosphere take you past the many Victorian monuments. Don't miss the collections on display in the numerous museums and art galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an outstanding example.

Day 2: Belfast, Northern Ireland
The capital city of Northern Ireland is located on the very tip of Belfast Lough, in the north-east of the Emerald Isle. Along the waterfront, the building shaped like a fragmented liner is non other than the Titanic Belfast, a homage to the famous transatlantic liner, with full-scale reconstructions making for an insightful experience of the Belle Epoque. In the historical centre, you’ll also travel back in time when you see the majestic Edwardian columns of the City Hall, and the imposing neo-gothic towers of Queen’s University for example. The carved wooden façades of the Victorian pubs will certainly entice you in for a pint of beer or chilled cider.

Panoramic Belfast & Titanic
Belfast is a city of industry and elegance with a rich and varied past. Its origins go back to an ancient fort controlling the ford across the River Lagan which flows through the city. The panoramic tour of the city will introduce you to the many varied features of Northern Ireland's largest city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past. You will drive past the Grand Opera House and the Albert Memorial before passing Queen's University (photostop), the Botanic Gardens (photostop) and Belfast City Hall - an impressive building with a 91 metres (300 feet) long façade of Portland stone, which dominates Donegall Square. A stop here will allow you photograph what is perhaps the most noteworthy of the statues in the grounds. It is the marble figure of “Thane” on a granite pedestal, sculpted by Sir Thomas Brock and commemorating the sinking in 1912 of the R.M.S Titanic, the ill-fated Belfast built liner.

Next, you will visit the newly constructed Titanic Belfast. Opened in April 2012, the new signature building telling the story of Titanic contains nine galleries containing a variety of interpretative materials and media including film and video, audio, archival materials and scale models; a high point will be a ride through the Titanic under construction. The adventure begins the moment you walk through the door and into the building's giant atrium surrounded by the four-high impact “hull” shaped sections which house the experience. As you wander up through Titanic Belfast, you will experience a thrilling ride through the reconstruction of the shipyards and the Titanic under construction. The stories of passengers, crew and the heroes of the day will be told in an exciting and modern way. At the conclusion, you can visit the wreck at her resting place on the floor of the North Atlantic.

After the visit, you will re-board your coach for the return drive to the port and your awaiting ship.

This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground with many steps (approximately 200 steps). Guests can choose to walk the stairs throughout Titanic Belfast or use the lifts. The visit of Titanic Belfast is self-guided. Audio-guides will be provided. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Order of the visit may vary.

Ulster Folk Museum experience
From the pier, board your local coach for a short transfer to the 20th century. Today, you will enjoy a journey back in time to rediscover Ulster as it was over a century ago.

Upon arrival at the Ulster Folk Museum, in the charming town of Holywood, meet your local guide who will give you an introduction before taking you on a guided tour of the Folk Museum. During your tour explore 'rolling hills of countryside' and a 'bustling town' filled with authentic period buildings. Visit various buildings throughout your tour where you will have the opportunity to see daily demonstrations of traditional crafts from basket weaving to printing and meet the inhabitants bringing it all to life. An immersive trip into the past awaits you.

Then, enjoy some free time to explore the park independently before saying goodbye to your new old friends and travelling the short journey to Belfast City.

Belfast is a city of industry and elegance and boasts a rich and varied past. Its origins go back to an ancient fort controlling the ford across the River Lagan, which flows through the city. A brief panoramic tour of the city will introduce you to the many varied features of Northern Ireland’s largest city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past.

Finally, rejoin the port and your awaiting ship.

This excursion involves walking approximately 1 hour on uneven grounds and some steps. We recommend you wear confortable walking shoes, layered clothes and a raincoat. The Folk Museum guide may conduct the tour in English only.

Spectacular Giants Causeway
Departing from the pier in Belfast, you will travel inland through the Northern Counties of Down and Antrim passing en route Ballymoney and Ballymena, to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giants’ Causeway.

For centuries, visitors have marvelled at its majesty and mystery. The unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of the Atlantic storms and the rugged symmetry of the columns never fail to intrigue and inspire. To stroll the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time. Your imagination will travel along stepping stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the myths and legends of the past.

The summer of 2012 marked the opening of the new Visitor Centre at the Giant’s Causeway. This interpretative centre allows you to decide for yourself which explanation of how the causeway’s 40,000 basalt stones were formed is most likely (or simply most interesting!). Stories about the area’s rich mythology, history, geology, flora and fauna will paint the Causeway in your mind’s eye before you make your way to the stones themselves, by boarding the “Causeway Coaster” minibus, should you prefer not to walk.

Following your visit, you will drive back to Belfast and your ship.

To fully appreciate the Giants’ Causeway, you will have to walk over uneven, slippery surfaces as well as steps. The amount of walking is at your discretion. A public bus runs between the visitor centre and the Giant's Causeway. Scooters and all-terrain wheelchairs are available to borrow from the Visitor Centre but the availability is not garanteed. We recommend you wear good and comfortable walking shoes. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.

Day 3: Sailing on Loch Linnhe
Loch Linnhe is located in the Scottish Highlands, stretching between the Isle of Mull and Fort William. Sail in the heart of picturesque landscapes and admire the formations of the magnificent mountains and valleys surrounding the loch, including the famous Ben Nevis. The pure waters of Loch Linnhe are teeming with marine life; harbour seals may be found among its faithful inhabitants.

Fort William
A port town on the eastern shore of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is sometimes described as the "Outdoor Capital of the UK." Because it sits at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, and is in close proximity to the dramatic landscape of Glencoe, it is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers. For those looking for a less adventurous experience, the nearby Ben Nevis Distillery offers tours and tastings, and Old Fort and Old Inverlochy Castle are interesting historical sites.

Glencoe & the Highlands
From the pier, join your local coach and start your journey from Fort William to one of Scotland's most spectacular places. Surrounded by towering mountains, Glencoe is the iconic highland landscape.

The glen provides some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery and is a paradise for climbers, walkers and skiers. It is, of course, also the scene of the infamous 1692 massacre. Upon arrival, visit the award-winning Glencoe visitor centre to learn more about the history, geology and nature of this region with a local ranger, before enjoying a moment of free time.

Continue your scenic drive through dramatic mountains, and past sweeping valleys, where your experienced guide will tell you about the dramatic events of the Glencoe Massacre. Your drive will include photostops at key highlights such as the Three Sisters mountains, Buachaille Etive Mor, and Loch Achtriochtan, before sweeping through the Pass of Brander and back along the coast past the famous Castle Stalker back to For William.

This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and a raincoat. This excursion includes a 2h20 panoramic drive.

Ben Nevis Distillery
From the pier, board your coach for a short transfer to Ben Nevis Distillery.

This is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland, established in 1825 and situated at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. They are known for producing exceptional Scotch whiskies using traditional methods. Today you will get an understanding of the care and experience that goes into crafting Ben Nevis Malt whisky.

Then, you will have the opportunity to taste several of the whishies produced here before a moment of free time.

This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground and several stairs inside the distillery. Due to historic nature of the building, not all parts of the distillery are accessible. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and a jacket.

Wonders of the Highlands
Fort William is ideally situated to serve as a gateway to the Highlands. This panoramic tour provides a taste of some of the best scenery that Scotland has to offer.

First, stop at Banavie to visit a architectural masterpiece, Neptune's Staircase, a series of eight locks that raise boats 20 meters from sea level to join the Caledonian Canal. Constructed in the early 19th century by Scottish engineer Thomas Telford, the Canal connects the Scottish east coast at Inverness with the west coast at nearby Corpach.

Continue to the village of Glenfinnan for an interesting visit of the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. Visit the renowned monument remembering fallen Jacobite clansmen, which is framed by breathtaking Highland countryside. Raise your hat to the lone, kilted highlander perched atop the monument. Enjoy the panoramic views of Loch Shiel, the spectacular highlands, and the Glenfinnan viaduct, which is especially popular with 'Harry Potter' fans.

Your knowledgeable guide will impart information on the monument and viaduct, as well as the history of the area, before you have free time to explore as you wish. You may want to walk up to the viaduct, sit in the cafe and watch the train pass by, or climb to the top of the monument where you will be rewarded with spectacular views.

This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground, as you wish to do. There are 62 uneven stone steps climb up a spiral staircase, 70cm wide, to the top of the tower. The steps may be slippery when wet. There is a handrail, lighting and several windows, but some people find the space claustrophobic. Group will not climb the monument together. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and a raincoat. Order of the visits may vary.

Day 4: Stornoway, Hebrides
Discover Lewis, the largest island of the Hebrides, considered to be the cradle of Gaelic culture. Here, the peat- and heather- covered valleys and lochs stretch on to infinity, and numerous bird colonies have taken up residence in the long, jagged coastlines where. Not far from Stornoway, the island’s main town, built by the Vikings in the 9th century stands one of Scotland’s most prominent prehistoric sites: The Standing Stones of Callanish. Dating back to more than 3,000 years B.C., these imposing stones placed in a cruciform pattern were laid out according to the moon and stars and their main purpose was to keep track of seasonal cycles, as this was essential for farmers at the time.

Cham of the Isle of Lewis
This tour takes you around the stunningly beautiful Isle of Lewis. It is a wild, windy and totally unspoilt part of Scotland, whose landscapes range from brilliant blue seas and golden sands to heather-backed mountains. The island is the heartland of Gaelic culture with long-standing traditions and monuments, where people's lives are still dominated by traditional pursuits like crofting, fishing and weaving.

Starting out from Stornoway, cross the Isle of Lewis to its dramatic west coast, a landscape created by the battering of Atlantic waves and fierce autumn gales. Your journey will take you to the Island of Great Bernera, where you will enjoy a first stop to Bosta Beach. This is modest in size but the beautiful views, green meadow littered with wildflowers in the summer, white sand and clear blue waters, and roaming Highland cattle make it a very special place.

Then, head towards the stunning west coast and the village of Callanish, site of the island's most dramatic prehistoric ruins - the Callanish Standing Stones - rated as the most important in Britain after Stonehenge. These towering stones date from 3000 BC and are laid out in the form of a cross with a circle in the centre - they were aligned with the moon and the stars to provide the seasonal cycle on which the early Neolithic farmers were so dependent.

Continue your panoramic drive and reach Dun Carloway Pictish Broch, probably constructed about 200 BC. Broch-building ceased around AD 100, but they may have continued in use. Evidence from excavations suggests Dun Carloway may have been used until about AD 1000. It’s also said to have been used as a stronghold by members of the Morrison Clan during the 1500s.

Please note that the roads on this tour are very twisty and may not be suitable for passengers who are prone to travel sickness. This excursion involves walking on uneven grounds, some loose gravel paths, paved walkways and sand. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and a raincoat. Bring water from the ship.

Historic Lewis
Departing from Stornoway, drive along the beautiful Atlantic coastal road.

Arrive at Gearrannan, a reconstructed settlement of traditional blackhouses where folk lived together with their animals. The houses were made using dry stone masonry and have thatched roods, distinctively weighted down with rocks. Visit the small museum, enjoy a display of a typical crofting activity such as weaving or butter-making and take in the views at this dramatic site on the wild Atlantic coast.

Continue your panoramic drive and reach Dun Carloway Pictish Broch, probably constructed about 200 BC. Broch-building ceased around AD 100, but they may have continued in use. Evidence from excavations suggests Dun Carloway may have been used until about AD 1000. It’s also said to have been used as a stronghold by members of the Morrison Clan during the 1500s.

Please note that the roads on this tour are very twisty and may not be suitable for passengers who are prone to travel sickness. This excursion involves walking on uneven grounds, and steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and a raincoat. Bring water from the ship.

Discover Harris Tweed
Harris Tweed tells the story of the rich history, culture, beautiful landscape and vibrant communities in the remote Outer Hebrides.

Start your tour by visiting Carloway Mill, one of only three working Harris Tweed textile mills in the world producing the renowned Harris Tweed fabric. Enjoy a guided tour which will take you through the process of creating tweed on the original Victorian machinery and see the process from the raw material to the finished product. The workers at the mill are passionate and knowledgeable will offer a real insight into how the fabric is made.

Then, you will be transferred to the nearby Gearrannan Blackhouse Village. In this re-created traditional village tou will expereince the way of life in a typical crofing township and see traditional activities, including the weaving of the famous Harris Tweed.

Finally, enjoy a scenic drive back to Stornoway, passing the famous Callanish Standing Stones, and stop in the islands capital where you can either visit the Harris Tweed exhibition in the Town Hall to learn more about the product, or perhaps purchase your own in one of the many harbourside shops.

This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground and uneven terrain. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and a raincoat.

Day 5: Suduroy Island, Faroe Islands
Suduroy Island, literally “South Island”, has one of the smallest populations in the Faroe Islands. It has sheer cliffs along its western face. The island is an important breeding ground for seabirds, including northern fulmars, black-legged kittiwakes, Atlantic puffins, and guillemots. Your expedition team will guide you as you discover the island, its authentic villages with black, tarred-wood churches typical of the Faroe Islands, and its hiking trails lined with peat fields and stone sheepfolds. Sheep are indeed omnipresent throughout the Faroe Islands — in fact, there are more sheep than humans —, and they add to the charm of these wild landscapes.

Hiking in Hvannhagi
A geological marvel testifying to the natural forces that have shaped the Faroese landscape over the millennia, the valley of Hvannhagi will reveal itself during this strenuous but breathtaking hike.

Located on the eastern coast of Suðuroy, the charming village of Tvøroyri marks the beginning of your hike. Leaving behind the small colourful houses, you will join a narrow path, climbing steeply along the hills. Soon, the mountain will open up and you will reach “the door”, a point that reaches an altitude of 300 metres (almost 1,000 feet), offering an incredible panorama over the neighbouring cliffs and the islands of Lítla Dímun, Stóra Dímun and Skúvoy.

After this first step, it will be time to reach the valley of Hvannhagi, taking the Shepherd’s Steps, constructed by Nepalese artisans in summer 2023. After a fairly steep descent, you will finally reach this preserved site, peopled with sheep and birds. Surrounded by sculptural mountains and facing a peaceful lake, this raw nature forged by millennia of tectonic and volcanic activity is a veritable paradise for those who love large open spaces and geology, as well as for photographs.

This hike of 8 to 9 kilometres (between 5 and 5.6 miles) is demanding, especially the descent and the climb back up at Hvannhagi. It is not suitable for people who are not used to walking in the mountains or suffering from vertigo. A shorter option involves stopping at the Shepherd’s Steps (around 1 hour of walking). Wear suitable shoes, several layers of clothing and a waterproof coat. Remember to bring water from the ship. Observation of wildlife cannot be guaranteed: remember your binoculars.

Suduroy, unspoiled nature
Welcome to Suduroy, the southernmost Faroe Island. Nature has pride of place here, while authenticity is the watchword. Between fjords, tall mountains and sheer cliffs, its untamed landscapes will not leave you indifferent.

During your tour around the island in a car, you will marvel at the diversity and breathtaking beauty of Suduroy’s scenery. With scarcely 5,000 inhabitants scattered over around 165 km² (68 square miles), nature prevails over the picturesque villages, with some of the most magical natural sites in the Faroe Islands. The fjords, mountains, fields (and sheep) and forests will unfold as you explore the island.

You will stop at Cape Akraberg on the southern point of the island, to take photos. This narrow strip of land that juts out into the sea and finishes in a cliff capped with a lighthouse will impress you with its beauty and its wild side. Watch out for the wind! The breathtaking views over the Sandvík cliffs are magical.

The nearby small village of Sumba (barely 300 inhabitants), with its wooden houses clinging to the cliffs, offers very pretty views over the windswept ocean.

After a snack in the equally charming village of Porkeri, your adventure on the island of Suduroy will come to an end.

The level of difficulty of this excursion is medium. The ground is flat, with uneven surfaces and some stairs.

Day 6: Streymoy Island, Faroe Islands
Streymoy Island is the largest and most populated of the Faroe Islands, with 22,500 inhabitants. Lying between Scotland and Iceland, the 18-island Danish archipelago boasts natural wonders that will fascinate lovers of the great outdoors. Here, the hilly green landscapes stand in contrast with the huge basalt cliffs and the invigorating air shifts with the moods of the ocean. To the north, the small village of Saksun, with its traditional grass-covered rooftops, has 14 inhabitants. In the curve of a magnificent natural amphitheatre, it overlooks a fjord with a lagoon: an idyllic setting in a secluded and peaceful environment. To the west, in Vestmanna, myriad birds nest in the crags along the eroded and vertiginous cliff faces.

Hiking in the mountains
The Faroe Islands archipelago is a territory with unique geography, a paradise for those who love big pristine spaces. Explore these incredible landscapes during a demanding hike, discovering basalt columns, alpine lakes and rocky outcrops sculpted by ancient glaciers.

From Tórshavn, gigantic waterfalls and peaceful sheep punctuate the road that runs along the Kaldbak fjord and will take you to the departure point of your hike.

There, 280 metres (920 feet) above sea level, the impressive Streymoy basalt columns mark the beginning of your adventure. Before these geological rarities, take the path that leads to the summit where it will open up onto an incredible panorama.

Make the most of a pause near mountain lakes to admire the rocky formations polished by the ice, the magnificent Vágar Island revealing itself on the horizon, before walking back down towards your coach and the road back to Tórshavn.

This demanding hike involves walking around 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) on uneven and steep ground. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, several layers of clothing, a windbreaker and a waterproof jacket. Bring water from the ship and do not forget your binoculars.

The village of Saksun
Explore Saksun, an iconic little village in the Faroe Islands. It will charm you with its surprising landscapes, which reflect past local life.

You will set off for the first stop on your adventure: the village of Kollafjørður, famous for its old wooden church with its turf roof.

Then you will head north to discover the village of Saksun. As you come closer to your destination, majestic panoramas reveal themselves. Nestling at the end of the road, between the green meadows and the mountains, a singular village will appear. You are seeing Dúvugardar and its old farm, which has today become a national heritage museum which recounts the day-to-day lives of Faroese farmers in the 20th century. Admire the bay below the village, the centrepiece of a spectacular panorama. In the past, it sheltered a harbour but, since a storm made it shallow, it has only been accessible by small boats at high tide.

On the road back, you will have splendid views over the island’s capital, Tórshavn.

This excursion involves some walking on flat paths and small hills. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and a windproof/rainproof jacket. Also bring a bottle of water from the ship.

Kirkjubour & Tinganes old town
Set off to discover Kirkjubøur, a medieval village on the island of Streymoy, and journey through the history of the Faroe Islands.

You will reach Streymoy Island via a unique underwater tunnel, which has the world’s only underwater roundabout, heading for Kirkjubøur, your first stop! This village was the cultural and religious centre of the Faroe Islands in the Middle Ages, and the episcopal residence until the Reform. Admire the impressive ruins of Saint-Magnus Cathedral, vestiges of this rich past.

A little further on, discover Roykstovan, home to the farmers of Kirkjubøur for centuries; it has been inhabited by 17 generations of the same Faroese family. Admire its unique architecture, its traditional green roof and its structure in wooden logs that arrived from Norway almost 700 years ago according to the story.

On the path back, make the most of the magnificent panoramas over the islands of Koltur, Hestur, Sandoy and Vágar, before finishing this journey by visiting the old district of Tinganes. You will stroll around its pretty little streets edged with traditional peat-roofed houses.


This excursion involves walking around an hour on uneven ground, with cobblestones and several steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and several layers of clothing.

Day 6: Sailing along Faroe Islands Coasts
The Faroe Islands, an archipelago formed by volcanic rock, reveal an incredible diversity of reliefs where the sea is ubiquitous: you’ll sail past stone pinnacles and unique coastlines. To the west of the island of Vagar stand Thindolmur and Drangarnir, rocky outcrops that marine erosion have detached from the coast, thus forming independent islets known as stacks. The impressive Traelanipa cliff, also known as Slave Cliff, stands 142 metres (466 feet) high. It overlooks the superb Lake Sorvagsvatn. Located 30 metres (98 feet) above sea level, this is the archipelago’s largest lake. On the island of Streymoy, you’ll be able to spot guillemots, screeching fulmars or penguins, nesting in the welcoming crevices of the Vestmanna cliffs.

Day 7: Streymoy Island, Faroe Islands
Streymoy Island is the largest and most populated of the Faroe Islands, with 22,500 inhabitants. Lying between Scotland and Iceland, the 18-island Danish archipelago boasts natural wonders that will fascinate lovers of the great outdoors. Here, the hilly green landscapes stand in contrast with the huge basalt cliffs and the invigorating air shifts with the moods of the ocean. To the north, the small village of Saksun, with its traditional grass-covered rooftops, has 14 inhabitants. In the curve of a magnificent natural amphitheatre, it overlooks a fjord with a lagoon: an idyllic setting in a secluded and peaceful environment. To the west, in Vestmanna, myriad birds nest in the crags along the eroded and vertiginous cliff faces.

The Vestmanna cliffs
Set off to discover the spectacular Vestmanna cliffs, natural splendours that plunge steeply into the depths of the ocean.

The small town of Vestmanna is the theatre of Dantean cliffs that are 600 metres (2,000 feet) high and home to marine caves and abundant wildlife.

You will board a local boat to discover this natural diamond in the rough. You will sail along the cliff to a narrow gorge, where the sheer rock walls rise towards the sky, then you will enter one of the caves. Here, the daylight will disappear to make way for the whisper of the flowing water that surrounds you… An experience during which time stands still, reminding us of the great power of the elements.

This excursion involves walking on primarily flat paths, including some steps. We recommend you wear warm clothing, a waterproof jacket and a windbreaker, and bring binoculars.

A walk in the village of Vestmanna
Set off to discover Vestmanna, an emblematic and authentic Faroe Islands village whose history, dating back to the time of the Vikings, is as rich as the surrounding nature.

A guide will welcome you in the village and take you to your first stop: the Viking ruins of Gálgarðurin, precious evidence of the island’s first settlers. You will then visit the village’s beautiful church, which dates from the end of the 19th century. Next, you will go to Krambúðin, a traditional shop dating back to 1906 where you will learn how Vestmanna changed from an agricultural community into a fishing village.

Another stop on your walk is the hydroelectric power plant, which today supplies most of the island’s regions. You will visit this unique site, a fine example of a community that has been able to innovate to ensure its future while respecting its exceptional natural environment.

You will finish your walk with a visit of the local rowing club which houses a superb selection of Faroese wooden boats, used in the past for fishing and now for taking part in this national sport.

This excursion involves walking 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) on flat ground and small hills. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, several layers of clothing, a windbreaker and a waterproof jacket, and bring water.

The Faer Isles distillery
In the heart of the wild and windswept landscapes of the Faroe Islands, whisky enthusiasts have joined forces to open what could well be the world’s most isolated distillery. During a visit, followed by a tasting, discover the history of the Faer Isles Distillery and its singular beverages, which are closely linked to their environment.

It takes boldness to open a distillery in one of the most distant places in the world. Boldness and a good nose, because the geology of the Faroe Islands, as well as the wet, salty and windy climate of these lands, offer perhaps the ideal conditions to produce first-class spirits. During a visit in the company of the Faer Isles brewers, discover all their secrets and taste the very first whisky produced by this new wave of Faroese creatives.

This excursion involves walking approximately 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) on mostly flat ground to reach the distillery, with a small hill to climb. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and several layers of clothing.

Day 8: Djúpivogur
Djúpivogur is a small town and municipality located on a peninsula in the Austurland in eastern Iceland. The coastline consists of three magnificent fjords, Berufjörður, Hamarsfjörður, and Álftafjörður which create a striking landscape to explore. On land, the town is shadowed by Búlandstindur, a pyramid-shaped basalt mountain peaking at 1069 m, making for an incredible sight. Numerous local legends surround this mountain, which is said to grant wishes during the summer solstice.

Jokurlsarlon, the glacier lagoon
From the pier, board your local coach and start a 3-hour panoramic drive to the largest national park of Iceland. En route, enjoy a light lunch at a local restaurant.

Vatnajokull national park, UNESCO World Heritage Site, was established in 2008. It encompasses not only all of Vatnajokull glacier but also extensive surrounding areas. The park, one of the largest national parks in Europe, covers 13% of Iceland. Its landscape is diverse, predominantly due to the interplay of volcanic activity and glaciers. Few other places in the world exhibit the effects of such a wide range of natural phenomena as Vatnajokull.

Upon arrival, discover Fjallsarlon ice lagoon and its vivid colors with your guide. Fjallsarlon is renowned for the shimmering icebergs that float in its waters. Some of the icebergs are streaked with grey, caused by volcanic eruptions. Fjallsarlon sits in the shadow of Fjallsjokull Glacier, an outlet of the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajokull. Icebergs break away from the glacier and float on the surface of the glacial lagoon below. Unlike Jokulsarlon, Fjallsarlon is not connected to the sea. This means the icebergs stay there until they melt.

Then, head to the nearby Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, where you will enjoy magnificent landscapes. Discover the black beach, before an amphibian boat tour through the lagoon. Get an opportunity to photograph this impressive spectacle and to touch the ice, which has broken off Breidamerkurjokull, one of Vatnajokull’s many glacier outlets. Jokulsarlon has been the setting for two James Bond films, « Die Another Day » and « A View to a Kill ».

Afterwards, board your coach for the drive back to Djupivogur. On your way, stop in a local restaurant for a buffet lunch.

This excursion involves 5 hours of scenic drive, including comfort stop. We recommend you wear warm clothes and good walking shoes. This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground, and sandy ground. Infrastructure is limited in Hofn: the amphibian boat may be shared with other travellers.

Rural East Iceland
Enjoy this intimate introduction to daily life in Iceland under the watchful eye of Europe’s largest glacier—the majestic Vatnajokull Glacier. Board your local coach and take the 30-minute drive to the Hoffellsjokull Glacier.

Hoffellsjokull was at its largest around 1890. Then, trucks were driven up here and filled with ice, which they transported to the town of Hofn. The ice was used for chilling fish, both aboard fishing boats and on shore. The area around the glacier is the habitat of several rare Icelandic plants and a great variety of birds. Take advantage of a 30-minute stop among these tranquil surroundings to explore the site on your own.

Then, you will head to the local horse club in Stekkholl where you will get a private horse show. Islandic horse is the only breed to possess up to 5 paces: walking, trotting, galloping, “tolt” and “amble” with as much amplitude and variations of speed. Icelandic pastries will be served after the show. Afterward, board your local coach for the drive back to Hofn fishing village, with photostop en route offering stunning view…

Upon arrival in Hofn, enjoy a guided walk through the scenic and historical harbor area. Then, discover the exhibition at the Information Center, operated by Vatnajokull National Park, and the Hornafjordur Maritime Museum. Return back to ship.

This excursion involves 4,5 hours of scenic drive, including comfort stop. This excursion involves walking on mostly paved and gravel ground. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes.

Day 9: Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar
This land seated off the southern coast of Iceland is the largest of the Vestmann islands, and is the only inhabited island in the archipelago. The steep Edfell volcanoes and the green prairies of Herjólfsdalur offer rich contrast of nature. On the Stórhöfði road, look out over grey sand beaches and cliffs carved out by the Arctic ocean. From here, you can also see the bronze landscapes of the mountaintops. You could visit Eldheimar, an ultra-modern and interactive museum which traces the volcanic eruption has experienced Heimaey in 1973.

Circumnavigation of Heimaey
We begin our tour from the harbour that for a long time has been a shelter for the Icelandic fishing fleet, but was almost lost in the volcanic eruption on the island in 1973.

After some 15 minutes of walking, embark aboard a boat to discover the island from the sea.

Sail past the cliffs surrounding the harbour to start an interesting and informative journey passing bird colonies with millions of inhabitants and exploring caves that can only be visited by boat.

The bird life you get a chance to see on this tour is magnificent, as the Westman Islands have one of the largest varieties of sea bird species in Iceland. These include puffin colonies of an estimated 6 to 8 million puffins. Nowhere else in the world can such large number of puffins be found in such close proximity to man.

In addition, the islands also house one of the world’s largest gannet and guillemot colonies. Numerous other species of nesting sea birds can also be seen. In addition to the bird life, whales are also often sighted, including orcas, dolphins and porpoises.

After viewing the island and bird cliffs from every angle, the boat tour (approximately 1 ½ hour) ends by sailing into Klettshellir (Cliff Cave). From there, return to the harbour.

For this easy excursion, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket and you take a warm pullover. Please be aware that this tour is weather depended and that circumnavigation may not be possible. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Sight of puffins can go down after mid-August.

Heimaey, Pompeii of the North
Leave from the perfectly formed natural harbour with its tall cliffs inhabited by multitudes of birds. Both the birds and their eggs have been an important source of food for the islanders. From there, drive from the pier into the Herjólfsdalur Valley where ruins of old farmhouses dating back to the settlement can be found.

The tour then continues along the scenic western part of the island, providing an opportunity to view the outer islands of the archipelago. The youngest island, 'Surtsey', was formed in a volcanic eruption in 1963; it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next, a photostop will be made at Stórhöfði, which offers magnificent views over the island; here puffins nest during spring and the early summer months.

The tour continues to two volcanoes, the 5,000 years old Helgafell, 'Holy Mountain', and the considerably younger Eldfell, 'Fire Mountain', which erupted in 1973 making it necessary to immediately evacuate the islanders to the mainland. Stop here and walk to the viewpoint for a panoramic view, about 10 minutes.

As you continue onwards, drive over the new lava field making your way past the 'Skansinn' – a fort with a wooden church, which was donated to the people of the Westman Islands by the state of Norway to commemorate the millennium of Christianity in Iceland.

Then, visit the new Eldheimar – 'Pompeii of the North' Museum where the history and aftermath of the 1973 eruption is explored. After the visit to the museum, you will head back to your ship.

We recommend you wear good and comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers. The walk up the viewpoint is very steep and can be slippery.

Day 9: Sailing around Surtsey Island
A small drop of basalt in the North Atlantic Ocean, Surtsey is a volcanic island formed by a submarine eruption that lasted from 1963 to 1967, off the Westman Islands to the south of Iceland. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To protect its virgin ecosystem against human presence, it is forbidden to land there. Only a few scientists have access to Surtsey to study the plant and animal colonisation of the island. Mosses, fungi and lichens were followed by vascular plants. Around 300 invertebrate species and 90 bird species have gradually colonised it. While sailing around Surtsey, you will enjoy a unique panorama of this extraordinary island’s contours.

Day 10 - 11: Reykjavík
Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical centre where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.

The Golden Circle
This classic excursion encompasses the “Big Three” - Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir. They are collectively known as the Golden Circle, and provide a look at some of the scenic wonders for which Iceland is justly renowned.

On departing the pier, your journey begins with a drive inland to Thingvellir national park, about 48 km (30 miles) from Reykjavik. Your visit to this national park allows you to experience one of the most outstanding sceneries in the country. Thingvellir ranks at the top of Iceland's tourist attractions. Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. The area is surrounded by mountains and encompasses a vast lava plain of green moss and wild flowers. It has been regarded by the Icelanders as a sacred place since the presumed oldest legislative body in History, the Althing, first convened here in 930. Of special note are the Law Speaker's rock and the remains of the turf shelters. These shelters were once used as dwellings during the two-week assemblies of the Althing which were held in the height of summer every other year.

Leaving Thingvellir your tour continues to the Gullfoss waterfall. The “Golden Waterfall” is the most famous of the country's many waterfalls. Here the river Hvita drops 96 feet (30 meters) in two falls, creating an awesome spectacle.

During your next stop at the Geysir area, you will be able to see hissing springs and other geothermal phenomena. The active geyser “Strokkur” projects water every few minutes. Here, amongst these scenic surroundings lunch will be served in the Geysir-area. After lunch, and on your way back to the capital, a comfort stop will be made at Hveragerdi.

For this moderate excursion with buffet lunch, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket, a hat and sunglasses and you take a warm pullover. Please be aware that the order of the visits may be reversed.

Volcanic landscape & viking history
From the pier, drive to the enchanting Kleifarvatn Lake, one of the deepest lakes in Iceland, where a brief stop will be made to take some pictures. Next you will drive on across the impressive volcanic plateau of Reykjanes.

Your tour continues to Krysuvik, a colourful hot-springs area, which contrasts sharply to the sand and the lava fields of the area. In Krysuvik we can really witness the powerful jets of steam escaping from deep below the earth's crust and multicoloured pools of boiling mud of the solfataras.

The landscape contrast continues as we ride down to the sea towards a green bay and then up towards the mountains through lava and lush green meadows. You will make a quick stop at the bridge between continents, where you will get the chance to cross from the Eurasian tectonic plate over to the North American tectonic plate.

Then you will be guided over the lava-covered Reykjanes peninsula to the outskirts of the little town Njardvik, where we find the newly built Viking museum in which stands "Icelander" (Islendingur), a fully seaworthy replica of an average-sized Viking vessel, this in those times would have carried a crew of 70. To commemorate the thousandth anniversary of this countrymen navigating to and discover­ing North America, the shipbuilder Gunnar Eggertsson travelled on the "Icelander" to America and back again in the year 2000.

Homeward bound you will go back to the port, trough the Reykjanes lava fields, before arriving at the pier.

For this moderate excursion, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket and take a warm pullover. Please be aware that the order of the visits may be reversed.

@ PON

@ PON

@ PON