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Lindblad Expeditions Cruises, Viking Saga: Norway, Scotland, Faroes & Iceland, Cruise Vacation Package
Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights
Priced From: Call Travelwizard
Dates: May
Ship: National Geographic Explorer
From: U.S./Bergen, Norway
Following a zigzagging route packed with contrasts, we follow in the wake of the Vikings from Norway to the rugged northern isles of Scotland to Iceland’s icebergs, hot springs and lava fields. We seek the diversity of these dramatic isles: Stone Age sites at Orkney and isolated villages in the Shetlands that hark back to the old days. Everywhere we marvel at the rugged scenery of this domain, from the pastoral beauty and turf-roofed houses of the Faroes to Iceland’s snow-capped mountains and icebergs, bubbling mud pools at Hverarond and unforgettable Godafoss, the waterfall of the gods. With our Zodiacs, kayaks and undersea technology, we explore Iceland’s many bays and fjords—seeing sights which hardly an Icelander has ever witnessed. And we see an abundance of wildlife, both above and below the sea. Seabirds—puffins, kittiwakes and guillemots. At this time of year we’re hopeful to spot several species of whales. And our galley will serve the bounty of these waters, rich with North Atlantic fish stocks. Join us as we head north to explore the fringes of the Arctic, meeting the colorful puffins and the real Vikings of today.
Explore Iceland’s glaciers, waterfalls and boiling mud pools.
Step into ancient history at the Stone Age village of Skara Brae in Scotland.
Paddle a kayak below the towering cliffs of the Faroe Islands.
Discover lands of Viking exploration with an expert team.
ICELANDIC SPECIALIST: Ragnar Hauksson introduces us to the geothermal activity so unique to his native Iceland. He will intertwine the history and folk tales of the North Atlantic nations together with modern life.
OCEANOGRAPHER: Jim Kelley, former President of the California Academy of Sciences, will share his interests in the geology and oceanography of the places we visit.
NATURALIST: Karen Copeland is intimately familiar with the seas and shores of Iceland, the Arctic reaches and British Isles and loves sharing the joy of the natural world.
Itinerary
DAY 1 — U.S./Bergen, Norway
DAY 2 — Bergen/Embark
Arrive in Bergen and explore the historic Bryggen wharf area, a World Heritage site. (L,D)
DAY 3 — At Sea/Orkney Islands, Scotland
Discover the Stone Age sites of Orkney: the standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar, the megalithic tomb of Maeshowe and the stone-slab village of Skara Brae—5,000 years old! Visit medieval St. Magnus Cathedral and stop for tea at Balfour Castle. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 — Shetland Islands
Glide past the bird cliffs of Noss to view murres and kittiwakes. Pause to photograph Shetland ponies on our way to Jarlshof, a site inhabited for almost 4,000 years. At Mousa Island, see a fine example of an Iron Age broch (a fortified stone tower). (B,L,D)
DAY 5 — Vestmanna, Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are an autonomous archipelago within the Kingdom of Denmark. Our ship navigates between the cliffs of Streymoy and Vágar Islands. Explore Streymoy by boat, skirting dramatic sea stacks, or set out overland to visit the historic settlements. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 — Tórshavn
The Faroese are proud of their Viking legacy, reflected in their ancient language and love of the sea. Browse Viking artifacts at the museum, wander through 12th-century St. Olav’s Church, and discover the Kirkjubøur archaeological site. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 — Mykines
Zodiacs take us ashore on Mykines Island, known for its thousands of puffins. Stroll through the tiny village, passing whimsical turf roofed houses. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 — Djúpivogur, Iceland
Explore the vast Vatnajökull ice cap, the largest ice cap in the Europe. Take an optional boat ride through Jökulsárlón, a lagoon strewn with sculpted icebergs. (B,L,D)
DAY 9 — Exploring the Langanes Peninsula
Today is left open to explore Iceland’s rugged, unspoiled east coast by Zodiac and on foot. (B,L,D)
DAY 10 — Húsavík and Lake Mývatn
Watch for whales on our approach to Húsavík. Drive to Lake Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. Examine the bizarre boiling mud pools at Hverarönd and continue through Krafla Volcano’s geothermal area to the crater at Viti. End the day at Goðafoss, the “waterfall of the gods.” (B,L,D)
DAY 11 — Exploring Iceland’s Northern Coast
Discover the sights of Akureyri. Venture into the old town or go riding on an Icelandic horse. Sail north to the land of the midnight sun, taking Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grimsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. (B,L,D)
DAY 12 — Ísafjörður
The town of Isafjörður lies on a tiny spit jutting out into the water, great for hiking. Meet a farmer for a tour of a working eiderdown farm and learn how feathers are collected. (B,L,D)
DAY 13 — Exploring Iceland’s Western Coast
Sail past the Latrabjarg cliffs, home to a huge population of razorbills. Continue to Flatey Island for a walk or a Zodiac cruise around the charming hamlet. (B,L,D)
DAY 14 — Westman Islands
The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes some 10,000 years ago. Heimaey was threatened in 1973 by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey, which we’ll see from deck. (B,L,D)
DAY 15 — Reykjavík/U.S.
Disembark in Reykjavík. Explore the old town and visit the Blue Lagoon before our flight home. (B,L)
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Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
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