In the Footsteps of the Vikings 2012

Day 1 Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland

Embark the Silver Explorer this evening and depart on your exciting expedition – In The Footsteps of the Vikings. You will be introduced to your Expedition Team and receive a Zodiac briefing. Tonight we invite you to attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party.

Day 2 Douglas, Isle of Man

Your first day’s excursion begins with a drive along the magnificently scenic elevated highway known as the “Plains of Heaven” to the little village of St John’s and the tiered, grass-topped Tynwald Hill. Every July, government officials and the public at large gather here to promulgate all the laws enacted in the preceding year. This procedure has occurred annually for well over a thousand years and entitles the island to claim itself as the oldest continuous self-governing nation in the world! The nearby church hall contains an interesting exhibition that you will visit together. Your morning outing takes you across the island to Laxey, a former mining village and home to the world’s largest water wheel built in 1854. Take some time to explore this heritage site before returning to the Prince Albert II in time for lunch onboard.

In the afternoon, set off again, this time to Cregneash, a hamlet of whitewashed, stone-walled, thatch-roofed crofter’s cottages. The heritage village appears just as if it was the year 1900. The people living in Cregneash today preserve an important way of life. Traditional crafts and trades are practised. Farms are maintained with horsepower and much of the livestock roam free. The location has also been used by filmmakers, most famously for the acclaimed ‘Waking Ned’. Return to Douglas via the legendary Fairy Bridge, remembering to say Laa Mie (good day) to the fairies!

Day 3 Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is the capital of the Irish Republic and particularly rich in 18th-century architecture. Visit the Old Parliament House, which is now Trinity College. Founded in 1592, it is Ireland’s oldest college and houses the world famous Book of Kells, a hand illuminated manuscript of the Gospels. Continuing your tour through Georgian squares and past Dublin Castle en route to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Founded in 1190, St. Patrick’s is perhaps best known for its association with Jonathan Swift, who was Dean here from 1713 to 1745. Other tour sites include: The Customs House; River Liffey; National Gallery of Ireland; St. Stephen’s Green; The Mansion House; the Four Courts, Ireland’s courts of justice; and the General Post Office, scene of the 1916 rising and birthplace of the Irish nation.

Alternatively, enjoy a full-day tour in the County of Wicklow, just south of Dublin and known as the ‘Garden of Ireland’ for its domed granite mountains, deep glens and wooded valleys. Tour Glendalough’s 6th-century, monastic ruins that include a Cathedral, stone churches, decorated crosses and see fine examples of Round Tower architecture.

Following lunch, visit the magnificent Powerscourt Gardens on the River Dargle. It is a blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 variations of trees and shrubs. The gardens, which span 20 hectares, were begun in the 18th century, but most of what is seen today dates from the 19th century. Five terraces drop down to Triton Lake, with the Sugarloaf Mountain in the background. The house at Powerscourt was designed in 1740, around an existing 12-century castle. The house was gutted by a fire in 1974 but has since been restored. Visit the shop, which is divided into many different rooms, each with its own traditional style and character.

Day 4 Isle of Gigha, Scotland

Your first call in Scotland is the island of Gigha, which is privately owned by its 120 inhabitants. With heather clad hills, deserted beaches and a single lane that meanders for some six miles between cottages and farms, Gigha is truly a place apart. Here, visit the baronial mansion of Achamore House set in the midst of a 50-acre garden. The Horlick family, better known for the eponymous milk drink, has created the stunning Achamore Gardens. The gardens are famous worldwide for the rhododendrons and many rare species of trees and other shrubs, some of which are now endangered in their countries of origin. Owing to Gigha’s warm climate, many sub-tropical plants are found to flourish here.

Day 5 Iona, Scotland & Lunga, Treshnish Islands

Early this morning arrive at Iona. St Columba came here from Ireland in 563 AD and early Christianity spread through northern Britain from this remote island community. Forty-eight Kings of Scotland are buried here, including Duncan, Macbeth’s victim. This afternoon, we will visit Iona Abbey, one of Scotland’s most sacred and historical sites. The abbey was restored during the early 20th century, and today the Iona Community continues the tradition of worship first established by St Columba.

The remote and unsheltered Treshnish archipelago of eight main islands and many smaller skerries is of volcanic origin and uninhabited by humans, but the remains of early Vikings and medieval castles tell you that this has not always the case. The isles are protected not only for their historic culture, but also as an important breeding area for grey seals and as a conservation area for guillemot, razorbill, puffin, kittiwake, fulmar, shag, skua and many other seabirds. The islands have no good landing sites and are therefore best viewed from Zodiacs. However, weather permitting, it may be possible to land on Lunga, the largest of the islands where you can walk amongst the vast array of seabirds and see the remains of past habitation that dates back to Viking times.

Day 6 St Kilda, Scotland

Approach St Kilda at first light. It is a remarkable uninhabited archipelago some 50 miles beyond the Outer Hebrides. For some this will be a moving experience and almost a pilgrimage as we drop anchor off Village Bay on the island of Hirta. Weather conditions permitting, go ashore using zodiacs to visit the westernmost landmass in the United Kingdom. St Kilda once supported a population of over 200, but the last islanders left in the 1930s. Recent restoration work on the village by the National Trust for Scotland offers a marvelous link with the past. Later, cruise past two of the largest gannetries in the world.

Day 7 Stromness, Orkney Islands, Scotland

Upon arriving in Stromness, head to west Mainland and into the Neolithic heartland of Orkney. This area is designated as a World Heritage Site for its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. Visit the Ring of Brodgar, a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating from about 2700 BC and reminiscent of Stonehenge. Next visit the 5000-year-old excavated village of Skara Brae, whose remarkable dwellings were buried under sand and perfectly preserved until 1850 when they were revealed during a huge storm. Nearby, visit Orkney's finest manor house, Skaill House, built in 1620 on top of an ancient graveyard.

Day 8 Shetland, Scotland

Geographically divided into two distinct areas, the miniscule 3.5 by 1.5-mile Fair Isle features high moorland areas and cliffs in the north and flatter, fertile lands in the south. Eighteen crofts ranging in size from 3-20 hectares are pretty much the mainstay of the 70 residents. Due to the island’s phenomenal seabird collection, Britain's most isolated inhabited island is protected by the Fair Isle Marine Environment & Tourism Initiative. Here we find a population density and diversity of seabird species that may well be unequalled in all of Europe. With any luck, you might catch a glimpse at the Fair Isle Wren.

After lunch, take the Zodiacs and make a landing on Mousa, where the rolling and rocky landscape is dominated by a 2000-year-old Iron Age broch. This circular stone tower is consistent with others built around the beginning of the Christian era. Other similar towers can be found on the Orkney Islands, the Hebrides and the Scottish mainland. An abundance of wildlife resides here including harbour seals, grey seals, harbour porpoises, orca and Minke whales, arctic skua and great skuas, black guillemots, puffins, shags, storm petrels. If you get over to the West Pool area, you may see some harbour seal pups, as they are born in June and July.

Tonight the Prince Albert II will dock in Lerwick for an early start to your full day ashore tomorrow.

Day 9 Lerwick & Noss, Shetland, Scotland

Charming sandstone buildings line the waterfront of this historic seaport. Lerwick, the northernmost town in Scotland, reflects its proximity to Norway with a delightful blend of Scottish and Scandinavian cultures. Your morning excursion travels through picturesque landscapes and includes visits to Scalloway Castle, built in 1600; the Scalloway Museum, with displays that depict the village’s unique role in World War II; and Gott Ponies to see the famed Shetland ponies.

In the afternoon, the Prince Albert II will depart Lerwick to cruise and explore the Shetland Islands. Exploring the isle of Noss via the Zodiacs, your Expedition staff will point out gannets, puffins, guillemots, shags, kittiwakes, razorbills, fulmars and great skuas. Recognised as a National Nature Reserve since 1955, the Isle of Noss has one of Europe’s largest and most diverse seabird colonies. Perhaps you will even catch sight of the elusive otters that frolic in the surrounding waters.

Day 10 Torshavn, Faroe Islands

Reflections of a medieval past are nearly everywhere, still seen in villages clustered around old churches. This afternoon visit Kirkjubour – once the residence of the Bishop of the Faeroes, Saint Magnus Cathedral with its West Norwegian Gothic-style architecture, and the decaying north wall of Saint Brendan’s Chapel, built in the mid-10th century. Have a chance to admire the displays of maritime, farming and religious artefacts dating to the Viking era at the new historical museum in Hoyvik, Fornminnisavn. Back in Tórshavn, visit the ruins of Fort Skansin, built in 1580 as a defence against pirates and used during World War II as headquarters for the British Royal Navy Command.

The Prince Albert II will stay late in port this evening, offering a wonderful opportunity for independent explorations.

Day 11 Cruise & Explore the Faroe Islands

A birdwatcher’s paradise, the Faroe Islands are an ideal breeding ground for a multitude of both common and rare birds. Guillemot can be seen soaring above the sea cliffs and standing with their backs to the sea, protecting their single egg. Kittiwake nest on the flat outcroppings, and puffins gather in the grassy hillside ledges. Small flocks of gannet may be seen diving for food. Sightings of grey seals are common in the Faroese fjords, and if you are lucky, you may also spot short-finned pilot whales or even orcas.

Weather permitting, make a Zodiac landing on Mykines Island and hike to Mykineshólmur, a small islet inhabited by large numbers of puffins, gannets and mountain hares.

Day 12 At Sea

Binoculars and camera in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds and marine mammals. Attend informative lectures that will prepare you for the upcoming ports-of-call and the adventures that lie ahead. Peruse an array of titles and topics in the well-stocked Library, enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs at the Connoisseur’s Corner or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard ship.

Day 13 Höfn, Iceland

Iceland is a place of magnificent and incredibly diverse landscapes. Your explorations in this remote world region begin with a drive from Höfn to the glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón, located by Europe’s largest glacier: Vatnajökull. The glacial lake is filled with icebergs and specially designed boats will take you right up close – an incredible experience! Take in the unforgettably scenic surroundings and have an opportunity to touch the ice that has broken off Breiðamerkurjökull, one of Vatnajökull’s many glacier outlets. Afterwards, a taste of Iceland is yours to enjoy as refreshments are served at Smyrlabjorg Farm and guesthouse.

Day 14 Vestmannaeyjar Island, Iceland

In the center of Bornholm, find one of the largest forest areas in Denmark – Almindingen. Centuries of extensive deforestation had all but turned the entire island into a grassy heath with grazing for livestock, but from 1800 onwards, trees were planted and the forest re-grown; today it covers approximately 60 square kilometers. Almindingen has several marsh areas rich with plant and birdlife, and you will visit Rytterknaegten – the highest point on Bornholm (162 meters above sea level) from where you will walk along a nature trail through a fascinating landscape to Ekkodalen (Echo Valley). Ekkodalen is the biggest and longest rift valley in Denmark, formed by ancient tectonic forces that split the rock apart and formed a valley with an average width of 200 feet (60 m) and a total length of 7.5 miles (12 km). Hear the amazing echo, listen for the nightingale and other members of the plentiful bird population and enjoy the lush and dramatic scenery. Visit the Almindingen’s Bastemose bird reserve. In a picturesque setting around a small lake it is a gem for both bird and plant lovers. There are wild orchids, and several wintergreen species, just to mention a few. Over 140 bird species have been spotted in a year here including buzzards, kites, crakes, grebes, cranes and woodpeckers. Walk along the Bastemose nature trails and take in the panoramic spectacle atop the viewing tower before traveling back to the pier in Rønne.

Guests who wish to explore Bornholm by bicycle can instead join a guided tour that travels on a sophisticated network of paths, forest tracks, quiet roads and marked cycle lanes on main roads. Starting in Rønne, bike slowly out of this peaceful hamlet with its cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. Soon find ourselves in the scenic countryside. Along the way, stop at Nyker Round Church, the smallest round church on the island. Bornholm’s unique Round Churches are completely circular with massive stone walls from the 11th and 12th century, when churches were used for fortification against attacks by pagan islanders and pirates, as well as for worship. Passing fields and farmhouses, head towards the coastline and the small fishing village of Hasle. Located on a sloping hill seaside, stop at the Hasle smoke house for a well-deserved refreshment: traditional smoked herring with homemade bread and an ice-cold beer or soda before biking the last stretch back to Rønne.

Day 15 Reykjavik, Icleand

Following breakfast, disembark the Silver Explorer.