Secrets of the North Sea

Day 1 Tromsø, Norway

Embark the Silver Explorer and celebrate the start of your exciting 15-day expedition – “Secrets of the North Sea”. Meet some of your fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found on board. This evening, after settling in and setting sail, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team.

Day 2 Leknes, Lofoten Islands, Norway

Various seabirds have found their home in Eggum, located on the western side of Vestvågøy Island. On your birding excursion see (if you are lucky) gannet, cormorant, eiderduck, shag, great skua and Arctic skua, black guillemot, kittiwake and Arctic tern. En route, pass the Borgpollen Bay where you may observe black-throated diver, red-throated diver, tufted duck and scaup. Further on, during a stop by Lake Storied have the possibility to see ruff, black tailed godwit, bluethrout, slavonian grebe and a variety of ducks.

Alternatively, choose to visit the remarkably well-preserved Nusfjord Fishing Village. The building complex with the wharf and 52 structures – including 34 rorbu (fishermen dwellings) – dates mostly from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and housed more than 1500 fishermen. Visit the Lofotr Viking Museum. Discovered in the 1980s when a farmer was ploughing his land, excavations revealed the remains of the largest building ever (83 metres long) to be found from the Viking realm. Tour the reconstructed long house and gain insight into the life of a Viking chieftain.

Day 3 Torget Island, Norway

This afternoon climb aboard the Zodiacs and head ashore to rarely visited Torget Island. Get your camera and imagination ready for the island’s main attraction: the hat-shaped Torghatten Mountain with its legendary “troll hole”. While your onboard geologist will explain how the hole has been formed over thousands of years by the natural forces of erosion, your onboard historian will tell a much different tale: the Legend of Torghatten – a story of dueling trolls, beautiful maidens and magical chivalry. The Expedition Team will lead a variety of natural history hikes including an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view from atop Torghatten (258m) before embarking the Zodiacs again for your return to the ship.

Day 4 Runde Island, Norway

Renowned for its extraordinary quantity of birdlife, Runde Island’s cliffs are a sanctuary for 100,000 puffins, 50,000 kittiwakes and thousands of guillemots, fulmars, razorbills, gannets and shags. If you are lucky, you may even spot a great skua or white-tailed eagle. Take the Zodiacs in for a close-up look and may even have time to make a landing to explore on foot. While there are only about 100 human inhabitants on the island, there are 70 different species of nesting birds with 240 species observed. In addition to birdlife, naturalists will also help spot the many varieties of plants found on the island. In the evening, arrive at Alesund and anchor overnight to get an early start for the adventures tomorrow.

Day 5 Alesund, Norway

The coastal town of Ålesund is noted for its characteristic Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) buildings, making it one of the most picturesque towns in Norway. Narrow streets are crammed with buildings topped with turrets, spires and gables that bear decorations of dragonheads and curlicues.

Day 6 Bergen, Norway

Nestled among seven scenic hills, Bergen, with its gabled houses, is one of Norway's most beautiful cities. Bryggen, the old wharf of Bergen, is a reminder of the town’s importance as part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire from the 14th to the mid-16th century, and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Many fires, the last in 1955, have ravaged the characteristic wooden houses. Rebuilding has traditionally followed old patterns and methods, preserving the ancient wooden urban structure once common in Northern Europe. Today, some 62 buildings remain of this former townscape.

Following a guided exploration of Bryggen, visit the Hanseatic Museum. In the period between 1350 and 1750, the buildings on the wharf served as base for the German stockfish tradesmen of the Hanseatic League. The museum is the only house on the old wharf in which the original interiors have been preserved. The building dates from 1704 and provides insight as to what life was like for the Hanseatics of the wharf.

Day 7 Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland

Charming sandstone buildings line the waterfront of this historic seaport. Lerwick, the northernmost town in Scotland and the only town in Shetland, reflects its proximity to Norway with a delightful blend of Scottish and Scandinavian cultures. A morning excursion travels through 17th-century Lerwick to the south of the Shetland mainland. See the fertile limestone community of Fladdabister, and pause for a photo of the world’s best-preserved Iron Age broch on the Island of Mousa. In the tranquility of Hoswick, enjoy some time at Laurence Odie Knitwear and the Hoswick Visitor Centre or wander along the peaceful foreshore.

Cross the 60-degree-north line of latitude and onto the rugged Atlantic coast. Here learn of the Pictish treasure as you take in the vistas of St Ninian’s Isle, white sandy beaches and possibly seals. At Jarlshof – Europe’s most complex archaeological site – travel through 4,000 years of Shetland history ranging from the New Stone Age up to the 1600s. A local guide will describe Shetland’s culture and heritage in greater detail on your return journey to Lerwick.

Day 8 Fair Isle, 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 unequaled in all of Europe. With any luck, you might catch a glimpse at the Fair Isle Wren.

Day 9 Invergordon, Scotland

As the Silver Explorer rounds the northern coast of Cromarty Firth, watch for dolphins and porpoise in the waters surrounding Invergordon. Originally known as An Rudha Aonach Brecaidh (Gaelic for “the point of a flat green dappled place”), head ashore to explore the interior of this storied destination. Through delightful Highland scenery travel to Dunrobin Castle, with its 15th-century keep, 17th-century courtyard and exceptional formal gardens overlooking the sea. The ancestral home of the Clan Sutherland, the castle was remodeled and enlarged in the mid 19th century. Weather permitting, enjoy a display of the ancient sport of falconry. Your outing takes you next to Tain and the world-renowned Glenmorangie distillery. Tour the distillery and enjoy a whisky tasting.

Alternatively, choose to instead head south to Loch Ness for a chance to glimpse the infamous Loch Ness Monster! First visit Urquhart Castle – once a strategic stronghold now an assemblage of picturesque and impressive ruins surrounded on three sides by the cold deep waters of Loch Ness. Your guide will share highlights of its dramatic history that dates back in written records to the 1200s, but in archaeology and folklore right back to the Iron Age and the Picts. Spend some time in the excellent visitor’s center before continuing your scenic drive to the pretty town of Beauly. A charming traditional Scottish town, Beauly is the ideal place to purchase tweeds, knitwear and local crafts.

Day 10 Stromness, Orkney Islands, Scotland

After docking in Stromness this afternoon, 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. 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.

Before sailing this evening, be entertained with a music performance by local children who are part of the Orkney Traditional Music Project. This organization was formed in 1998 to revive the teaching of fiddle and accordion music in the islands, which have a long tradition of passing tunes from one generation to the next.

Day 11 Stornoway, Lewis Island, Scotland

Today’s tour takes you away from the island capital of Stornoway and across the island to the Black House of Arnol – a fully furnished island croft (small farm) complete with attached byre and stockyard. The house has very thick walls and a thatched roof, a peat fire burns in the grate and see the islander’s crofting life as it was until only 50 years ago.

Continue on to the beautiful west coast of the island and to Callanish. Described as Scotland’s Stonehenge, the Callanish Standing Stones date from around 3000 BC. There are a total of 32 stones in a circular and avenue design. It is thought that the site, one of several in the area, was constructed for astronomical observations. The stones stand like a petrified forest on the flat top of a peninsula that reaches out into East Loch Roag.

Day 12 Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland

After coming ashore in the charming Portree, drive across the lovely Isle of Skye to its west coast and the castle of Dunvegan – seat of the Clan MacLeod chiefs since the 13th century. One of the greatest and most renowned among the Hebridean strongholds, Dunvegan Castle is the only one to have been continuously owned and occupied by the same family over a period now spanning eight centuries.

Within the castle are priceless heirlooms, some of which have come down through the hands of the Chiefs of MacLeod since medieval times, including such treasures as the Dunvegan Cup, the mysterious Fairy Flag and Rory Mor’s Horn. Wander through the lovely gardens that surround a waterfall known as Rory Mor’s Cascade. On your return to Portee, travel through various landscapes including the famous Cuillin Mountains.

This afternoon, join a local guide for a walking tour of historic Portree – a bustling fishing town with pretty painted buildings huddled around a charming harbour. Your guide will describe the vision Sir James MacDonald had of a town with education for all and a thriving trade and society. See impressive buildings with impressive histories, all the while enjoying the local tales shared by your knowledgeable guide as you stroll the streets of Portree. Following your tour, browse the lovely shops selling Scottish goods, crafts and tartans before returning to the Silver Explorer.

Day 13 Lunga, Treshnish Islands & Iona, Scotland

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 show 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.

In the afternoon, the Silver Explorer repositions to 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 afternoo 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.

Day 14 Belfast, Northern Ireland

For the final day of your journey, dock in the storied port of Belfast and venture inland to explore some of Northern Ireland’s most celebrated attractions. First stop to photograph Dunluce Castle. Perched picturesquely (and precipitously!) at the edge of a rocky outcropping high above the sea, the castle is dramatically surrounded by terrifyingly steep drops. Most of the fortifications date from the 16th and 17th centuries. Nearby, view the world-famous Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery. While unable to visit inside the distillery, find a nice selection of whiskeys and souvenir items for purchase inside the shop.

Your next destination is the Giant’s Causeway of 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns that descend in a kind of pathway to the sea. Formed over 50 million years ago, UNESCO has recognized this unique site with World Heritage status. For centuries, visitors have marveled at the rugged symmetry of the columns and their ability to withstand the unbridled ferocity of Atlantic storms. Enjoy an audio-visual presentation and exhibition before boarding the “Causeway Coaster” minibus, which will bring you to the causeway itself.

Following lunch at a local hotel, drive along the spectacular and unspoilt Antrim Coast to the Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge. Upon arrival, hike uphill following a winding and bumpy pathway with wonderful vantage points, ultimately arriving out at the rope suspension bridge. The path is over 1 Km long with wonderful vantage points to stop and take in the natural beauty. The geology, flora and fauna have earned Carrick-a-rede recognition as an area of special scientific interest. For those not fearful of heights, step out onto the bridge as it sways high above the steep cliffs and crashing waves.

Alternatively, choose instead to visit the National Trust Properties of Mount Stewart House and Gardens, the finest in Northern Ireland. Home of the Londonderry family since the early 18th century, Mount Stewart has hosted many prominent political figures such as Robert Viscount Castlereagh, War Minister and Foreign Secretary throughout much of the Napoleonic Wars. The property is full of his memorabilia including 22 chairs brought back from the Congress at Vienna in 1814, correspondence with Nelson and Wellington, and a painting by Stubbs of the racehorse Hambletonian. Enjoy a guided tour of this wonderful house and together admire the breathtaking profusion of astrological designs, stained glass and marble.

The magnificent gardens have made Mount Stewart famous and have been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status. A stunning collection of fine trees and rare shrubs from all over the world flourishes, as does an unrivaled collection of rare and unusual plants. Beyond the Victorian kitchen garden lies a newly planted Arboretum divided into sections that represent each of the main regions of the world.

Day 15 Dublin, Ireland

Arrive at Dublin in the early morning. Following breakfast onboard, disembark the Silver Explorer.