Sail from the historic waterfront town of Bergen, Norway, to seldom-explored islands in the Faroes and Scotland, and then explore all of Iceland’s coastal wonders on a near-circumnavigation. In Scotland you’ll encounter Shetland ponies roaming verdant landscapes. Then go back in time at Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old stone-slab village on Orkney, and see the mysterious standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar. Walk with a historian through Jarlshof archaeological site, a complex of ancient settlements spanning 4,000 years of human history. Meet the welcoming islanders who call the scenic Faroe Islands home. Observe incredible birdlife—massive puffin colonies in the Faroe Islands and Grimsey, and on the Cliffs of Noss, thousands of murres and kittiwakes.
Highlights
• Go aboard National Geographic Explorer and sail in the wake of early Viking explorers, learning the region’s dramatic history
• Encounter the Bronze Age ruins and Viking longhouses of Jarlshof, a prehistoric settlement in the Shetland Islands
• Discover the unique culture of the Faroe Islands, where residents cling proudly to their Viking heritage
• Observe nesting seabirds in dramatic settings—on Iceland’s skyscraping Látrabjarg cliffs and amid Shetland's spectacular Cliffs of Noss
• Sail past the dramatic sea cliffs of the Faroe Islands to see cliff-nesting puffins, gannets, and northern fulmars
Bergen is one of the major cities of the powerful
Hanseatic League. Hansa merchants operated in
the historic Bryggens Wharf area, filled with
wooden buildings from the Middle Ages. (D)
Enjoy a morning at sea, then see the standing
stones at the Ring of Brodgar and the stoneslab
village of Skara Brae. Step into the past at the red
sandstone cathedral of St. Magnus, built in 1137.
(B,L,D)
Our ship glides past the towering bird cliffs of Noss
for views of murres and kittiwakes. Visit the
Jarlshof archaeological site, a prehistoric and
Norse settlement continuously inhabited for more
than 4,000 years, and see the famous Shetland
ponies. (B,L,D)
The rugged Faroese are proud of their Viking
ancestry, reflected in their ancient language and
love of the sea. We will explore the archipelago
with possible stops: in Tórshavn, wooden boats
bob at anchor in the harbor and harken back to
Viking times; visit the natural history museum and
the Kirkjubøur archaeological site, a medieval
farming and religious center; see the incredible
bird cliffs and scenic landscapes of northern
Streymoy, at the cliffs of Vestmanna. (B,L,D)
Dock in Djúpivogur and drive down the coast to
explore the vast Vatnajökull icecap and the deep
blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of
Jökulsárlón. Alternatively, go by 4x4 vehicle to visit
some of the secluded valleys and remote
waterfalls in the countryside around Djúpivogur or
visit a local farm to meet the families living in rural
Iceland. (B,L,D)
Enjoy a morning at sea as we sail northward to the
land of the midnight sun, going ashore in the
evening at the tiny island of Grimsey. Home to
nesting sea birds, it lies exactly on the Arctic
Circle. (B,L,D)
Drive to Lake Mývatn, the most geologically active
area in Iceland. See the mud pools at Hverarond
and the unforgettable sight of Goðafoss, the
waterfall of the gods. Visit the explosion crater at
Viti. Drive to Akureyri with its beautiful period
houses, backed by snow-capped mountains.
(B,L,D)
Located in the Westfjords, Ísafjördur is surrounded
by water on three sides, sculpted by glaciers.
Explore the town and taste some Icelandic
culinary delicacies, or visit a center dedicated to
arctic foxes. Learn about the fishing industry that
was the mainstay of this town for generations.
Continue to charming Flatey Island, a trading post
for centuries, for walks around the 19th-century
hamlet and opportunities to see and photograph
numerous species of birds. Zodiac cruise the
coast and see where Erik the Red sailed from in
the year 982 A.D., bound for Greenland. (B,L,D)
The Westman Islands were formed by undersea
volcanoes and are among the youngest of the
world’s archipelagos. Surtsey, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, was created in 1963 and 10 years
later, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that
nearly closed off its harbor. Visit the crater where
the earth is still hot and see areas that were
engulfed by lava. (B,L,D)
Today we disembark in Reykjavík with options to
visit either the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths
or the hot springs, geothermal power plant and a
horse farm, prior to our flight home. (B,L)
Itineraries are subject to change.
12 August, 2024 to 24 August, 2024
National Geographic Explorer
|
|
|
Book now
|
#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Most cabins feature two single beds that can be converted to a queen. Cabins #301-306 feature one queen-sized bed. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
#313-316, 321-328, 337-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), one large window, and two sitting chairs and a small table and ample storage. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV. Cabins 341 & 343 have a sofa bed for a triple.
Veranda Deck
#103-104, 107-108 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert to a queen-sized bed, and at least one large window, climate controls, sitting chair, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Upper Deck
#201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds and at least one large window. All cabins can convert between two single beds to a queen, except Cabins 217, 226 & 228 that feature one queen-size bed only. All cabins feature climate controls, sitting chairs, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
#309-311, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.
Veranda Deck
#105-106 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
Upper Deck
#203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, feature one queen-sized bed, a writing desk and chairs, climate controls, a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen.)
Veranda Deck
#101-102 — These spacious cabins can be converted into triples. They have two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, bookcase, sofa-bed, chairs, two large windows, and a TV. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
Upper Deck
#213 — This spacious cabin has a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, bookcase, chairs, and a TV. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
#215, 219, 230 — These large cabins with private balconies have two single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen. They have seating areas with a sofa-bed and can be converted to triples. Cabins also include a desk with chairs, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
Special Offers
• BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS. Save 10% on any consecutive journeys taken on board one of our expedition ships. This savings is applicable on voyage fares only, and are not valid on extensions or airfare.
• TRAVELING AS A GROUP. Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Take advantage of these great savings, while enjoying traveling with your friends and family. This savings is applicable to voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from our regular policies.
• COMBINING OFFERS. Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities, except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings.
• FREE BAR TAB AND CREW TIPS INCLUDED. We will cover your bar tab and all tips for the crew on all National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance, and National Geographic Orion voyages.
Inclusions
• Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
• Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
• Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible.
• Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
• 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
• Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the NG Endurance, NG Resolution, NG Explorer, NG Orion, NG Endeavour II, NG Islander II, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, and The Jahan. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors, available for purchase.
• Beer and wine on all 2023 departures aboard NG Venture, NG Quest, NG Sea Bird, and NG Sea Lion, and specialty cocktails with meals aboard Delfin ll. Starting in 2024, spirits and cocktails are also included aboard these ships, with super premium wines and liquors available for purchase.
• Crew gratuities aboard NG Endurance, NG Resolution, NG Explorer, NG Orion, Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Lord of the Glens, Oberoi Philae, and The Jahan
• Free Wi-Fi aboard Lord of the Glens and The Jahan.
• Free Wi-Fi, up to one hour a day per person, aboard NG Islander II and NG Endeavour II
• Lindblad Expeditions is currently activating Starlink-enabled internet on each of our ships, enabling us to offer free Wi-Fi—in addition to paid tiers for faster internet speeds—to all of our guests fleetwide by the end of 2023.
• Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
• Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
• The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
• Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
• 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
• Complimentary Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic parka or jacket on select Arctic and Antarctic voyages
• Assistance by the onboard NG Photography Expert (NG Endurance, NG Explorer, NG Orion, NG Resolution) and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor (all ships)
• Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (all Lindblad-National Geographic ships except in Galapagos)
• Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Exclusions
• Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers
• Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
• Crew gratuities aboard NG Endeavour II, NG Islander II, NG Venture, NG Quest, NG Sea Bird, NG Sea Lion, and Delfin II