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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

DAY 1: Bergen, Norway / Embark

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)

DAY 2: Orkney Islands, Scotland

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)

DAY 3: Shetland Islands

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)

DAY 4-6: The Faroe Island Archipelago

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)

DAY 7: Djúpivogur, Iceland

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)

DAY 8: At Sea / Grimsey

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)

DAY 9: Lake Mývatn / Akureyri

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)

DAY 10-11: Western Iceland

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)

DAY 12: Surtsey & Heimaey, Westman Islands

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)

DAY 13: Reykjavík / Disembark / Home

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)

Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

30 June, 2023 to 12 July, 2023
ship icon National Geographic Explorer
Book now

Category 1

$15,930 AUD pp
Category 1
#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.

Category 2

$17,040 AUD pp
Category 2
#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.

Category 3

$17,750 AUD pp
Category 3
#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.

Category 4

$19,070 AUD pp
Category 4
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.

Category SA (solo)

$21,300 AUD pp
Category SA (solo)
#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.

Category SB (solo)

$22,190 AUD pp
Category SB (solo)
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.

Category 5

$22,990 AUD pp
Category 5
#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.)

Category 6

$26,500 AUD pp
Category 6
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.

Category 7

$30,720 AUD pp
Category 7
#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.

12 August, 2024 to 24 August, 2024
ship icon National Geographic Explorer
Book now

Category 1

$16,420 AUD pp
Category 1
#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.

Category 2

$17,550 AUD pp
Category 2
#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.

Category 3

$18,290 AUD pp
Category 3
#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.

Category 4

$19,640 AUD pp
Category 4
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.

Category SA (solo)

$21,950 AUD pp
Category SA (solo)
#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.

Category SB (solo)

$22,870 AUD pp
Category SB (solo)
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.

Category 5

$23,690 AUD pp
Category 5
#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.)

Category 6

$27,300 AUD pp
Category 6
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.

Category 7

$31,640 AUD pp
Category 7
#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.

National Geographic Explorer

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition

Length: 108 meters

Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins)

Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008

National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world.

Public areas: Bistro Bar; Chart Room; Restaurant; Global Gallery; Library, Lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; Mud Room with lockers for expedition gear, and Observation Lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation.

Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.

Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls.

Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, Crow’s Nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear.

Special Features: A full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, LEX Photo Specialist and Video Chronicler, Internet Cafe and laundry.

Wellness: The vessel is staffed by two Wellness Specialists and features a glass enclosed Fitness Center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and Sauna.

Cabin layout for National Geographic Explorer

Norway's Fjords Pre-Voyage Extension. From (5850.00 AUD)

The rich landscapes of southern Norway, including Sognefjord—the longest and deepest fjord in Norway—are the ideal addition to your adventures. Thundering waterfalls and snowy peaks offer wonderful photo ops. NOTE: On some voyages, this extension runs in a reverse direction (Oslo to Bergen). Please contact an Expedition Specialist for more information.

Bergen, Norway Pre-Voyage Extension. From (1490.00 AUD)

A once bustling seaport town nestled amongst the fjords of southwestern Norway, Bergen has been revitalized as an amazing look back into the medieval times and the Hanseatic League that once dominated this harbor town. The colorful wooden clapboard commercial buildings that line the old wharf are just one of many picturesque backdrops to our tour of this historic city.

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


• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• Non alcoholic beverages
• Experienced expedition team and leader
• All excursions
• Zodiac and kayak exploration
• Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
• Lectures and presentations on board

Exclusions


• International and domestic flights unless otherwise stated
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Alcoholic beverages on board unless otherwise stated
• Gratuities unless otherwise stated
• Wifi on board
• Any items of a personal nature including laundry
National Geographic Explorer
Iceland & Faroes Luxury ExpeditionLuxury Expedition
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