Magic Islands Fjords Cruise

15 days and 14 nights aboard the M/V Polar Star

This magical journey takes you by sea from the Scottish Isles to the coast of Norway and Arctic Svalbard as spring reawakens these northern regions. From ancient times to today, the area is rich in a fascinating history and we will see standing stones, brochs and more. Spring is also a magical time for bird watching as it is nesting season and the cliffs are crowded. As we reach our northern destination it is possible to see the king of the north the Polar Bear and perhaps walrus and other northern species. Join us for this remarkable voyage as we experience the Scottish Isles and Norway past and present and the beautiful natural environment.

Please note that the 2012 departure is a 14 day cruise.

Itinerary

Join your ship, the M/V Polar Star in Leith, the port town of Edinburgh.

We visit the 5,000 year old chambered tomb of Maes Howe, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stennes and the ancient village of Skara Brae.

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Shetlands with visits to Jarlshof, Scatness and Lerwick. The rich birdlife of the islands will also be a focus.

Wander the quaint cobblestone streets of the Old Quarter and see the Hanseatic Houses. We visit the museum and home of Edward Greig, Norways best known composer.

We Zodiac cruise around the island of Runde, home to 230 species of seabirds including Puffin, Kittiwake, Gannet, Fulmar, Petrel and Sea eagle. We then visit the aquarium at Ålesund and see the towns Art Nouveau inspired architecture.

We explore the city, rich in medieval history, and visit the haunting 11th Century (1070) Niadros Cathedral and nearby Monks Island.

Spend the day exploring the countryside, perhaps hiking through the legendary hole in the mountain.

n this archipelago of over 1000 flat, rocky islands we visit Lovund, home to 200,000 puffins and Sanna, where we will explore Kirkhellen Cave. In this cathedral-like cave, artefacts from over 9000 years ago were found.

Explore the breathtaking scenery of glacier mountain peaks, bays and pastures including visits to villages, a Viking Museum and Blacksmith workshop. In the evening, we plan to cruise in Trollfjørd.

n this vibrant city, considered the gateway to the Arctic, we learn about the Arctic at the Polar and Tromsø Museums, visit the Arctic Cathedral and take the cable car to enjoy stunning views from above.

At 71° north, North Cape (also known as Nordkapp)boasts itself to be the most northerly point of Europe.

We make landfall at this remote island to explore by Zodiac dramatic sea stacks, cliffs and caves. We plan a landing to visit a radio station and walk across the tundra.

We will spend two days in the Spitsbergen area. We visit the amazing world of Svalbard where 60% of the land is covered in sheets and rivers of ice. While there, we will be on the lookout for walrus, whale, seal, reindeer, Arctic Fox, rare Ivory Gull and Polar Bear.

Disembark in the capital of Svalbard after breakfast to begin your homeward journey.

Notes