Nordic Natural Wonders
Hewn by ice ages past, Norway's spectacular fjords are an ancient handiwork from the hand of Mother Nature. The Faroe Islands - volcanic in origin but shaped by centuries of battle with fierce natural elements. Dazzling white glaciers, snow-capped mountains, rugged lava fields, deserts of black sands, towering moss-covered cliffs, tumbling waterfalls and valleys carpeted in green. Slumbering volcanoes, hissing fumaroles, bubbling mud pots and hot thermal springs, Iceland - a dynamic landscape! A temperamental beauty! A fickle and fiery nature! A Utopia of Fire and ice!
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: Harwich.
Make your own way to Harwich and board MV Discovery for your 14 day cruise. (D)
DAY 2: At sea.
(B, L, D)
DAY 3: Bergen.
Bergen is Norway's second largest city and gateway to the fjords. Enjoy free time this morning to explore the ancient Bryggen area, with its beautifully preserved wooden Hanseatic buildings dating back to medieval times. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: Flam.
Set on Sognefjord, the world's longest and deepest fjord, Flam Valley is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with towering peaks and cascading waterfalls. To fully appreciate the magnificence of the region, why not take an optional scenic train journey? The train makes regular stops to allow you to take in the spectacular views. (B, L, D)
DAY 5 to 6: At sea.
(B, L, D)
DAY 7: Akureyri.
A large town at the tip of Eyjafjordur, Iceland's longest fjord, Akureyri is considered to be the capital of northern Iceland and is home to a fascinating town centre and a thriving fishing industry. Visit the distinctive Akureyrakirkja Lutheran church, one of the many museums or the lush botanical garden, or perhaps join an excursion to the mighty horseshoe shaped cascade of Godafoss - the 'waterfall of the gods, set amongst the magnificent landscape of volcanoes, waterfalls, valleys and geysers in the Lake Myvatn region. (B, L, D)
DAY 8: Isafjordur.
The capital of the Westfjords region on Iceland's northwest coast, Isafjordur comprises two lush green valleys nestled amidst a steep, mountainous fjord. Once an important fishing centre, Isafjordur is home to some of Iceland's oldest buildings in its Nedstikaupstadur Old Quarter. Why not explore the town centre or venture into the hills to enjoy breathtaking views from one of the many picturesque hiking trails? Alternatively, join an optional trip to admire the spectacular sheer basalt cliffs of Latrabjarg, home to some of the world's largest colonies of puffins and other sea birds, or head to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve to marvel at the area's rugged, ethereal beauty and rare vegetation; there may even be a chance to spot wildlife such as seals and Arctic foxes. (B, L, D)
DAY 9: Grundarfjordur.
Carved by glaciers lone Mt Kirkjufell stands a striking sentinel watching over Grundarfjördur. On its other side the charming fishing village is embraced by an impressive mountain range Helgrindur, the 'Gates of Hell'. Grundarfjördur is gateway to Snaefellsnes peninsula where, shrouded in myth, legend and folklore, stunning landscapes speak aloud of the elemental forces that move continents and build mountains. The crowing glory is the mysterious shining cone of Snaefellsjokull glacier - starting point for Jules Verne's epic 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth'. (B, L, D)
DAY 10: Reykjavik.
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital, set on a peninsula overlooked by majestic Mount Esja. It is a city of contrasts, combining traditional painted houses and the charming character of a provincial town with a modern, vibrant metropolis. Explore the power and diversity of Iceland's natural environment on optional trips to nearby attractions. Perhaps visit the Blue Lagoon, a unique oasis-like pool and spa set in a large lava field edged by black sand beaches and brimming with geothermally heated seawater. Or why not view the magnificent cascade of Gulfoss, also known as the 'Golden Waterfall', or the intriguing landscape of Geysir, a geothermal park peppered with bubbling mud pools, swirling steam vents and the impressive steam pillar eruptions of the geyser Strokkur? (B, L, D)
DAY 11: At sea.
(B, L, D)
DAY 12: Torshavn, Faroe Islands.
The ruggedly beautiful cluster of Danish islands comprising the Faroes is nestled in a remote position in the Atlantic Ocean, halfway between Iceland and Scotland. The picturesque central island, Streymoy, is the largest of the islands and home to the islands' capital Torshavn, meaning 'Thor's Harbour' and named after the Norse god of thunder. Enjoy free time to explore Torshavn's pretty harbour town, perhaps strolling along the waterfront to admire the colourful wooden houses or visiting the museums or quaint old churches. Wander around Tinganes Old Town, which dates back to the Middle Ages, to admire the authentic black-tarred houses with green-turfed roofs that huddle along the maze of tiny crooked lanes, or perhaps head inland to the marvel at the spectacular, untouched beauty of the islands' richly fertile and lushly verdant interior - a view that would still be recognisable to its early Viking settlers. (B, L, D)
DAY 13: At sea.
(B, L, D)
DAY 14: Harwich.
After breakfast disembark MV Discovery and make your own way home. (B)
ID Requirements
A full passport is required for this holiday and must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date to the UK.
MV Discovery
Compact yet spacious, MV Discovery is designed to emulate traditional ocean cruise ships whilst being small enough to navigate smaller ports of call inaccessible to the classic cruise liners. Offering a good choice of amenities along with friendly, personal service and a home-away-from-home atmosphere, MV Discovery comfortably accommodates up to 500 guests in spacious, well-equipped cabins and offers a tranquil, tastefully furnished environment in which to enjoy the fascinating destinations visited en route.
Public Rooms & Facilities
2 swimming pools (one with retractable glass roof); 2 whirlpools; Seven Continents dining room with bar; Yacht Club à la carte restaurant with bar; Waves bar; Hideaway bar; Explorer Bar; Carousel Lounge Bar; Discovery Lounge; Palm Court lounge; Bridge Club lounge and games room; library; lecture theatre and cinema; internet centre; fitness centre; beauty salon; hairdresser; saunas; gift shop; photo gallery; medical centre.
Dining
Your cruise includes full board. Breakfast and lunch are open seating and are both buffet style, served in the Seven Continents dining room or al fresco on the sun deck. Dinner is usually served at two sittings, depending on excursion times, and your preference should be selected at the time of booking. Alternatively, the invitation only Yacht Club restaurant provides an intimate, a la carte dining option for at least one evening during your cruise. Guests will be sent an invite to enjoy the culinary delights of speciality theme menus such as Italian, Oriental, Polynesian or Mexican. 24-hour self-service tea and coffee and 24 hour room service are available and light snacks are available from some of the lounges and bars.
Cabins
All cabins have twin beds; air-conditioning; satellite TV; hairdryer; safety deposit box; telephone; and private bathroom. Your holiday price includes a category O inside cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.
Options/Upgrades
Cabin Categories & Descriptions:
O Twin inside cabin
K Twin outside cabin
G Twin outside cabin
Superior and Deluxe twin outside cabins and Junior Suites available on request
Tipping
For your convenience, gratuities for cabin staff and waiters are included in your cruise price and a service charge is already included in beauty salon, spa service, and bar/wine prices.
Holiday Availability
Unfortunately we do not currently have any available departure dates for this holiday. For more information about possible future departures or suitable alternative holidays please contact us using the number at the top of the page or view one of the Other Holiday Choices
Nordic Natural Wonders
What's Included
- Accommodation as per cruise ship details
- Meals Full board on cruise ship
- Porterage on cruise ship (for one suitcase per person)
- All local and port taxes
Cruise highlights
- Bergen, Norway
- Flam, Norway
- Akureyri, Iceland
- Isafjordur, Iceland
- Grundarfjordur, Iceland
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Torshavn, Faroe Islands
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
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