Our cruise to the legendary 'Land of Ice and Fire' and the rarely visited Northern Isles is a unique voyage of discovery traversing the Arctic Circle and circumnavigating Iceland, a remote island of vast ice caps, geothermal pools and bubbling hot springs, steaming geysers, lava fields and active volcanoes. Spectacular scenery, diverse natural wonders and abundant wildlife combine to make this wonderful cruising holiday a memorable experience to savour visiting four enthralling Icelandic ports of call.
Day 1: Greenock, Scotland Check in at the Cruise Terminal in Greenock, Scotland. The Ocean Countess departs at 1700hrs.
Day 2: At Sea Cruising the Atlantic Ocean, heading northwest to Iceland.
Day 3: Westman Islands, Iceland Your first port in the 'Land of Ice & Fire' is in the Westmann Islands, a collection of 15 islands and 30 reefs off the southern coast of the mainland. Heimaey has about 5,000 inhabitants and was the scene of an immense volcanic eruption by Mt Helgafell in 1973. A new landscape was created and the resultant lava mountain is still warm to the touch. Anyone born prior to 1973 really is "older than dirt" on this island!
Day 4: Reykjavik, Iceland You continue northwest around the tip of the Reykjaness Peninsula to arrive at Reykjavik. Welcome to the world's most northerly capital! A modern, smokeless city with an old town, lovingly preserved, Reykjavik lies close to an astonishing region of lava fields, spectacular geysers and steaming geothermal springs. Attractions abound, including the famous Blue Lagoon, with its warm mineral-rich waters and spa (try a relaxing in-water massage). The magnificent Gulfoss waterfall should not be missed.
Day 5: Isafjordur, Iceland Next stop is Isafjordur, the main town on Iceland's north west coast, a region known as the Westfjords. This community provides a dramatic starting point for a number of fascinating excursions into this sparsely populated area, which, geologically, is the oldest part of Iceland. Here, land meets sea in the most dramatic way imaginable. The sheer basalt cliff of Latrabjarg is home to one of the largest seabird colonies in the world and a wonderful place to go puffin spotting. Elsewhere, the rugged beauty of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve hides all manner of unusual vegetation, scenic walking trails and wildlife that includes seals and Arctic foxes.
Day 6: Akureyri, Iceland The second largest city in Iceland, known as the "Capital of the North", sits at the head of the country's longest fjord. It boasts a thriving Botanical Gardens and a fascinating museum that is well worth seeing. The real attraction is the awesome landscape of volcanoes, waterfalls, canyons, hot springs and lakes. Akureyri is the base for optional tours by lane to the island of Grimsey, which sits on the Arctic Circle. Other tours visit Husavik, the main whale-watching centre in Iceland; Godafoss "Waterfall of the Gods" and the picturesque Lake Myvatn nature refuge area.
Day 7: Seydisfjordur, Iceland You final stop in Iceland, Seydisfjordur is a period piece, late 19th century town on Iceland's East Coast or Eastfjords area. Nestled in a bowl of mountains in the Seydisfjord, it is one of the country's finest natural harbours. Nearby attractions are the 'reindeer territory' of the eastern interior, the Vatnajökull glacier and the Lagarfljot lake, said to be home to a mythical monster that guards treasure thrown into the water in Viking times.
Day 8: Torshavn, Faroe Islands Capital city of the Faroe Islands, "The harbour of the god Thor", is a modern town that retains a unique character, with black-timbered buildings and sod roofs. The islands - a verdant, green home to birds, sheep and about 46,000 people - would still be recognisable to the early Viking settlers who arrived on their transatlantic trail from Scandinavia to North America.
Day 9: Lerwick, Shetland Islands Capital and county town of the Shetland Islands, Lerwick was settled by the Norsemen in the 9th century but has prehistoric sites going back thousands of years. Jarlshof, with its remains of Bronze Age, Viking and Medieval settlements is believed by some to be the most remarkable archaeological discovery in Britain.
Day 10: At sea
Day 11: Greenock, Scotland. Disembark after breakfast on board.
Please note that in the event of adverse weather conditions that prevent the vessel from calling at one of the scheduled ports of call, alternative arrangements will be made where possible.
