Scotland, Faroe Islands & Iceland - Footsteps of Vikings and Gaels - Forward Travel
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Scotland, Faroe Islands & Iceland Footsteps of Vikings and Gaels 13 JUN – 24 JUN 2020 11 NIGHTS / 12 DAYS STARTS IN EDINBURGH NATURAL WONDERS, SUPERB WILDLIFE, UNIQUE CULTURE & FASCINATING HISTORY Follow in the footsteps of Vikings and Gaels and discover the stunning islands of the North Atlantic. Explore the dramatic coastlines of Scotland, the Faroe Islands and Iceland and immerse yourself in the region's ancient history. Our voyage begins in Scotland, known for its rich tapestry of history, culture and rugged, natural beauty. Harsh lands are fringed by a dramatic coastline, broken up by the occasional fishing village and quaint seaside town. Passing through the Outer Hebrides, the UK’s most remote islands, our voyage continues to the unique landscape of the Faroe Islands. An archipelago in the middle of the North Atlantic, the Faroe Islands are some of the most remote, inhabited islands in the world. Famous for their natural beauty, rolling green hills and grass covered roofs, the country is dominated by steep mountains, sheep, and the largest colony of storm petrels in Expedition Highlights the world. The weather is volatile, but this doesn’t seem to bother the millions of seabirds that settle here. › Explore the stunning coast lines of some of the most remote islands in Europe Our last stop on our North Atlantic adventure takes us to Iceland, home to ice covered volcanoes, immense › Visit some of the world’s rarest bird colonies glaciers and geothermal lagoons. A stark, volcanic land alongside expert ornithologists with a warm heart, Iceland’s shallow fjords are a haven for whales, dolphins and seals alike and there is a surprising › Immerse yourself in the ancient Nordic array of wildlife. This superb voyage links three of the gems culture and Gaelic history of the North Atlantic. We explore off the ship in the company of expert guides, cruising in the Zodiacs and › Enjoy long hours of daylight, perfect for enjoying walks on shore. wildlife and landscape photography
ON THIS TRIP IMPORTANT VOYAGE LOGISTICS Zodiac excursions Our expedition commences in Edinburgh - Scotland's historic capital city. Onshore hiking options The expedition concludes in Reykjavik (Iceland), the world's most northerly capital city. Wildlife observation Forward Travel is organising an exclusive 8 day Photographer-in-Residence Iceland tour to complement this journey. Cover the well known sights and then explore the Sea kayaking available remote, beautiful and wildlife rich Westfjords, including Iceland's most accessible puffin Whale watching colony. Details are being finalised and will be be ready at end of July. Community visits Book by 31 August to receive a USD750 travel Educational presentations credit on all bookings. Active Cruising & Wellness Please call Rose on 1300 738 168 with any questions. YOUR DAY-BY-DAY EXPEDITION ITINERARY DAY 1 / LEITH - SCOTLAND DAY 4 / STORNOWAY, HEBRIDES, SCOTLAND (SATURDAY, 13 JUNE 2020) The Scottish Western Isles of the Outer Hebrides are a diverse Your voyage begins in Edinburgh, Scotland’s picturesque capital chain of inter-connected islands with their own unique way city. We recommend spending a few days prior to your voyage of life. The dramatic cliffs and large windy beaches are ideal departure exploring this historic city, enjoying a stroll along the to stroll along, breathing in the fresh Atlantic air. A highlight of ‘royal mile’, visiting Edinburgh’s famous castle or taking in views our visit will be a trip to the 5000-year old Standing Stones of the city with a hike up to ‘Arthur’s Seat’. This afternoon, at Callanish. History buffs will also enjoy the Gearrannan we transfer to nearby Leith to board our home for the next Blackhouse Village. Others may choose to spend the day 11 nights – RCGS Resolute. Once onboard you will meet the strolling along the quay at Stornoway Harbour and listen to the expedition team and set sail. Following welcome drinks and shouts of the fishermen, as the traditional fleet land the catch of dinner, we depart north, skirting the Scottish coastline. the day. DAY 2 / ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND DAY 5 / UNST, SHETLAND ISLANDS We wake up cruising the stunning east coast of Scotland ready A unique place of peace, pure air and wide-open spaces, for our first historical destination, Aberdeen, also known as ‘The visitors to Unst in the Shetlands savour the wildlife, the birdlife Granite City’ due to the locally quarried stone that built it. Old and the warm community spirit. Known as ‘the ultimate Aberdeen, just north of the city centre, has been an important destination for those with adventure in their soul’, Unst is the political, ecclesiastical and cultural centre since the end of the northernmost of the inhabited British Isles and boasts scenic Middle Ages. For many, a visit to Dunnottar Castle is a must. beauty, rich history, heritage and traditions. Rugged coast line The medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland is steeped and golden, empty beaches will give us the perfect playground in history - once besieged by Vikings and captured by William to explore by Zodiac, kayak or on foot. Keen birders will rejoice Wallace. For those wanting to stretch their legs, a stunning and with close-up views of tens of thousands of breeding gannets, undulating coastal path will take you 3km north to the town of guillemots, puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars. Hikers Stonehaven. Here you will see a working harbour, busy with of all levels will have plenty of routes to choose from, with the sailing yachts, home to the Stonehaven Tolbooth museum, a combination of spectacular coastal scenery, quiet inland lochs notable building on the quayside with a fascinating history. and gentle heather hills. DAY 3 / ORKNEY ISLANDS, SCOTLAND DAY 6 / TORSHAVN, FAROE ISLANDS Today we reach the Orkney Islands. Many are uninhabited, By morning we have arrived in the Faroe Islands - a group of allowing us to truly enjoy the local wildlife, including seals, and eighteen rocky, volcanic islands situated between Iceland and prolific birdlife. Orkney is considered to be the best place in Norway. Visitors are drawn to the islands’ mountains, valleys, the UK for viewing seabirds. It is a land of breathtaking beauty grassy heathland and steep coastal cliffs. We begin our time and famous for its unique archaeological sites, such as the exploring in Tórshavn, on Streymoy Island, the tiny capital of the well-preserved Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae, a Neolithic Faroe Islands. Nearby Tinganes, home of the famous wooden tomb with Viking graffiti. Stromness lies in the West of the turf-roofed houses is a bustling harbour and plenty of local Orkney Islands and has a strong maritime influence. Spend the boutiques. It will be a joy to take in the narrow sounds and day experiencing the unique culture, heritage and traditions by deep grottoes in the shadow of the 1500 feet high cliffs where visiting one of its many museums, galleries, craft workshops, thousands of seabirds nest. and independent retailers.
DAY 7 / MIOVAGUR / MYKINES, FAROE ISLANDS The collection of 34 large granite eggs reflect the bird species that nest in the local area and offer a lovely walk along the coast Our second day of exploration in the Faroe Islands will take to view them. us to two of the Islands’ most stunning waterfalls. First stop - Sørvágsvatn, the largest lake on the islands. Dubbed “the lake DAY 10 / REYNISDRANGAR, ICELAND over the ocean” due to an optical illusion, the lake appears to hover in mid-air. At the end of the lake is the impressive We continue our journey around Iceland’s stunning south coast Bøsdalafossur waterfall – which provides a great hiking heading towards Vik. Here lies one of Europe's biggest Arctic excursion. Next we cruise towards the tiny village of Gasadular. tern breeding grounds. To the south of Reynisfjall mountain a Surrounded by high mountains, this photogenic village is home spectacular set of rock columns, called Reynisdrangar, rise to the second waterfall of the day; Mulafossur Waterfall. This majestically out of the Atlantic Ocean. These towering, spiky stunning natural wonder is best viewed by sea. We visit Mykines rock formations jut out from the ocean 66 metres (217 ft) into island which provides some of the best bird watching in the the air. Teeming with nesting Arctic terns, fulmars and puffins. A Faroe Islands. Here we find colonies of cormorants, while the folk legend says there were two trolls pulling a three-mast ship cliffs make perfect nesting ledges for guillemots and razorbills. to the shore, but were caught by the sunlight at dawn and turned into stone (as happens to trolls when they stay out until DAY 8 / SEYDISFJORDUR, ICELAND dawn). Our approach by sea will give a unique perspective and the chance to view this spectacular landmark in small groups, Defined by its dramatic landscape of glaciers, waterfalls, perfect for bird viewing and exploring through your lens. With volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields, Iceland will give close to 20 hours of daylight, opportunities are endless to learn us plenty to explore over the next 5 days! We start our Icelandic hints and tips from our photographer-in-residence. saga in Seydisfjordur. A place of singing waterfalls and interesting characters, Seydisfjordur is a welcoming town with a rich history. DAY 11 / HEIMAEY, WESTMAN ISLANDS Experience the flourishing art scene, enjoy local cuisine or experience the delightful hiking trails. One of the highlights will Leaving the shores of the mainland, we journey into the North surely be a pleasant hike down ‘Waterfall lane’, winding though Atlantic to the tiny, but beautiful, Westman Islands. Rich in forests to many waterfalls rich in Icelandic vegetation. A slightly volcanic history and known as a ‘modern Nordic Pompeii’, longer hike brings us to a lookout with glorious views. The Heimaey’s once-solitary volcano, Helgafell (or “Holy Mountain”) Skaftfell Centre for Visual Arts provides us with a great alternative created the island in an eruption 7,000 years ago. In 1973 it to the outdoors, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in erupted again and fortunately, Heimaey’s entire fishing fleet was Icelandic culture. moored in the harbour for the night and carried everyone to safety. The force of Helgafell’s eruption added a new volcano to Heimaey’s skyline - Eldfell, (or the “mountain of fire”.) Learn more DAY 9 / DJUPIVOGUR, ICELAND about this unique destination with a visit to one of the town’s fascinating museums. The seabird life in the Westman Islands is Our next stop will take us to the small fishing village of abundant and we are on the lookout for whales and seals. This Djupivogur located on the Bulandsnes Peninsula. The scenic evening we celebrate this exceptional journey at a special dinner landscape immediately draws your eye up to Búlandstindur, a attended by the Captain of the ship. pyramid-shaped mountain towering over the town. Thought to be one of the most beautiful mountains in Iceland, it also has DAY 12 / REYKJAVIK, ICELAND – (WEDNESDAY, 24 JUNE a tie to local folklore and the belief it can grant wishes during 2020) the summer solstice. In the village, you will find remnants of an origin in trading dating back to the 16th century. The oldest Our expedition concludes in the world’s most northerly capital - storehouse, Langabúð, built in 1790 stands strong after a the colourful and quirky city of Reykjavik. Why not stay a full restoration that has turned it into an outstanding cultural few days to explore the city and surroundings? A transfer is centre. A unique attraction to take in while visiting is a display of provided to a downtown location or to the airport for your outdoor sculptures named Eggin in Gleðivík, by famous artist onward journey. Sigurður Guðmundsson. ABOUT OUR ITINERARY: Small ship expedition cruising can sometimes be unpredictable. Specific sites visited will depend on prevailing weather and sea conditions at the time of sailing. The above itinerary should be read as a 'guide only' and may change. The ship's Captain in conjunction with the Expedition Leader continually review the sailing plan throughout the voyage, making adjustments to the itinerary along the way to take advantage of optimal weather and sea conditions or to maximize our encounters with wildlife. Years of experience spent exploring these waterways mean we have plenty of outstanding landing sites and Zodiac cruising locations to consider, even when the weather conditions may not be ideal. A flexible approach is something we encourage you to bring to the ship.
RCGS RESOLUTE VESSEL DIAGRAMS & CABIN OVERVIEW Built in Rauma Finland in 1993, RCGS Resolute offers a Lloyds 1AS ice class (the highest ice rating possible for passenger ships), external stabilizers, incredible comfort and a variety of spacious interior and exterior viewing areas. The most recent refurbishment of the vessel included a complete cabin redecoration featuring new carpet and furniture throughout. One Ocean Suites feature queen beds. In all other cabins, the bed configuration is available in either a queen or two single beds (triple cabins feature two single beds and an additional lower single berth). All cabins include: private washroom, ample storage, writing desk and chair, fridge, flat screen entertainment system with in-house intranet, sectional corner lounge, 100% cotton OOE bathrobes, custom blend natural Canadian made amenities, black out blinds, complimentary water bottle and in room tea and coffee station. Superior cabins and above feature additional inclusions. For all guests, a full expedition gear package is included and features a waterproof jacket and pants, rubber boots, Nordic trekking pole, binoculars and water proof backpack. DECK 6: SUITES: ONE OCEAN SHACKLETON DECK 5: SUPERIOR PLUS SUPERIOR DECK 4: TWIN PRIVATE DECK 3: MAIN DECK TRIPLE One Ocean Suite Shackleton Suite Superior Plus Cabin Superior Cabin Twin Private Cabin Triple Private Cabin DECK 7 ENCLOSED ENCLOSED LIFEBOAT LIFEBOAT SAUNA / STEAM ROOM OBSERVATION LOUNGE SOLARIUM WELLNESS OBSERVATION DECK CENTRE WC POOL RESTING ROOM WC LIFT ZODIACS LIFT JACUZZI SHOWERS / CHANGE ROOM GYMNASIUM ENCLOSED ENCLOSED LIFEBOAT LIFEBOAT DECK 8 ENCLOSED ENCLOSED DECK 6 LIFEBOAT LIFEBOAT 602 610 612 604 606 608 LIFT BISTRO BRIDGE DINING ROOM LIFT & LOUNGE 601 609 CHART 611 WC 603 605 607 ROOM ENCLOSED ENCLOSED LIFEBOAT LIFEBOAT DECK 5 GANGWAY 510 512 518 504 508 524 532 514 516 520 522 534 506 526 528 530 RECEPTION WC WC LIFT BAR / LIFT LOUNGE 511 517 503 523 531 509 513 515 519 521 533 505 507 525 527 529 GANGWAY DECK 4 402 410 412 418 404 408 424 414 416 420 422 406 WC WC LIFT DINING ROOM LIFT 409 411 417 403 407 423 413 415 419 421 405 401 GIFT SHOP DOCTOR DECK 3 DECK 2 GANGWAY MUD ROOM 416 414 408 304 418 302 402 412 410 406 404 306 LIFT PRESENTATION THEATRE LIFT 415 413 407 301 411 303 417 401 409 405 403 305 MUD ROOM GANGWAY
RCGS RESOLUTE › INCLUSIONS, AMENITIES & SERVICE Triple Twin Superior Shackleton One Ocean SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Private Private Superior Plus Suite Suite Outside view with panoramic windows (triple private cabins have portholes) • • • • • • Complimentary use of Expedition Gear Package (jacket, pants, boots) • • • • • • Complimentary use of binoculars, trekking pole and waterproof backpack • • • • • • Custom blend natural Canadian-made washroom amenities • • • • • • Custom Canadian-made linen + ‘Dream-Sleep’ package • • • • • • 100% Cotton bathrobe • • • • • • Hair Dryer • • • • • • Digital clock with media connector • • • • • • In-room tea and coffee station • • • • • • Flat-screen entertainment system + onboard intranet • • • • • • Welcome package and stainless-steel water bottle • • • • • • In-room snack menu • • • • • • In-room mini-bar replenished daily (non-alcoholic) • • • • • • One Ocean Adventure Concierge service • • • • • • SUPERIOR AND ABOVE Deluxe custom blend natural Canadian-made washroom amenities • • • • Complimentary OOE voyage notebook • • • • One Ocean Expeditions Wildlife/Field Guide • • • • In-room mini bar replenished daily (incl. beer/wine) • • • • In-room bistro menu • • • • Deluxe in-room One Ocean Adventure Concierge service • • • • SUPERIOR PLUS AND ABOVE In-room private reference library • • • In-room iPad preloaded with reference and fictional content • • • THE SUITES Exclusive check-in service on day of embarkation • • Deluxe welcome package (as above plus wine, fruit basket + snacks) • • Single brew coffee machine (Nespresso) • • Mini stereo • • Private in-room One Ocean Adventure Concierge service • • In-room dining menu • • Early morning in-room café service • • Evening après dinner drink service • • Premium in-room mini bar replenished daily (incl. spirits) • • Complimentary 1-hour massage/spa experience • • SALES: voyages@oneoceanexpeditions.com MEDIA: media@oneoceanexpeditions.com AUSTRALIA/NZ: +61 (0)2 9119 2228 NORTH & SOUTH AMERICA: +1 855 416 2326 UK, EUROPE & REST OF THE WORLD: +44 (0)117 951 3203 www.oneoceanexpeditions.com
THE RIGHT SHIP = THE BEST EXPERIENCE RCGS Resolute offers exceptional onboard facilities and provides an ideal platform for expedition cruising in remote locations such as the North Atlantic islands. Outstanding observation areas both inside and from the outer decks allow you to be completely absorbed by the coastal landscapes along the way. Our priority is to craft specially designed itineraries that provide you with maximum time in the pristine locations we visit. The vessel has capacity of just 146 guests and we break into small, special interest groups. There are wonderful hiking options onshore, visits to small coastal communities, historic sites, famous whisky distilleries and throughout the voyage we enjoy outstanding wilderness areas. Cruising in the Zodiacs photographing the landscapes, or observing coastal marine and bird life is a highlight for many. For the more adventurous, sea kayaking is another memorable experience. To learn more about this exceptional vessel, request a copy of the Ship Fact Sheet containing detailed technical specifications and additional information about cabins, RCGS Resolute amenities and inclusions. CALL US NOW TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE PRICES ARE IN USD, PER PERSON SHARING WITH CABIN WITH ONE PERSON (TWIN) OR 2 PEOPLE (TRIPLE) TRIPLE SHARE 5995 TWIN SHARE 7395 RECEIVE USD750 PER PERSON TRAVEL CREDIT SUPERIOR 8095 IF BOOKED BY 31 AUGUST. SUPERIOR PLUS 8395 AND BONUS FREE NIGHT IN EDINBURGH SHACKLETON SUITE 9595 ONE OCEAN SUITE 11595 All prices are in US$ per person sharing. Single supplement is 1.5 x the published twin rate for twin private and superior, superior plus cabins, and 2 x the published twin rate for suites. Single supplement is not available in triple cabins. Sea kayaking program is an additional $695 per person. Ask us about our special Iceland discovery small group tour after the expedition. it will cover the beautiful and remote Wesfjorfds including Iceland's biggest and most accessible Puffin colony. as well as the most famous sights. Ph: 1300 738 168 www.forwardtravel.com.au 8 The Strand, Penshurst NSW 2222 there is only one ocean www.oneoceanexpeditions.com
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