HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit
Akureyri, Iceland’s Capital of the North, the gateway to a
thrilling land of roaring waterfalls, soaring volcanoes and glorious
wildlife
- Feel
the thundering impact of Iceland’s celebrated natural wonders
shaking your bones at Godafoss Waterfalls, known as the
‘Waterfalls of the Gods’
- Visit
the Lutheran, Akureyrarkirkja Church rises like a grand church organ
and is the town’s most striking landmark. The 112-step climb
is worth the effort to see light flooding in through its narrow stain
glass windows, spreading colourful patchworks across the interior
- In
Jan Mayen Island, Norway, watch humpback and minke whales cavort and
feed in the waters around the impressive volcanic island of Jan Mayen
with its towering ebony peaks and broad black lava beaches
- Walk
to the research and weather station, or beyond, for birds-eye views of
the meteorological station and the long black sandy eastern shore of
the island
- Visit
Bear Island which is considered Svalbard’s southernmost
island, roughly half way between Spitsbergen and Norway’s
North Cape
- Visit
Gjesværstappan Islands, Norway which is home to more than a
million birds that perch atop its cliffs
- In
Tromso, feel your heart flutter, as you catch your first glimpse of
that famous emerald haze dancing across the stars, during your visit to
this wonderful Arctic gateway
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
Start Date | End Date | Starting from |
Jun 28, 2022 | Jul 11, 2022 | 18,000 |
Rates are listed per person in USD
|
Start Date | End Date | Starting from |
Jun 28, 2022 | Jul 11, 2022 | 18,000 |
ITINERARY
Day
01: Reykjavik, Iceland
The
capital of Iceland’s land of ice, fire and natural wonder,
Reykjavik is a city like no other - blossoming among some of the
world’s most vibrant and violent scenery. Home to two-thirds
of Iceland’s population, Reykjavik is the island’s
only real city, and a welcoming and walkable place - full of bicycles
gliding along boulevards or battling the wind when it rears up. Fresh
licks of paint brighten the streets, and an artistic and creative
atmosphere embraces studios and galleries - as well as the kitchens
where an exciting culinary scene is burgeoning. Plot your adventures in
the city's hip bars and cosy cafes, or waste no time in venturing out
to Iceland’s outdoor adventures. Reykjavik’s
buildings stand together in a low huddle - below the whip of
winter’s winds - but the magnificent
Hallgrímskirkja church is a solid exception, with its bell
tower rising resolutely over the city. Iceland’s largest
church's design echoes the lava flows that have shaped this remote land
and boasts a clean and elegant interior. The Harpa Concert
Hall’s sheer glass facade helps it to assimilate into the
landscape, mirroring back the city and harbour. Its LED lights shimmer
in honour of Iceland’s greatest illuminated performance
– the northern lights. Walk in the crusts between continents,
feel the spray from bursts of geysers and witness the enduring power of
Iceland’s massive waterfalls. Whether you want to sizzle away
in the earth-heated geothermal pools, or hike to your heart’s
content, you can do it all from Reykjavik - the colourful capital of
this astonishing outdoor country.
Day
02: Stykkisholmur, Iceland
Stykkishólmur,
located in western Iceland at the northern end of the
Snæfellsnes peninsula, is the commerce center for the area.
Its natural harbor allowed this town to become an important trading
center early in Iceland’s history. The first trading post was
established in the 1550s, and still today fishing is the major
industry. The town center boasts beautiful and well-preserved old
houses from earlier times. Stykkisholmur is very environmentally
conscious – it was the first community in Europe to get the
EarthCheck environmental certification, was the first municipality in
Iceland to start fully sorting its waste, and was the first town in
Iceland to receive the prestigious Blue flag eco-label for its harbor.
It has also been a European Destination of Excellence (EDEN), since
2011.
4
Included Shore Excursions
Taste
of the ocean – Boat Adventure around
Breiðafjörður Bay
Activity
Level
Moderate
Stykkishólmur
Walking Tour and Eider down center
Activity
Level
Moderate
Hiking
in the Berserk Lava fields
Activity
Level
Extensive
Bjarnarhöfn Shark Farm
and Helgafell
Activity
Level
Moderate
Flatey
Island, Iceland
Flatey
is the ‘flat island’ just as the name sounds. These
days Flatey is mainly seasonally populated with many brightly painted,
wooden summer cottages to be found here. Like many other small islands
around Iceland though, Flatey was once a hub for fishing and trade.
This particular island prospered so much that it was the center of
commercial and cultural life in the 19th century for this part of
Iceland. Thanks to the surroundiung nutrient-rich waters 35 species of
birds have been counted on Flatey ranging from Eider Ducks and Atlantic
Puffins, to Arctic Terns, Red-necked Phalaropes, Ringed Plover and Snow
Buntings.
1
Included Shore Excursion
Flatey Island Walking Tour
Activity
Level
Moderate
Day
03: Vigur Island, Iceland
Vigur
Island is the second largest island in the Isafjardardjup Fjord,
measuring 2 kilometers in length by 400 meters in width. It is home to
a single sheep farming family, which ferries the sheep in summer across
to the mainland, so that the Eider Ducks nesting on the island will not
be disturbed. One of the export articles from this small island was
eider down and one can still see where the Eider Ducks nest and how the
down is collected and cleaned. The small settlement of a few houses is
on the southern side, next to a small rocky beach, a concrete wall and
floating pier. On approach grey seals can often be seen on the
otherwise seaweed-covered boulders. Apart from the grey of the basalt
and green of the grass, lichens add a splash of color. A path has been
prepared and the grass cut, so that visitors can leisurely walk across
the island to take in the beautiful scenery and to observe the large
colony of Arctic Terns, Black Guillemots and Atlantic Puffins usually
only seen during the summer months. A meticulously preserved historical
landmark, a small windmill dating back to the 1840s was still in use in
1917 to grind wheat imported from Denmark. Viktoria House, one of the
preserved wooden farm houses dating back to 1862, is used as a
café where home-baked cakes and cookies are offered to
guests. One of Europe’s smallest post offices can be found
here, too.
1
Included Shore Excursion
Vigur Island Walking Tour
Activity
Level
Extensive
Bolungarvik,
Iceland
Although
the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is further north across the
Isarfjardardjup, Bolungarvik is Westfjords’ and
Iceland’s northernmost town. Despite its relative isolation,
Bolungarvik has been settled for hundreds of years and is already
mentioned in the settlement period of Iceland. Located next to rich
fishing grounds and the cove of the same name, Bolungarvik has always
been a place for fishermen and one of the town’s attractions
is a replica of an old fishing station. Just to the northwest is
Bolafjall Mountain which blocks off the wind and swell from the
Atlantic Ocean. The view from the top (at 638 meters above sea level)
not only covers Bolungarvik and the surrounding valleys and mountains,
but several fjords and the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Although only
950 residents call Bolungarvik their home, this is the
Westfjords’ second largest town. There even is a nine hole
golf course (par 71) with 18 sets of tees.
5
Included Shore Excursions
Arctic Foxes &
Avalanches
Activity
Level
Moderate
Life & Culture
Activity
Level
Moderate
Biking in Bolungarvík
Activity
Level
Physically
fit
Hike
in Syðridalur & Mt Bolafjall
Activity
Level
Extensive
Valagil Hike
Activity
Level
Extensive
Day
04: Akureyri, Iceland
Iceland’s
Capital of the North is the gateway to a thrilling land of roaring
waterfalls, soaring volcanoes and glorious wildlife. It may lie a mere
60 miles from the Arctic Circle, but Akureyi blossoms with a bright,
cosmopolitan feel, and explodes into life during the summer months,
when its outdoor cafes and open-air bathing spots fill up with visitors
ready to immerse themselves in Iceland’s cinematic scenery.
Feel the thundering impact of Iceland’s celebrated natural
wonders shaking your bones at Godafoss Waterfalls, known as the
‘Waterfalls of the Gods’. Here, the
Skjálfandafljót river unleashes a colossal
torrent of water over charcoal-black rocks below. Or, find some peace
at the Botanical Gardens, which opened in 1957 and offer space for
contemplation - amid plants that bloom with unexpected vibrancy, even
at this northerly latitude. The Lutheran, Akureyrarkirkja Church rises
like a grand church organ and is the town’s most striking
landmark. The 112-step climb is worth the effort to see light flooding
in through its narrow stain glass windows, spreading colourful
patchworks across the interior. Magic and mythology are important
elements of Icelandic folklore, and you’ll even bump into
giant sculptures of grizzled, child-snatching trolls on the
town’s high street. Or, meet more earthly - but no less
magical - creatures in the waters around Akureyi, where immense blue
whales cruise by and dolphins playfully leap.
7
Included Shore Excursions
Akureyri Farmland
Activity
Level
Moderate
Wonders of the North
Activity
Level
Moderate
Whale Watching
Activity
Level
Moderate
River rafting in
Skagafjörður
Activity
Level
Physically
fit
Mountain pass to Mountain top
Activity
Level
Physically
fit
Kjarnaskogur Forest Walk
Activity
Level
Moderate
Past and Present walking tour
with the Botanic Garden
Activity
Level
Extensive
Day
05: Day at sea (International Waters)
Days
at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with
what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to
the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading
or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect
balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.
Day
06: Jan Mayen Island, Norway
Humpback
and minke whales cavort and feed in the waters around the impressive
volcanic island of Jan Mayen with its towering ebony peaks and broad
black lava beaches. The primordial landscape is dominated to the north
by the 7,500 feet high (2,300 meters) Mt Beerenberg, an active volcano
covered in glacial ice that last erupted in 1985. With permission from
the Norwegian authorities, a landing is possible at this rarely visited
outpost. Visitors may walk to the research and weather station, or
beyond, for birds-eye views of the meteorological station and the long
black sandy eastern shore of the island. Birds to be seen here may
include Atlantic Puffins, Northern Fulmars, and Snow Buntings.
4
Included Shore Excursions
Zodiac Cruise with Silversea
Expedition team
Activity
Level
Moderate
Hiking
with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level
Extensive
Kayaking with Silversea
Expedition team
Activity
Level
Extensive
Expedition
activities with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level
Moderate
Day
07: Day at sea (International Waters)
Days
at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with
what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to
the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading
or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect
balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.
Day
08: Svalbard Northern Region, Norway
Svalbard’s
northern region is less influenced by the Norwegian Current coming
through the Greenland Sea than the southern region and shows more ice.
The northern part of the island of Spitsbergen shows quite a number of
impressive fjords, bays and glaciers. The Nordaust Svalbard Nature
Reserve includes Spitsbergen’s east coast, the Hinlopen
Strait, Nordaustlandet and some islands further east like Kvitoya and
Storoya. Several walrus haul-outs, spectacular glaciers, bird cliffs
and bird islands, as well as surprising flora in Arctic deserts and the
possibility to see polar bears and to visit historically important
sites make this an area prone for exploration. Ice conditions will
dictate which sites can be seen.
4
Included Shore Excursions
Zodiac
Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level
Moderate
Hiking
with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level
Extensive
Kayaking
with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level
Extensive
Expedition
activities with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level
Moderate
Day
09: Svalbard Northern Region, Norway
Svalbard’s
northern region is less influenced by the Norwegian Current coming
through the Greenland Sea than the southern region and shows more ice.
The northern part of the island of Spitsbergen shows quite a number of
impressive fjords, bays and glaciers. The Nordaust Svalbard Nature
Reserve includes Spitsbergen’s east coast, the Hinlopen
Strait, Nordaustlandet and some islands further east like Kvitoya and
Storoya. Several walrus haul-outs, spectacular glaciers, bird cliffs
and bird islands, as well as surprising flora in Arctic deserts and the
possibility to see polar bears and to visit historically important
sites make this an area prone for exploration. Ice conditions will
dictate which sites can be seen.
4
Included Shore Excursions
Zodiac
Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level
Moderate
Hiking
with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level
Extensive
Kayaking
with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level
Extensive
Expedition
activities with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level
Moderate
Day
10: Svalbard Southern Region, Norway
Svalbard’s
Southern Region and specifically Spitsbergen’s west coast is
less ice-clogged than the rest of Svalbard due to the moderating
influenced of the Gulf Stream. Several fjords cut into the western
coast of Spitsbergen and have been used by trappers and hunters, as
well as the different mining companies that tried to exploit the riches
of the archipelago’s largest island of Spitsbergen. Remains
of huts and mines, as well as active commercial and scientific
settlements can be found and visited. Depending on the time of the
season, glaciers can be visited on foot or by sea. Hornsund will reveal
fascinating views of geological formations, craggy mountains,
spectacular glaciers and a variety of seabirds and seals.
4
Included Shore Excursions
Zodiac
Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level
Moderate
Hiking with Silversea Expedition
team
Activity
Level
Extensive
Kayaking with Silversea
Expedition team
Activity
Level
Extensive
Expedition Activities with
Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level
Moderate
Day
11: Svalbard Southern Region, Norway
Svalbard’s
Southern Region and specifically Spitsbergen’s west coast is
less ice-clogged than the rest of Svalbard due to the moderating
influenced of the Gulf Stream. Several fjords cut into the western
coast of Spitsbergen and have been used by trappers and hunters, as
well as the different mining companies that tried to exploit the riches
of the archipelago’s largest island of Spitsbergen. Remains
of huts and mines, as well as active commercial and scientific
settlements can be found and visited. Depending on the time of the
season, glaciers can be visited on foot or by sea. Hornsund will reveal
fascinating views of geological formations, craggy mountains,
spectacular glaciers and a variety of seabirds and seals.
4
Included Shore Excursions
Zodiac
Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level
Moderate
Hiking
with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level
Extensive
Kayaking with Silversea
Expedition team
Activity
Level
Extensive
Expedition
Activities with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level
Moderate
Day
12: Cruise & Explore Bear Island (Svalbard), Norway
Bear
Island is considered Svalbard’s southernmost island, roughly
half way between Spitsbergen and Norway’s North Cape.
Although the last polar bears were seen in 2004, the name goes back to
Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz and his visit in 1596. The island has
been used to hunt walrus, for whaling, and even coal mining has taken
place. The strategic location on the border of the Norwegian Sea and
the Barents Sea has led to a meteorological station being set up by
Norway near Gravodden on Bear Island’s north coast. Some two
thirds of the island is a relatively flat plain with shallow freshwater
lakes and Ramsar Wetland, while the entire island and the surrounding
waters are a Nature Reserve. Bear Island has also been designated an
Import Bird Area as it is a staging area for Pink-footed and Barnacle
Geese and the steep cliffs south of Sørhamna are home to
thousands of breeding seabirds. This is a specially protected area
where Zodiacs are allowed to cruise along the cliffs around Kapp
Kolthoff. In smaller amounts Atlantic Puffins, Northern Gannets,
Glaucous Gulls and Great Skuas are found in between the large
Black-legged Kittiwake, Little Auk, Common Guillemot and
Brünnich’s Guillemot colonies. The constant
battering of the sea has not only created impressive sea caves and
tunnels, but unfortunately the Russian vessel Petrozavodsk shipwrecked
near Revdalen at the base of the limestone cliffs and the waves are
causing a continuous disintegration of the remains of the ship.
Day
13: Gjesværstappan Islands, Norway
Home
more than a million birds that perch atop its cliffs, the
Gjesværstappan islands are a marvel of nature.
Gjesværstappan is a grouping of nearly one hundred islands
and rocks, mostly high, steep-sided islands covered in grass that is
nearly covered by seabirds. These islands were designated as a nature
reserve in 1983 due to their importance as nesting grounds for many
species of seabirds, some of them endangered. A birdwatcher’s
paradise, Gjesværstappan is noted as one of the more
easily-accessed nesting areas inEurope for viewing Atlantic seabirds.
It is comprised of several particularly large, tall islands, including
Storstappan (rising 283 meters, or 928 feet, out of the sea),
Kjerkestappen (166 meters or 545 feet) and Bukkstappen (92 meters, 302
feet). On Storstappan alone, more than one million nesting birds have
been counted, and visitors are not allowed to set foot here between
June and August to protect its activity as a nesting and breeding
ground. The islands of Gjesværstappan are home to one of the
most important colonies of Atlantic Puffins in Norway. Other birds that
visitors may see include White-tailed Eagles, Arctic Skuas, Common
Eider Ducks, Razorbills, Guillemots (black and common), Great
Cormorants, Gannets and other species. Tour the islands from a small
water craft (kayak or Zodiac) and prepare to be amazed at the splendor
of the dramatic cliffs rising from the sea, vibrant and positively
teeming with birdlife.
2
Included Shore Excursions
Zodiac
Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level
Moderate
Kayaking
with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level
Extensive
Cruising
Along North Cape, Norway
Situated
at the very north tip of Norway and inside the Arctic Circle, there is
something very special about being (almost) at the top of the world.
Called the northernmost point of Europe, the North Cape (Nordkapp in
Norwegian) lies about 1,306.3 mi from the North Pole, with no dry land
between except for the Svalbald archipelago. Home to where the Atlantic
and Arctic oceans meet, this is the true land of the midnight sun
– constant spectacular scenic views and 24-hour sunlight
lends itself to a sense of giddy informality aboard. Just imagine
sipping a chilled glass of champagne at the very top of the world in
full daylight at midnight – sensational. Be sure to be on the
lookout for hundreds of thousands of puffins, gannets, cormorants,
seals, dolphins and whales that make this stretch of chilly water their
home. Not forgetting the colourful, compact fishing villages, so at
odds with the otherwise this stark, barren landscape.
Skarsvag
(Nordkapp), Norway
For
those who like to travel far (very far) off the beaten track, then you
have found your Nordic nirvana in Skarsvag. Large, sparsely populated
(there are just 60 human year round residents), and a joy to all those
who revel in stark, unbridled beauty, Skarsvag also enjoys the
auspicious title of being the world’s most northerly fishing
village. But rolling hills, prolific birdlife and arctic fjords aside,
Skarsvag is above all famous for its proximity to the North Cape. Found
on the island of Magerøya, the most northernmost point of
Europe above the arctic circle is a bucket list basic. Stand beneath
the massive metal globe and gaze out onto the Barents Sea, where the
only land between you and the North Pole is the Svalbard archipelago.
This is truly the land of the midnight sun – in fact, you are
so far north that the sun doesn’t even dip beneath the
horizon between May and mid-July. The island’s famous bird
cliffs are quite spectacular, and home to thousands of puffins, gannets
and cormorants. Those willing to hike to cape Knivskjellodden, the
northernmost point on Magerøya, will be rewarded with
stunning cliff face views of the North Cape Plateau. Before leaving,
head into the impressive North Cape Hall for exhibitions on the North
Cape’s history. Travellers have been visiting since 1664,
when Italian priest Francesco Negri arrived, so there are some tales to
tell! More intriguingly, a tunnel has been hewn into the rock, leading
down to the cliff face, complete with a chapel.
3
Included Shore Excursions
The
North Cape (with Guide)
Activity
Level
Moderate
Kayaking
with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level
Extensive
Expedition
activities with Silversea Expedition team
Activity
Level
Moderate
Day
14: Tromsø, Norway
Feel
your heart flutter, as you catch your first glimpse of that famous
emerald haze dancing across the stars, during your visit to this
wonderful Arctic gateway. Located in the far north of Norway, a visit
to Tromso beckons you to the extremes of this magical country, to
explore a fairytale land of jagged mountains, glistening glaciers and
husky-pulled sledges. Despite its remote location, you'll discover a
perhaps surprisingly cosmopolitan city, with a healthy student
population injecting plenty of energy. Sat 250 miles above the Arctic
Circle - at 69° north - you can bathe in the midnight sun's
glow during summer, before winter brings the thick blackness and starry
skies of endless polar nights. The darkness doesn't stop the fun - with
a polar night half-marathon taking place in January - but the return of
the sun is always a reason for a celebration here. To get the best view
over the city, take the cable car to Storsteinen's amazing viewpoint.
Magnificent views down over the city, fjord and Tromso's arching bridge
will unravel before you. Learn more about northerly traditions, polar
expeditions and arctic hunting at the Polar Museum. The Science Centre,
meanwhile, explains how humans have harnessed and survived these epic
landscapes over the years, and explores Tromso's breathtaking natural
spectacle - the northern lights. The city is famed for its
extraordinary viewing opportunities, which are often said to be the
best in the world. The Alpine Botanic Garden is the most northern such
garden on the planet, showcasing some of Norway's hardiest plantlife,
which survives and thrives at this nose-bleeding altitude.
When
travelling in remote regions tide, wind, ice and weather conditions
determine the details of our itinerary. While we will do our best to
maintain all suggested activities, some of these may be subject to
change. Come with an open mind and a great sense of adventure, together
we can turn any voyage into a wonderful Expedition. We invite guests to
visit my.silversea.com 180 days prior to sailing for the most updated
information.
Silver Cloud (Luxury Expedition, 254-guests)
As the inaugural ship for Silversea Cruises, Silver Cloud epitomises everything that is Silversea. Designed to provide the most intimate of sailing experiences, a Silver Cloud cruise provides 254 privileged guests with the luxury of space and the ability to slip into exotic ports off the beaten path. Our shining luxury cruise ship is often described by returning guests as their own private yacht, their home away from home.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Guided
Zodiac, land and sea tours, and shoreside activities led by the
Expeditions Team
- Parka
- Enrichment
lectures by a highly qualified Expeditions Team
- Spacious
suites
- Butler
service in every suite
- Unlimited
Free Wifi
- Personalised
service – nearly one crew member for every guest
- Choice
of restaurants, diverse cuisine, open-seating dining
- Beverages
in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, select wines and
spirits
- In-suite
dining and room service
- Onboard
entertainment
- Onboard
gratuities
ADVENTURE
OPTIONS
- Zodiac
Cruising
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- Biking
- Whale
watching
- River
rafting
- Forest
walking