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Pre-Tour Excursion: Reykjavik, Iceland

"Fire and Ice Tour"
Volcanic Eruptions and Blue Lagoon

Friday June 7, 2024
10:45 am to 7:00 pm

Activity Level: Light: Some walking with potential steps at a casual pace

Includes PREMIUM ticket to Blue Lagoon Spa, three masks, towel, slippers, and bathrobe. Special rate expires anytime.

Note: This tour is only for those arriving by June 7 early morning in Reykjavik. Pick-up will be at Center Hotels Klopp at 10:45 am.

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Tour Description

A must-see destination for all travelers visiting Iceland is the gorgeous Blue Lagoon! Discover the highlights of the beautiful Reykjanes Peninsula on our private, exclusive eight-hour tour with a soak and special spa packs at the Blue Lagoon spa. If you want to explore the UNESCO geothermal area and Iceland's most famed legendary hot spring, and if you want to see for yourself how the Lava Goddess has blessed this land with her firey flow just a few months ago, this excursion is for you.

Our adventure begins with an expert local guide picking us up at the Center Hotels Klopp in Reykjavik. After making our way out of the city, we will drive through a thrilling lava field on our way to the Reykjanes Peninsula, in Southwest Iceland, around 22 miles from Reykjavik. The area is home to the Mid-Atlantic Rift, where the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates are moving apart. The peninsula has high levels of very recent volcanic activity and is home to many lava fields, volcanoes, and natural hot springs.

Kleifarvatn Lake
We drive past Lake Kleifarvatn, which is a Lake formed solely by plate tectonics and rifting of the earth crust—the moving of Eurasian and North American plates away from each other.

Seltún Geothermal Area
Our first stop will be the Seltún geothermal area, which is within the larger Krysuvik geothermal area. As the tectonic plates pull away from each other, magma rises to the Earth's surface and boils the groundwater. This activity creates hot springs, steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and colorful solfataras. The beautiful colors are due to sulphur and white and yellowish brown sulphates being deposited. The landscape isn't just fascinating. It's also beautiful. The geothermal activity leaves different colored mineral deposits on the ground. Seltún looks like something from another planet, so bring your camera to capture its striking appearance.

Gunnuhver Hot Spring
We drive to Gunnuhver, which stands in the heart of the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark where the North Atlantic ridge rises from the ocean. There we find 100 different craters and lava fields, bird cliffs, high geothermal areas, black sand beaches, geothermal power plants, lighthouses, and exhibitions. One of the hottest places in Iceland, the temperature in the hotspring below the surface is about 300 degrees Centigrade.

The mud pools take form where steam from boiling geothermal reservoir water emanates and condenses and mixes with surface water. Accompanying gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide make the water acid. This causes alteration of the fresh lava rock to clay. Steaming of the ground at Reykjanes increased markedly as a consequence of a pressure drawdown in the geothermal reservoir upon the start of production from the reservoir in 2006.

Iceland's largest mud pool resides at Gunnuhver; it is 20 meters (65 ft) wide of violently boiling earth. A unique characteristic of the Gunnuhver hot springs is that the groundwater here is 100% seawater, unlike other geothermal areas on the island. Two ramps are located at the Gunnuhver group, one close to Gunnuhver itself where you can look down to the spring and hear the vigorous noise, see the boiling water and feel the power bursting from the ground and the steam on your face. The other ramp is located on Kísilhól a silica hill. From there you have a good view over Gunnuhver group and surroundings.

Legend of Gunna
Gunnuhver’s natural beauty is steeped in a haunting local legend. About 400 years ago, a woman named Gudrun “Gunna” lived on this peninsula in a small house owned by a lawyer, Vilhjalmur Jonsson. Locals suspected her of being a witch because of a mysterious pot in her house that was always brewing something. When Gunna failed to pay her rent, Jonsson took away her cooking pot. Enraged with fury, Gunna starved herself to death. During her funeral, the men who were carrying her coffin to the cemetery realized the coffin was oddly lighter. As the men were digging her grave, they heard Gunna’s specter scream, “No need deep dig, no plans long to lie.” The next day, Jonsson was discovered dead with broken bones and his body bruised. Gunna had gotten her revenge. The angry poltergeist wasn’t content at that. Her hateful specter continued to haunt and terrorize everyone living in the peninsula. Frustrated, the locals sought the help of a priest who concocted an interesting solution to trap Gunna forever. Under the priest’s advice, the villagers left a ball of twine with a loose end for the ghost to grab. She did and was dragged along as the ball rolled into the hot spring, trapping her for eternity. Since then, the hot spring is known as Gunnuhver, or Gunna’s hot spring. Some claim that Gunna’s ghost never did fall into the infernal pit, but continues to hang on its edge. Whether you believe the legend or not, it’s hard to deny it adds an interesting mystery to Gunnuhver.

Lighthouse + Bridge Between Continents
We'll continue our journey to a nearby lighthouse to enjoy scenic ocean views. Our guide will then take us to the Bridge Between Continents. The bridge is a small footbridge over a major fissure, which is formed by tectonics and rifting of the two continental plates, Eurasian and North American plates, from each other. The bridge is symbolic, as the North American and Eurasian plates are several kilometers apart. Still, it's a fantastic place to learn more about Iceland's tectonic activity and a great photo opportunity.

Blue Lagoon
The final stop is our trip to the Blue Lagoon, Iceland's most famous natural hot spring. Most visitors to Iceland want to visit the iconic blue waters here to enjoy lunch and then a relaxing soak. The mineral-rich water is thought to have healing properties, so it's a perfect place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. From here, we'll return to Reykjavik.

Take this amazing opportunity to visit the volcanic landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula on this private excursion.

Note: Visit to the Blue Lagoon is contingent on whether there is volcanic activity that might prevent a visit. In case of cancellation of this part of the the tour, if possible we would instead visit the Sky Lagoon as Plan B.

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Heimaey Island, Iceland

"Waves and Wildlife of Westman"
Beluga & Puffin Sanctuary Boat Trip Combo

Sunday June 9, 2024
12:00 noon: Meet for Tender at location listed on ticket.
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm: Private boat tour, then self-tour of Visitor Centre

Activity Level: Light: Some walking with potential steps at a casual pace

Includes entry to Visitor Centre. Special rate expires anytime.

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Tour Description

Bay trip in Vestmannaeyjar to see belugas, puffins and the Visitor Centre.

See the two new inhabitants of Vestmannaeyjar—two beluga whales that will be living here for their retirement years. They now live in a bay close by our harbour.

We will visit them on a one-hour boat tour in collaboration with Sealife Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary. We will sail to the Beluga sanctuary and will see the local puffin colonies by boat, ending the tour in the Visitors centre, where you may stay as long as you like and then take a short, 10-minute walk back to the harbor.

Take a guided, scenic one-hour round trip boat tour from the Vestmannaeyjar harbor to the beluga whale sanctuary and see nearby puffin colonies. Learn the story of the sanctuary's first beluga whale residents; Little White and Little Grey, and get a glimpse at how our dedicated care team works to keep them healthy and happy.

Then, look for puffins along the cliffside colonies of Vestmannaeyjar before returning to the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary Visitor Centre to see the puffin rescue centre and local species aquarium. This is a round-trip boat tour, plus admission to the Visitor Centre.

During the tour, a guide from the sanctuary will inform us about the two lovely belugas and their adventures up to now. We will also visit the scenic nearby Islands Elliðaey and Bjarnarey to see puffins in the wild.

Note that your entry fee to the Visitor Centre is included in your ticket, which provides for the food and wellbeing of the belugas as well as for the puffins and other animals that are living in the Visitor Centre. You can visit the Centre after your bay trip.

With your help we can provide a nice life for the belugas, who unfortunately cannot be set free because they have always lived in captivity. They don’t know how to take care of themselves and hunt for food. By taking this trip you are therefore helping us take care of these lovely belugas.

The puffins in the Visitor Centre have been rescued by the locals when they were pufflings and did not manage to go into the wild. They are being taken good care of in the puffin hospital. You can see the puffins in the centre as well as other animals.

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Djupivogur, Iceland

"Alice in Iceland: Down the Rabbit Hole"
Hidden Gems of East Iceland Tour

Mon. June 10, 2024
7:00 am: Meet for Tender at location listed on ticket
8:00 am to 4:00 pm: Bus tour

Activity Level: Light: Some walking with potential steps at a casual pace

Special rate expires anytime

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Tour Description

East Iceland is a premier destination due to its picturesque scenery and isolated atmosphere. This fantastic shore excursion tour gives you the chance to see the hidden natural gems of East Iceland. Here you will have the chance to enjoy many incredible natural features. On this tour, you’ll have stunning seaside and countryside views as you explore the Breiddalur valley, the Heydalur area, and the Berufjordur fjord before finishing the day with a soak in the Vok Baths.

The remoteness of East Iceland has helped keep its many waterfalls pristine over the years. The region is also home to a vast number of fjords. These narrow and deep bodies of water, created by glaciers and surrounded by cliffs, are especially prominent on this Eastfjords tour.

Berufjordur Fjord
Berufjörður is located in the south of the Eastfjords of Iceland; it is 20 kilometres long, and five kilometres wide at its widest. The fjord is most notable for being home to the village of Djúpivogur. As with all coastal areas in north Iceland, it is sometimes possible to see great whales and migratory seabirds in summer, and seals and dolphins throughout the year. Berufjörður is also home to the pyramid shaped mountain, a fascinating feature made of layers of basalt. At 1,069 metres tall, it is not one of Iceland’s greatest mountains, but due to its unique shape and the fact it is freestanding, it is still very impressive.

Breiddalur Valley
After pick-up from the Djupivogur harbor, your friendly driver will take you along the scenic coastline from Djupivogur to the Breiddalur valley. Here you’ll visit an abandoned farm and catch a glimpse of two beautiful waterfalls.

Heydalur
After Breiddalur valley, the tour visits the local church in Heydalur, giving you insight into the communities of East Iceland and their architectural style.

Vok Baths
Once you’ve visited the church, you’ll head to the Vok Baths, which are immersed in a beautiful lake, for an unbeatable relaxation experience. The Vok Baths feature geothermally heated pools at lake level, a hot tub above, and a cold tunnel leading to the baths. In addition, the Vok Baths have a sauna, a bar, a tea bar, and a restaurant that makes its dishes using fresh and local produce. On top of this, the water flowing through the baths is so clean you can drink it.

Djupivogur
After enjoying the Vok Baths, you’ll return to Djupivogur. You can marvel at the excellent mountain and fjord views on the way. Towns in East Iceland are often small and remote and offer a sense of peace and calmness that is hard to find in busy cities. The gorgeous scenery makes it easy to get lost in the nature surrounding you.

While an Icelandic cruise can give you breathtaking views from the cruise ship, this shore excursion allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Eastfjords fully. This eight-hour tour from Djupivogur includes many incredible experiences. Once you’ve begun your journey in the Eastfjords, you won’t ever want to leave. Take the first step in having an unforgettable day with this eight-hour, small-group tour of East Iceland featuring some of Iceland’s best-hidden gems.

If you are eager to see beautiful scenery and visit peaceful, remote areas, book this magical eight-hour tour now.

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Included

- Expert English-speaking guide
- Round-trip transfer from Djúpivogur
- Private exclusive tour with our group
- Sightseeing
- Entrance to Vok Baths
- Hotspring bathing
- Light refreshments

Not Included

- Lunch break and snacks will be available for purchase
- Gratuities/Tips for the guide and the driver are not included within the tour price

What to Wear and Bring

- Warm, waterproof clothing
- Swimsuit and towel for Vok Baths
- Refillable water bottle
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Fully charged camera
- Room keycard and photo ID
- "When and Where" newsletter with emergency info
- Cash in small bills for tips and credit card
- Sun protection
- Umbrella or hat to shade from sun or rain
- Tips for guide, driver, and wait staff at restaurant

Restrictions

Guests must be able to walk over paved, gravel, stones, lava, and packed dirt surfaces. Many are uneven and/or on inclines. Walking will be over even and uneven surfaces, rough ground. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Restrooms are located along the routes. A small package of tissues is suggested as public restrooms may or may not have toilet paper. Most public restrooms require a small fee. Having a few local coins is highly recommended, as they do not always make change.

Local currency is the Icelandic Króna. Please bring spending money or a credit card for any additional expenses such as shopping, souvenirs or food and drinks that are not included in your tour.

The tour operator may alter the itinerary or increase the journey time in poor weather or road conditions.

Meeting Instructions

Details will be provided on your ticket, which you will receive on the ship.

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Kirkwall, Scotland

"Ancient Mystical Treasures of Orkney"
Heart of Neolithic Orkney: World Heritage Site

Wed. June 12, 2024
9:30 am to 4:00 pm

Activity Level: Moderate: Walking up to 2 km (may involve steps and inclines) or moderate physical activity

Special rate expires anytime

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Tour Description

Around 5,000 years ago, the prehistoric people of Orkney began building monuments out of stone. It is testament to their skills that those domestic and ritualistic monuments still survive today, giving us incredible insights into their lives.

The Heart of Neolithic Orkney achieved World Heritage Site status in 1999 because it is an outstanding example of architecture that illustrates a significant stage in human history - a time when the first large ceremonial monuments were built.

But it is only when you visit in person that you can really appreciate these sites. Visit the heart of Neolithic Orkney and you’ll get a real sense of place, as you see how the sites relate to the landscapes around them. See how the changing light and weather affects them, and imagine what it must have been like to use them on a daily basis, thousands of years ago.

The Heart of Neolithic Orkney brings together key sites near Stromness on the Orkney Mainland:

The Stones of Stenness
This circle and henge (A henge is a circular earthen bank with a ditch inside it, and one or more entrances through the bank) is a very early example of this type of monument. The surviving stones are enormous, standing up to 6 meters tall.

Maeshowe (entry not guaranteed)
This chambered tomb is an extraordinary example of Neolithic architecture. It is designed so that the light of the setting sun at the winter solstice focuses on the narrow passageway, illuminating the chamber inside.

The Ring of Brodgar
This huge ceremonial circle of stones, about 130 meters across, dates back almost 5000 years. It is surrounded by a rock-cut ditch and sits in a spectacular setting, a natural amphitheatre of lochs and hills.

Skara Brae
This domestic settlement, where stone walls, passageways and stone furnishings (including beds and dressers) still survives. This 5000-year-old village is beautifully interpreted in the visitor center. See the remarkable dwellings revealed from beneath the sand dunes by storms only 150 years ago.

Skaill House
There may also be time to visit the nearby manor house of Skaill House, built in 1620 on top of an ancient graveyard.

Unstan Chambered Cairn
This site was probably built about 5,000 years ago as a communal burial place. It’s an unusual example of a stalled cairn, with internal divisions or stalls, and a single side cell. Please note that from where the coach can safely stop, it is a 30 meter walk down a busy road and then 50 meter walk down to the tomb itself. We have to crawl through a 3 meter tunnel on our hands and knees to get into the tomb which only holds 4 or 5 people tops. It is not recommend for anyone with mobility issues.

Scapa Flow
We then continue this circular route and follow the coastline of Scapa Flow, made famous for its role in both World Wars. Hear some of the stories from your guide en route back to Kirkwall. Please note that the order of visits may be adjusted to avoid congestion.

Itinerary

After meeting your driver, you will depart Kirkwall and head into the west of Mainland, Orkney's largest island. This tour passes through the gentle rolling landscape of Orkney and into the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney, an area designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. This is a wonderful circular tour to some of Orkney's most famous sites.

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Invergordon-Inverness, Scotland

"Legends of Loch Ness Tour"
Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and Inverness

Thu. June 13, 2024
8:00 am to 3:30 pm

Activity Level: Light: Some walking with potential steps at a casual pace

Special rate expires anytime

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Tour Description

Come and join the hunt for the Loch Ness monster when you dock in Invergordon. See Scotland's most famous Loch and Urquhart and Inverness Castles on this trip back through time.

You'll meet your friendly guide outside your Invergordon cruise ship terminal, hop aboard your transportation and you'll start your scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands.

Loch Ness
Your first stop is Loch Ness to enjoy a 1-hour boat cruise. While cruising the Loch, you'll listen to stories and legends that surround the area. The Loch is a large, deep, freshwater lake that extends for approximately 37 kilometers. See if you can spot the elusive Nessie with a little help from the onboard sonar.

Urquhart Castle
Enjoy the wild landscapes and the awesome sight of Urquhart Castle nestled on the shore of Loch Ness. Then you'll have a 30-minute guided walk of the castle and another 30 minutes to explore on your own, have a cup of tea, or visit the souvenir shop. The castle sits between Fort William and Inverness beside the village of Drumnadrochit. Have your camera ready to take some great photos of the castle and Loch. Maybe you'll capture Nessie on camera as this is the main site of most of her sightings.

The castle has a unique shape as it was built to fit the irregular outcrop of rock where it sits. It's the largest in Scotland and on a major route through the highlands. It's become steeped in romance due to the legend of the Loch Ness Monster.

Inverness
Next, you'll hop on board the transportation again and travel to the north towards Inverness. You'll have a 30-minute guided walk downtown and then an hour to explore on your own. You can visit the castle. The red sandstone structure evident today was built in 1836 by architect William Burn. What you see today is not the original as this has been the site of many castles over the centuries. From the tower, you can get 360-degree views of the city and famous landmarks in the area.

Another point of interest is St. Andrew's Cathedral, close to the banks of the River Ness and it is the first new Protestant cathedral to be completed in Great Britain since the Reformation.

You can also visit the shops to purchase souvenirs or if you get hungry you can purchase lunch here.

On your way back to your port in Invergordon, you can enjoy the amazing views. Your transportation will drop you off at your cruise ship terminal.

Highlights

- Round trip transportation from outside your Invergordon cruise ship pier!
- Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured transportation!
- English speaking certified guide!
- Cruise Loch Ness and look out for Nessie!
- Visit the historic Urquhart Castle!
- Stop at Inverness with free time in town!

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Included

- Expert English-speaking guide
- Roumd-trip transfer from Inverness cruise port
- Private exclusive tour with our group
- Sightseeing

Not Included

- Lunch or snacks will be available for purchase in Inverness
- Gratuities/Tips for the guide and the driver are not included within the tour price

What to Wear and Bring

- Comfortable clothing in layers
- Refillable water bottle
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Fully charged camera
- Room keycard and photo ID
- "When and Where" newsletter with emergency info
- Cash in small bills for tips and credit card
- Sun protection
- Umbrella or hat to shade from sun or rain
- Tips for guide, driver, and wait staff at restaurant

Restrictions

Guests must be able to walk over paved, gravel, stones, lava, and packed dirt surfaces. Many are uneven and/or on inclines. There are some uneven steps. Walking will be over even and uneven surfaces, rough ground. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Local currency is the Great British Pounds (GBP) - Sterling. Please bring spending money for any additional expenses such as shopping, souvenirs or food and drinks that are not included in your tour.

Restrooms are located along the routes. A small package of tissues is suggested as public restrooms may or may not have toilet paper. Most public restrooms require a small fee. Having a few local coins is highly recommended, as they do not always make change.

Note: Itinerary might change depending on weather and traffic conditions.

Meeting Instructions

Details will be provided on your ticket, which you will receive on the ship.

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Post-Cruise Excursion: Copenhagen, Denmark

"Roskilde: Land of Vikings and Monarchs"

Sat. June 15, 2024
9:00-9:30 am to 3:00-3:30 pm

Activity Level: Light: Some walking with potential steps at a casual pace

Special rate expires anytime

Note: This tour is only for people staying an extra night in Copenhagen. Pick-up at Oceankaj cruise terminal in Copenhagen and drop-off at Mayfair hotel. Includes free luggage storage and free hotel drop-off.

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Tour Description

Your driver guide will enlighten you with fascinating stories about the Viking Age in this full day tour to what was the ancient Danish capital until 1443 — Roskilde. You will learn how the Vikings lived and get an insight into their craftsmanship.

1000 years ago, the Vikings sailed along the shores of Europe, up rivers and across the open sea throughout the North Atlantic area. Ships are the essence of the Viking Age. With them, the Scandinavian countries were founded. The Viking Ship Museum is built around the 5 original Viking ships from Skuldelev. They are part of a global story about ships, people and things on voyages. The museum tells the story of how the Vikings changed the World with their ships.

You will explore the Viking Era in the Viking Ship Museum, a major attraction in Denmark. This museum is now home to 5 well-preserved vessels excavated a few kilometers north of the city in the fjords that were once used to travel to lands far away.

The most important church in Denmark is Roskilde's magnificent Gothic Cathedral (800 years old), the final resting place for 28 kings and 18 queens of Denmark. Cathedrals usually hide nooks and crypts under the choir, which is closed to the public. However, in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you are free to roam into every corner and admire the lavish tombs and exquisite, delicate, hand-painted decorations covering the walls and ceiling. And its clock — a dragon that gets slain on the hour. For centuries the tradition was that visiting royalty would mark their height on a marble column — including Charles III (current King of England) and Peter the Great, Tsar of all Russia (much taller than all others).

Note: This tour is only for those staying overnight in Copenhagen. At the end of your tour, you will be dropped off at the Mayfair hotel, and if you are staying elsewhere, you may get a taxi from that hotel.

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Included

- Expert English-speaking guide
- Transfer from cruise port in Copenhagen
- Airport drop-off
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Private exclusive tour with our group
- Sightseeing

Not Included

- Lunch and snacks will be available for purchase
- Gratuities/Tips for the guide and the driver are not included within the tour price

What to Wear and Bring

- Comfortable clothing in layers
- Refillable water bottle
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Fully charged camera
- Cash in small bills for tips and credit card
- Sun protection
- Umbrella or hat to shade from sun or rain
- Tips for guide, driver, and wait staff at restaurant

Restrictions

This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Restrooms are located along the routes. A small package of tissues is suggested as public restrooms may or may not have toilet paper. Most public restrooms require a small fee. Having a few local coins is highly recommended, as they do not always make change.

Meeting Instructions

Details will be provided on your ticket, which you will receive on the ship.

REGISTER NOW