SCOTTISH ADVENTURES ON BOARD M/S STOCKHOLM The Hebrides with St Kilda The Orkney & Shetland Islands

Transcription

1 SCOTTISH ADVENTURES ON BOARD M/S STOCKHOLM 2016 The Hebrides with St Kilda The Orkney & Shetland Islands

2 THE EXPEDITION SHIP M/S STOCKHOLM A CLASSIC SHIP LOVED BY MANY The M/S Stockholm is a classic ship built in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. In 1999 she was totally refitted and started her career as a comfortable passenger ship. The M/S Stockholm carries a maximum of 12 passengers in twin cabins with bunk beds. All cabins have private facilities and small windows (portholes). She is a marvellous piece of maritime history with beautiful brass details and wooden decks. It is no wonder she is loved by so many! The food on board is of high standard and all beverages are included in the price. Travelling on board M/S Stockholm is a truly unique experience. In the dining room you will enjoy delicious meals in the company of likeminded travellers and in the comfortable lounge you can relax after an eventful day. Out on deck there is plenty of room to take photographs, for wildlife spotting or to just sit back and enjoy the scenery. The crew on board is also great enthusiasts of the wildlife and unspoiled nature. Their genuine curiosity is a prerequisite for expedition cruises of this kind. WHAT TO EXPECT AS AN EXPEDITION MEMBER? The Captain and crew of the ship have long experience in Scottish waters and they work hard to make every expedition a unique experience. To change course and explore new areas in true expedition style is not unusual on board M/S Stockholm. With this small ship we are able to reach places that would have been inaccessible for larger vessels. One of the secrets to a successful expedition cruise is the Zodiacs. With these safe and sturdy rubber boats we can cruise along impressive bird cliffs, explore exciting caves and go ashore at scenic and interesting, historical sites. On these expeditions we travel in areas where we are totally dependent on the weather and wind conditions. Please keep in mind that the Captain and the Expedition Leader always strive to maximise your experience and as often as possible we will make landings or take Zodiac cruises.

3

4 THE HEBRIDES WITH ST KILDA 16 TH - 24 TH APRIL & 23 RD APRIL - 1 ST MAY 2016 Experience the exciting outposts of the Hebrides! Followed by gannets, fulmars and puffins we explore the green island Iona, the spectacular Fingal s Cave on the small island of Staffa and other beautiful islands. We also take the opportunity to visit one of the many whisky distilleries the area is known for. One of the trip s highlights is the isolated islands of St Kilda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Scotland s westernmost outpost. Weather permitting, we will make a landing here and explore the islands, where people lived for thousands of years totally isolated from the rest of the world. On the cliffs around St Kilda we find the world s largest population of gannets over pairs nest here. During the expedition we also learn more about the area s rich history, marked by Vikings, Celts, druids and clans. Day 1: Glasgow We arrive in Glasgow and spend a night at a comfortable and centrally located hotel. Day 2-8: The Hebrides After lunch we travel together to Oban and board M/S Stockholm our home for the next seven nights. The following are examples of exciting places we hope to visit: Iona, Staffa & Lunga Iona has been a place of deep spiritual significance for more than years. No less than 62 Kings of Scotland are buried here, including Duncan I, who was murdered by Macbeth. Saint Columba came here from Ireland in 563 AD and early Christianity spread through Britain from this remote island community. Weather permitting we make a stop at the spectacular island of Staffa with the amazing Fingal s Cave. The cave inspired Mendelsohn to compose The Hebrides Overture. We also hope to be able to land on Lunga to walk amongst the surprisingly tame puffins. THE HEBRIDES Callanish St Kilda Dunvegan Canna Rum SCOTLAND Staffa Lunga Oban Iona Glasgow

5 St Kilda We head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St Kilda through the Sound of Harris, a remarkable uninhabited archipelago some 64 km from the nearest Scottish isles. For some this is a pilgrimage in itself and a very moving experience. We drop anchor in Village Bay on the main island Hirta and wander through the remnants of the village. St Kilda once supported a population of 200, but the last islanders were evacuated in the 1930s. Recent restoration work on the village by the National Trust for Scotland offers an interesting link with the past. Later we cruise past the impressive island of Boreray, Stac an Amin and Stac Lee, where tens of thousands of gannets nest. Callanish Stones On the northwestern side of Lewis we visit the Callanish Stones, a cross-shaped setting of standing stones erected around 3000 BC. This is one of the most spectacular megalithic monuments in Scotland. Dunvegan Dunvegan Castle is magnificently located on a rocky outcrop on the shores of Loch Dunvegan. The castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and was the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years. In contrast to the surrounding landscape, dominated by barren moorland and mountains, the gardens here are like a hidden oasis. Here we find an eclectic mix of plants, woodland glades, shimmering pools fed by waterfalls and streams flowing down to the sea. In the afternoon we visit Loch Harport and Talisker, the renowned whisky distillery, to learn more about how these precious amber drops are produced. Canna & Rum The small island of Canna has a tiny agricultural and cattle rearing population. From a walk along the cliff top we may see golden eagles, white tailed eagles, puffins and peregrine falcons. The island is beautifully situated with stunning views of the area. The neighboring island, Rum, is a nature reserve and an oasis for birdwatchers. More than 150 species have been observed on this small island. If possible, we pay a visit to Kinloch Castle, an eclectic 19th century turreted castle built by the Bullough family, and walk the nature trail, a beautiful area of wild flowers. Day 9: Oban We return to Oban and disembark M/S Stockholm in the morning. Transfer to Glasgow International Airport or Glasgow central station is included. Please note: The itinerary above is preliminary. Our exact route will depend on the weather and wind conditions. Please keep in mind that flexibility is the key to a successful adventure! DATES & PRICES THE HEBRIDES WITH ST KILDA Duration: 9 days. Dates: 16 th - 24 th April & 23 rd April - 1 st May Group Size: Maximum 12 passengers. Accommodation: Cabin on board M/S Stockholm, hotel. Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiac, bus. Price: USD per person. RATE INCLUDES: 7 nights on board the M/S Stockholm. 1 night in a hotel in Glasgow. Transfer Glasgow - Oban return. All meals on board. All beverages on board. An experienced Expedition Leader. Guiding ashore and lectures on board. All excursions and activities. The customary gratuity to the ship s crew. Comprehensive information material before the expedition. An illustrated post-expedition log NOT INCLUDED: Flights to/from Glasgow. Travel and cancellation insurance Upper Deck Main deck Cabin category Price per person in USD Twin Cabin (bunk beds & private facilities) 6 090

6 THE ORKNEY & SHETLAND ISLANDS 30 TH APRIL - 11 TH MAY 2016 Join us on a brand new adventure on board the M/S Stockholm! The Orkney and Shetland Islands offer their visitors spectacular nature, remarkable bird life and fascinating history. For the collector of remote islands this is a unique opportunity to reach several exciting islands such as Fair Isle, Out Skerries or Papa Stour. Day 1: Glasgow We arrive in Glasgow and spend a night at a comfortable and centrally located hotel. Day 2: Oban After lunch we travel together to Oban and board M/S Stockholm in the afternoon. After settled into our cabins we set course north the expedition has started! Day 3-9: Expedition cruising We are now on an expedition and our exact itinerary will depend on weather and wind conditions. These are places we hope to visit: Summer Isles & Handa We sail towards the Summer Isles and go ashore on the largest and the only inhabited island of the archipelago Tanera Mòr. Those who walk up Meall Mòr, the highest point on the island, will be rewarded with a magnificent view. We also visit the little post office that has issued its own postage stamps since Later, we reach the small island Handa. During the summer season the island s dramatic sandstone cliffs become home to an estimated breeding seabirds such as puffins, razorbills and guillemots. Sula Sgeir The uninhabited and remote Island of Sula Sgeir is located in the midst of the sea and is known for its bustling birdlife. Here, you also find the ruins from a stone house called Taigh Beannaichte (Blessed House). If the sea is calm we might also get a chance to explore some of the caves along the coast. North Rona East of Sula Sgeir lies North Rona. Even more isolated and remote than St Kilda it is also very hard to find on a map. North Rona is said to have been the home of Saint Ronan in the 8th century. A small Christian oratory that probably dates back to the same period stands almost intact. Today, grey seals and sea birds are the only inhabitants on the island. Stromness & Kirkwall In a private bus from the charming town of Stromness we travel to the year-old village of Skara Brae and see the remarkable dwellings that were revealed from beneath the sand dunes by storms only 160 years ago. This is the heart of Neolithic Orkney, designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. Today it is western Europe s best preserved prehistoric village. We continue to the Ring of Brodgar - a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost years. Our day ends in Kirkwall, where we visit the beautiful St. Magnus Cathedral. Fair Isle Located halfway between Orkney and Shetland, SCOTLAND SHETLAND Hermaness Papa Stour Out Skerries Lerwick Noss North Rona Fair Isle Sula Sgeir Stromness ORKNEY Handa Kirkwall Summer Isles Oban Glasgow this small island claims to be the best place to find rare birds in Britain with at least 27 first records and also hosts a famous bird observatory. Fair Isle is a also a traditional knitting technique used to create patterns with multiple colours. Hermaness The moorland and the dramatic cliffs of Hermaness are home to gannets, cormorants, guillemots and puffins. Here, you also find a large colony of great skuas, known as the flying pirates. Even the giants are said to have settled here. Unfortunately a giant called Herman, the namesake of the island, is said to have been lured away by a mermaid... Papa Stour The island s eroded, volcanic cliffs form an

7 interesting coastline consisting of cliff ledges, stone columns, arches, blowholes and caves. The most famous cave is Kirstan Hol and during a calm day it is possible to sail through its labyrinths. On the island you also find several Neolithic graveyards and what is said to be the remnants of a 13th century house that belonged to Duke Hakon. Out Skerries If you look at a map it may be difficult to imagine that this small island is inhabited, but these four square kilometers of rock and pasture boast of more than 70 residents. The dramatic landscape, the birdlife and the interesting history make a visit here unforgettable. Noss In the 1850s some 20 people lived on the island, but today it does not have any permanent inhabitants (not counting the sheep that graze here). The scenic sandstone cliffs of Noss are home to an array of nesting seabirds and if lucky we might see porpoise and otter in the surrounding waters. Day 10: Lerwick Lerwick is the capital and main port of the Shetland Islands. By strolling around the streets, we can feel the history that still dwells here. The town also houses a beautiful museum, where we get acquainted with the islands fascinating history and culture. We then head at sea, towards the Norwegian coast and beautiful Bergen. Day 11: Bergen Today we explore in the hanseatic city of Bergen, surrounded by high mountains and deep fjords. Popular sights include Bryggen Museum, the Bergenhus fortress and the fish markets. We also take the cable car up to the highest of Bergen s seven mountains, Mount Ulriken, from where we get a spectacular view of the city. Day 12: Disembarkation In the morning we disembark and continue home. If you have time, we suggest you take the Bergen Line to Oslo and experience one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Please note: Several of the islands mentioned above are extremely exposed to weather and wind and the exact route is dependent on these factors. Please keep in mind that flexibility is the key to a successful adventure! DATES & PRICES THE ORKNEY & SHETLAND ISLANDS Duration: 12 days. Dates: 30 th April - 11 th May Group Size: Maximum 12 passengers. Accommodation: Cabin on board M/S Stockholm, hotel. Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiacs, bus. Price: USD per person. RATE INCLUDES: 10 nights on board the M/S Stockholm. 1 night in a hotel in Glasgow. Transfer Glasgow - Oban. All meals on board. All beverages on board. An experienced Expedition Leader. Guiding ashore and talks on board. All excursions and activities. The customary gratuity to the ship s crew. Comprehensive information material before the expedition. An illustrated postexpedition log NOT INCLUDED: Flights to Glasgow and from Bergen. Travel and cancellation insurance Upper Deck Main deck Cabin category Price per person in USD Twin Cabin (bunk beds & private facilities) 6 890

8 P.O. Box 180 SE Göteborg, Sweden Phone: Fax: quest.com PHOTO: ADAM RHEBORG (P. 3 BACKGROUND, UPPER RIGHT, LOWER LEFT, LOWER MIDDLE & LOWER RIGHT, P. 5 UPPER NO. 2, 4 & 5 & LOWER RIGHT, P. 7 UPPER NO. 1 & MIDDLE RIGHT), DREAMSTIME.COM (S 7 UPPER NO. 5 & LOWER RIGHT), EIRIK GRØNNINGSÆTER (S 3 MIDDLE LEFT), JUAN CARLOS MUNOZ (P. 4), J-P LAHALL (FRONT COVER, P. 3 UPPER MIDDLE & P. 5 UPPER NO. 3), KATHARINA MILLER (BACK COVER, P. 2 & P. 3 UPPER LEFT), MATS FORSBERG (P. 3 MIDDLE MIDDLE), MATTIAS HENNINGSSON (P. 7 LOWER LEFT), (P. 7 UPPER NO. 2) Min 12 mm hög TEXT: POLARQUEST. DESIGN: THIS BROCHURE IS PRINTED ON FSC -CERTIFIED PAPER AT A FSC -CERTIFIED PRINTING COMPANY.