Your holiday summary
| Holiday type |
Ocean cruises |
|---|---|
| Country |
Iceland |
| Travel type |
Cruise |
| Price range | From £1949 |
| Travel partner | Newmarket Holidays |
| Duration | 12 nights |
|
Need help with your booking? 0330 333 6731 |
Icelandic Wonders & the Northern Isles Cruise 2013 - Marco Polo ex Tilbury
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- 12 nights' accommodation in your choice of cabin
- Full-board arrangements including full breakfast, luncheon, dinner, afternoon tea and midnight snacks
- On-board entertainment as arranged
- Calls at ports as detailed in the itinerary
- The services of a friendly, professional crew and cruise staff
- Port charges and taxes*A GBP6 per person per night fuel supplement applies
The holiday begins as you journey to Tilbury, ready to embark and sail this afternoon.
Day Two
Today is spent cruising at sea, off the rugged east coast of Scotland.
Day Three
A day of Orcadian delights as Marco Polo docks in Kirkwall, just a mile from the waters of historic Scapa Flow, where the German Fleet was scuttled in 1919, and HMS Royal Oak sunk in WW2. Shore excursions will include highlights of this island, where history, archaeology, crafts and wildlife are inextricably intertwined.
Day Four
Today is spent cruising at sea, off the rugged east coast of Scotland.
Day Five
At our next spectacular landfall, Heimaey, the brooding cone of Eldfell, or "Fire Mountain" looms above the tiny port of Vestmannaeyjar, together with its greener twin Helgafell, which last erupted in 1973, almost destroying the town. The island is also a haven for countless bird species, including puffins, and the surrounding waters are home to several species of whale.This afternoon, Marco Polo makes her way to the fascinating 'new' island of Surtsey, created from a three-year series of volcanic eruptions that began in 1963.
Day Six
Early this morning Marco Polo docks in the world's northernmost capital, the fascinating city of Reykjavik. Sitting on a promontory jutting into crystal clear waters and framed by majestic Mt Ejsa, the city's brightly painted wooden buildings stand in sharp contrast to the stunning beauty of its setting. Step ashore to explore this friendly and colourful city - perhaps taking the lift to the top of the Hallgrimskirkja Church for a panoramic view or visiting the fascinating Arbaer Folk Museum and the Saga Museum. Witness geothermal activity at the famous Blue Lagoon Pool, and at the original Geysir - after which all others are named.
Day Seven
This morning Marco Polo arrives in tiny, exquisite Isafjordur, the capital of the Westfjords area, and gateway to the magical, mystical land of West Iceland from which Norse sailors set out to discover Greenland and the New World.
Day Eight
Our next day in Iceland is spent at Akureyri on the rugged north coast, where the summer days are longest of all. The area beyond this thriving winter resort is wondrously scenic, and today's excursion, to the Godafoss Falls and volcanic Lake Myvatn, highlights its many delights. This evening, Marco Polo will briefly cross the Arctic Circle before turning south once more.
Day Nine
Today finds Marco Polo in the stunning natural harbour of Seydisfjordur, one of Iceland's most beautiful coastal locations, the town's collection of pretty, Norwegian-style houses flanked by high mountains, and from where ferries and a sub-ocean telephone cable connect Iceland to the outside world. The town is known as the cultural capital of east Iceland, and is gateway to yet more breathtaking countryside.
Day Ten
Tiny, Toytown-like Torshavn is the capital of the remote Faroe Islands. A birdwatcher's Paradise, the islands are home to countless species, and its inhabitants are guardians of a deep-rooted Norse tradition, and live surrounded by natural beauty, drawing their income from the sea in the shape of fish and oil exploration.Explore Torshavn's confusion of lanes and narrow passages, or join an excursion to other parts of the islands, perhaps to cross the famous Bridge across the Atlantic connecting the main island of Streymoy with the spectacular scenery and ancient wooden churches of smaller Eysturoy.
Day Eleven
Our final port of call is the Shetland capital of Lerwick. This rugged, enchanting town is gateway to a land of ancient legend, traditional crafts and an incredible abundance of bird-life. Wander the town, or join the excursion to the 3000-year-old archaeological site at Jarlshof, with its Bronze and Iron Age remains.
Day Twelve
A final day at sea.
Day Thirteen
Marco Polo arrives back in Tilbury at the end of a truly wonderful cruise holiday.
MV Marco Polo
In an age of vast, impersonal, floating hotels, 22,000-tonne 'Marco Polo', her profile marking her out as the epitome of sea-going elegance, is a beautiful ocean-liner in the classic tradition. Offering high levels of comfort, sumptuous dining and a genuinely warm welcome from the crew, 'Marco Polo' will offer everything you'd expect of such a high-class vessel.
Fully stabilised and air-conditioned, 'Marco Polo' boasts eight passenger decks, which are serviced by four lifts and three wide stairwells. Out on deck a vast amount of space ensures plenty of viewing opportunities when cruising through scenic waters, and more-than-ample room for sunbathers to top up their tans, while belowdecks you'll find facilities to cater to all your cruising pleasures by day and night. In addition to the comfortable lounges and bars, beautiful main dining room and light and airy bistro there's a shopping arcade, a library, a card room and an internet room. The Spa, Beauty and Fitness Centre spoils the body-conscious with a gym, a hair and beauty salon, a table-tennis room, a massage and sauna area, and even deck-top Jacuzzis.'Marco Polo"s 15 categories of cabins and suites all offer private facilities with showers or bath/showers, TV with satellite, 'view from the bridge' and in-house movie channels, telephones, hairdryers and personal safes. Cabins have a variety of twin and double beds, with upper berths for third and fourth sharing passengers. Outside cabins offer porthole or larger windows. Your cabin will be looked after your steward/stewardess and housekeeper, who will ensure that beds are made, towels are changed and toiletries replenished. All cabins feature 110v and 220v current and have an electrical socket. Even in the most economical cabins, the standard features are impressive.
