Your holiday summary
| Holiday type |
Ocean cruises |
|---|---|
| Country |
Iceland |
| Price range | From £1609 |
| Travel partner | Newmarket Holidays |
| Duration | 11 nights |
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Need help with your booking? 0330 333 6731 |
Icelandic Wonders & the Northern Isles Cruise 2013 - Marco Polo ex Leith
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- 11 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
- Single and upgrade cabins are available for a supplement
This wonderful holiday begins as you journey to Leith, ready to embark and sail this evening.
Day Two
Today 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 Three
Today is spent at sea, enjoying the host of diversions and entertainment available on board Marco Polo.
Day Four
Today sees Marco Polo cruising off the island of Heimaey, where the brooding cone of Eldfell, or "Fire Mountain" looms over the tiny port of Vestmannaeyjar. Take in the views and watch the waters for signs of the shadowy presence of the whales that roam this area. 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 Five
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 Six
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. Visit the replica Viking farmstead at Eiriksstadir, once home of Eirik the Red (who left it to settle Greenland) and birthplace of Leif the Lucky, who discovered America, and don't miss the glacier on mystical Snaefellsjokull, Iceland's newest national park.
Day Seven
Akureyri, on Iceland's rugged north coast, is a thriving winter sports centre and home to a fascinating Botanical Garden. The area beyond this thriving winter resort is wondrously scenic, and today's excursion, to the Godafoss Falls and volcanic Lake Myvatn, will highlight many of its delights.This evening, Marco Polo will briefly cross the Arctic Circle before turning south.
Day Eight
This morning finds Marco Polo in the stunning natural harbour of Seydisfjordur, one of Iceland's most beautiful coastal locations. From here ferries and a sub-ocean telephone cable connect Iceland to the outside world. Wander the streets lined with Norwegian-style houses or head inland to discover yet more breathtaking countryside.
Day Nine
Klaksvik, capital of the Norouroyggjar, or Northern Isles, welcomes Marco Polo today. The inhabitants of this remote Danish outpost are direct descendants of the Vikings, and still speak an ancient Norse language. Guardians of a deep-rooted Viking tradition, and canny enough to retain autonomy from both Denmark and Scotland, the Faroese live surrounded by natural beauty. Explore their green, birdwatcher's haven on a shore excursion before Marco Polo cruises from Klaksvik to Torshavn this evening.
Day Ten
Tiny, Toytown-like Torshavn is the capital of the Faroe Islands. Explore its confusion of lanes, narrow passages and black-tarred houses with green turf on the roofs, or join an excursion, 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 Islands' capital, Lerwick. Spend time exploring this rugged and enchanting town, or join an excursion to the 3,000 year-old archaeological site at Jarlshof, with its Bronze and Iron Age remains.
Day Twelve
Marco Polo arrives back in Leith at the end of a wonderful cruise.
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.
