Icelandic Adventure - 16 nights, July 2013

Leaving the port your drive will take you past the medieval King Håkon's Hall and Rosenkrantz Tower. The route then continues along Bryggen, the hanseatic quarter of Bergen, with its old, picturesque wooden buildings to the funicular station of Fløibanen.

The funicular will take you on a short journey to the top of Mount Fløien, one of the seven hills that surround Bergen and stands at a height of around 1,050 feet. There will be around 15 minutes at the summit to purchase souvenirs or to just sit and enjoy the bird’s eye view of Bergen and the fjord, before taking the funicular back to the bottom.

Back on board your coach, you will head past the famous fish market and on towards the peninsula of Nordnes, with its typical 19th century, white-painted wooden houses and splendid views on both sides of the port.



This excursion will operate by coach and funicular. The walk from the coach to the funicular is approximately 100 yards up a slight incline. Long queues may be experienced at the funicular station, due to the popularity of this attraction. The views from Mount Fløien may be affected by adverse weather conditions. If the ship is berthed at Dokken or Jekteviken Pier, the route will include a tunnel.

As you travel through the mountains you’ll discover panoramic views of the harsh local landscape consisting of narrow passes across sharp mountain ridges and deep, sheltered fjords where farms and villages huddle on narrow strips of land.

Visit Skrúður Gardens, the first Icelandic botanical garden, founded in 1909. It was the idea of the former minister and principal of Núpur—the cultivation pioneer of Iceland. He grew plants and vegetables that nobody ever dreamed could germinate so far north. Enjoy a short walk around these small but pretty gardens.

From the gardens, you’ll drive to Flateyri village, which was formed around the shark-fishing industry in the mid-19th century. Visit the charming, small and intimate church of Flateyri, quite typical of the smaller towns in Iceland, where you’ll be treated to an atmospheric Icelandic music programme. After your church visit, take a stroll with your guide down the small main street of Flateyri, to visit the old bookstore and the merchant’s home where time seems to stand still, you will also find an exhibition reflecting the history of Flateyri. In the next building, you can watch the women of the town make pieces of art in their handcraft workshop. Refreshments of tea or coffee and homemade Icelandic cakes will be served here with the locals.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is up to 40 minutes of walking on this tour, with some uneven terrain at the botanical gardens.

Take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløien, which at 1,000 feet offers panoramic views across Bergen and the surrounding area. The Fløien hills are a very popular recreation area with picturesque lakes and mountains, which is used by the population of Bergen all year round. Walk on one of the many gravel roads, through slightly hilly woodland and down to the little, idyllic lake called Skomakerdiket. Walking uphill you’ll join the main path, Blåmansveien, where the views get more impressive the higher you get.

In clear weather the route heads up the Rundemansveg Road, emerging into an excellent panoramic view as you reach the highest point, Rundemanen, at 1,800 feet. There are several trails and your guide will select the most suitable, dependant on the weather conditions.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by funicular and on foot. There will be approximately three hours of walking over uneven terrain with inclines and some steps. Enclosed, comfortable walking shoes and bottled water are recommended. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so please dress appropriately for the weather. Long queues may be experienced at the funicular station, due to the popularity of this attraction. The views from Mount Fløien may be affected by adverse weather conditions.

As you travel through dramatic volcanic landscape to the Blue Lagoon, your knowledgeable guide will explain all about the history and science surrounding this famous natural geothermal spa.

The Blue Lagoon is a large pool of hot water which is rich in minerals like silica, algae and sulphur. As you enter the water you’ll feel your stress melt away as your body absorbs the heat and healing powers of the water.

Around the Lagoon silica mud can be found in wooden boxes so you can apply it to your face and body. This pure white geothermal mud deep cleanses, exfoliates and naturally strengthens the skin's barrier function. It brings out your inner glow and gives you a vital energy boost and smooth complexion.

After your rejuvenation, you may wish to visit the café or browse the shop for souvenirs and view their range of skin care products.

On the return journey, you’ll hear about the history and culture of Reykjavik before passing through the busy city centre en route to the pier.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach. There will be approximately 2½ hours at the Blue Lagoon. Please remember to take swimwear and a towel. Spa treatments are not included but can be purchased separately, booking on arrival is advisable. Please carry Icelandic Kroner or Euros to pay for any additional purchases.

Hamburg is one of Europe’s biggest ports. Elegant and cosmopolitan it is a city of palatial office buildings, magnificent promenades, international musicals and extravagant shopping malls as well as the famous Reeperbahn. Hamburg is also Germany’s greenest city with many spacious lawns and lovely parks.

Enjoy a panoramic tour showing you the highlights of this bustling city, such as the City Hall, Germany’s oldest Stock Exchange; the Speicherstadt; as well as the Jungfernstieg, one of the elegant and luxury shopping areas. Travel around the Aussen-Alster, which is one of the top addresses in Hamburg.

Continue your journey along the world famous Reeperbahn, where at the beginning of the 17th century, the Reepers made rigs. Nowadays this street, together with the Grosse Freiheit and Herbert Strasse, are referred to as ‘the mile of sin’.

Visit St Michael’s Church, also known as the ‘Michel’ by the locals. This is the largest north German Baroque church and Hamburg’s main landmark. St Michael’s has four organs, one of which is said to be the largest in the world inside a church. During your visit, you will be treated to a wonderful organ recital to appreciate the excellent acoustics of the church.

Before returning to the ship you will take a leisurely stroll through the Krameramtsstuben, which was an earlier form of widow housing.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Hamburg should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Hamburg excursions are available for guests visiting Hamburg as a port call.

This tour will operate by coach and on foot. This tour is mainly panoramic, with only an estimated 30 minutes of walking, including a few steps at the Church.

A drive through Hafnarfjordur town, situated picturesquely on an ancient lava flow, will take you to the enchanting Kleifarvatn Lake, one of Iceland’s deepest lakes. Arriving at the geothermal fields of Krysuvik, witness the powerful jets of steam from deep below the earth’s crust and the multi-coloured pools of boiling mud.

Continue across the impressive volcanic plateau of Reykjanes and through the fishing village of Grindavik. Close by is the Blue Lagoon, crowned by clouds of vapour and surrounded by lava. A stop will be made to view this popular attraction before enjoying traditional local refreshments of tea or coffee, Icelandic pastries and flat bread served with smoked lamb.

After refreshments, you’ll visit the Viking World Museum which houses an exhibition containing artefacts, maps, models and audio-visual displays telling the story of the Viking expansion across the North Atlantic. There is also a full-scale replica of a Viking long ship. In the year 2000, this ship called ‘Islendingur’ (The Icelander) was sailed by shipbuilder Gunnar Eggertsson to America to commemorate the 1,000 year anniversary of the Viking discovery of North America.

On leaving the Museum, you’ll travel through the mossy lava fields before arriving back in Reykjavik.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is a walk of approximately 160 yards from the Blue Lagoon car park to the entrance. Many of the sites have rough, muddy and uneven ground. Comfortable, enclosed footwear and a wind/rainproof jacket are recommended.

Departing by boat from Ísafjörður to the remote nature reserve area of Hesteyri, you’ll enjoy spectacular scenery as you cross Jökulfirðir (the glacier fjord), with its beautiful, impressive, rugged snow-flecked mountains and quiet, secluded coves.

In the late 1940’s, the people of Hesteyri Village, without telephone, electricity or roads, made the united decision to move away. Consequently, the abandoned village has stood deserted since 1952. Since the village was protected in 1975, the native flora, fauna and wildlife have positively flourished. The area is now popular with Arctic Foxes, numerous nesting birds and seals. If you are lucky you may see the seals basking lazily on the nearby rocks and shorelines.

Admire the beautiful scenery and enjoy a refreshing walk in this unspoilt area as your local guide brings the relics and rich history of this once thriving outpost to life. The ruins of the old whaling station is a reminder of the good old times.

Traditional refreshments of tea or coffee and Icelandic pastries will be served at the former doctor's residence before returning to Isafjordur. A visit to Hesteyri with its outstanding but unique and untouched nature is akin to taking a tour to the last century.


This excursion will operate by boat and on foot. There is a gangway to negotiate to board the boat. There is up to two hours of walking, with some gravel and grass in the village. The boat crossing takes approximately one hour.

From Reykjavik, travel over the Mosfellsheidi heath to the dramatic Thingvellir National Park, which is Iceland’s only UNESCO World Heritage site due to its historical, cultural and geological significance. The Park straddles the mid-Atlantic ridge and is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. These plates are constantly pulling the earth’s crust in opposite directions causing rifts which add to the unusual and impressive landscape. It's also the site of Iceland's first parliament over 1000 years ago.

Continue into the fertile farmlands of the south to see the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall, otherwise known as ‘The Golden Waterfall’. As you stand and admire the beauty of this waterfall you can hear its raw power as the water gushes down the rock face.

Nearby is the fascinating geothermal area of Geysir, with its abundance of hot springs, mud pools, fumaroles and other geothermal phenomena. There’ll be a stop to see the amazing Geysir Strokkur, a fountain geyser which shoots up a 75-foot-high column of hot water every few minutes.

Stop at a local hotel for a delicious Icelandic luncheon, before beginning the scenic return journey. En route there will be a comfort stop at the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant. Those who are interested can visit the Geothermal Energy Exhibition which provides a state-of-the-art look at how geothermal energy is harnessed in a sustainable manner in Iceland.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately one hour of walking over mostly rough and uneven ground, however most sites can be seen from the coach. There are around ten steps at Thingvellir National Park. Sturdy, enclosed shoes and a wind/rainproof jacket are recommended. To access Gullfoss Waterfall there is a steep gravel and mud path and numerous steps, which can become slippery when wet.

Enjoy an exciting three hour boat trip searching for whales. The potential for whale watching in Iceland is excellent, with so many species of whales (Blue, Fin, Humpbacks, Minke and Sei whales). About half of the 36 whale species which live in European waters can be seen in Icelandic waters. No two trips are ever the same and consequently there is always a feeling of excitement and anticipation.

On board, there is a comfortable dining room with a bar. There is also seating on the boat’s deck for those who want to enjoy close proximity to the spectacular Icelandic nature.

The prime period for whale watching in Iceland is the late spring to early autumn months (May - September).


This excursion will operate by coach and boat. If you are prone to seasickness please take the necessary precautions. This boat is not exclusive to Cunard. Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed, however the success rate for seeing them is very high. Refreshments are not included, but can be purchased on board. There are several steps to negotiate into the interior of the boat. Please take a warm jacket and wear comfortable, flat and enclosed footwear.

Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world, is one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen. The Castle's dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history and dates back to the time of William the Conqueror.

Enjoy an audio tour around the opulent rooms of the Castle including the splendid State Apartments and grand St Georges Hall where the Queen entertains visiting heads of states. The rooms are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Reubens and Gainsborough. You will be able to admire the world famous Queen Mary's Dolls' House, which took three years to complete and involved 1,500 craftsmen, artists and authors. The house has electric lighting, hot and cold running water and even flushing lavatories.

One of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England can be found in St George's Chapel. The chapel contains the tombs of ten sovereigns, including Charles I, Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour. After visiting the Castle, there will be around one hour of free time to explore the town of Windsor with its Georgian shops, houses and inns.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The transfer time to Windsor is 1½ hours. There is a ½ mile walk from the car park to the Castle entrance and two hours walking within the Castle. If the Royal Family is in residence some of the state rooms will be unavailable. St George’s Chapel is closed on Sundays. Queues may be experienced due to the strict security procedures. Luncheon is not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency.

Enjoy an orientation drive of Hamburg including many of the city sights before transferring to Lüneburg.

Lüneburg city is rich in tradition and historically connected with salt – the ‘white gold’ of the Middle Ages. The salt mines made Lüneburg a rich and powerful town and an important member of the Hanseatic League. To fully appreciate the beauty, take a tour of the Old Town on foot. The many important historical buildings testify to the prosperity of the city in the Middle Ages. Even today, salt plays an important role in Lüneburg’s status as a spa town; many illnesses are treated through salt and water therapies.

During your walk through the city and small cobbled alleyways, you will see buildings such as the historical town hall Rathaus, which was built around 1240.

Enjoy some free time, exploring the medieval, quaint town centre with its numerous shops.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Hamburg should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Hamburg excursions are available for guests visiting Hamburg as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Journey time to Luneburg is estimated at 45 - 60 minutes each way. The orientation drive will be around 45 minutes. There is approximately two hours of walking included on this tour with steps. Flat, comfortable, walking shoes are recommended. Whilst comfort stops at restaurants are usually free of charge, a donation is common. Please be aware that there is usually a charge of approximately Euro 50 cents at public facilities.

Ísafjörður, the largest settlement in the Western Fjords of Iceland, is the centre of trade and culture in the area. The town itself is situated on a long, flat, hooked-shaped gravel spit reaching out into the fjord. Ísafjörður town centre has interesting old streets and houses that are unique to the area. The town plays a big part in the history of Iceland and many famous and peculiar people have lived here.

Enjoy a walk around the small town, stopping at several places of interest, whilst your local guide provides little anecdotes and facts about the local area. Breathe in the town’s history as you stroll through the narrow streets with their modest wooden 19th century houses, perhaps you’ll meet the barber playing his accordion, the baker training for the marathon or see the goldsmith paddling around in his kayak.

The tour ends with a visit to The West Fjords Maritime Museum, which is situated in one of Ísafjörður’s oldest houses. The museum tells the history of fisheries and the fishing industry, with a special focus on the industry’s role in the building of Ísafjörður.


This excursion will operate on foot. There will be some uneven ground to be negotiated and several steps at the Museum. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended.

Step aboard your boat for a scenic cruise, lasting approximately 1½ hours, along the beautiful fjords. Beginning on the Byford, you’ll travel between the surrounding archipelago of the Bjorøyna, Lerøyna and Tyssøyna islands, under the Askøybridge and along the Lysefjord. After relaxing and soaking up the scenery on board, a coach awaits to take you on a drive through the suburbs and city centre to Bryggen.

Bryggen is a living illustration of the city’s history, with 61 protected Hanseatic buildings. Enjoy a guided walk through the alleyways and colourful, picturesque warehouses lining the street and waterfront. These once housed German merchants belonging to the Hanseatic League who settled in Bergen around 1350.

As you stroll through the narrow passages and along the dark covered balconies, you’ll be transported back through the centuries. Bryggen is not a museum, it is living cultural heritage. Today these buildings, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, house shops, restaurants, cafés and artists’ workshops.


This excursion will operate by boat and on foot. The guided walk is approximately 30 minutes over level cobbled terrain. There are a few steps and a steep gradient to board the boat.

Once described as The Queen's floating palace and her 'home away from home', a tour around the Royal Yacht Britannia is a master class in style and luxury, and a unique insight into the lives of the British Royal Family. As host to glittering state and official occasions, this remains one of the most famous ships in the world. Discover Britannia's fascinating past through exhibits, displays and photographs, before visiting the Royal Apartments, where hundreds of original items are on display in the Sun Lounge, Drawing Room and Bedrooms, as well as the Working Deck, Officer's Mess, Garage and Engine Room.

After the fascinating visit to Britannia, your journey will take you into the heart of Edinburgh for a tour of the bustling city highlights before stopping at a hotel for a delicious three course luncheon.

After luncheon, you'll have time to browse the shops on Princes Street or see the magnificent Edinburgh Castle which is surrounded by lovely grounds before rejoining your coach for the drive along part of the Royal Mile. Standing proudly at the end of the Royal Mile is Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish residence of Great Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. The Palace was built in the style of a French chateau and contains the Great Gallery, which is adorned with over 100 portraits of Scottish monarchs through the ages. There is also a chance to explore the beautiful grounds where the Queen hosts her annual Garden Party.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is up to three hours' of walking on this tour. The tour of Holyrood Palace will be partially guided, as you will have time to explore the rooms on your own. The rooms associated with Mary Queen of Scots are accessed via a narrow, spiral staircase consisting of 25 steps.

Despite erupting 2,000 years ago, Hengill Volcano is still very active – this is evident by the numerous natural hot springs, steam vents and fumaroles that dot the surrounding landscape. Hengill produces impressive amounts of energy by way of hydro and geothermal power – both of which are utilised to provide plentiful supplies of hot water and electricity. A visit will be made at the Hellisheidi Geothermal Plant visitor centre to learn about geosciences, geothermal technology, the environment and the history of the area.

Further on you will see the town of Hveragerði, which is located on top of an old magma chamber. Take a scenic drive passing by the town’s trademark greenhouses, before stopping for a short walk around the local geothermal area. Refreshments will be served in the locality including hot spring bread baked by traditional underground methods, together with Icelandic butter and a variety of accompaniments.

Continuing on towards the UNESCO site of Thingvellir National Park, you will literally travel from one continent to another as you cross the neovolcanic rift zone that slices through Iceland. Pass Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake, to a viewpoint where you will see countless hot springs continuously spraying their sulphur rich deposits over amazing scenery, before returning through a lunar-like landscape of volcanic phenomena and other geological wonders.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The terrain consists of paved, uneven and gravel pathways.