Icelandic Wonders from Hamburg - 12 nights, July 2013

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.

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.

As you travel around Ísafjörður hear from your guide how life has treated the locals through the centuries. Enjoy a view of the magnificent mountains of the largest fjord in the West Fjords, the Ísafjarðardjúp (a fjord containing 16 fjords), before arriving at the old Icelandic settlement of Ósvör.

Ósvör is an open-air museum containing a double 19th century fishing base, salt hut, fish drying area and drying hut. An old fisherman will be waiting to welcome you, wearing a skin suit that is similar to the one Icelandic sailors used to wear, and will tell you about life in fishing stations and show you the various equipment and tools that were used.

A short distance from Ósvör is the village of Bolungarvík, where a stop will be made to enjoy a typical Icelandic music programme in the old local Hólskirkja church. From here your journey takes you to the Buná River and Waterfall in Tunguskógur, where there will be the opportunity to sample some of the clear and refreshing mountain water that flows down the stream.

Back in Ísafjörður, a visit will be made to the Maritime Museum, the oldest cluster of houses in Iceland, before watching a local performance given by the only teenage professional theatre company in Iceland. During your visit typical Icelandic refreshments of Schnapps and dried fish will be served.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves some rough and uneven terrain. There are 20 uneven stone steps, without a handrail, to reach Ósvör. There is no seating for the local performance.

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.

Travel through the Vale of Strathmore, a fertile valley with the Grampian Mountains to the north and the Sidlaw Hills to the south, to your first stop, the imposing keep of Glamis Castle, with its rich history and stunning setting. Owned by the Bowes-Lyon family, it was the childhood home of the late Queen Mother, Lady Strathmore. It is an archetypal Scottish baronial castle, made famous as the setting of Duncan's murder in Shakespeare's Macbeth. Visit the Royal Apartments and see pheasants and deer in the surrounding Royal Park.

Continue to St Andrews, a beautiful town situated on a wide bay on the north-east Fife coast. Often described as the Oxford and Cambridge of Scotland, it has a very distinctive collegiate feel, with its quads, beautiful gardens and magnificent old trees, which influenced Prince William to study at the ancient university, the place where he first met Kate Middleton and started their Royal romance. Enjoy a guided tour by coach, passing through the medieval streets, past the ruined Gothic cathedral and castle, and close to the Old Course, where the game of golf originated. Afterwards, enjoy around two hours free time to explore this historic gem with cobbled streets, narrow alleyways and many places which have changed very little in centuries.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is up to 1½ hours of walking at Glamis Castle. Walking in St Andrews is at guests' own discretion. Luncheon has not been included to allow maximum flexibility.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Edinburgh has a treasure trove of historical monuments and sights in both the medieval `Old Town`, and the 18th century `New Town`. These include Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, famous Princes Street and its shops, the Outlook Tower and its view over the city.

Whether you are sightseeing or shopping there are an abundance of places to eat and drink to keep you replenished. This unguided tour gives you the freedom to choose what to do with your day out.


This excursion will operate by coach. There is 5½ hours of free time in the city. Maps will be provided.

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.

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.

Once known as the ‘Queen of the Hanseatic League’, Lübeck is steeped in history and tradition and is, quite simply, beautiful. The old town on its oval island is one of the most impressive, intact examples of medieval Gothic architecture.

Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walk of the Altstadt (old city) with the Holsten Gate. Pass by St Marien Church and the Gothic Rathaus, one of the oldest in Germany. Continue past the Heiligen-Geist-Hospital, as well as the Buddenbrooks House, home of the famous writers Heinrich and Thomas Mann, both born in Lübeck. Another fascinating attraction is the Fuechtingshof one of the quaintest of the 82 Wohngaenge (alleyways).

Visit the famous Café Niederegger, where you may enjoy refreshments and Niederegger’s popular marzipan gateau. There will also be time for you to stock up on Niederegger’s large selection of chocolate-coated marzipan.


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 Lübeck is estimated at 75 to 90 minutes each way. 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.

Reykjavik revels in its reputation of being one of the most modern, forward thinking societies in Europe. This panoramic tour will allow you to observe a little of Iceland’s geological phenomena, hear tales of Viking settlers, enjoy the varied landscapes, and learn something of the countries historical and cultural origins.

Visit the impressive volcanic craters of the Heidmork conservation area before arriving at The Pearl. This remarkable and unique building consists of a glass observation dome sat on top of several huge water tanks. The tanks store natural hot water which is used to heat the city. Enjoy a stroll around The Pearl’s glass dome for panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Your panoramic drive will head towards the Laugardalur or ‘warm water valley’, passing the city’s main sports and recreation area, with its outdoor geothermal swimming pool. You will also have a chance to see the famous Höfdi House, where the summit meeting between President Ronald Reagan and Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev was held in 1986.

Head towards the charming old quarter of Reykjavík with its colourful wooden houses and narrow streets. Passing the city lake, Tjörnin, you’ll skirt the university complex and head towards the old harbour area to enjoy a short photograph stop.


This excursion will operate by coach. There is a flat walk of approximately 27 yards from the coach parking area to The Pearls entrance. A limited number of lifts provide access to each floor and to the viewing platform.

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.