The UNESCO-listed Surtsey Island is only open to scientists, so very few expeditions get the chance to navigate around it. As your Captain sails around the island, you may spot flocks of puffins on land and seals and orcas in the water. Traverse the volcanoes, lava fields, caves, and mountains of Heimaey. Views of lush cliffsides and classic Icelandic architecture will take your breath away. From Fort William, make your way to the famous Loch Ness and keep an eye on the lake for the legendary creature. Take in a bucolic landscape, where hills, glens, rivers and the sea coastline all offer something to do while enjoying peace and tranquility. Steeped in history and culture ranging back thousands of years, the Isle of Lewis holds priceless treasures such as the Neolithic standing stones at Callanish that are older than Stonehenge.
Cultural Expedition
FREE Cultural Immersion
Shore Excursions selected by Afar as exceptional experiences to connect with local culture
Fares are subject to change at any time without notice. Port charges of $400 per guest are additional.
May 24Dublin, Ireland
Depart: 6:00 pm
Dublin, Ireland
Ireland’s capital, Dublin, is bustling, cosmopolitan, ancient, and young at heart all at once. It is one of Europe’s liveliest cities, where medieval and 17th-century buildings stand comfortably amid all the trappings of a 21st-century community. Marvels like the incredible Book of Kells, one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world, call out to the curious. A gentle and relaxing cruise along the River Liffey immerses you in the capital’s colorful history, from the first arrival of the Vikings to the rapid development of the city during the 18th and 19th centuries. When in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of St. James’ Gate Brewery, invites you to raise a glass at the Gravity Bar with a 360-degree view of the city skyline.
May 25Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland
Arrive: 8:00 am Depart: 8:00 pm
Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland
The historic west end of Greenock boasts impressive Victorian buildings, in particular the 245-foot Victoria Tower which remains incomplete. From there, journey to Glasgow to view the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum for a glimpse of its world-class art collection. Toast to the world’s friendliest city with a Tennent’s lager at the historic Wellpark Brewery, where you can learn about the brand’s 450-year history and its passion for Scottish football. From Glasgow, discover the beauty of the Scottish countryside on a journey toward magnificent Stirling Castle, the home of the Stuart kings and birthplace of James II.
May 26Fort William (Loch Ness), Scotland
Arrive: 11:00 am Depart: 10:00 pm
Fort William (Loch Ness), Scotland
The Fort William area boasts the widest choices of active explorers with a penchant for the outdoors. Take in a bucolic landscape, where hills and glens, rivers and lochs, and the sea coastline all offer something to do while enjoying peace and tranquility. Enjoy an outing to Loch Ness for your chance to spot the famous Nessie in Scotland’s lake. For stunning views of one of Scotland’s most iconic lochs, get away from the crowd and head to the more scenic and wild south side. You can also find a moment of respite with a round of golf on one of the spectacular Lochaber golf courses.
May 27Stornoway (Isles of Lewis), Scotland
Arrive: 1:00 pm Depart: 8:00 pm
Stornoway (Isles of Lewis), Scotland
The harbor town of Stornoway is your gateway for an unforgettable adventure. Steeped in history and culture, ranging back thousands of years, you’ll find that Gaelic is spoken alongside English, and eagles and otters are as much residents as the locals. For a complete account of the social, cultural, archaeological, geological, and economic history of Stornoway, head to Museum nan Eilean. A drive along the west coast of the Isle of Lewis reveals the Neolithic standing stones at Callanish that are older and more impressive than Stonehenge. Comprising 19 monoliths, ending in a circle of 13 stones with rows of other stones radiating out in the shape of a cross, this site is fascinating.
In Lerwick, explore Stone Age ruins, heather-covered moors, and the rugged Scottish Highlands. With its dramatic cliffs, Grand Victorian houses, charming Shetland ponies and Nordic heritage, Lerwick will leave a lasting impression. Beginning in the town center, Commercial Street, or ’Da Street’ as it’s known, is the hub of Lerwick life. For a better understanding of the history of this strategic port city, look no further than Fort Charlotte, a fort that has served as accommodation to the town’s bachelors and has also been a prison, coastguard station and armory. Expand your knowledge of the town’s strong ties to Norway with a visit to The Shetland Museum and Archives, an extensive collection that encapsulates the fascinating story of Shetland’s heritage and culture.
The 18 major islands making up the archipelago of the Faroe Islands lie between the Norwegian Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Iceland and Norway. Here, a mix of Nordic and Danish architecture amid lush, grass scenery creates a quaint image of a picturesque destination. Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands capital city, holds a competitive tradition and spirit of sporting events, including housing the largest football stadium in the district. But the city also contains an artsy energy with the annual Tórshavn Jazz Festival that takes place every August. Among the many natural treasures of the Faroe Islands is the Bøsdalafossur waterfall, a cascade that flows from the Sørvágsvatn/Leitissvatn lake into the Atlantic Ocean, creating a glassy surface amid the rugged cliffs of the falls
May 30At Sea
At Sea
Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore
May 31Heimaey (Vestmannaeyjar), Iceland
Arrive: 7:00 am Depart: 2:00 pm
Heimaey (Vestmannaeyjar), Iceland
Say halló to volcanoes, lava fields, caves, and mountains in the fascinating island of Heimaey - literally translated as Home Island. Part of the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago (Westman Islands), this destination offers views of lush cliffsides and classic Icelandic architecture that will take your breath away. Built around the remains of an excavated home buried by ash during Eldfell’s eruption you’ll find the Eldheimar Museum, which offers an excellent audio guide that takes you through the home and describes the history and events before, during and after the eruption. One of the most iconic landmarks of Vestmannaeyjar, Elephant Rock, lies just off the south coast of Iceland. And there’s no need to squint to see it, because from every angle, you can see a gargantuan elephant in the middle of the sea.
May 31Surtsey Island Scenic Navigation
Arrive: 4:00 pm Depart: 6:00 pm
Surtsey Island Scenic Navigation
Newly formed from volcanic eruptions in the 1960s, the island of Surtsey’s pristine environment has earned a place among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Only open to scientists as a natural laboratory to study plants and animals, few expeditions get the chance to navigate around the young island. Summer brings flocks of puffins to the island, as well as other migratory birds like eiders. Seals consistently make their home on Surtsey throughout the year, which brings orcas to the nearby waters. The flourishing wildlife around the region makes this a dream destination for the explorer spirit.
Jun 01Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrive: 8:45 am
Reykjavik, Iceland
In the southwest of Iceland near Faxaflói Bay lies the capital of the country, Reykjavík, simultaneously cosmopolitan and charming. The colorful houses on the horizon create a quaint scene that will make you want to stay forever.Kaleidoscopic views await you at the Harpa Concert Hall, a glittering, glass structure that perfectly exemplifies Iceland’s modern design and will fascinate your inner architect. One of Iceland’s most prominent landmarks is Perlan, originally a group of hot water tanks that was converted to a building that now hosts an exhibition, planetarium, restaurant and observation deck, located atop Öskjuhlíð hill..
Always Included
FREE cultural immersion
FREE gourmet dining with ever-changing menus
FREE unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits and craft beers
FREE open bars and lounges, including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapés
FREE stocked in-room minibar
FREE specialty coffees, teas and fresh-pressed juices
FREE afternoon and high tea
FREE champagne and gourmet canapés during meet and greet
FREE 24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer
FREE L'OCCITANE bath amenities
FREE pre-paid gratuities
FREE use of walking sticks and binoculars
FREE reusable water bottle
FREE butler service and expanded room service menu in suites
Trip delay and medical evacuation coverage included at no additional cost
Exclusively on Polar Expeditions
FREE cultural immersion
FREE private charter jet service*
FREE enrichment lectures and destination briefings
FREE shore landings led by expert field guides
FREE escorted sightseeing safaris by Zodiac
FREE polar plunge
FREE Atlas Ocean Voyages parka and vest
FREE use of knee boots
FREE private group transfers between airport and yacht*
FREE 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay on all Antarctica expeditions
FREE 1-night post-cruise hotel stay on select Antarctica expeditions
*Available on Antarctica and select Arctic expeditions
Exclusively on Epicurean Expeditions
FREE cultural immersion includes culinary experience ashore, such as local market visits, specialty tastings and more
FREE Josper Grill Dining Experience at 7AFT Grill
FREE culinary presentations and wine tastings
FREE cooking demonstrations and cuisine tastings
FREE events hosted by a Tastes & Traditions Expert on select expeditions
FREE Atlas Ocean Voyages backpack
Exclusively on Cultural Expeditions
FREE cultural immersion
FREE enrichment programs and workshops on select expeditions
FREE authentic, local experiences and on board events on select expeditions
Sign up and be the first to know about special offers, new itineraries and more.
®
Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.