Cruise – Icelandic Explorer

With eleven nights aboard Fred Olsen’s Balmoral, you can experience the immense natural beauty of Iceland as you pass by a selection of spine-tingling scenery. See the teeth-like pinnacles of Drangaskörð, the famous Eyjafjallajökull Volcano, and the unusual Elephant Rock. Ashore there are chances to visit the Blue Lagoon Spa, the stunning capitol Reykjavik, take on a whale watching adventure and so much more. ** Special offer for singles extended to 31st January 2017. **

Date

28/08/2017 - 08/09/2017

Cruise – Icelandic Explorer

About this excursion

Cabin prices from £1399 per person

Your cruise itinerary: Cruising by Eyjafjallajökull Eyjafjallajökull (also known as the ‘Big E’) consists of aPuffin volcano completely covered by an ice cap; the highest point of which rises to 5,466 feet above sea level. Take in this natural phenomenon, which is still active, as you cruise gently past.

Cruising by Elliðaey Island Part of the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago lying south of Iceland, the fascinating Elliðaey Island has been a source of intrigue for centuries, thanks to what has been proclaimed “the most isolated house in the world”. A scenic cruise is the perfect way to take advantage of this unmissable photo opportunity.

Cruising by Elephant Rock A natural rock formation said to be formed following the eruption of the Heimaey Island’s Eldfell Volcano in the 1970s, Elephant Rock has an unusual appearance akin to a giant elephant dipping its trunk into the Atlantic.

Reykjavík, Iceland Overlooked by the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Bell Tower, Reykjavík is a stunning capital, which makes admiring the splendourBlue Lagoon from The Pearl observation platform a very worthwhile activity. What’s more, a collection of picturepostcard natural wonders lie nearby. Highlights include the Blue Lagoon Spa, Thingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls and the Geysir hot spring area.

*RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE Relax in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, one of the most popular attractions in Iceland.

Ísafjörður, Iceland Set against a backdrop of steep mountains, Ísafjörður is a delight to explore, from the well-preserved timber buildings of the Old Town to the Westfjords Heritage & Maritime Museum. It’s also the gateway to many intriguing adventures, including the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and Vigur Island – home of Iceland’s only windmill and one of Europe’s smallest post offices.

Cruising by Hornstrandir (King & Queen of Cliffs) Feel royally spoilt for views as you bask in the grandeur of the King & Queen of Cliffs, majestically pointing outwards and upwards into the sky. Home to huge numbers of migrating birds every year, this incredible natural wonder lies at Icelandthe tip of the mystical, remote Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.

Akureyri, Iceland Sitting proudly at the head of Iceland’s longest fjord and atop Lonely Planet’s ‘Best places in Europe 2015’ list, Akureyri is an enchanting spot. Easy-going, with no ‘big city’ feel, it’s a rewarding adventure in itself, with art galleries and quality restaurants to discover. The wonders and wildlife of Northern Iceland are accessible too: tour to Godafoss, ‘Waterfall of the Gods’, or Lake Mývatn; encounter whales in their natural environment; or visit the famous Laufás turf houses for a superb photo opportunity.

*RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE Admire some of nature’s most magnificent creatures in their natural habitat on a whalewatching tour from Akureyri – a wildlife experience not to be missed.

Cruising by Hrísey The peaceful island of Hrísey lies in the middle of the Eyjafjörður, off the north coast of Iceland, and is only inhabited by Iceland 3approximately 200 people. Keep an eye out as you cruise past; around 40 bird species nest here, particularly ptarmigans and Arctic terns.

Scenic Cruising, Iceland Enjoy breathtaking scenic cruising in Iceland. Marvel at the sharp, tooth-like pinnacles of Drangaskörð. Sail through Eyjafjörður, the country’s longest fjord. Cruise the Borgarfjörður eystri, believed to be the residence of Iceland’s Elf Queen. Look out for whales in Skjálfandi Bay. And cross the Arctic Circle to cruise past Grímsey, the northernmost inhabited Icelandic territory. All this can be enjoyed from the comfort of your ship.

Cruising Seyðisfjörður Bask in mystic remoteness as you follow the twisting Seyðisfjörður towards the town of the same name. You’ll glide gently through the calm waters, before the sound of thundering waterfalls takes hold. This display of nature is formed by the river Fjarðará as it cascades down to a lagoon at the head of the fjord.

Seyðisfjörður, Iceland Pretty Seyðisfjörður is one of Iceland’s most difficult towns to reach, making a visit even more special and one of the Iceland 2advantages of cruising the Icelandic coast. Snow-capped peaks and plunging waterfalls surround a friendly hub brimming with artistic and aesthetic delights, including multi-coloured wooden houses, galleries, handicraft shops and the striking Blue Church. Tours are available to Lagarfljót Lake, the purported location of the mysterious ‘Worm Monster’.

Cruising Dalatangi, Akurfell & Tóarfjall Ensure your camera is to hand as you pass Dalatangi, Akurfell and Tóarfjall, three pyramid-esque mountain peaks on the eastern coast of Iceland.

Cruising by Nípukollur Sail smoothly past the epic Nípukollur peak, rising a mighty 1,958 feet into the sky.

Cruising Norðfjaðarhorn & Gerpir Enjoy a unique scenic cruising experience as you pass the rugged, protruding Norðfjaðarhorn peak and Gerpir, the easternmost tip of Iceland. This is serenity at its finest.

Iceland 4 Cabin Prices Cabin type Prices from:

Interior room £1,399pp

Ocean view room £1,649pp

Superior Ocean view room £1,999pp

Balcony room from £2,899pp

Interior Single room from £2,299pp

For Travel Treats – Ocean View room for Singles – E Grade cabin on Deck 4 with a picture window, we can now reduce the sole occupancy charge from 75% to 50%. The cost based on a 50% sole occupancy is £2623.50pp Prices are correct at time of going to print, but may change at any time. Call for latest prices. Offer extended until 30th April 2017

Your cruise fare includes: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, 5-course à la carte dinner, late night buffet & self-service tea & coffee • Varied daytime activities • Lectures & talks • Swimming pools, Jacuzzis & gym • Choice of live evening entertainment • 2 formal nights • Overnight stays in Reykjavík & Akureyri In addition for Travel Treats there will be a Group drinks party on board and coach transfers to and from the port.

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