Ship: Polar Pioneer
Itinerary: Wild Scotland
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Polar Pioneer
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Embark in Aberdeen |
|---|---|
| Days 2-3 : | Western Isles |
| Days 4-6 : | Northwest Isles (Inner Hebrides) |
| Days 7-8 : | Orkney Island |
| Day 9 : | Foula Island |
| Day 10 : | Faroe Islands |
| Days 11-13 : | Shetland Islands |
| Day 14 : | Arrive Bergen |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||
| Triple Shared | Twin Shared | Twin Private | Mini Suite | Suite | ||
| 14 | Jun 12, 2010 | $5,920 | $7,135 | $8,440 | $9,480 | $10,480 |
| Optional Kayaking: $825 per person | ||||||
| Destinations : Arctic, Europe, Scotland, United Kingdom Activities : Cultural Activities, History, Nature Viewing, Photography |
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-Camping Option: There is no supplementary charge for this option. Participation will be confirmed at booking on a first come, first served basis.
-Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
-Single costs are 1.7 times the twin rate
From the Orkneys and Shetlands to the north of Scotland, to the Outer Hebrides off the west coast, the hundreds of unspoiled islands that fringe the Scottish mainland offer a treasure trove of nature, history and island life. Travelling between Aberdeen and Oban on board our sturdy expedition ship, Polar Pioneer, we plan to explore these wild, remote islands.
Day 1 : Embark in Aberdeen
Our Russian crew welcomes us aboard Polar Pioneer mid-afternoon, before we set sail along Scotland's northeast coast.
Days 2-3 : Western Isles
We make our way to the wildlife rich Isle of Rum, a nature reserve that's home to red deer, white-tailed sea eagles, golden eagles and Manx shearwaters, walk along the powdered quartz beach know as the Singing Sands and look for otters, seals and guillemots. On the way to Rum, we may have the chance to visit Iona, the birthplace of Christianity in Britain, sample single malt whiskey at a distillery on the Isle of Mull, or marvel at Fingals Cave, where the sound of crashing waves against towering basalt pillars inspired Mendelssohnn's Hebridean Overture.From Dunvegan Castle, home to the chieftains of Clan MacLeod for some seven centuries, we begin our exploration of the most spectacular of the Scottish Isles. Landing at Loch Scavaig, we reach the Cuillin, a range of rocky mountains- the spiritual heart of Skye. To the east are the more rounded Red Cuillin Hills, we take a short walk west to the Loch Coruisk for dramatic views of the jagged peaked Black Cuillins.
Days 4-6 : Northwest Isles (Inner Hebrides)
On Lewis Island we may visit Carloway Broch, and stroll among mini Stonehenge at Callanais. We hope to land at St Kilda, a World Heritage site, where derelict crofts bear testament to the fortitude of hardy islanders who once dried seabirds for winter food.North Rona and Flannan boast spectacular cliffs, fantastic rock stacks, hidden beaches and luxuriant heaths where sheep once grazed. Island hopping northeast, we aim to visit tiny specks of land that are rarely visited and bear the brunt of ferocious Atlantic storm. These remote islands are home to breeding seals and some of Europe's largest bird seabird colonies.
Days 7-8 : Orkney Island
The archipelago of 70 islands swept by the warm Gulf Stream and blessed with red, fertile soil, has welcomed people since ancient times. From Kirkwall, we visit 5000 year old archaeological wonders like Skara Brae, a Neolithic village buried by sandstorm and excavated less than 100 years ago to reveal Stone Age life. We'll view relics of Viking occupation and World War II curiosities like the famous Churchill barriers and the exquisite Italian Chapel, built from scrap by Italian POWs. We may sail past 137m sea stack, Old Man of Hoy or be welcomed into traditional crofting villages on Fair Isle, a birdwatchers paradise.
Day 9 : Foula Island
Foula (population 30) is one of Britain's most remote inhabited islands and leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits. The crofting townships on the narrow coastal strip are dwarfed by the island's five dramatic peaks (Da Noup, Hamnafield, Da Sneug, Da Kame, and Soberlie). On the west coast are Shetland's biggest and most spectacular cliffs. Foula's natural heritage is exceptionally rich and diverse for such a small area. The name means 'Bird Island' in Old Norse and Foula is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds, a National Scenic Area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its plants, birds and geology.
Day 10 : Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are built up of layers of volcanic basalt and, as a rule, are tilted with the eastern shores sloping into the sea and the western coasts rising up in soaring cliffs. This layer effect is most pronounced along the more peaceful and protected fjords and sounds. Along the shores of these fjords and sounds lie the towns and villages of the Faroes, which sparkle in multicoloured splendour against the deep green swath of cultivated pastureland surrounding them. Above them rise the mountains with their green sloping fells bounded by dark stony crags. This interplay between the green fells and rocky protrusions give the mountains their layered look. The long summer days teem with seabirds flocking to the soaring cliffs. The collision of cold arctic currents with the warm Gulf Stream near the Faroe Islands has created an especially nutrient rich environment for the many birds that breed here. Ornithologists have identified around 300 bird species in the Faroe Islands, whereof 40 are regular breeding birds and another 40 are but infrequent guests. Colonies of puffins inhabit the many ledges and green swaths at the top of the cliffs. Their breeding grounds are quite conspicuous because of the deep, blue green colour of the grass, which is a byproduct of years of their active fertilization.
Days 11-13 : Shetland Islands
Closer to Bergen, Norway than Scotland, the Shetland archipelago played a strategic role in Viking conquests. We may land at Mousa, home to the world's best preserved and most complete broch, a 13m tall stone refuge built more than 2000 years ago. Seabirds, most notably the storm petrel, thrive here. We hope to visit nature reserves like the Isle of Noss, where some 160,000 kittiwakes, guillemots and skuas nest. We may wander through the narrow lanes of Lerwick, Shetland's ancient capital and explore the complex Stone, Bronze and Iron Age settlement of Jarlshof.
Day 14 : Arrive Bergen
We arrive in Bergen early morning and bid farewell to our traveling companions.
Ship Description: Polar Pioneer
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Polar Pioneer
Polar Pioneer was built in Finland in 1985 as an ice-strengthened research ship, and for many years she plied the treacherous waters of the USSR's northern coast. In 2000 she was refurbished in St Petersburg to provide comfortable accommodation for 54 passengers. A combined bar/lounge/library area (stocked with a good collection of polar books) was also created by simple internal restructuring - inviting surroundings for your Antarctica travel.
This class of vessel has a fine reputation for polar expedition cruising, due to its strength, maneuverability and small number of cabins. All cabins have outside portholes plus ample storage space. The Russian captain and crew are among the most experienced ice navigators in the world and their enthusiasm is legendary.
The spacious bridge is always open to us and the decks are ideal for viewing. The chefs are European, and the dining room is attended by Russian stewardesses.
Polar Pioneer is not a luxury vessel as such, but this is a most popular ship for travel to the Polar regions. The accommodation is simple yet comfortable, and the meals are wholesome and uncomplicated. A small fleet of inflatable Zodiacs with outboard motors enable us to travel from ship to shore.
Triple SharedTriple Cabins have two lower and one upper berth, a desk, a small washbasin, storage and hanging space and portholes. Showers and toilets are very close by and are shared with other Main Deck cabins. |
Twin SharedTwin Shared Cabins have two lower bunks, a desk, small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space and portholes. Showers and toilets are very close by and are shared with other Main Deck cabins. |
Twin PrivateTwin Private Cabins have two lower bunks, a desk, windows, and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Two cabins have upper and lower bunks (cabins 402 and 403). |
Mini SuiteMini Suites have a separate small bedroom with double bed, a sofa bed in the main room, a desk, video player and TV, windows and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. |
Mini SuiteMini Suites have a separate small bedroom with double bed, a sofa bed in the main room, a desk, video player and TV, windows and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. |
SuiteThe Suite features a large lounge area, a separate small bedroom with double bed, a sofabed in the main room, a video player and TV, refrigerator, large forward and side facing windows, and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. |
