scottish adventures on board m/s stockholm 2017
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SCOTTISH ADVENTURES ON BOARD M/S STOCKHOLM 2017 The Hebrides with St KildaThe Orkney & Shetland Islands
THE EXPEDITION SHIP M/S STOCKHOLMA CLASSIC SHIP LOVED BY MANY The M/S Stockholm is a classic ship built
in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime
Administration. In 1999 she was totally refitted
and started her career as a comfortable passenger
ship. The M/S Stockholm carries a maximum of
12 passengers in twin cabins with bunk beds. All
cabins have private facilities and small windows
(portholes).
She is a marvellous piece of maritime history
with beautiful brass details and wooden decks.
It is no wonder she is loved by so many! The food
on board is of high standard and all beverages are
included in the price.
Travelling on board M/S Stockholm is a truly
unique experience. In the dining room you
will enjoy delicious meals in the company of
likeminded travellers and in the comfortable
lounge you can relax after an eventful day. Out on
deck there is plenty of room to take photographs,
for wildlife spotting or to just sit back and enjoy
the scenery. The crew on board is also great
enthusiasts of the wildlife and unspoiled nature.
Their genuine curiosity is a prerequisite for
expedition cruises of this kind.
The Captain and crew of the ship have long
experience in Scottish waters and they work hard
to make every expedition a unique experience.
To change course and explore new areas in
true expedition style is not unusual on board
M/S Stockholm. With this small ship we are able
to reach places that would have been inaccessible
for larger vessels. One of the secrets to a
successful expedition cruise is the Zodiacs. With
these safe and sturdy rubber boats we can cruise
along impressive bird cliffs, explore exciting caves
and go ashore at scenic and interesting, historical
sites. On these expeditions we travel in areas
where we are totally dependent on the weather
and wind conditions. Please keep in mind that the
Captain and the Expedition Leader always strive to
maximise your experience and as often as possible
we will make landings or take Zodiac cruises.
WHAT TO EXPECT AS AN EXPEDITION MEMBER?
THE HEBRIDES WITH ST KILDA 14TH - 22ND APRIL & 21ST - 29TH APRIL 2017
of Scotland are buried here, including Duncan I,
who was murdered by Macbeth. Saint Columba
came here from Ireland in 563 AD and early
Christianity spread through Britain from this
remote island community. Weather permitting
we make a stop at the spectacular island of
Staffa with the amazing Fingal’s Cave. The
cave inspired Mendelsohn to compose “The
Hebrides Overture”. We also hope to be able to
land on Lunga to walk amongst the surprisingly
tame puffins.
Experience the exciting outposts of the Hebrides! Followed by gannets, fulmars and puffins we explore the green island Iona,
the spectacular Fingal’s Cave on the small island of Staffa and other beautiful islands. We also take the opportunity to visit one of
the many whisky distilleries the area is known for. One of the trip’s highlights is the isolated islands of St Kilda, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site and Scotland’s westernmost outpost. Weather permitting, we will make a landing here and explore the islands,
where people lived for thousands of years totally isolated from the rest of the world. On the cliffs around St Kilda we find the
world’s largest population of gannets – over 60 000 pairs nest here. During the expedition we also learn more about the area’s
rich history, marked by Vikings, Celts, druids and clans.
Day 1: GlasgowWe arrive in Glasgow and spend a night at a
comfortable and centrally located hotel.
Day 2 - 8: The HebridesAfter lunch we travel together to Oban and
board M/S Stockholm – our home for the next
seven nights. The following are examples of
exciting places we hope to visit:
Iona, Staffa & LungaIona has been a place of deep spiritual significance
for more than 1 000 years. No less than 62 Kings
Canna
Iona
Staffa
St Kilda
Callanish
THE HEBRIDES
Rum SCOTLAND
Oban
Glasgow
Lunga
Dunvegan
DATES & PRICES THE HEBRIDES WITH ST KILDA
St KildaWe head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of
St Kilda through the Sound of Harris, a remarkable
uninhabited archipelago some 64 km from the
nearest Scottish isles. For some this is a pilgrimage
in itself and a very moving experience. We drop
anchor in Village Bay on the main island Hirta
and wander through the remnants of the village.
St Kilda once supported a population of 200, but
the last islanders were evacuated in the 1930s.
Recent restoration work on the village by the
National Trust for Scotland offers an interesting
link with the past. Later we cruise past the
impressive island of Boreray, Stac an Amin and
Stac Lee, where tens of thousands of gannets nest.
Callanish StonesOn the northwestern side of Lewis we visit
the Callanish Stones, a cross-shaped setting
of standing stones erected around 3000 BC.
This is one of the most spectacular megalithic
monuments in Scotland.
DunveganDunvegan Castle is magnificently located on a
rocky outcrop on the shores of Loch Dunvegan.
Duration: 9 days.Dates: 14th - 22nd April & 21st - 29th April 2017.Group Size: Maximum 12 passengers.Accommodation: Cabin on board M/S Stockholm, hotel. Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiac, bus.Price: USD 6 090 per person.
RATE INCLUDES: 7 nights on board the M/S Stockholm . 1 night in a hotel in Glasgow . Transfer Glasgow - Oban return . All meals on board . All beverages on board . 1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide . Guiding ashore and lectures on board . All excursions and activities . The customary gratuity to the ship’s crew . Comprehensive information material before the expedition . An illustrated post-
expedition log
NOT INCLUDED: Flights to/from Glasgow . Travel and cancellation insurance
Main deck
Upper Deck
21 22 23
25 26 27
Twin Cabin (bunk beds & private facilities) 6 090
Cabin category Price per person in USD
The castle is the oldest continuously inhabited
castle in Scotland and was the ancestral home
of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years.
In contrast to the surrounding landscape,
dominated by barren moorland and mountains,
the gardens here are like a hidden oasis. Here we
find an eclectic mix of plants, woodland glades,
shimmering pools fed by waterfalls and streams
flowing down to the sea.
Canna & RumThe small island of Canna has a tiny agricultural
and cattle rearing population. From a walk along
the cliff top we may see golden eagles, white
tailed eagles, puffins and peregrine falcons.
The island is beautifully situated with stunning
views of the area. The neighboring island, Rum,
is a nature reserve and an oasis for birdwatchers.
More than 150 species have been observed on
this small island. If possible, we pay a visit to
Kinloch Castle, an eclectic 19th century turreted
castle built by the Bullough family, and walk the
nature trail, a beautiful area of wild flowers.
Day 9: ObanWe return to Oban and disembark M/S Stockholm in
the morning. Transfer to Glasgow International
Airport or Glasgow Central station is included.
Please note: This is a preliminary itinerary. Our exact route
will depend on the weather and wind conditions.
Please keep in mind that flexibility is the key to
a successful adventure!
from a stone house called Taigh Beannaichte
(Blessed House). If the sea is calm we might also
get a chance to explore some of the caves along
the coast.
North Rona East of Sula Sgeir lies North Rona. Even more
isolated and remote than St Kilda it is also very
hard to find on a map. North Rona is said to have
been the home of Saint Ronan in the 8th century.
A small Christian oratory that probably dates back
to the same period stands almost intact. Today,
grey seals and sea birds are the only inhabitants
on the island.
Stromness & KirkwallIn a private bus from the charming town of
Stromness we travel to the 5 000-year-old village
of Skara Brae and see the remarkable dwellings
that were revealed from beneath the sand dunes
by storms only 160 years ago. This is the heart of
Neolithic Orkney, designated as a World Heritage
Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology.
Today it is western Europe’s best preserved
prehistoric village. We continue to the Ring of
Brodgar - a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating
back almost 5 000 years. Our day ends in Kirkwall,
where we visit the beautiful St. Magnus Cathedral.
Fair IsleLocated halfway between Orkney and Shetland,
The Orkney and Shetland Islands offer their visitors spectacular nature, remarkable bird life and fascinating history. For the collector
of remote islands this is a unique opportunity to reach several exciting islands such as Fair Isle, Out Skerries or Papa Stour.
Day 1: GlasgowWe arrive in Glasgow and spend a night at a
comfortable and centrally located hotel.
Day 2: ObanAfter lunch we travel together to Oban and board
M/S Stockholm in the afternoon. After settled into
our cabins we set course north – the expedition
has started!
Day 3 - 9: Expedition cruisingWe are now on an expedition and our exact
itinerary will depend on weather and wind
conditions. These are places we hope to visit:
Summer Isles & HandaWe sail towards the Summer Isles and go ashore
on the largest and the only inhabited island of
the archipelago – Tanera Mòr. Those who walk
up Meall Mòr, the highest point on the island,
will be rewarded with a magnificent view. We also
visit the little post office that has issued its own
postage stamps since 1970. Later, we reach the
small island Handa. During the summer season
the island’s dramatic sandstone cliffs become
home to an estimated 100 000 breeding seabirds
such as puffins, razorbills and guillemots.
Sula SgeirThe uninhabited and remote Island of Sula Sgeir
is located in the midst of the sea and is known for
its bustling birdlife. Here, you also find the ruins
this small island claims to be the best place to
find rare birds in Britain with at least 27 first
records and also hosts a famous bird observatory.
Fair Isle is a also a traditional knitting technique
used to create patterns with multiple colours.
HermanessThe moorland and the dramatic cliffs of
Hermaness are home to gannets, cormorants,
guillemots and puffins. Here, you also find a
large colony of great skuas, known as the flying
pirates. Even the giants are said to have settled
here. Unfortunately a giant called Herman, the
namesake of the island, is said to have been
lured away by a mermaid...
Papa StourThe island’s eroded, volcanic cliffs form an
THE ORKNEY & SHETLAND ISLANDS 28TH APRIL - 9TH MAY 2017
SCOTLAND
Handa
SHETLAND
ORKNEY
Oban Glasgow
Stromness
Lerwick
Summer Isles
Kirkwall
Sula Sgeir Fair Isle
Papa Stour Out Skerries
Hermaness
NossNorth Rona
DATES & PRICES THE ORKNEY & SHETLAND ISLANDSDuration: 12 days.Dates: 28th April - 9th May 2017.Group Size: Maximum 12 passengers.Accommodation: Cabin on board M/S Stockholm, hotel. Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiacs, bus.Price: USD 6 890 per person.
RATE INCLUDES: 10 nights on board the M/S Stockholm . 1 night in a hotel in Glasgow. Transfer Glasgow - Oban. All meals on board . All beverages on board . 1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide . Guiding ashore and talks on board . All excursions and activities . The customary gratuity to the ship’s crew . Comprehensive information material before the expedition . An
illustrated post-expedition log
NOT INCLUDED: Flights to Glasgow and from Bergen . Travel and cancellation insurance
interesting coastline consisting of cliff ledges,
stone columns, arches, blowholes and caves.
The most famous cave is Kirstan Hol and during
a calm day it is possible to sail through its
labyrinths. On the island you also find several
Neolithic graveyards and what is said to be the
remnants of a 13th century house that belonged
to Duke Hakon.
Out SkerriesIf you look at a map it may be difficult to imagine
that this small island is inhabited, but these four
square kilometers of rock and pasture boast of
more than 70 residents. The dramatic landscape,
the birdlife and the interesting history make a
visit here unforgettable.
NossIn the 1850s some 20 people lived on the
island, but today it does not have any permanent
inhabitants (not counting the sheep that graze
here). The scenic sandstone cliffs of Noss are
home to an array of nesting seabirds and if
lucky we might see porpoise and otter in the
surrounding waters.
Day 10: LerwickLerwick is the capital and main port of the
Shetland Islands. By strolling around the streets,
we can feel the history that still dwells here. The
town also houses a beautiful museum, where
we get acquainted with the islands fascinating
history and culture. We then head at sea, towards
the Norwegian coast and beautiful Bergen.
Day 11: BergenToday we explore in the hanseatic city of Bergen,
surrounded by high mountains and deep fjords.
Popular sights include Bryggen Museum, the
Bergenhus fortress and the fish markets. We also
take the cable car up to the highest of Bergen´s
seven mountains, Mount Ulriken, from where we
get a spectacular view of the city.
Day 12: DisembarkationIn the morning we disembark and continue
home. If you have time, we suggest you take the
Bergen Line to Oslo and experience one of the
most beautiful train journeys in the world.
Please note: Several of the islands mentioned
above are extremely exposed to weather and
wind and the exact route is dependent on these
factors. Please keep in mind that flexibility is
the key to a successful adventure!
Main deck
Upper Deck
21 22 23
25 26 27
Twin Cabin (bunk beds & private facilities) 6 890
Cabin category Price per person in USD
P.O. Box 180SE- 401 23 Göteborg, SwedenPhone: +46 31 333 17 30e-mail: [email protected]
PHOTO: ADAM RHEBORG (FRONT COVER, BACK COVER, P. 3 UP-
PER RIGHT, LOWER LEFT, LOWER MIDDLE & LOWER RIGHT, P.
5 UPPER NO. 2, 4 & 5 & LOWER RIGHT , P. 7 UPPER NO. 1 &
MIDDLE RIGHT), DREAMSTIME.COM (P. 7 UPPER NO. 5 & LOWER
RIGHT), EIRIK GRØNNINGSÆTER (P. 3 MIDDLE LEFT), JUAN
CARLOS MUNOZ (P. 4), J-P LAHALL (P. 3 UPPER MIDDLE), KAT-
HARINA MILLER (P. 2 & P. 3 UPPER LEFT), MARIE LANNBORN
(P. 3 BACKGROUND), MATS FORSBERG (P. 3 MIDDLE MIDDLE),
MATTIAS HENNINGSSON (P. 7 LOWER LEFT), JONAS SUNDQUIST
(P. 5 UPPER NO. 3), WWW.SHETLAND.ORG (P.7 UPPER NO. 2).
TEXT: POLARQUEST. DESIGN: WWW.ALINDERDESIGN.SE.
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