ON THE TRAIL OF THE VIKINGS

Follow the same Viking trail from Iceland to South Greenland made famous by Viking explorer Erik the Red 900 years ago. Discover Icelands exotic birdlife in Breidafjordur Bay, unspoiled nature and solitude in the Westfjords and fascinating volcanic archipelago of the Westman Islands. Our exploration of Greenland provides access to Viking Age sites, an inland ice cap, fertile coastal valleys with quaint sheep farms, deep blue fjords, and multi-coloured icebergs from calving glaciers.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Reykjavik Use your leisure time in Reykjavik to uncover the unique charm of the worlds northernmost capital or book one of our pre-programs for a unique Iceland experience. The Ocean Diamond docks in Old Reykjavik Harbor in the heart of the city, a five minute stroll to the main squares, shopping and dining. The ship departs Reykjavik harbor at 8 p.m.

Day 2 Stykkisholmur We begin our exploration of Snaefellsnes Peninsula from the cheerful town of Stykkisholmur in West Iceland. The peninsula is dominated by Snaefellsnes National Park which represents nearly every type of nature seen in Iceland. With our on board Zodiacs you explore thousands of islets among Breidafjordur Bay (UNESCO) which are teeming with exotic birdlife, unique

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com basalt rock formations and marine wildlife. Adventurous spirits Day 6 Nanortalik and Qaqortoq may opt to join an expedition to Snaefellsjokull glacier which Early morning we reach Greenlands southernmost city of sits atop a 700,000 year old dormant volcano and served as Nanortalik which are framed by steep cliffs, deep blue fjords the mystical entrance to earths interior in Jules Vernes novel, and green coniferous forests. In the surrounding area you find Journey to the Centre of the Earth. various ruins from both Norse and Inuit settlers. While Norse settlers appreciated the fertile, green valleys, the Inuit preferred Day 3 Isafjordur seal hunting in the local waters. We continue our voyage to Todays destination is Isafjordur, honorary capital of the Qaqortoq, South Greenlands largest town. Located on an Westfjords. This secluded peninsula is connected to the iceberg filled bay surrounded by countless colourful houses, mainland by only a narrow strip of land and includes areas Qaqortoq is considered one of the most beautiful cities in where cars have never been. The landscape provides Greenland. Dont miss the outdoor art installation Stone and jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient Man, which was conceptualized by local artist Aka Hegh and glaciers, sheer table mountains plunging into the sea and comprises granite sculptures and reliefs by 18 Nordic artists untouched vegetation. Enjoy the rarity of pure silence and the located throughout the city centre. tranquility of nature while sea-fishing or watching thousands of puffins on the tiny island of Vigur, or visiting the massive Day 7 Qassiarsuk/Narsarsuaq cascade of Dynjandi waterfall. Today we reach the small settlement of Qassiarsuk, founded by notorious Viking Erik the Red who named this area green land Day 4 Day at Sea/Denmark Strait because of the inviting green valleys around Qassiarsuk. During Today we sail across the Denmark Strait towards Greenland, our stop here you can learn about the lives of the islands early following the same maritime route used by Norse settlers more Norse settlers and visit a reconstructed Viking longhouse and than 900 years ago. Enroute you can attend fascinating small turf church. presentations by our Expedition Team members. Day 8 + Day 9 Day at Sea/ Denmark Strait Day 5 Day at Sea/Prins Christian Sound With Iceland set in our sights we cross the Denmark Strait again When conditions are favorable we travel along the 70 mile long heading east. Review the impressions of the last days or visit (112 km) Prins Christian Sound which connects the Labrador interesting lectures presented by our Expedition Team. Keep and Irminger Seas. In this narrow, often ice-choked channel, we your eyes open for whales, dolphins and seabirds! come so close to icebergs you can almost reach out and touch one. The force of Greenlands massive, inland ice cap pushes Day 10 Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) glaciers towards the sea, where large hunks of ice break off and Located off the coast of South Iceland, the island group become floating icebergs. Vestmannaeyjar was formed by submarine volcanic eruptions 10,000 years ago. Surtsey Island emerged from the sea in

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com 1963 and is the youngest place on earth. We go ashore on Heimaey, the only inhabited island of the archipelago. Here the evidence of Icelands volcanic fury is on full display with half-buried houses in ash from a violent eruption in 1973 when the entire island had to be evacuated. Aboard Zodiacs we circumnavigate the island to take in the magical scenery and stop at places of interest to see the local bird life, visit caves and possibly spot whales. An epic experience here is to play a round of golf in a sunken volcanic crater.

Day 11 Reykjavik In the morning we return to the port of Reykjavik. After breakfast its time to bid farewell to the Ocean Diamond. Extend your stay in Iceland and book one of our post-cruise programs or explore Reykjavik and the surrounding area on your own. This chic capital of friendly citizens is the perfect city for those who want to refresh the spirit and combine invigorating activity, good food, nature appreciation and worldclass cultural entertainment.

Please Note: All routes and excursions are provisional and subject to change weather, sea and ice conditions may affect the itinerary.

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com YOUR SHIP: OCEAN DIAMOND PC

YOUR SHIP: Ocean Diamond PC waste, the vessel is equipped with a Sewage Treatment system that processes the waste generated onboard. VESSEL TYPE: Expedition

LENGTH: 124 metres

PASSENGER CAPACITY: 224

BUILT/REFURBISHED: 1974 / 2012

Enjoy the breathtaking nature of Scotland, Iceland and Greenland aboard the Ocean Diamond. Thanks to two stabilizers that significantly reduce roll and an ice-strengthened hull (ice class 1D), the super yacht Ocean Diamond is the ideal ship for expeditions in the Arctic region. Due to the ship's compact size, The treated waste water is discharged at sea or shoreside. If we can take passengers to places off the traditional cruise discharged at sea it is done according to strict International routes to experience all the highlights of Scotland, Iceland and standards and Class required protocols that include distance Greenland. from shore, depth of the water, speed of the vessel and rate of With a maximum of 224 passengers, the Ocean Diamond discharge. features a range of modern onboard amenities and is staffed with outstanding officers and crew, as well as bilingual expedition leaders and guides. The 109 cabins and suites, all of them elegantly designed, offer modern amenities and exterior views. The ship's own Zodiacs are available for shore excursions. After a busy day of exploration, passengers can browse books or DVDs in the well-stocked Polar library or enjoy views of the spectacular Arctic scenery from the panorama salon. The vessel complies with all MARPOL (Marine Pollution Act)regulations. The vessel has a Garbage Management Plan to deal with garbage accumulated during a voyage. As for human

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com INSIDE YOUR SHIP

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com PRICING

01432 507 280 (within UK) [email protected] | small-cruise-ships.com