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Home , Fair Isle, Mousa, Out Skerries, Papa Stour

THE & ISLANDS WITH M/S 27th April - 8th May 2018 THE ORKNEY & SHETLAND ISLANDS The Orkney and Shetland Islands offer their visitors spectacular nature, remarkable bird life and fascinating that belonged to Duke Hakon. Noss deep fjords. Popular sites include Bryggen history. For the collector of remote islands this is a unique opportunity to reach several exciting islands In the 1850s some 20 people lived on the Museum, the Bergenhus fortress and the fish such as , Out or . island, but today it does not have any perma- markets. We also take the cable car up to the If you look at a map it may be difficult to nent inhabitants (not counting the sheep that highest of ´s seven mountains, Mount imagine that this small island is inhabited, graze here). The scenic sandstone cliffs of Ulriken, from where we get a spectacular but these four square kilometers of rock and Noss are home to an array of nesting seabirds view of the city. pasture boast of more than 70 residents. The and if lucky we might see porpoise and otter dramatic landscape, birdlife and interesting in the surrounding waters. Day 12: Disembarkation history make a visit here unforgettable. In the morning we disembark and continue Day 10: home. If you have time, we suggest you take Lerwick is the capital and main port of the the Bergen Line to and experience one The small, inhabited island of Mousa is Shetland Islands. By strolling around the of the most beautiful train journeys in the known for its well-preserved, 13-metre-high streets, we can feel the history that still world. . This incredible drystone tower had dwells here. The town also houses a beautiful Day 1: Glasgow we travel to the 5 000-year-old dominated the Sound of Mousa for over two museum, where we get acquainted with the Please note: Several of the islands mentioned We arrive in Glasgow and spend a night at a village of Skara and see the remarkable SHETLAND thousand years. It has sheltered Iron Age islands fascinating history and culture. We above are extremely exposed to weather and comfortable and centrally located hotel. dwellings that were revealed from beneath Celtic chieftains and their households, later then head at sea, towards the Norwegian wind and the exact route is dependent on the sand dunes by storms only 160 years Out Skerries Pictish farming families, eloping Viking coast and beautiful Bergen. these factors. Please keep in mind that Papa Stour Lerwick Day 2: Oban ago. This is the heart of Orkney, Noss lovers, and generations of tiny storm petrels flexibility is the key to a successful adventure! Mousa Westray Fair Isle which nest amongst its stones. It we have the Day 11: Bergen After lunch we travel together to Oban and designated as a World Heritage Site due to Stromness ORKNEY board M/S Stockholm in the afternoon. After its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. Today it Handa chance we walk up the stairs to enjoy the breath- Today we explore in the hanseatic city of settled into our cabins we set course north – is ’s best preserved prehistoric taking views of southern Shetland. Bergen, surrounded by high mountains and Summer Isles the expedition has started! village. We continue to the - a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back Day 3 - 9: Expedition cruising almost 5 000 years. Our day ends in Kirkwall, Oban Glasgow We are now on an expedition and our exact where we visit St. Magnus Cathedral. itinerary will depend on weather and wind conditions. These are places we hope to visit: Westray Hermaness Westray was extensively occupied in the The moorland and the dramatic cliffs of Summer Isles & Handa Norse period, but today it was a tranquil haven Hermaness are home to gannets, cormorants, We sail towards the Summer Isles and go with scattered farms and a rich birdlife guillemots and puffins. Here, you also find a ashore on the largest and the only inhabited with species such as Arctic skua, gannet, large colony of great skuas, known as the island of the archipelago – Tanera Mòr. Those guillemot, razorbill and purple sandpipers. flying pirates. Even the giants are said to have who walk up Meall Mòr, the highest point on Weather permitting, we go ashore and wander settled here. Unfortunately a giant called the island, will be rewarded with a magnifi- along the coastline in search of seabirds and Herman, the namesake of the island, is said cent view. We also visit the little post office to marvel at the dramatic views. to have been lured away by a mermaid... that has issued its own postage stamps since 1970. Later, we reach the small island Handa. Fair Isle Papa Stour During the summer season the island’s Located halfway between Orkney and Shetland, The island’s eroded, volcanic cliffs form an dramatic sandstone cliffs become home to an this small island claims to be the best place interesting coastline consisting of cliff ledges, estimated 100 000 breeding seabirds such to find rare birds in Britain with at least 27 stone columns, arches, blowholes and caves. as puffins, razorbills and guillemots. first records and also hosts a famous bird The most famous cave is Kirstan Hol and observatory. Fair Isle is a also a traditional during a calm day it is possible to sail through Stromness & Kirkwall knitting technique used to create patterns its labyrinths. On the island you also find In a private bus from the charming town of with multiple colours. several Neolithic graveyards and what is said to be the remnants of a 13th century house THE EXPEDITION SHIP M/S STOCKHOLM DATES & PRICES

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.

Upper Deck Dates: 27th April - 8th May 2018. Group size: Maximum 12 passengers. WHAT TO EXPECT AS AN EXPEDITION MEMBER Duration: 12 days. Accommodation: Cabin on board M/S Stockholm, hotel. 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 Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiacs, bus. 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. Main deck 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 PRICE INCLUDED: 10 nights on board the M/S Stockholm . 1 night cliffs, explore exciting caves and go ashore at scenic and interesting, historicalsites. On this expeditions we travel in areas where we are totally 21 22 23 in a hotel in Glasgow. Transfer Glasgow - Oban. All meals on board . All dependent on the weather and wind conditions. Please keep in mind that the Captain and the Expedition Leader always strive to maximise your beverages on board . 1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide . Guiding ashore and talks on board . All excursions and activities . The customary gratuity experience and as often as possible we will make landings or take Zodiac cruises. 25 26 27 to the ship’s crew . Comprehensive information material before the expedition . An illustrated post-expedition log Cabin category Price per person NOT INCLUDED: Flights to Glasgow and from Bergen . Travel and Twin cabin (bunkbeds & private facilities) USD 6 890 cancellation insurance

Twin cabin for single use USD 13 090 P.O. Box 180 SE- 401 23 Göteborg, Sweden Phone: +46 31 333 17 30 e-mail: [email protected] www.polar-quest.com

PHOTO: ADAM RHEBORG, J-P LAHALL, KATHARINA MILLER MATS FORSBERG, MATTIAS HENNINGSSON.