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12 Night Island Hopping in the North Atlantic British Isles Faroe Islands and Iceland (Northbound) Cruise from Dover

Ship: Maud

Cruise Line: Hurtigruten Cruise Line

Sailed: Wednesday, Jun 26, 2024 from Dover, United Kingdom

Ended: Monday, Jul 8, 2024

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Wednesday, Jun 26, 2024 departure of the Maud. If Hurtigruten Cruise Line modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Wednesday - Jun 26, 2024

Dover, United Kingdom

Set sail on your island-hopping adventure. Your expedition cruise starts in Dover. If you have time before boarding MS Maud, take a walk along the famous White Cliffs at St. Margaret's Bay for incredible views of the coastline and the sparkling English Channel below. Once you've picked up your expedition jacket and settled into your cabin, you'll have a chance to meet your Expedition Team, who will be your friendly hosts and knowledgeable guides. Then you can enjoy your first delicious dinner aboard the ship. Your adventure has begun!

Day 2 - Thursday - Jun 27, 2024

At Sea

Get to know your new basecamp at sea. Enjoy an idyllic day at sea. Admire views from MS Maud's Observation Deck, visit the Science Center for insight into the island destinations ahead, or take advantage of the gym and hot tubs. Photography enthusiasts can pick up some pointers from the onboard photographer on how to capture wildlife and landscapes. You'll find the comfort of the Explorer Lounge a great place to read or watch the world glide by. You can also enjoy a talk by the Expedition Team, experienced explorers who will share their extensive knowledge of the places ahead with you.

Day 3 - Friday - Jun 28, 2024

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Discover the many charms of the much-loved city of Edinburgh. Edinburgh is the most visited city in the United Kingdom after London and you'll soon see why. With streets steeped in history and a thriving cultural scene, the Scottish capital offers the perfect balance between the traditional and contemporary. Explore mysterious winding alleys and elegant terraced rows, and check out some of the many shops, bars, and restaurants. Get a great view of the city from majestic Edinburgh Castle, where you can see Scotland's Crown Jewels and the famed Stone of Destiny.

Day 4 - Saturday - Jun 29, 2024

Kirkwall, Scotland

Discover the islands' rich heritage, wildlife, and whisky. The Orkney Islands' largest town, Kirkwall, is a vibrant place influenced by every era, from the Vikings to World War II. In the center of this Norse town, visit the regal St. Magnus Cathedral and the adjacent Earl's Palace to see the stone ruins of this once-grand Renaissance building. Whisky aficionados will enjoy Kirkwall's Highland Park and Scapa distilleries' sublime single malts. At the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can delve into the past at the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae, the mysterious Standing Stones of Stenness, and the Ring of Brodgar. Sea birds such as puffins, gannets, guillemots, kittiwakes, and eagles thrive around the Orkney. Look out for dolphins, whales, and orcas, too.

Day 5 - Sunday - Jun 30, 2024

Fair Isle, Scotland

A scenic stop for bird lovers. Your cruise continues to the Shetland Islands as we venture to remote Fair Isle, known for its birds and knitwear. The island is home to 27 bird species and is a dream for birders and wildlife photographers. It's a vital stop for migrating seabirds, drawn to the red sandstone cliffs, green fields, and moors. We'll attempt to land for the Expedition Team to lead us on a clifftop hike to a lighthouse sitting in a spectacular location. Gain fascinating insights into the life and history of the 65-strong island community at the local museum. You can support Fair Islanders by buying genuine Fair Isle knitwear direct from local makers. If landing isn't possible, the scenic cruising is just as spectacular.

Day 6 - Monday - Jul 1, 2024

Lerwick, United Kingdom

Experience life in the capital of Scotland's northernmost inhabited isles. We'll dock alongside Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, to explore this friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town. Navigate the narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops selling local whiskies, woolen sweaters, and fudge. By the old waterfront, you'll find the Shetland Museum, exploring the area's rich history. Nearby, see Fort Charlotte and the regal Town Hall. The wider island is home to remarkable Iron Age villages and the Croft House Museum, where you'll learn about the hard life of the local crofters. Keep your binoculars handy as you may spot grey and common seals along Lerwick's beaches, and local birdlife such as red-throated divers, redshanks, and curlews.

Day 7 - Tuesday - Jul 2, 2024

Unst, United Kingdom

Discover seabirds and Vikings in the northern Shetland Islands. The northern Shetland Islands represent the geographical extremity of the British Isles. In these remote areas, we'll explore depending on the weather conditions and where we find the best opportunities. We may visit charming Haroldswick on Unst, where the Vikings reputedly first made landfall in the British Isles. Here, we'll find a reconstruction of a Viking longhouse and ship, and there's also a burial mound that is thought to be the grave of King Harald Fairhair, the village's namesake. We may also set out in our small boats (RIBs) to explore hidden coves below towering cliffs. At the UK's northernmost point, the cliffs of Hermaness National Nature Reserve shelter thousands of breeding seabirds, including fulmars, puffins, shags, and gannets, so be sure to bring your binoculars.

Day 8 - Wednesday - Jul 3, 2024

Torshavn, Faroe Islands

Visit Streymoy in the Faroe Islands. Torshavn lays on Streymoy, the largest of the Faroe Islands. Founded by Norsemen in the 10th century, Torshavn (Thor's Harbor) is one of Northern Europe's oldest capitals. Wander along winding cobblestone alleyways and past colorful, turf-roofed houses. In the local museums, you'll learn about the city's origins and the flora, fauna, and geology of the Faroe Islands. Just over a mile north of the town, Svartifoss waterfall tumbles over mossy rocks. And as you walk along the seafront, look out for the eider drake and the distinctive Faroese starling with its beige-tipped wings.

Day 9 - Thursday - Jul 4, 2024

Runavik, Denmark

Explore wild and rugged Eysturoy island. From Torshavn, we'll cruise across to the island of Eysturoy and tiny Runavik on the eastern side of Skalafjordur fjord. This flourishing town has been a haven for ships for many centuries. The Vikings used to dock here, too. Join the Expedition Team on a kayaking tour of Skalafjordur. At nine miles long, it's the longest fjord in the Faroe Islands or stretch your legs on one of the many hiking routes. You could follow the relatively easy path through the heather-rich moorland around Lake Toftavatn, known for its birdlife. You could also hike up the nearby hill for astounding views of the surrounding green peaks.

Day 10 - Friday - Jul 5, 2024

At Sea

Enjoy a relaxing day as we cruise toward Iceland. As we sail to Heimaey, you'll have time to sit back and swap stories of your adventures so far. Keep your eyes peeled while on deck for some wonderful marine life and seabirds-you can even relax in the hot tub while you do it. Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center as they set the scene for the next leg of your journey in Iceland. Learn about the island's stunning landscapes, culture, and beliefs, such as the Icelandic Huldufolk ('hidden people').

Day 11 - Saturday - Jul 6, 2024

Heimaey, Iceland

Whales, puffins, and a dramatic volcanic eruption. The penultimate island on our isle-hopping expedition cruise is Heimaey, off the south coast of Iceland. It's the only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. Heimaey has a fascinating history involving runaway slaves, murder, revenge, magic, and Barbary pirates, and it still bears the scars of a powerful volcanic eruption in 1973 that nearly destroyed the island. Visit the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary, and also hike to see puffins at Storhofdi, where around 8 million nest every summer. Be sure to check out the volcano, Eldfell - or 'Fire Mountain'. It's well worth the effort to climb to its summit, offering incredible views of the town below.

Day 12 - Sunday - Jul 7, 2024

Stykkisholmur, Iceland

Gateway to spectacular Snaefellsnes. Time has stood still at Stykkisholmur, the small fishing town in Breidafjordur bay. Here, the colorful houses stand in contrast to the distant mountains. Nearby, you'll find Snaefellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the ice-capped Snaefellsjokull volcano at the peninsula's western tip. It's nicknamed 'Little Iceland', for its wide variety of volcanic landscapes. At the national park, visit Djupalonssandur's black-sand beach and the Londrangar basalt cliffs. Ride a snowcat to the top of the Snaefellsjokull glacier, or take a guided coastal hike with a glacial cave tour.

Day 13 - Monday - Jul 8, 2024

Reykjavik, Iceland

Enjoy Reykjavik at your leisure. As your island-hopping expedition cruise reaches its conclusion, you still have one last destination to explore, the center of Iceland's art, culture, and packed with history: Reykjavik. Stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and galleries and head to the striking Hallgrimskirkja cathedral or the fascinating Reykjavik Art Museum. There's plenty to see and do in this friendly, compact city. You can also join a Post-Program to explore Iceland's beautiful south coast, with waterfalls, black-sand beaches, geothermal springs, and majestic mountains.