MS Europa Departures by Date

MS Europa Departures

Greenland - Polar Adventures in the Far North - Roundtrip from Kiel
MS Europa - July 23 - August 12, 2012

From bubbling geysers and gushing waterfalls to shimmering icebergs, from Iceland to Greenland - a spectacular natural landscape awaits you in the far north. Glaciers bathed in the Arctic light entice us to launch the Zodiacs and head out for exciting rides that take you so very close to this unfamiliar world. One of the highlights is the Ilulissat Icefjord. Disko Bay also offers a stunning sight. On board, you will be seduced by chocolate. A magnificent summer in the ice.

Highlights of this Cruise
• UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site: the Neolithic monuments of the
  Orkney Islands*
• UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site: the Ilulissat Icefjord* (subject
  to weather and ice conditions)
• Godafoss Waterfall and Lake Myvatn*
• Sightseeing flight over fire and ice*
• Fencing for everyone - "the fencing champions“ on board
• Ice & chocolate: chocolatier workshop on board

* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price.
   Subject to changes.

Kiel
Before you set sail in Kiel, a wonderful time awaits you between Alster and Elbe - visit Hamburg individually*.

Lerwick/Shetland Islands/Great Britain
The rugged outpost of Great Britain, the Shetland Islands jut out of the ocean, thrilling you with their both dramatic and wildly romantic countryside on a landscape tour*. In Scalloway, the tyrannical Earl Patrick Stewart commissioned the construction of a castle in the 16th century. Today, its ruins grant insights into the architecture typical of Scottish fortifications built during that era. The long settlement history of the islands becomes evident at Jarlshof*. There, the excavation findings date back as far as the Stone Age.

Akureyri/Iceland
Iceland's nature is one impressive spectacle which also includes the gushing Godafoss Waterfall*. The Myvatn* region presents a fascinating interplay between the idyllic lake with its huge duck population and a bizarre landscape made up of pseudocraters, solidified lava formations and bubbling mud puddles.


Reykjavik/Iceland
From the northernmost capital city in the world, you can set out for a breathtaking encounter with Iceland's nature - during the sightseeing flight over fire and ice*, you will be able to admire glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and geysers from a bird's eye view. A bath in the Blue Lagoon* is an enjoyable and unparalleled Icelandic experience - relax in the warm thermal water amidst the characteristic lava landscape.

Greenland
Between the tundra and the mighty ice sheet as well as glaciers and majestic icebergs, the largest island on our planet presents itself. Towns like Nuuk, the little capital of Greenland, or the old trading post Sisimiut lie on the west coast with its enormous fjord systems. A fantastic world which augurs exciting Zodiac rides and landings over a period of no less than six days. Subject to weather and ice conditions, the precise ports of call will be determined in the short term - Ilulissat, which translates as "the icebergs", may well be among them. One of the most active and fastest glaciers on Earth is calving in the Ilulissat Icefjord. Here, gigantic icebergs crash into the sea, creating a fabulous setting that has been a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 2004. Greenland's largest population of sea eagles is to be found in the area surrounding little Paamiut on the shore of the Kuannersooq Fjord. And the glittering beauty of Disko Bay with its icebergs and glaciers will also hold you spellbound if the weather is favourable. Just wait and see which experiences the breathtaking homeland of the Inuit holds in store for you.

Torshavn/Faroe Islands
Irish monks were presumably the first settlers to live on this remote natural paradise in the North Atlantic. Around the year 800, the Vikings cameand established the village of Kvivik*. A different legacy of history towers in the air in the village of Kollafjoerdur* on the shore of the fjord of the same name - a genuine Faroese wooden church dating back to the year 1837.

Kirkwall/Orkney Islands/Great Britain
On the rough Orkney Islands, the storm revealed a little sensation in 1850: Skara Brae*, the most well-preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe. The stone circle Ring of Brodgar* dates from around the year 2700 B.C. Both sites feature in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. The manor Skaill House* was not built until the 17th century and today offers insights into the lives and customs of the upper class at that time.

Kiel
Today marks the last of 20 exciting days. However, the experience does not have to end yet - why not spend a few days in Hamburg and explore the Hanseatic city individually*?