Group Travel Tour Operator for holidays to Iceland
Fred. Olsen – Natural Wonders of Iceland – 2022
Sails from Southampton
The wonders and wildlife of a land bursting with natural treasures awaits on this Icelandic adventure. A visit to Reykjavik provides a chance to discover the fabled Golden Circle and witness the beauty of the Gullfoss ‘Golden Waterfall’ and the sheer natural power of gushing Geyser hot springs. Enjoy time ashore amongst the volcanic landscapes of the remote Heimaey Islands too; and revel in the scenery of the Westfjords, best experienced on a kayaking tour from Ísafjörður.
Exploration of the rugged north coast is for encounters with native fauna; look out for sea birds nesting on the cliffs and peaks of Eyjafjörður’s mountainous islands and, from Akureyri, go in search of humpback and minke whales, dolphins and porpoises by boat – an unforgettable experience. You could also head to the dramatic Godafoss, to see and hear the crashing white waters of the ‘Waterfall of the Gods’, or perhaps Lake Mývatn, where large colonies of birds live and thrive in a haven of tranquility.
Dates
Monday 01 August 2022
Cruise Itinerary
Monday 01 August 2022
Departure from Southampton, United Kingdom
Board the ship mid-afternoon before you set sail later that evening.
Tuesday 02 August 2022
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Wednesday 03 August 2022
Belfast, Northern Ireland
From beautiful coastlines to a fascinating industrial heritage, Belfast is a modern, vibrant and stylish city. Famous for being the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, Northern Ireland’s capital offers visitors the chance to visit the Harland and Wolff shipyard and the fascinating Titanic Experience. Only in Belfast can the Titanic story be traced to its source, and the excitement of an era when the city was at the height of its powers relived.
Thursday 04 August 2022
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Friday 05 August 2022
Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
While Heimaey is the largest island of Iceland’s Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, and the only island that is inhabited, it is – due to its location and rugged shores – difficult for visitors to reach. However, thanks to the smaller size of our ships, we can take you to discover the delights of this volcanic gem, from its small towns and villages to its coastal cliffs that provide the perfect natural habitat for huge colonies of Atlantic Puffins.
Heimaey’s native, nesting seabirds alone make the journey to the island worthwhile, particularly in the summer, when it is home to more of the aforementioned puffins than anywhere else in the world. Explore the craggy lands or head to the coast, and you’re bound to see the birds in large numbers, going about their business in their own charming way. There’s a chance you’ll spot a few ‘strays’ wandering about the town, too.
Saturday 06 August 2022
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik – Iceland’s stunning coastal capital and cultural centre – is the world’s most northerly capital. The city combines colourful buildings, impulsive, creative people, extraordinary design, and some of the country’s most beautiful natural wonders.
The cosmopolitan city with big heart is home to the Althing – the world’s oldest parliament, and the National and Saga Museums, which trace Iceland’s Viking history. The impressive Hallgrímskirkja Church bell tower and the rotating Perlan glass dome offer panoramic views off island. Reykjavik’s galleries and exhibitions, including the outstanding Reykjavík Art Museum and National Gallery, feature radical Icelandic design, and there are many public art installations.
Sunday 07 August 2022
Ísafjörður, Iceland
The pretty, ancient church site of Ísafjörður, perched on the peninsular of the Westfjords, has been one of Iceland’s busiest and most important fishing and trading centres for over 250 years. With its fine natural harbour, Ísafjörður is set against a backdrop of steep mountains and an arcing spit that extends out into the deep Skutulsfjörður.
The town centre’s preserved timber and tin-clad buildings are a joy to explore. Easily navigable streets offer warm cafes, bakeries and welcoming family-run restaurants that serve the finest locally caught seafood all year round. The Westfjords Heritage Museum has exhibits on the town’s maritime history, while the Old Hospital contains archives and photography. The occasional music festival in town provides the chance to experience modern Icelandic culture.
Sunday 07 August 2022
Crossing the Icelandic Artic Circle
Crossing the Arctic Circle takes you into the lands of prolonged days and midnight sun. It is visible on a map – north of which the sun can be seen above the horizon even at midnight during the summer months.
However, during the winter the sun stays below the horizon for most of the day. During the cold winter months, light is provided by the moon and stars in addition to the elusive but spell-binding Northern Lights.
Monday 08 August 2022
Akureyri, Iceland
Located in Northern Iceland, Akureyri is a beautiful town best known for its spectacular landscapes, lush vegetation and its diverse wildlife. On your journey to Akureyri you’ll sail through the longest fjord in Iceland, Eyjafjordur, a wonderful prelude to your time on shore.
The perfect destination for nature lovers, the waters surrounding the town are teaming with rare, native species such as humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and porpoises to go in search of. Within reach on tours are incredible natural wonders too, such as the Godafoss ‘Waterfall of the Gods’ and Lake Myvatn.
Monday 08 August 2022
Cruising Eyjafjörður & Hrisey, Iceland
The magnificent Eyjafjörður is the longest fjord in Iceland. Situated at the edge of the Arctic circle, the fjord lies on the migratory routes of many species of whales and birds so it’s the perfect place to observe fascinating wildlife in their natural habitat.
Pretty Hrisey Island is known as the ‘Pearl of the Eyjafjordur’. It is Iceland’s second largest island, yet only around 200 people live here in one tiny fishing village. Those who do live on Hrisey share the flat green lands with about 40 bird species, including ptarmigans and Arctic terns. Framed by incredible mountainous landscapes and surrounded by the still waters of the Eyjafjordur, Hrisey is a delight to see as you glide along the longest fjord in Iceland.
Tuesday 09 August 2022
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Wednesday 10 August 2022
Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland
Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, resonates with ancient echoes of Christian, Nordic and Celtic history. It’s a town that feels more Scandinavian than Scottish; in fact, the name Kirkwall comes from the Norse for ‘Church Bay’, relating to the town’s 11th century Church of St Olaf of Norway.
Exploring the town’s atmospheric paved streets and twisting lanes, reveals a number of highlights, including the ruins of the Earl and Bishop’s Palaces, dating from the mid-12th century and serving as a reminder of the Orkney’s turbulent past. The palaces are considered by many to be the finest Renaissance buildings in Scotland. Also worth visiting is the recently restored St. Magnus Cathedral, founded in memory of Saint Magnus Erlendsson by Norseman Earl Rögnvald Kali.
Thursday 11 August 2022
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Arrival at Southampton, United Kingdom
After an early breakfast, disembark the ship for your journey home.
Important Ship Information Bolette
While she’s one of the largest ships, by overall size, in the Fred. Olsen fleet, Bolette has capacity for less than 1,400 guests – keeping within the smaller ship ethos therefore, you’ll find that you’re not overcrowded on board.
Furthermore you’ll have plenty of space in which to indulge yourself in the stylish dining venues, enjoy a glass of your favourite tipple and fantastic entertainment at the one of the eleven stylish, spacious and comfortable bars and lounges, providing plenty of choice and variety.
There’s an undoubted sense of occasion to dining in Bolette’s main restaurant, a grand two-tiered venue featuring classical, elegant décor and a variety of seating options and table sizes, perfect for both intimate and large group dining.
You’ll find that there’s plenty to keep you entertained during the day on board Bolette, whether you prefer to while away the hours relaxing or engaging your body and mind. The ship’s facilities include two swimming pools, two jacuzzis and an impressive spa with a Thermal Spa, Aroma Room, Hydro Pool, two saunas and nine treatment rooms, while there are tennis and basketball courts and a Culinary Theatre
You’ll have days and nights to remember on board Bolette.
Date | Arrival | Departure | Port of Call |
Mon 01 Aug 2022 | Late PM | Southampton, United Kingdom | |
Tue 02 Aug 2022 | Cruising | ||
Wed 03 Aug 2022 | Early AM | Early PM | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
Thu 04 Aug 2022 | Cruising | ||
Fri 05 Aug 2022 | Early AM | Late PM | Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland |
Sat 06 Aug 2022 | Early AM | Late Night | Reykjavik, Iceland |
Sun 07 Aug 2022 | Early AM | Late PM | Ísafjörður, Iceland |
Mon 08 Aug 2022 | Early AM | Late PM | Akureyri, Iceland |
Tue 09 Aug 2022 | Cruising | ||
Wed 10 Aug 2022 | Early AM | Late PM | Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland |
Thu 11 Aug 2022 | Cruising | ||
Fri 12 Aug 2022 | Early AM | Southampton, United Kingdom |