Whales, Waterfalls & Geysers of Iceland
You’re in for an unforgettable adventure, as you go in search of the wonders and wildlife of Iceland’s beautiful landscapes and waterways.[ReadMoreMob] From Reykjavik, take a tour to witness the natural power of the Gullfoss Waterfall and gushing Geysir hot springs; and, within the Westfjords, perhaps take the opportunity to take a boat tour to Vigur Island from Ísafjörður, to watch puffins in their natural habitat. Borealis takes you on a journey to see the coastal Hornstrandir cliffs, home to the Elf King and Queen, and the dragon tail-like peaks of Drangaskord, too.
Visit Akureyri, ideally placed for tours to the Godafoss ‘Waterfall of the Gods’ and tranquil Lake Mývatn. For an experience of a lifetime, join a boat tour seeking out humpback and minke whales, dolphins and porpoises living freely in the surrounding waters. After Akureyri, a relaxing evening of scenic cruising takes in Eyjafjörður and verdant, sparselly populated Hrísey, before you cruise by Borgarfjordur Eystri – home to a large population of elves, according to local folklore – en route to Seyðisfjörður, where you can savour scenes of towering mountains and colourful houses; or perhaps tour to the enchanting Skálanes Nature and Heritage Centre. What's more, with the help and guidance of ORCA conservationists who'll join on board for your adventure, you may get to spot whales whilst out to sea, learn of their nature and play a part in assisting with their conservation.
Your Itinerary
Liverpool, England
Jun 27 | Depart - early evening
Liverpool is one of Britain's most iconic and interesting cities, and famously home to the Cavern Club and The Beatles.
Liverpool - a former European Capital of Culture - is globally-renowned for its music, arts, culture and diverse architecture, and attracts visitors from around the globe.
A busy port city, Liverpool is also known for its historic waterfront district and Albert Dock, where some of the city's best known galleries and museums can be found. The Tate Gallery, International Slavery Museum and 'The Beatles Story' exhibition are easily found on foot, and sit alongside the largest collection of Grade One listed buildings in the UK, including the iconic Liver Building and a number of structures associated with the ill-fated RMS Titanic.
Ringaskiddy (for Cork), Ireland
Jun 28 | Arrive - late morning | Depart - late afternoon
A former fishing village that has now developed into one of Ireland's most important modern deepwater ferry ports, Ringaskiddy serves as a gateway to Cork as well as rolling countryside scenes dotted with villages, historic castles and a number of sites with a fascinating tale or two to tell.
Take the short journey to Cork, a picturesque city situated on the River Lee, and you'll discover lanes and streets lined with colourful buildings and a mix of architectural styles, and filled with welcoming traditional pubs and fantastic restaurants. Plenty of attractions await you too, such as the fascinating prison-turned-museum Cork City Gaol, while sites synoymous with Irish folklore are within reach - you could even take a short trip to Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone.
Ringaskiddy has its own highlights too. The Elizabeth Fort, built in 1601, looks across to Cork and provides a fantastic vantage point. Blackrock Castle is another memorable fortification here. Built on ground jutting out into the River Lee, it was designed as protection against marauding pirates. Today it’s a dreamy stack of curved towers that’s since become a museum, and is even home to an observatory.
Ponta Delgada, Portugal
Jul 01 | Arrive - late afternoon | Depart - late night
Ponta Delgada, the main town on the island of São Miguel, is the capital of the Azores archipelago of Portugal. The town’s cosmopolitan atmosphere belies its 500 year history, and the surrounding island boasts beautiful lakes, mountains, sandy beaches and the stunning crater lakes of the extinct Sete Cidades volcano.
A fine collection of buildings, narrow cobbled streets and squares, are a firm reminder that this was once a key staging post between Europe and the Americas. Intermingled are cool parks, enchanting squares, a modern marina, restaurants and waterside cafés. Its lakeside, whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs look out to enchanting mountain plains.
The striking, three-arched city gates, Portas da Cidade – which once stood in the harbour and now reside in Gonçalo Velho Cabral Square, were dedicated to the Portuguese navigator who discovered the Azores. The Gothic Church of St. Sebastian and The Convent and Chapel of Our Lady of Hope, which is home to a revered image of Christ, are both worth uncovering. The Carlos Machado Museum offers diverse artefacts of Azorean culture, while Igreja Matriz Church, with its splendid clock tower, is one of many beautifully ornate towers to be found.
The ‘Green Island’ also offers canoeing and other sports activities on lakes located in the craters of its dormant volcanoes. The island’s beauty can also be enjoyed by horse riding or cycling.
Ponta Delgada, Portugal
Jul 02 | Arrive - late night | Depart - early evening
Ponta Delgada, the main town on the island of São Miguel, is the capital of the Azores archipelago of Portugal. The town’s cosmopolitan atmosphere belies its 500 year history, and the surrounding island boasts beautiful lakes, mountains, sandy beaches and the stunning crater lakes of the extinct Sete Cidades volcano.
A fine collection of buildings, narrow cobbled streets and squares, are a firm reminder that this was once a key staging post between Europe and the Americas. Intermingled are cool parks, enchanting squares, a modern marina, restaurants and waterside cafés. Its lakeside, whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs look out to enchanting mountain plains.
The striking, three-arched city gates, Portas da Cidade – which once stood in the harbour and now reside in Gonçalo Velho Cabral Square, were dedicated to the Portuguese navigator who discovered the Azores. The Gothic Church of St. Sebastian and The Convent and Chapel of Our Lady of Hope, which is home to a revered image of Christ, are both worth uncovering. The Carlos Machado Museum offers diverse artefacts of Azorean culture, while Igreja Matriz Church, with its splendid clock tower, is one of many beautifully ornate towers to be found.
The ‘Green Island’ also offers canoeing and other sports activities on lakes located in the craters of its dormant volcanoes. The island’s beauty can also be enjoyed by horse riding or cycling.
Horta, Portugal
Jul 03 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early evening
The tranquil little port of Horta on the Azores island of Faial, has played host to transatlantic yachtsmen since it was discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century.
Regarded as one of the most colourful marinas in the world, Horta is the location of several international regattas each year, and its harbour is known for its vast open-air exhibition of paintings installed on the jetty by visiting sailors.
This emerald-green, volcanic island is an unspoilt environment of craters, lakes, sheer cliffs and lush valleys, to which only picturesque whitewashed houses and stately little baroque churches have been added.
Praia da Vitoria, Portugal
Jul 04 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early evening
Pretty Praia da Vitoria, the former capital of the Azores, is a town steeped in history. Originally heavily fortified, Praia has a fascinating historic quarter, and a stunning natural harbour that’s overlooked by the impressive 16th century Fort of Santa Catarina.
Translated as the Beach of the Victory, Praia da Vitoria is a popular destination thanks to a bustling, modern harbour, vibrant town centre and gorgeous sandy beaches.The pick of which is the uncrowded Praia Grande, which is a safe, dark sand beach with barely any waves.
Praia’s centre has a pleasant pedestrian zone with many attractive shops and some notable historic buildings that deserve a glance. The most notable monuments include the imposing bell towers of 15th century Igreja Matriz de Santa Cruz and the stunning Town Hall in the main square.
Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Jul 06 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late night
Funchal, the capital of Portugal's Madeiran archipelago, has a timeless old-world charm. Enhanced by a subtropical climate that fills this 'floating garden' with the year-round colours and perfumes of flowers and fruit, Funchal was a favourite of Sir Winston Churchill. His praise of the city has ensured British visitors always receive a warm welcome from locals.
Backed by rolling hills, the town is famous for its harbour, the 17th century São Tiago Fortress (now the Contemporary Art Museum) and world renowned Madeiran wine cellars. Funchal’s parks and gardens are a delight, and a hike through the Laurel Forest nearby is highly recommended. The ancient Funchal Cathedral mixes Gothic and Romanesque architecture, and is noted for its impressive carved wooden ceiling.
Lisbon, Portugal
Jul 08 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late afternoon
Stretched across its seven trademark hills overlooking the River Tagus estuary, Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city of Lisbon, is a cinematic collection of cobbled alleyways, pastel-coloured buildings, ancient ruins and white-domed cathedrals. The city was decimated by an earthquake in 1755, and modern Lisbon has been shaped by that eventful day. The Pombaline architecture that now defines the city represents some of the first seismically-protected buildings in Europe.
The city’s bridges include the Ponte 25 de Abril – similar to the Golden Gate in San Francisco – and the Ponte Vasco da Gama, which includes over 11km of viaducts. Lisbon’s many fascinating museums, include the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the National Coach Museum and the Carmo Archaeological Museum.
Lisbon is also a shopper’s paradise, with the Centro Commercial Colombo – the biggest shopping mall on the Iberian peninsula – and the elegant Avenidas Novas, full of upmarket shops. Alternatively, there bargains to be had in the local flea market, Campo de Santa Clara. Don't miss the chance to sample iconic egg tarts at Pasteis de Belém too.
Liverpool, England
Jul 11 | Arrive - early morning
Liverpool is one of Britain's most iconic and interesting cities, and famously home to the Cavern Club and The Beatles.
Liverpool - a former European Capital of Culture - is globally-renowned for its music, arts, culture and diverse architecture, and attracts visitors from around the globe.
A busy port city, Liverpool is also known for its historic waterfront district and Albert Dock, where some of the city's best known galleries and museums can be found. The Tate Gallery, International Slavery Museum and 'The Beatles Story' exhibition are easily found on foot, and sit alongside the largest collection of Grade One listed buildings in the UK, including the iconic Liver Building and a number of structures associated with the ill-fated RMS Titanic.