Name: In the wake of Celts and Vikings
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: D1325060112

Itinerary

Dublin, capital of Ireland, seamlessly blends grit and beauty with Georgian squares, parks and canals. It boasts a rich literary heritage, home to renowned writers like Oscar Wilde and James Joyce. Literary attractions include Trinity College Library, housing the 9th-century Book of Kells, and the James Joyce Centre. The vibrant pub culture, with landmarks like the Guinness Storehouse and Temple Bar, adds to its lively charm.

This small town is the gateway to one of Northern Ireland’s most popular destinations - the Causeway Coast with clifftop walks and beaches. Top of the bill is UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway with its 40,000 basalt formations. The crashing Atlantic on one side, towering cliffs the other, it is Northern Ireland’s number-one attraction, leaving the question: is this prehistoric volcanic activity or the handiwork of two legendary Celtic giants?

Antrim Coast & Giant's Causeway

Included

04 h 00 m

Listen to tales of early Christians and Vikings who were drawn to Dunluce Castle's historic site
Explore the castle's intricate details fortified during the 16th and 17th centuries
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Giant's Causeway, for stunning views of the North Antrim Coast

Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne

Optional

03 h 30 m

Explore breathtaking views from Downhill Demesne, a ruined estate on the windswept cliffs of Northern Ireland's North Coast
Explore breathtaking views from Downhill Demesne, a ruined estate on the windswept cliffs of Northern Ireland's North Coast
Marvel at the awe-inspiring Mussenden Temple, perched on the cliff's edge and modelled after the Temple of Vesta in Italy

Antrim Coast & Giant's Causeway

Included

04 h 15 m

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Giant's Causeway and see the breathtaking views of the North Antrim Coast
Discover Dunluce Castle one of the most picturesque and romantic of Irish Castles.

Rathlin Island, a mountainous and sparsely populated island off the Northern Irish coast, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and historic intrigue. Views include the harbour with fishing boats and a lighthouse, which has stood guard for over 150 years.

Portree is the largest town, capital and gateway to the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides. fringed by cliffs, Portree's harbour, with a pier designed by engineer Thomas Telford, is surrounded by colourful homes and is best photographed from the viewpoint next to the Royal Hotel. Popular as a base for hiking, to the north is the Old Man of Storr, a rocky pinnacle popular with hikers.

Northern Scenic Drive

Optional

03 h 30 m

Enter the Trotternish Peninsula to experience its uniquely rocky environment
Pass by the crofting township of Staffin which looks out over the vast Staffin Bay
Dig deep into the island’s rich crofting history while exploring the museum with your expert guide

Dunvegan Castle and The Cuillins

Included

03 h 30 m

Hear the story of how the castle of Dunvegan became one of the greatest and most renowned among the Hebridean strongholds
Take a stroll around the castle’s gardens to find the waterfall known as Rory Mor’s Cascade
Keep an eye out for the diverse landscapes you’ll spot along the way to and from Portree

The Old Man of Storr Hike

Optional

03 h 30 m

Enjoy the walk to the pinnacle of “Old Man of Storr”
Keep your camera ready for shots of the phenomenal vistas
Take some time to speak with your guide about the unique geography of the region

Ramshackle Stromness is an 18th century stone seaport, barely changed since Captain Cook's ships stopped in 1780. The Pier Arts Centre housing modern art is often described as a "little seaside Tate". Just 12 km north, prehistoric Skara Brae is Northern Europe's best preserved Neolithic village, predating Stonehenge and the Giza pyramids

Orkney Treasures

Included

03 h 15 m

Witness the grandeur of the Ring of Brodgar, a colossal ceremonial stone circle that has stood for almost 5000 years
Visit the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae which offers a glimpse into the dwellings that were hidden beneath sand dunes until storms unveiled them only 150 years ago
Your last stop is the Skaill House, the finest manor in Orkney built in 1620 by Bishop George Graham

Sea-Faring Stromness - walking tour

Optional

02 h 30 m

Take a stroll around Stromness old town
Stop at Logins Well , here ships from the Hudson's Bay Company drew their final stores of water from this well for more than two hundred years before setting course across the Atlantic
Enjoy the sea view from the top of the hill by the cannons between two benches. The cannons come from an American Privateer, The Liberty, which was captured in 1813

Orkney’s Wartime Legacy

Optional

04 h 00 m

Kirkwall Highlights from Stromness

Optional

03 h 00 m

Tour of the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral
Scenic drive along the coast with stunning views over Scapa Flow
Explore the charming town of Kirkwall, Orkney's capital

Nearer Norway than the Scottish mainland, the solid, stone-built town of Lerwick is the capital and only town of the Shetland Islands, a subarctic Scottish archipelago with Viking roots. The port has a Dutch flair with 17th-century Fort Charlotte. In the island's south, Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement reveals an exceptional archaeological site spanning 5,000 years of history. Around 1,500 tiny Shetland ponies roam freely on the islands.

Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head Bird Cliffs

Included

04 h 30 m

Explore Jarlshof, an archaeological site showcasing 5,000 years of history, from Neolithic dwellings to a 16th-century laird's house
Discover the RSPB Reserve at Sumburgh Head, home to Shetland's first lighthouse and a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots and fulmars
Enjoy views of Mousa Broch, the world's tallest and best-preserved broch, and St. Ninian's Isle, renowned for its 9th-century Pictish silver hoard

Lerwick Walking Tour and Shetland Museum

Optional

03 h 00 m

Take a walk through the colourful and cosmopolitan history of Lerwick. You will be transported through the centuries with lively tales of Lerwick's growth, merchant trading, fishing and shipping fleets and smugglers
Visit Lerwick Town Hall, built in 1883 has beautiful stained-glass windows which represent a pictorial narrative of Shetland’s history from the Viking times
Stop at the Shetland Museum, learn more about Shetland’s heritage and culture

Meet the Locals in Western Shetland

Optional

04 h 00 m

Gain insights into the history and significance of Shetland's fishing industry from a local fisher
Get introduced to the famous wooly Shetland Ponies and learn about the history and characteristics of this small and hardy breed
Visit a Shetland Jewellery workshop and see the intricate craftsmanship behind handcrafted jewellery with Celtic and Viking designs

Cut adrift in the Atlantic, between Scotland and Iceland, the Faroes are a self-governing archipelago in the Kingdom of Denmark. On the southern tip of Streymoy, the largest of the 18 islands, the lively little capital of Tórshavn (Thor’s Harbour) charms with its rainbow-hued clapboard warehouses, grass-roofed wooden churches and the quaint old quarter, Tinganes. Off the radar for many, the Faroes are fast becoming known for their scenery.

Faroe Panorama - Scenic Drive

Included

02 h 00 m

Drive along the southern part of Streymoy Island for unforgettable viewpoints
On your panoramic ride, be on the lookout for stone cairns which marked the footpaths between villages in olden times
Your journey back to Tórshavn will take you through a three-kilometre long tunnel along a spectacular fjord

Brightly painted wooden houses line Seyðisfjörður’s port, regarded as east Island’s cultural hub with a lively arts scene disproportionate to its size. Seyðisfjörður has attracted writers and artists and hosts a summer arts festival. Surrounded by incredible nature, the nearby Skálanes nature reserve is known for its diverse wildlife with over 47 bird species, as well as 150 plant species. Reindeer, seals and porpoises often populate the area.

Known for puffin encounters, hiking trails and scenic beauty. Bakkagerði is the largest settlement in the Borgarfjörður Eystri fjord and a base for exploring the rugged wilderness. A popular trail leads to the Giant Boulders at Stórurð. The local church features a 1914 altarpiece depicting Christ on Álfaborg rock, aka the City of Elves, with the Dyrfjöll Mountains behind. Nearby Hafnarhólmi rock is a sanctuary for kittiwakes and other seabirds.

Grímsey is a remote island located 40 km off Iceland’s north coast. Many people travel here for the purpose of setting foot in the Arctic Circle, the only place in Iceland where you can. The island is also home to fewer than 100 people, but over one million seabirds. Birdlife thrives here thanks to the lack of egg predation and the well-stocked surrounding seas. Grímsey has one of Iceland’s largest tern nesting sites and largest puffin colonies.

Hrisey Island is a small island in the Eyjafjordur fjord in northern Iceland. It is home to various wildlife, including puffins, seals, and whales. Hriseyjarfjall Mountain is the highest point and offers views of the surrounding landscape and the vast expanse of Eyjafjörður fjord. Despite its size, Hrisey Island possesses a rich cultural heritage. Traditional Icelandic crafts, such as hand-knitting and woodworking, preserve the island's identity.

Húsavík, overlooking Skjálfandi Bay, is famed for whale watching, especially the endangered blue whale. The town's Whale and Exploration Museums focusses on Viking history and Apollo astronaut training, taking place nearby. The town also marks Iceland's first house from 860 AD. Húsavík is on the Arctic Coast Way and the start of the Diamond Circle route. Nearby, Kaldbakur pond is a popular geothermal swimming spot oddly populated with goldfish.

Húsavík & GeoSea Baths

Optional

02 h 30 m

Enjoy a guided walk through Húsavík Town and the famous landmark, the wooden church Húsavíkurkirkja, built in 1907
Learn the history of Húsavík, its tales and fun facts from the local guide
Relax in the geothermal waters of GeoSea Baths in a scenic spot on top of the cliffs

Nature and Norse Gods

Optional

08 h 30 m

Marvel at the hoof-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, where Norse mythology offers captivating explanations for its unique origins
Experience the thunderous power of Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall - an unforgettable sensory experience
Explore the bubbling mud pots and steam vents of the Námaskarð geothermal area, whose incredible forces shape Iceland's volcanic landscape

Whale Watching & Whale Museum

Included

04 h 30 m

Witness whales up close in the "Whale Capital of Iceland" with its wide bay and rich marine life
Explore the Whale Centre and see life-size whale skeletons before boarding a whale watching boat
Sail into Skjálfandi Bay for a chance to spot magnificent whales in their natural habitat

Surrounded by fjords in the Westfjords region, Ísafjörður is a bustling fishing town in northwest Iceland. The charming old town of Neskaupstadur features colorful 18th and 19th-century wooden houses. The Heritage Museum, also known as the Maritime Museum, houses some of the country's oldest buildings and explores the region's fishing heritage through compelling exhibits. Nearby, Osvor is a replica of a 19th-century Icelandic fishing station.

Arctic Foxes & Avalanches

Included

03 h 00 m

Get to know the history of Súðavík and the avalanche that struck the small village in 1995, shaping its resilient spirit
Begin your journey with breathtaking views over one of Iceland’s largest fjords, Ísafjarðardjúp, framed by the Snæfjallaströnd mountains
Enjoy an exciting live performance from a local musician during your visit to Súðavík’s church

Considered one of Iceland’s most impressive falls, the thunderous Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords region gives the impression of a bridal veil as it spreads down ever-growing cascades. The walk takes 15 minutes passing five smaller waterfalls.

Walk to Dynjandi Waterfall With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

01 h 30 m

Let your onboard Expedition Team, experts in all things Icelandic, guide you along the path to uncover this hidden treasure
Awaken your spirit of adventure as you stand in awe of nature's raw power firsthand
Delve into the secrets of Dynjandi as your Expedition Team provides captivating insights into its geological significance and cultural importance

Make sure there is sufficient timeto explore this diminutive but dramatic capital city. Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do. To get your bearings, take the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church, designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson is one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to earth, visit the city’s other renowned building Harpa Concert Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík's regenerated harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland from past to present. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an impressive contemporary collection including eye-catching pieces by Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometres outside the city lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original Viking parliament.

Kayaking with Expedition team

Optional

01 h 30 m

This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

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Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m²(215ft²) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

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Oceanview M4

20 m²

Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Balcony M5

25 m²

Balcony D6

25 m²

Junior Suite

32 m²

Junior Suites measure 32-36m² (344-388ft²) – including a 6m² (65ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, have a separate living room area, and luxurious en-suite bathroom.

Suite

41 m²

Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and a walk-in shower.

Premium Suite

41 m²

Premium Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including 8m² (86ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – and a walk-in wardrobe.

Deck 4

Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m²(215ft²) and can accommo...

Cruise Plus

3^rd or 4^th Guest

Single

$ 19,565

Double

$ 11,180

		Cruise Plus
Single		$ 19,565
Double		$ 11,180

Oceanview M4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m²(215ft²) and can accommo...

Cruise Plus

3^rd or 4^th Guest

Single

$ 20,615

Double

$ 11,780

		Cruise Plus
Single		$ 20,615
Double		$ 11,780

Deck 5

Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m<...

Cruise Plus

3^rd or 4^th Guest

Single

$ 25,340

Double

$ 14,480

		Cruise Plus
Single		$ 25,340
Double		$ 14,480

Balcony M5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m<...

Cruise Plus

3^rd or 4^th Guest

Single

$ 26,740

Double

$ 15,280

Triple

$ 7,640

		Cruise Plus
Single		$ 26,740
Double		$ 15,280

Junior Suite

32 m²

Junior Suites measure 32-36m² (344-388ft²) – including a 6...

Cruise Plus

3^rd or 4^th Guest

Single

$ 40,560

Double

$ 20,280

Triple

$ 10,140

Quad

$ 10,140

		Cruise Plus
Single		$ 40,560
Double		$ 20,280

Suite

41 m²

Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including a 5m² ...

Cruise Plus

3^rd or 4^th Guest

Single

$ 42,560

Double

$ 21,280

Triple

$ 10,640

Quad

$ 10,640

		Cruise Plus
Single		$ 42,560
Double		$ 21,280

Deck 6

Balcony D6

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m<...

Cruise Plus

3^rd or 4^th Guest

Single

$ 27,965

Double

$ 15,980

		Cruise Plus
Single		$ 27,965
Double		$ 15,980

Junior Suite

32 m²

Junior Suites measure 32-36m² (344-388ft²) – including a 6...

Cruise Plus

3^rd or 4^th Guest

Single

$ 40,560

Double

$ 20,280

Triple

$ 10,140

Quad

$ 10,140

		Cruise Plus
Single		$ 40,560
Double		$ 20,280

Suite

41 m²

Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including a 5m² ...

Cruise Plus

3^rd or 4^th Guest

Single

$ 42,560

Double

$ 21,280

Triple

$ 10,640

Quad

$ 10,640

		Cruise Plus
Single		$ 42,560
Double		$ 21,280

Premium Suite

41 m²

Premium Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including 8m^2<...

Cruise Plus

3^rd or 4^th Guest

Single

$ 46,760

Double

$ 23,380

Triple

$ 11,690

Quad

$ 11,690

		Cruise Plus
Single		$ 46,760
Double		$ 23,380

Prices are quoted per person per cruise.

In the wake of Celts and Vikings

In the wake of Celts and Vikings

Trip Highlights

Itinerary

Antrim Coast & Giant's Causeway

Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne

Antrim Coast & Giant's Causeway

Northern Scenic Drive

Dunvegan Castle and The Cuillins

The Old Man of Storr Hike

Orkney Treasures

Sea-Faring Stromness - walking tour

Orkney’s Wartime Legacy

Kirkwall Highlights from Stromness

Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head Bird Cliffs

Lerwick Walking Tour and Shetland Museum

Meet the Locals in Western Shetland

Faroe Panorama - Scenic Drive

Húsavík & GeoSea Baths

Nature and Norse Gods

Whale Watching & Whale Museum

Arctic Foxes & Avalanches

Walk to Dynjandi Waterfall With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Kayaking with Expedition team

YOUR SUITE TYPE

Oceanview D4

Oceanview M4

Balcony D5

Balcony M5

Balcony D6

Junior Suite

Suite

Premium Suite

Deck 4

Oceanview D4

Oceanview M4

Deck 5

Balcony D5

Balcony M5

Junior Suite

Suite

Deck 6

Balcony D6

Junior Suite

Suite

Premium Suite

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