From Wild Scotland to the Norwegian Fjords

Try a voyage with a difference in the company of Noble Caledonia this summer, taking in the full depths of Scotland to the fjords of Norway.

The cruise begins on the west coast of Scotland in the port of Oban, with the journey north including magnificent St Kilda and calls in the Orkney and Shetland Islands, to be immersed in some of the region's mysterious ancient history.

Reaching Sunnfjord, one of Norway's most stunning areas, the voyages travels along the coast, visiting the vast swathe of fjords and chain of islands all the way up to the Lofoten group.

It is difficult to imagine a more relaxing setting than coastal Norway. Words cannot describe the awe-inspiring scenery that combines mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, valleys and truly dramatic fjords.

The immense size of the fjords and the timeless quality of scenes that have changed little in the past centuries create a unique atmosphere, especially as the journey avoids the tracks of the big cruise ships wherever possible, with many ports of call just tranquil hamlets and small communities, offering a fascinating look at their unique lifestyles.

Such a journey needs a special vessel, and the self-sufficient qualities of the MS Quest are ideal in this instance. Carrying just 50 passengers, this small, friendly ship will be able to land on remote beaches and explore shorelines prolific birdlife, with the daily schedule taking advantage of weather conditions and possible sightings to achieve as much as possible from the voyage.

For more info, visit www.noble-caledonia.co.uk or contact the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

In the Wake of The Vikings with Zegrahm

Zegrahm Expeditions is excited to announce a community-based partnership with W.I.L.D. Expeditions, an adventure education organisation dedicated to empowering our youth to be stewards of the environment through life-changing kayaking and sailing experiences.

W.I.L.D. Expeditions has recently begun work building a traditional 56-foot Viking ship to educate kids about Viking heritage and give them additional means to explore the waters of the Pacific north-west. In conjunction with Zegrahm’s July 'In the Wake of the Vikings' voyage, the adventure travel company is offering any traveller who lives in the north-west and books this upcoming voyage an exclusive tour of the Viking ship in Anacortes, Washington, including the opportunity to meet the shipbuilder himself.

In addition, for each of these bookings Zegrahm will donate $1,000 per booking to W.I.L.D. Expeditions to help complete the building of the ship and fund upcoming youth programmes.

The building of the vessel is being completed by master shipwright Jay Smith, who was recently featured on the History Channel special, “The Big Build: Viking Longboat.” Jay has gathered over 70 crooks from oak trees in Oregon for the ship's frames and pure Alaskan yellow cedar from British Columbia for planking. Studying with Scandinavian masters to perfect his trade, the ship will be traditionally built by hand, using many of the old Viking tools.

Not only will 'In the Wake of the Vikings' expose travellers to the unspoiled islands of the Faroes and the volcanic wonders of Iceland - two areas difficult to explore unaided - but Zegrahm’s expert expedition team adds an educational component by bringing the region’s cultural heritage and natural history to life. Among others, archaeologist Colleen Batey will share her stories of excavating Viking sites in Northern Scotland, Iceland and the Orkney Islands, and her work with the Smithsonian on the 'Vikings: North Atlantic Saga' exhibit.

Iceland native Ragnar Hauksson will lecture on the everyday life of Icelanders coupled with the folklore, fairy tales, and sagas. And, expedition leader and Zegrahm co-founder Mike Messick will ensure travellers make the most of their time in these northern realms with ample opportunities to explore the itinerary’s planned ports of call and several expeditionary exploits by Zodiac. Additionally, travellers will have the opportunity to:

• “Storm the beach”—via Zodiac—at Dunrobin and explore this 13th century castle and its Versailles-inspired gardens.

• Sail past seabird colonies perched on cliffs along the region’s dramatic fjords.

• Take a cliff-side hike and enjoy stunning views while learning about the volcanic geology below your feet.

• Tour (and taste!) Scotland’s best-known industry: whisky.

• Visit picturesque coastal villages still steeped in Viking tradition.

• Embark on a thrilling snowmobile ride across Europe’s largest glacier.

To learn more, visit Zegrahm’s Web site at www.zeco.com or contact the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialist agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

The Land of Ice and Fire

By guest blogger Steve Newman

You can now visit the Northen seas with Saga for 14 nights, departing from Dover on June 28, 2011 from just £2264 per person.

Enjoy a thrilling two-week voyage absorbing the breathtaking landscape of Iceland and returning via Norway. Discover beauty and be mesmerised by the freshness and colours of nature, taking in the puffin colonies and the spectacular Godafoss Falls.

The journey reveals the dramatic geological treasures of Iceland with its frozen coastline, bubbling geysers and beautiful fjords, as well as discovering the thriving capital of Reykjavik. You also call at the Orkney Islands, with their fascinating ancient heritage, and remote Faroe Islands.

Highlights:

• Discovering Iceland’s hot bed of geothermal activity, eerie lava formations, hot springs and glaciers
• Visiting the Laufas Farm Museum and gain an insight into early Icelandic farm life
• Visiting the amazing Godafoss Falls – Europe’s most powerful waterfalls, punctuated with dozens of rainbows.
• The Orkney Islands archaeological sites, including the Stone Age Ring of Brodgar and the Neolithic village of Skara Brae (above)
• Exploring Norway’s cultural city of Bergen, with its colourful gabled houses

Ports of call:

Dover, England – Kirkwell, Orkney Islands – Heimaey, Iceland – Reykjavik, Iceland - Grundarfjordur, Iceland – Isafjord, Iceland – Akureyri, Iceland – Seydisfjordur, Iceland – Torshavn, Faroe Islands – Bergen, Norway – Dover, England

Price Includes:

• Travel insurance
• All on-board gratuities
• Entertainment and activities
• Welcome cocktail party and Captain’s Dinner
• All meals onboard, including 24-hour room service
• All port taxes and visas
• UK mainland travel service to your departure point

For further details, look up http://www.sagacruises.co.uk/