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Peregrine Travel Centre

Moors, Celts & Fjords

Moors, Celts & Fjords

From £4,960 GBP

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Description

Discover intriguing history and culture, from Casablanca in Morocco to the fjords of Norway. See structures including the Tower of Hercules and the Moorish Castle’s Tower of Homage. Witness the wild natural beauty and prehistoric remains of the British Isles. Our onboard team of expert geographers, geologists and biologists will be giving lectures during the whole expedition, to make your journey even more fascinating.

On this expedition, you will experience the beauty of Moorish legacy and the might of Celtic heritage. We start our voyage by exploring the Iberian coast of Spain and Portugal. After a short stop in France, we enjoy the – unspoilt landscapes of the Isles of Scilly. Then we sail along the rugged west coast of Ireland to the windswept beauty of the British Isles. We visit Scotland and Germany, before crossing the North Sea reaching Bergen, the gateway to the Norwegian fjords.

Trip Name
Moors, Celts & Fjords
Days
21
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 136m Passenger Capacity: 970 Built: 2003 MS Midnatsol has a strong environmental profile and a modern design. The interior’s bright, colourful décor is inspired by the warm sunny climate, a motif also reflected in the many pieces of Norwegian modern art on display. She is also a TV star, being featured in the award winning documentary "Hurtigruten 365", made by Norwegian TV. On deck 9 you find the sun deck and a Jacuzzi. Key qualities of the MS Midnatsol include the large, two-story panorama lounge above the bow, and the large glass expanses that allow natural light to enter, while providing extraordinary views. MS Midnatsol is an ice class 1X ship and equipped with advanced technology, making her very well suited for expedition voyages in Antarctica. Two-story panorama lounge  Bars  Café  Library  Restaurant  Separate a la carte restaurant  Playroom  Sauna  Shop Jacuzzis Fitness room Amfi theatre for educational lectures and conference facilities

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Casablanca
Casablanca is a city with a rich heritage where various arts, cultures and old traditions live harmoniously together. Here, the past is ever-present in the traditional way of life and in the crafts that have remained unchanged for centuries. We recommend a visit to the colourful souks before departure.
Day 2 - Day 2: Gibraltar
The rich diversity of Gibraltar's nature draws many visitors every year. The Rock is home to Gibraltar’s most famous residents, the friendly, charming and inquisitive Barbary apes, Europe’s only wild primates, that have lived here for centuries. The history of Moorish Gibraltar began with the landing of the Muslims in Hispania in 711 and ended with the fall of Gibraltar to Christian hands 751 years later. The Moorish Castle's Tower of Homage is the largest surviving remnant of Moorish Gibraltar.
Day 3 - Day 3: Cádiz, Spain
Cádiz is the oldest city in the Western world. The Phoenicians founded the town around 1100 B.C. Later on, the Carthaginian, the Romans, the Visigoths and the Moors have all found their way into the city. The historic city is still surrounded by vestiges of the old city wall and is really worth a visit. Take some time to enjoy the seafood, churches, museums and explore the narrow streets whilst Atlantic waves crash against the sea walls.
Day 4 - Day 4: Portimão, Portugal
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Day 5 - Day 5: Lisbon, Portugal
One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon offers centuries of heritage and charm. Visit the city’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites; the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, or simply explore at your own pace, discovering the many hidden gems of Portugal’s capital.
Day 6 - Day 6: Leixões, Portugal
Leixões and Porto are situated at the mouth of the river Douro. Porto is one of the oldest European cities and was registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. The area is most famous for Portugal’s most popular export, Port Wine.
Day 7 - Day 7: La Coruña, Spain
La Coruña in Spain is a city full of history. The Phoenicians, Celts and Romans have all lived here and used the sheltered harbour at this isthmus in the north west of Spain. You will get a first glimpse of the 55-metre high Hercules Tower, the oldest Roman lighthouse still in use today, as we pass on our way into the harbour. The oldest part of the city, known popularly as Cidade (City), is built on an ancient Celtic castro. Today La Coruña is well known for its characteristic glazed window balconies, called 'galerías'.
Day 8 - Day 8: At sea
Join the Expedition Team for more lectures or spend the day relaxing on deck.
Day 9 - Day 9: Brest, France
Brest is situated at the western tip of Brittany. Since medieval times Brest has been an important port and naval base. Richelieu first recognised the advantages of the location as a port and constructed a harbour with wooden wharves in 1631. This soon became a station for the French navy. Today, we will have the chance to explore Brest and its surroundings, which include impressive landscapes and historical heritage.
Day 10 - Day 10: Isles of Scilly, UK
Just 28 miles off the south west tip of Britain, we find the small, beautiful archipelago of the Isles of Scilly. Discover white sandy beaches, beautiful landscapes and a rich, fascinating history, including a huge number of prehistoric remains. The islands are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and are home to rare species of birds and plant life, many of which are unique to Scilly.
Day 11 - Day 11: Cobh
Cobh is found on the largest island in Cork Harbour. The island has a history dating back to pre-Christian times. The town itself is relatively new, it was founded in the 17th century. Cobh's varied history includes a reputation as a health and seaside resort, but it is probably best known for being the country's main emigration port during the 19th century. Close by, we find Cork, Ireland’s second largest city. Most of Cork’s finest monuments can be found in the heart of the city, including the Crawford Art Gallery located next to the Opera House. Just five miles away is Blarney Castle, containing the famous stone said to give the 'gift of eloquence' to all who kiss it.
Day 12 - Day 12: Dublin, Ireland
Originally founded as a Viking settlement, the city evolved into the Kingdom of Dublin and became the island's primary city following the Norman invasion. With its rich Celtic heritage, Trinity College, Ha' Penny bridge, stunning cathedrals, friendly people, bars and fiddle players, Dublin is one of few European cities that offer the combination of fascinating history and swishy modernity that ring through the tightly packed, song-enlivened streets of Ireland's beloved capital.
Day 13 - Day 13: Douglas, Isle of Man
Fiercely proud of its diverse culture and fascinating heritage, stunning natural landscapes and unspoilt beaches, the Isle of Man has a captivating story to tell that stretches back thousands of years. Legend has it that the Island’s name came from the Celtic sea god Manannan Mac Lir, who protected the land from invaders by shrouding it in a cloak of mist.
Day 14 - Day 14: Iona and Staffa, Scotland
Visiting the Inner Hebrides and the tiny island of Iona, you have a chance to see Iona Abbey, a church of historical and religious interest to pilgrims and visitors alike. It is the most elaborate and best preserved ecclesiastical building surviving from the Middle Ages in the Western Isles of Scotland. Later, we continue on to Staffa. This small island is well known for its basalt columns and Fingal’s Cave, the inspiration behind Mendelssohn’s overture of the same name.
Day 15 - Day 15: Stornoway, Scotland
It might have been the first visitors to the Outer Hebrides of Scotland who created the phrase 'wild and woolly' for that is a most fitting description of Scotland’s westernmost islands. Deep glens and fjords dominate the Isle of Lewis and its main town, Stornoway was originally settled by the Vikings and was developed around its sheltered natural harbour. We will spend a day here to explore its beautiful surroundings.
Day 16 - Day 16: Kirkwall, Orkneys
Kirkwall is the largest town and the capital of the Orkney Islands, situated off the coast of mainland Scotland and dominated by the famous St. Magnus Cathedral. The first mention of a settlement is in a saga from 1046, and the name Kirkwall derives from Norse Kirkjuvagr (Church Bay). Today, Kirkwall has a population of 8,500, and is one of the most attractive and well-preserved small towns in Scotland.
Day 17 - Day 17: Leith, Scotland
Leith is situated just a few miles from Edinburgh. After London, Edinburgh is the most visited city in the UK. With streets steeped in history and a thriving cultural scene, Edinburgh offers the perfect balance between traditional and contemporary. The UNESCO World Heritage Site at the heart of the city combines the medieval Old Town, the Georgian New Town and award-winning modern architecture.
Day 18 - Day 18: At sea
Enjoy life on deck or join the Expedition Team for interesting lectures.
Day 19 - Day 19: Bremerhaven, Germany
Where the River Weser and the North Sea waters meet, you'll find Bremerhaven. The town was founded in 1827, and even though it is a relatively new city, it has a rich history as a trade port that stretches back to the 9th century. Bremerhaven offers a fantastic mix of maritime flair, adventure and knowledge, a great variety of fish, and excellent shopping.
Day 20 - Day 20: At Sea
Join the Expedition Team for more lectures or spend the day relaxing on deck.
Day 21 - Day 21: Bergen, Norway
The journey ends in Bergen, 'Gateway to the fjord'. Stroll through the picturesque streets of Bergen and enjoy famous sites including the Håkon’s Hall and Rosenkrantz Tower, St. Mary’s Church, Bergen harbour and the famous fish market. The UNESCO World Heritage houses of 'Bryggen' are well worth discovering!

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-04-201707-05-2017£7,290Expedition Suite Category Q
17-04-201707-05-2017£6,672Arctic Superior Category QJ
17-04-201707-05-2017£6,308Arctic Superior Category U
17-04-201707-05-2017£5,874Arctic Supertior Category P
17-04-201707-05-2017£5,649Polar Outside Category O
17-04-201707-05-2017£5,474Polar Outside Category N
17-04-201707-05-2017£4,960Polar Inside Category I

Inclusions

    • Enjoy a spring expedition along the European coast. Learn more about culture, history, flora and fauna. See some of the most fascinating structures, islands and cities.

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