Hi there, I thought another day in Scotland would have been better. Maybe gone to Glasgow and then combined the last 2 days in the UK together. The last 2 days were a wee bit of a disappointment compared to the first part of the trip. Our TD was wonderful she is so knowledgeable and really knows her stuff.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
London, Edinburgh, York, Stratfo
London, Edinburgh, York, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cardiff, Waterford, Killarney, Dublin, Liverpool
The tour pace was a bit intense, but with so many natural and historic sites to see, it felt worthwhile. I focused on gathering memories, taking tons of photos along the way. Our guides felt like travel companions, knowledgeable and warm.
Sightseeing ToursCruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
6-80 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Istanbul, Athens, Mykonos, Santo
Istanbul, Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Izmir, Samos
Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland - M/V Greg Mortimer GREENLAND, SPITSBERGEN- TRIP CODE GMGI
August 2024
We joined the Greg Mortimer in Svalbard having spent the night in a hotel in Longyearbyen. The ship is modern, clean and bright. Our cabin was on the 6th deck with a balcony accessed by a sliding door with room to sit out so long as we put enough clothes on. It had ample storage space, a wonderful en-suite with a heated floor, sheer luxury! All types of plug were catered for so recharging batteries was easy. The first 3 days were spent round Svalbard looking at the wildlife and scenery. Leaving the ship on the zodiacs was very easy and well thought out. We ended up wearing 5 layers to stay warm. Sitting in the zodiac for a couple of hours could get very cold with out the right gear. The ship itself is well appointed with plenty of observation space, both indoor and outdoor. The lecture theatre is excellent and, if you don’t want to attend, you can watch the proceedings from your cabin on the TV.
The food was very good, Buffet style lunches and a good menu in the evenings.
Crossing the Greenland Sea on the 4th day was a little rough but the ship has stabilisers which worked well. There was a noticeable lack of people in the dining room on the first night though.
Reaching Greenland, the itinerary was adjusted based on the weather and conditions. Each day we generally had two zodiac trips with landings when we could. The supplied Wellington Boots were comfortable and warm although we did supplement them with a thermal sole insert and two pairs of socks.
The landscape is fantastic with towering cliffs and glaciers coming down to the sea. The scale is hard to describe as there is not much to compare it with but some mountains like the Devil’s Castle loom over the ship at some 1100m. Very impressive. Each day was at a different site with the ship moving overnight.
We did get to see a couple of Polar Bears, seals, walruses, musk ox and plenty of birds.
All in all, a wonderful trip full of fantastic scenery and wildlife on a comfortable ship designed for the job. The crew were excellent and always helpful as were the very knowledgeable Expedition staff.
If you want to see a mostly untouched wilderness with stunning views and wildlife, we can recommend this trip.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
From exotic Budapest, “Queen of the Danube,” to imperial Vienna, “City of Waltzes,” to the sky-high spires of Cologne’s Gothic cathedral—centuries of intriguing history and culture unfold before your eyes. The Melk Abbey’s great library overlooking the Danube and the Würzburg Residence’s soaring ceiling fresco by Tiepolo will leave you mesmerized. And throughout your journey, tantalize your senses with exclusive wine, apricot brandy and beer tastings, along with regional culinary delicacies. Discover the grand sweep of history and the dynamic present along legendary rivers on a magnificent journey that gives you the best of Europe’s great treasures as well as off-the-beaten-path gems.
Stretching across the centre of Europe, the snow-capped Alps are one of the world’s most spectacular mountain ranges. Soak in this pristine beauty from legendary rail journeys, winding alpine roads and luxurious hotels.
There’s something hauntingly beautiful about Europe’s snow-scattered mountains, whether venturing through picture-perfect Switzerland or traversing wild and wonderful Austria. From the gigantic and jagged Matterhorn to the arresting landscapes you’ll see while travelling on some of Switzerland’s world-famous panorama trains including the Glacier Express, every aspect of your alpine journey is exhilarating. Visit the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, tour a museum dedicated to Charlie Chaplin, enjoy a traditional Swiss chalet dinner, and stand on top of Europe at Jungfraujoch, the continent’s highest train station.
Embark on a legendary Arctic journey with the "Three Arctic Islands: Iceland, Greenland, Spitsbergen" cruise, celebrated as one of National Geographic Traveler’s 50 Tours of a Lifetime. Over 15 days, traverse the Arctic’s most captivating landscapes—from the wildlife-rich tundra of Spitsbergen to the ancient Thule settlements of East Greenland and the volcanic shores of Iceland. Spot polar bears, walrus, and muskoxen, and navigate dramatic fjords and glaciers. This immersive expedition stands out for its rare access to three of the Arctic’s most remote and awe-inspiring regions, offering wildlife encounters and cultural discoveries that will forever transform your connection to the natural world.
For those drawn to the far reaches of the map, "Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen" is an unparalleled 15-day cruise linking Aberdeen and Helsinki. Designed especially for first-time polar travelers, this tour weaves through the remote Fair Isle, Faroe Islands, volcanic Jan Mayen, and the wildlife haven of Spitsbergen. Marvel at towering glaciers, dramatic fjords, and endless daylight under the midnight sun, all while spotting reindeer, seals, and whales. Led by passionate experts, this journey’s unique draw is its access to some of the world’s most isolated islands and the chance to witness Arctic wonders under a sunlit sky—an adventure that promises to change your perspective forever.
Cruise
Tour Type
Cruise Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin, Home-stay
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Aberdeen, Longyearbyen, Arctic C
Aberdeen, Longyearbyen, Arctic Circle, Jan Mayen, Fair Isle, Faroe Islands, Helsinki
