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| Explore — Worldwide 2008/09 |
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Page Text Content
EUROPE
Watching wildlife
FAROE ISLANDS
NORWAY
Ref FF
Close encounter/Sara Wennerqvist
On Foot in the Faroes
TREKKING GRADE B
Killer Whale Weekend
4 DAYS HOTEL CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH KILLER WHALES
Ref ANO
JFMAMJJASOND JFMA
JFMAMJJASOND JFMA
8 DAYS HOTELS/GUESTHOUSE/HOSTEL IN THE WAKE OF THE VIKINGS
On Foot in the Faroes Ref FF
Enniberg Headland VIDOY Bugvin Sea stack
Eidi Tjornuvik Saksun
VIDAREIDI GJOGV
Elduvik Oyndar -fjordur
Torshavn, the island's vibrant capital. Originally settled by Vikings from Western Norway, the town still has a well-preserved old centre of narrow lanes lined by tiny black-tarred houses with white windows and rooftops covered with grass turf. An optional hike takes us to the medieval village of Kirkjubour. Enniberg Cliffs & the Northern Isles Next, it's to the northern isles and Vidoy, home to the mighty Enniberg cliffs Europe's highest headland with a 750m straight drop into the sea! Getting our walking boots on we shall aim to walk as much of the dramatic coastline as possible, traversing the deep fjord of Funningsfjordur en route to the idyllic village of Gjogv. Gjogv Our final days are spent in the coastal village of Gjogv. Set next to a sea-filled gorge at the end of a mountain road, we will have time to enjoy some of the optional walks in this beautiful area. It is an enchanting and fitting place to end our tour.
Vestmannabjorgini Bird cliffs VAGAR MYKINES Oyrargjogv SORVAGUR
Funnings -fjordur Vestmanna E
Klaksvik Leirvik
YS
OY
TUROY
TR
EYM
TORSHAVN
Old Nordic ATLANTIC OCEAN town km 0 25 Kirkjubour
Between October and January each year the still waters of Tysfjord in northern Norway are disturbed by one of natures most spectacular sights: the unique carousel feeding technique of the mighty Orca, or Killer Whale. Vast shoals of herring move into the fjord during the winter, followed by predatory Orcas working together in family pods of up to 30 individuals. First the Herring are corralled into a tight ball and then stunned by killer blows of the Orcas massive tail flukes. We hope to witness this extraordinary spectacle at close quarters from our boat, and then perhaps the ultimate whale-watching experience we have the chance to take to the icy waters and snorkel amongst the Orcas.
Realm of the Orca After a lecture from our specialist whale guide we board our boat and head into dramatic Tysfjord. Searching for the distinctive, tall dorsal fins of the Orca (and the giveaway flocks of seabirds and Fish Eagles which follow the whale pods), we expect on a typical day to see plenty of whales and witness carrousel feeding in action. More closely related to dolphins than other whales, the Orca is nonetheless one of the oceans most awesome predators hunting in highly organised groups and equipped with jaws capable of taking on even the mighty Blue Whale. Swimming with Killers On our second day at Tysfjord we have the opportunity (subject to availability and weather conditions) to take to the water in drysuits and snorkel amongst the Orcas. With expert help we hope to observe first hand the awesome skill of the Orcas as they prey on the Herring shoals, and witness the complex language of sonar clicks used by the whales
Killer Whale Weekend Ref ANO
BOR
Evenes Lødingen
V
tf es
d jor
en
Of
fj ot
ord
en
DO
Y
NORWAY
AN OCE T I C TYSFJORD
Arctic Circle
NORWAY
SWEDEN FINL AND
TYSFJORD TURISTSENTER
Optional Northern Lights safari
FAROE ISLES
Located in the heart of the Atlantic Gulf Stream, the dramatic island landscape of fjords, towering sea cliffs, fertile valleys, sharp ridges and ferocious waterfalls is breathtaking. On this short, exploratory trip, we'll island-hop by ferry through the archipelago, exploring the islands on foot, whilst enjoying the unique Faroese culture and varied bird life.
Mykines, Vestmanna Bird Cliffs & Old Torshavn After arrival on Vagar Island, we take a ferry past giant basalt sea stacks to the western island of Mykines, home of thousands of migratory seabirds during the summer months. The foremost resident is the puffin. We'll hike to a puffin colony and perhaps visit a stone forest during our time on this road-free retreat. The following day we head to Streymoy Island and take a boat cruise through deep grottoes and narrow sounds to view the famous Vestmanna bird cliffs (600m). We continue on to Traditional turf roofed houses/Mike Fox
S
C AR
Whale watching & snorkelling by Zodiac km 0 25
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Sorvagur (Vagar Island). 2 Ferry to Mykines Island; walks and puffins. 3 Vestmanna Cliffs boat trip; walks and drive to Torshavn. 4 Free day Torshavn; optional walk to Kirkjubour. 5 Drive to Vidareidi; optional walk. 6 Drive to Oyndarfjordur; hike to Funningsfjordur; drive to Gjogv. 7 In Gjogv; optional walk. 8 Fly London. Note: Itinerary may vary according to local weather conditions. Accommodation & Meals: 3nts hotel, 2nts guesthouse, 2nts hostel; 7 breakfasts included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Charter Bus/Ferry/Motor Boat/Public Bus/On foot. Comment: Ferry timings are subject to change. Hiking in these remote islands is graded as moderate (4-6 hrs per day), however our itinerary can still be enjoyed without undertaking all the walks. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), boatmen and some local guides. Luggage transported by support vehicle. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.
to communicate with one another. This is a rare opportunity to observe one of the oceans most impressive creatures at close quarters: an encounter never to be forgotten!
Tys
fjor den
Oslo
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Evenes; bus and ferry to Tysfjord. 2 Whale watching by boat with specialist guide; optional Aurora Borealis safari by boat or minibus (subject to clear skies). 3 Second day of whale watching: choice of snorkelling with Orcas, a Zodiac safari, or whale watching from a larger vessel (all optional). 4 Ferry and bus to Evenes; fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 3nts hotel; 3 breakfasts & 3 dinners included. See p42. Mode of Travel: Bus/Ferry/Boat. Comment: A chance to observe Killer Whales at close quarters in their natural habitat. All equipment and protective clothing (for Zodiac safari) is provided. To guarantee a place on a snorkelling excursion, this must be requested at time of booking. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Leader plus specialist whale guide/Zodiac pilot. Group Size: Approx. 10 to 14.
Realm of the Orca
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Essential information, departure dates & prices see Pricing & Information Supplement
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