2015 REMOTE ISLES & MAGICAL FJORDS There are so many splendid moments on this 15-day cruise of northern Europe. The wildlife—from puffins to porpoises—will no doubt capture your attention. Regal reminders of a storied past will as well, whether at the Abbey of Mont St Michel or on the beaches of Normandy. And of course, the natural beauty will amaze, from Giant’s Causeway to the mountain pastures and tranquil fjords of Norway.

ITINERARY Day 1 — Dublin, Ireland Embark Silver Explorer this evening and depart on your exciting 15-day adventure. You will be introduced to your Expedition Team and receive a Zodiac briefing. Tonight we invite you to attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party.

Day 2 — Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland; Portrush, Northern Ireland Tiny Rathlin Island has been settled for more than 6,000 years and has a storied past including a number of infamous massacres. Today it has a population of just over 100 persons and is a popular bird watching destination. After going ashore by Zodiac, we will be greeted by our local guide and proceed to explore on foot. Rathlin has been designated as a special conservation area and its bird colony is home to tens of thousands of seabirds, including common guillemots, kittiwakes, puffins and razorbills – about thirty bird families in total. Boarding a local mini bus, we can explore the island further. Shaped like a boot, the island is eight miles long and less

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than one mile wide and surrounded by impressive limestone and basalt sea cliffs reaching 470 feet in places. Three lighthouses stand as testament to Rathlin’s wild coast. This afternoon we explore the stunning North Antrim coastline beginning with a visit to the medieval Dunluce Castle ruins. Perched picturesquely (and precipitously!) at the edge of a rocky outcropping high above the sea, the castle is dramatically surrounded by terrifyingly steep drops, which the early Christians and Vikings would have considered a very important security feature. Next, visit the Giant’s Causeway of 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns that descend in a kind of pathway to the sea. Formed over 50 million years ago, visitors have marvelled at its majesty and mystery for centuries, and UNESCO has recognised this site with World Heritage status.

Day 3 — Iona, Scotland; Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland St Columba came here from Ireland in 563 AD and early Christianity spread through northern Britain from this remote island community. Forty-eight Kings of Scotland are buried here, including Duncan, Macbeth’s victim. This morning we will visit Iona Abbey, one of Scotland’s most sacred and historical sites. The abbey was restored during the early 20th century, and today the Iona Community continues the tradition of worship first established by St Columba. This afternoon, we arrive at Tobermory and notice first its charming and brightly coloured waterfront buildings. It is a small town and easy to explore on your own. Spend the afternoon snapping photos and shopping for that perfect souvenir, leaving time of course to stop into a local pub for some refreshment.

Day 4 — Isle of Skye, Armadale Bay and Rum, Scotland Today, we will anchor in Loch Scresort on the northeast of Rum in the Inner Hebrides, just south-west of Skye. The wildlife research centre is a mountainous island, with the highest peak reaching over 600 m (1,970 feet). The area is steeped in history and here, Scotland's earliest Mesolithic settlement site was excavated. Held by the Clanranalds until the 15th century, Rum was then captured and ruled by the MacLean’s of Coll until the 19th century when it was leased out and became greatly depopulated. Between 1888 and 1957, the Bullough family owned the island and built a mansion of red Arran sandstone, known as Kinloch Castle, which was famed for its luxurious furnishings, lavish parties and eccentric innovations. Today, concern is rising for the future of the castle, which has fallen into a state of disrepair.

Day 5 — St Kilda, Scotland We approach St Kilda at first light. It is a remarkable uninhabited archipelago some 50 miles beyond the Outer Hebrides. For some this will be a moving experience and almost a pilgrimage as we drop anchor off Village Bay on the

island of Hirta. Weather conditions permitting, we will go ashore using our Zodiacs to visit the westernmost landmass in the United Kingdom. St Kilda once supported a population of over 200, but the last islanders left in the 1930s. Recent restoration work on the village by the National Trust for Scotland offers a marvellous link with the past. Later, we cruise past two of the largest gannetries in the world.

Day 6 — Torshavn, Faroe Islands Reflections of a medieval past are nearly everywhere, still seen in villages clustered around old churches. This afternoon we visit Kirkjubour – once the residence of the Bishop of the Faeroes, Saint Magnus Cathedral with its West Norwegian Gothic-style architecture, and the decaying north wall of Saint Brendan’s Chapel, built in the mid-10th century. We will also have a chance to admire the displays of maritime, farming and religious artefacts dating to the Viking era at the new historical museum in Hoyvik, Fornminnisavn. Back in Tórshavn, we may visit the ruins of Fort Skansin, built in 1580 as a defence against pirates and used during World War II as headquarters for the British Royal Navy Command. Silver Explorer will stay late in port this evening, offering a wonderful opportunity for independent explorations.

Day 7 — Tvøroyri, Faroe Islands After docking in the small town of Tvøroyri we set off with our local guides, hiking across the tiny island to beautiful Hvannhagi, where we hope to see Atlantic puffins nesting. Alternatively, guests can choose to visit the art gallery of local sculpturist Palle Julsgart and tour of the historical and maritime museum.

Day 8 — Vestmanna Bird Cliffs, Faroe Islands This morning we use our Zodiacs to explore the caves and rugged shoreline around the Vestmanna bird cliffs where we hope to get wonderful views of some of the migratory birds and resident puffins.

Day 9 — At Sea Binoculars in hand, head out on deck to watch for seabirds and marine mammals. Gather in The Theatre to hear fascinating tales of adventure or to learn about the regions endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Knowledgeable experts in a variety of scientific fields present lectures and seminars. Onboard diversions may include photographic workshops, spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

Day 10 — Geiranger, Norway

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Of Norway’s many fjords, Geirangerfjord is doubtless the most beautiful. Impressive mountains, numerous waterfalls as well as farms clinging to the steep hillsides give the fjord its unique character. Our excursion takes us uphill past the wooden, octagonal Geiranger Church, through the wild Flydal valley where a scenic overview stop is made, and continues around hairpin bends to Lake Djupvatn, and the summit of Mount Dalsnibba (1,500 metres.) From here, there is an amazing panorama of mountains, waterfalls and lakes. Alternatively (and weather permitting) the more energetic can spend a few hours kayaking the quiet and spectacular Geirangerfjord with two-person kayaks. Geirangerfjord is one of nature’s masterpieces and on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Its description as “the world’s most beautiful fjord” is no exaggeration and it is amidst this dramatic mountain setting that we can experience some spectacular sea kayaking. Our kayaks provide an amazing perspective from which to view the cascading waterfalls and steep mountain walls that rise as high as 1500m.

Day 11 — Runde Island, Norway; Ålesund, Norway The coastal town of Ålesund is noted for its characteristic Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) buildings, making it one of the most picturesque towns in Norway. Narrow streets are crammed with buildings topped with turrets, spires and gables that bear decorations of dragonheads and curlicues. Renowned for its extraordinary quantity of birdlife, Runde Island’s cliffs are a sanctuary for 100,000 puffins, 50,000 kittiwakes and thousands of guillemots, fulmars, razorbills, gannets and shags. If we are lucky, we may even spot a great skua or white-tailed eagle. We will take the Zodiacs in for a close-up look and may even have time to make a landing to explore on foot. While there are only about 100 human inhabitants on the island, there are 70 different species of nesting birds with 240 species observed. In addition to birdlife, our naturalists will also help us to spot the many varieties of plants found on the island.

Day 12 — Kristiansund, Norway Located halfway up the long Norwegian coast, Kristiansund is spread out across a swathe of rocky islands all linked together by bridges. Today we take a scenic drive along Atlantic Ocean Road to Geitøya (goat-island) where we board a boat and shuttle across to Håholmen Island. The small island has been meeting place, home and working site for fishermen, seamen and traders through many centuries. The adventurer Ragnar Thorseth took over Håholmen from his grandfather who had been a permanent island resident until 1978. In Håholmen, we will learn about Mr Thorsten’s voyages with Viking ship replicas and enjoy some refreshments before returning by boat to Geitøya. Our excursion concludes with an undersea drive through the 5-km-long Atlantic Ocean Tunnel between Averøy Island and Kristiansund Town, during which we will reach a depth of 250 metres below sea level! Alternatively, join members of the Expedition Team for a scenic nature trail

hike. Situated on Averøya Island, Mount Gulltanna (Mount Golden Tooth) is 590 metres above sea level and, on a clear day, offers a grand view to the Atlantic Ocean Road along the coast and to the inland fjords inland. Our planned hike is 8km roundtrip, climbing to 390 metres above sea level from its start to the summit. This excursion option includes a drive through the undersea Atlantic Ocean Tunnel.

Day 13 — Torghatten Island, Norway; Vega Archipelago, Norway This afternoon we will climb aboard the Zodiacs and head ashore to rarely visited Torget Island. Get your camera and imagination ready for the island’s main attraction: the hat-shaped Torghatten Mountain with its legendary “troll hole”. While our onboard geologist will explain how the hole has been formed over thousands of years by the natural forces of erosion, our onboard historian will tell a much different tale: the Legend of Torghatten – a story of dueling trolls, beautiful maidens and magical chivalry. The Expedition Team will lead a variety of natural history hikes including an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view from atop Torghatten (258m) before embarking the Zodiacs again for our return to the ship. The Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a myriad of islands scattered in the Norwegian Sea and home to one of Norway’s largest eider duck colony. Of the 6,000 Vega islands, 59 were once inhabited by families that made their living from fishing and from eider down harvesting. Today, there are no year-round residents, but the population returns in the summer to continue the 1,500-year-old tradition of caring for the eider ducks and harvesting their precious down. The eider ducks return to their breeding ground in the Vega Archipelago every year and lay their eggs from May into June. In the fishing harbour of Nes, we will visit the Eider Duck Museum, which provides insight into the islander's unique traditions as guardians of these birds and describes the process of producing eiderdown duvets. Nearby exhibitions detail the archipelago's UNESCO status and document the history of Lånan – the largest egg and eiderdown farm in Helgeland. Before returning to the pier we will stop in at the Coastal Museum to have a look at their motor collection and later make a brief visit to see the Vega Church in Gladstad, a wooden church dating from 1864.

Day 14 — Trollfjorden, Lofoten Islands, Norway Today we will cruise with the Silver Explorer in the Trollfjorden in the north of the Lofoten Islands, one of Norway's narrowest and most spectacular fjords and home to the legendary troll. Only 2 kilometres long and 30 metres wide at its entrance, the fjord is dominated by the surrounding Vesteralen and Blafjellet mountain ranges. Be out on deck and enjoy the beautiful scenery as the Captain skillfully navigates our ship into and out of the fjord.

Day 15 — Tromso, Norway

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Following breakfast, disembark Silver Explorer.

Please Note: Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather and wildlife activity. Expedition Team members scheduled for this voyage are subject to change or cancellation.

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YOUR SHIP: SILVER EXPLORER YOUR SHIP:

Silver Explorer

VESSEL TYPE:

Luxury Expedition

LENGTH:

108 metres

PASSENGER CAPACITY:

132

BUILT/REFURBISHED:

1989 / 2008

Silversea's purpose-built _Silver Explorer _expedition ship (formerly the _Prince Albert II_) has been designed specifically for navigating waters in some of the world's most remote destinations, including both of earth's polar regions. A strengthened hull with a Lloyd's Register ice-class notation (1A) for passenger vessels enables _Silver Explorer_ to safely push through ice floes with ease. A fleet of Zodiac boats allows Silversea Expedition guests to visit even the most off-the-beaten path locations and an expert Expedition Team provides insight and understanding to each unforgettable __Silver Explorer __cruise adventure.

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INSIDE YOUR SHIP

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PRICING

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