Lead Pricing
| VI - Suite | VR - Suite | ME - Suite | SL - Suite |
|---|---|---|---|
|
AU $21,600 per person
|
AU $25,000 per person
|
AU $37,600 per person
|
AU $43,900 per person
|
Art inspires. Awakens your emotions and stimulates your thoughts.
In the quiet calm of morning, your private veranda becomes a place of true inspiration. Surrounded by the magnificence of the dawning day, at one with the vista of sea and sky, in awe of nature and the vast beauty of this world. The shoreline of the next port slides closer and closer into view, and with it an undeniable anticipation of things to come and the promise of limitless possibilities.
Silversea creates exceptional ocean journeys with unique opportunities to explore remote ports-of-call from an intimate haven of incomparable luxury, each voyage a unique masterpiece. Discover genuine European expertise reflected in every detail, from our tranquil all-suite accommodation and uncompromising service to distinctive fine dining and a carefree all-inclusive philosophy.
Our guests hail from across the globe, yet share an appreciation for the spectrum of choice offered in Silversea’s array of exotic destinations and exclusive explorations ashore. By blending these elements together with enrichment experiences, each new port becomes more than a destination, it becomes a state of mind, transcending the traditional concepts of cruising. It is this distinction that has earned Silversea the reputation of World’s Best.
ALL-INCLUSIVE VALUE
COMPLIMENTARY BEVERAGES SERVED THROUGHOUT THE SHIP An extensive selection of fine wines, champagne, spirits, bottled water and soft drinks are yours to enjoy — all courtesy of Silversea.
IN-SUITE BEVERAGE CABINET STOCKED WITH OUR COMPLIMENTS Besides the chilled bottle of champagne that awaits you, every suite features a beverage cabinet stocked with your preferred assortment of complimentary beverages.
COMPLIMENTARY IN-SUITE DINING AND 24-HOUR ROOM SERVICE A formal dinner served course-by-course, a late-night snack, or a full breakfast delivered at your request — with no charge and no tipping.
COMPLIMENTARY SILVERSEA EXPERIENCE® A shoreside event exclusively for Silversea guests on select voyages. Recent outings have included dinner in the desert in Namibia and a concert at the ruins of Ephesus.
A FULL SPECTRUM OF ENTERTAINMENT AND ENRICHMENT Production shows, classical concerts, and folkloric performances. Multi-tiered show lounge. Lectures by world affairs experts, renowned authors and destination specialists.
COMPLIMENTARY TRANSPORTATION INTO TOWN Roundtrip transportation from the pier to the heart of town in most ports of call.
Silversea … The art of travel. The art of good living.
Your home away from home while you embrace the intrepid explorer within. The suite’s seating area has plenty of room to relax while you go over your notes, ready for the next adventure. Large picture windows frame panoramic ocean views, ideal for appraising the local wildlife.
One bedroom: 240 ft² / 22m²
Features
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
WiFi Internet access an hour per day
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Large picture window providing panoramic ocean views
Sitting area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with shower (some with tub/shower combination)
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Hair dryer
Writing desk
A Silversea signature, the Veranda Suite is spacious and welcoming. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a furnished private teak veranda from where you can contemplate anything from the midnight sun to an antarctic sunrise.
Some Veranda Suites accommodate three guests (Suites going from 505 to 510
and from 605 to 610). The Deluxe Veranda Suite offers preferred central
location with identical accommodation to a Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 295 ft² / 27 m² including veranda (49 ft²/ 4,5 m²)
Features
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
WiFi Internet access am hour per day
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Sitting area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with shower (some with bath/shower combination)
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Hair dryer
Writing desk
A Silversea signature, with a preferred central location, the Veranda Suite is spacious and welcoming.Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a furnished private teak veranda from where you can contemplate anything from the midnight sun to an antarctic sunrise.
The Deluxe Veranda Suite offers preferred central location with identical accommodation to a Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 295 ft² / 27 m² including veranda (49 ft²/ 4,5 m²)
Features
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
WiFi Internet access an hour per day
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Sitting area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with shower (some with tub/shower combination)
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Hair dryer
Writing desk
With a room configuration that favours watching the sun rise from the comfort of your bed and losing yourself in the mesmerising seascapes, this suite is the perfect answer to adventure cruising. A large walk-in wardrobe, and an expansive living make the Medallion Suite a your home away from home on the high seas.
Medallion Suites accommodate three guests.
One bedroom: 437 ft² / 40.6 m² Including veranda (81 ft² / 7.6 m²)
Features
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Unlimited WiFi Internet access
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Living room (with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest)
Sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with shower
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Vanity table with hair dryer
Writing desk
Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
Stylish and sophisticated with larger verandas, excellent for taking pictures and bird-watching. Situated midship, this suite is perfection in design and comfortable living. A huge walk in wardrobe, a beautiful marbled bathroom and a spacious living area completes the picture.
Silver Suites accommodate three guests.
One bedroom: 541 ft² / 52 m² Including veranda (92 ft² / 8 m²)
Features
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Unlimited WiFi Internet access
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors
Living room (with convertible sofa to accommodate an additional guest)
Sitting area
Separate dining area
Marbled bathroom with shower; Silver Suite has two bathrooms with shower
Walk-in wardrobe with personal safe
Vanity table with hair dryer
Writing desk
Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Twin beds or queen-sized bed
Stately. Commanding and majestic. Perfect for relaxing after a days’ exploring and looking through your photos. With lectures being streamed live to your room, this is the pinnacle of good living at sea. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two-bedroom by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 736 ft² / 69m² including veranda
Two bedroom: 1,031 ft² / 96m² including veranda
SUITE FEATURES:
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; bedroom two has additional veranda
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Living room with sitting area; bedroom two has additional sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; bedroom two has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath and separate shower; bedroom two has additional marbled bathroom with shower (no tub as indicated in diagram)
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s)
Illy® Espresso machine
Unlimited Premium Wifi
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Expertly designed and exquisitely appointed. The ideal space for sharing stories with fellow explorers and new friends. With enough space to roam both in and outside, this suite is perfect relaxing and recounting the highlights of your day. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two-bedroom by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 1,019 ft² / 95 m² including veranda
Two bedroom: 1,314 ft² / 122 m² including veranda
Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.
SUITE FEATURES:
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Unlimited Premium Wifi
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Two teak verandas with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; bedroom two has additional veranda
Living room with sitting area; bedroom two has additional sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; bedroom two has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath and separate shower; bedroom two has additional marbled bathroom with shower (no tub as indicated in diagram)
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s)
Illy® Espresso machine
Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
This stylish apartment offers the superlative in levels of space, comfort and service on board. A perfect mix of expedition experience with luxury lifestyle. Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two bedroom by adjoining with a Vista Suite.
One bedroom: 587 ft² / 55 m² including veranda
Two bedroom: 827 ft² / 77 m² including veranda
Images are intended as a general reference. Features, materials, finishes and layout may be different than shown.
SUITE FEATURES:
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Unlimited Premium Wifi
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; bedroom two has additional large picture window
Living room with sitting area; bedroom two has additional sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; bedroom two has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath and separate shower, plus a powder room; bedroom two has additional marbled bathroom with shower (no tub as indicated in diagram)
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s)
Illy® Espresso machine
Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
Stately. Commanding and majestic. Perfect for relaxing after a days’ exploring and looking through your photos. With lectures being streamed live to your room, this is the pinnacle of good living at sea.
Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two-bedroom by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 736 ft² / 69m² including veranda (126 ft² / 12 m²)
Two bedroom: 1,031 ft² / 96m² including veranda (175 ft² / 16,5 m²)
Features
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; bedroom two has additional veranda
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Living room with sitting area; bedroom two has additional sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; bedroom two has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath and separate shower; bedroom two has additional marbled bathroom with shower (no tub as indicated in diagram)
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s)
Illy® Espresso machine
Unlimited WiFi Internet access
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Expertly designed and exquisitely appointed. The ideal space for sharing stories with fellow explorers and new friends. With enough space to roam both in and outside, this suite is perfect relaxing and recounting the highlights of your day.
Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two-bedroom by adjoining with a Veranda Suite.
One bedroom: 1,019 ft² / 95 m² including veranda (145 ft² / 14 m²)
Two bedroom: 1,314 ft² / 122 m² including veranda (194 ft² / 18.5 m²)
Features
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Unlimited WiFi Internet access
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Two teak verandas with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; bedroom two has additional veranda
Living room with sitting area; bedroom two has additional sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; bedroom two has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath and separate shower; bedroom two has additional marbled bathroom with shower (no tub as indicated in diagram)
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s)
Illy® Espresso machine
Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
This stylish apartment offers the superlative in levels of space, comfort and service on board. A perfect mix of expedition experience with luxury lifestyle.
Available as a one-bedroom configuration or as two bedroom by adjoining with a Vista Suite.
One bedroom: 587 ft² / 55 m² incl. veranda (89 ft² / 8 m²)
Two bedroom: 827 ft² / 77 m² incl. veranda (89 ft² / 8 m²)
Features
Butler service
Refrigerator and bar setup stocked with your preferences
Pratesi® fine bed linens
A choice of pillows
Plush Etro® bathrobe
Personalised stationary
Umbrella
BVLGARI® bath amenities, plus a choice of other European brands
iHome Radio / Alarm charging station (with USB cable or Qi wireless charging), NFC Bluetooth connectivity
Direct dial telephone(s)
Dual voltage 110/220 outlets
Unlimited WiFi Internet access
Flat-screen television(s) with Interactive Media Library
Large teak veranda with patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors; bedroom two has additional large picture window
Living room with sitting area; bedroom two has additional sitting area
Separate dining area
Twin beds or queen-sized bed; bedroom two has additional twin beds or queen-sized bed
Marbled bathroom with full-sized bath and separate shower, plus a powder room; bedroom two has additional marbled bathroom with shower (no tub as indicated in diagram)
Walk-in wardrobe(s) with personal safe
Vanity table(s) with hair dryer
Writing desk(s)
Illy® Espresso machine
Bose® Sound Touch 30 with Bluetooth connectivity
With 18-brand new Zodiacs, the only Relais & Chateaux restaurant in Antarctica and a pole to pole expedition itinerary, Silver Cloud really does break the ice between expedition and luxury.
After extensive refurbishment, Silver Cloud is the most spacious and comfortable ice class vessel in expedition cruising. Her large suites, her destination itineraries and her unparalleled service make her truly special. Her four dining options will tantalise your taste buds and as 80% of her suites include a veranda, watching a breaching whale or a few cavorting penguins has never been so personal. A limited number of guests in polar waters, mean that Silver Cloud has the highest space to guest and crew to guest ratios in expedition cruising. With her 18 zodiacs, 10 kayaks, possibilities are almost limitless with ship-wide simultaneous explorations.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Length: 514.14 ft
- Tonnage: 16,800 tonnes
- Maiden Voyage: 1994
- Refurbished: 2017
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 254
- Crew Nationality: International
- Officer Nationality: European
- Dining Staff Nationality: International
- Ship Registration: Bahamas
Ship Facilities
- Zagara Spa
- Beauty Salon
- The Library
- Swimming Pool
- Shopping Boutiques
- The Panorama Lounge
- Explorer Lounge
- Dolce Vita Bar
- Hospital
- Fitness Centre
- La Terrazza Restaurant
- Photo Studio
- Lifts
- La Dame
- Laundrette
- The Restaurant
- The Grill
- Pool Bar & Grill
- The Connoisseur’s Corner
- Tor’s Observation Lounge
- Jogging Track
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Jul '21 | Tromso, Norway |
06:00 PM | |
| 17 Jul '21 | Gjesværstappan Islands, Norway |
07:30 AM | 12:30 PM |
| 17 Jul '21 | North Cape, Norway |
Cruising | |
| 17 Jul '21 | Skarsvag North Cape Norway |
02:30 PM | 07:00 PM |
| 18 Jul '21 | Trollfjord, Norway |
||
| 19 Jul '21 | Nordfjord, Norway |
06:30 AM | 01:00 PM |
| 20 Jul '21 | Runde, Norway |
12:30 PM | 08:00 PM |
| 21 Jul '21 | Sognefjord, Norway |
Cruising | |
| 21 Jul '21 | Gudvangen, Sognefjord, Norway |
11:30 AM | 07:00 PM |
| 22 Jul '21 | Hardangerfjord, Norway |
Cruising | |
| 23 Jul '21 | Lysefjord, Norway |
Cruising | |
| 19 Jul '21 | Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland |
08:00 AM | 01:00 PM |
| 20 Jul '21 | At sea | ||
| 21 Jul '21 | At sea | ||
| 22 Jul '21 | At sea | ||
| 23 Jul '21 | At sea | ||
| 24 Jul '21 | Noss, Scotland |
03:00 PM | 08:00 PM |
| 25 Jul '21 | Torshavn, Denmark |
02:30 PM | 10:30 PM |
| 26 Jul '21 | Faroe Islands, Denmark |
06:00 AM | 01:00 PM |
| 27 Jul '21 | Djupivogur, Iceland |
07:00 AM | 04:00 PM |
| 28 Jul '21 | Heimaey, Iceland |
07:30 AM | 01:00 PM |
| 28 Jul '21 | Surtsey, Westmann Isles, Iceland |
Cruising | |
| 29 Jul '21 | Reykjavik, Iceland |
07:00 AM |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
13 Night Cruise sailing from Tromso to Reykjavik onboard Silver Cloud.
Surrounded by towering peaks, flanked by verdant forests and small, scenic villages, the fjords have been topping wanderlust wish lists for years. So why not join us to see what all the fuss is about? Sailing from the top of the world in Nordkapp, weave your way through these majestic marvels all the way to bonnie Scotland’s Shetland Isles. Pioneers of the remote and the remarkable, we take you to the windswept Faroes prior to arrival in Iceland.
Highlights of this cruise:
Tromso, Norway
Tromsø surprised visitors in the 1800s: they thought it very sophisticated and cultured for being so close to the North Pole—hence its nickname, the Paris of the North. It looks the way a polar town should—with ice-capped mountain ridges and jagged architecture that is an echo of the peaks. The midnight sun shines from May 21 to July 21, and it is said that the northern lights decorate the night skies over Tromsø more than over any other city in Norway.
Cruising Along North Cape, Norway
Situated at the very north tip of Norway and inside the Arctic Circle, there is something very special about being (almost) at the top of the world. Called the northernmost point of Europe, the North Cape (Nordkapp in Norwegian) lies about 1,306.3 mi from the North Pole, with no dry land between except for the Svalbald archipelago. Home to where the Atlantic and Arctic oceans meet, this is the true land of the midnight sun – constant spectacular scenic views and 24-hour sunlight lends itself to a sense of giddy informality aboard. Just imagine sipping a chilled glass of champagne at the very top of the world in full daylight at midnight – sensational. Be sure to be on the lookout for hundreds of thousands of puffins, gannets, cormorants, seals, dolphins and whales that make this stretch of chilly water their home. Not forgetting the colourful, compact fishing villages, so at odds with the otherwise this stark, barren landscape.
Trollfjorden, Norway
Situated between the two archipelagos VesterÃ¥len and Lofoten in Northern Norway, Trollforden is nothing short of magical. Just 2 km long and only 100 metres wide at its entrance, the fjord travels takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in the Northern Hemisphere. The perfect combination of mountains and water, this is drama and legend at its very best. So named after the Norwegian myths, these are not the sweet Trolls of Disney. These mystical, sometimes dangerous creatures from Norse mythology and folk tales have inspired many writers, composers and painters, and are said to chase after you if you’re a Christian. Hidden in the rocks during the day, they come out only at night. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for them whilst on deck as the crisp Norwegian air fills your lungs and the sound of Peer Gynt fills your ears.
Gudvangen, Norway
Dwarfed by the towering, claustrophobically-close slopes of Norway’s most imposing fjord, Gudvangen waits patiently around the scenic bend of the Nærøyfjord. The journey between Gudvangen’s small port and FlÃ¥m is one of the world’s most dramatic, with extraordinary scenery unfolding before your eyes along every inch. Explore one of Norway’s two UNESCO World Heritage Site listed fjords, as you cruise sandwiched between emerald slopes on the ferry that traces back and forth. Or, get up close and personal as you part the glassy waters on a kayak. Hardy hikers, meanwhile, will be rewarded with some of Norway’s most breathtaking panoramas, as they rise into the majestic mountains, which rocket up everywhere you look. Waiting at the end of the forked tongue of Sognefjord, Gudvangen is a place of remarkable human history that is almost as deep as the gouged fjords themselves.
Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom
Adrift between the Scottish and Norwegian coasts, the craggy Shetland Islands form the most northerly point of the British Isles. Sprawling across 100 islands, connected by sandy bridges and crisscrossing ferries, explore the highlights of this scenic archipelago outpost. With incredible Neolithic history, spanning 5,000 years of human heritage, these islands, which sit just shy of the Arctic Circle, are an isolated and immense treasure trove of history and thrilling scenery. Look out over dramatic coastline from atmospheric Iron Age towers. Sweeping, windswept beaches and wisps of sand connect islands and rugged cliffs – stand back as the sounds of the waves smashing against the shore and calling gulls fills the air. The islands are also home to some of the most adorable four-legged creatures you’ll ever meet, the diminutive and wavy-fringed, Shetland Ponies who roam the hills and reach a maximum size of 42 inches.
Torshavn, Faroe Islands
More than 600 miles (nearly 1,000 kilometres) from Denmark’s west coast lie the Faroes, a triangle of eighteen windswept islands, seventeen of which are inhabited. Only 48,500 people plus some 70,000 sheep roam these remote lands. Much of the islands’ heritage reflects a medieval past, beginning with the arrival of farmers from western Norway who settled here in the 9th century. Evidence of this Scandinavian heritage is preserved through centuries of isolation; ancient structures can still be seen in villages clustered around old churches. Sheer cliffs and waterfalls carve Streymoy, the largest of the islands, where Torshavn is one of the world’s smallest capitals with about 12,400 inhabitants, plus another 5,000 living in the suburbs of Argir and Hoyvik. Visitors find interesting museums, churches, monuments and all the amenities of a modern town and thriving harbour here. The world’s oldest, still active parliament was founded in the Viking age.
Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
The name Vestmannaeyjar refers to both a town and an archipelago off the south coast of Iceland. The largest Vestmannaeyjar island is called Heimaey. It is the only inhabited island in the group and is home to over 4000 people. The eruption of the Eldfell Volcano put Vestmannaeyjar into the international lime light in 1973. The volcano’s eruption destroyed many buildings and forced an evacuation of the residents to mainland Iceland. The lava flow was stopped in its tracks by the application of billions of liters of cold sea water. Since the eruption, life on the small island outpost has returned to the natural ebb and flow of a small coastal fishing community on the edge of the chilly and wild North Atlantic.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Sprawling ReykjavÃk, the nation’s nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island’s population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, ReykjavÃk presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, ReykjavÃk has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.ReykjavÃk’s name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vÃk.