In Transit Overnight: Overnight flight to London Heathrow.

Arrive To: London Heathrow.

Morning: Transfers to Southampton.

Lunch: A light lunch is served in the hotel.

Afternoon: Check in and relax before a welcome meeting with David and Shirley Saunders at 5:00pm in the hotel.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Holiday Inn Southampton

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: Field trip to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard see Nelson's HMS Victory, the Mary Rose and HMS Warrior 1840. Take the Trafalgar Experience and visit theNational Museum of the Royal Navy

Lunch: In Boathouse No 7.

Afternoon: Take a harbour boatride and see modern warships up close.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Holiday Inn Southampton

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: Field trip to the D-Day Museum and Overlord Tapestry in Portsmouth. Embark Minerva before lunch.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Ship orientation and safety drill. Shipboard activities.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: It is anticipated that Swan Hellenic lectures will be offered at these times on this cruise. At sea days 9:30am and 11:30am in the Darwin Lounge. The two Swan Hellenic lecturers are: Dr Emily Lethbridge who holds a PhD in Old Norse-Icelandic language and literature from the University of Cambridge and spent three years as a post-doctoral Research Fellow at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. She is currently employed by the Árni Magnússon Manuscripts Institute in Reykjavík where she is working on medieval Icelandic manuscripts. She is writing a book on the Icelandic sagas and their landscapes based on the year she spent exploring the country in a Land Rover ambulance, with the outlaw heroes, ghosts, and fierce women who feature in the sagas as her guides. and Mr Andy Bunten who has been an obsessive enthusiast about wildlife ever since he can remember. Andy obtained degrees in Zoology and Environmental Technology at Newcastle and Imperial College, before embarking on a career in nature conservation. He has worked for local government, wildlife trusts, and, for 26 years, the RSPB. He was RSPB's Regional Director for the South East of England for 5 years before, in 1991, moving to the North of England to take up the reins of Director there. Andy is an enthusiastic traveller and has led wildlife groups to numerous places around the world including the Seychelles, France, Egypt, Costa Rica, Norway and Svalbard

Lunch: On board shop.

Afternoon: 2:30pm David Saunders MBE Road Scholar lecturer on "Oceans of Birds" Seabirds are fascinating, magical and amazing, from the Puffin every ones favourite to the magnificent Gannet, from tiny Storm Petrels to pirates like Great Skuas. If you miss out on Puffins in Scotland well there are opportunities in Iceland and the Faroes. Lecture: "Some Enchanted Islands" Islands around the coasts of Great Britain with a rich tapestry of natural history and history, of Grey Seals and seabirds, of the Scottish Primrose to the Skomer Vole. Including perhaps the most remarkable of all, remote St Kilda. Shipboard activities.You might be tempted to remain in the peaceful surrounds of the Orpheus Lounge at the top of the ship to admire panoramic views of passing wildlife, iconic coastlines or Minerva’s arrival in a new port. Relax in the informal Veranda or the conservatory-style Shackleton Bar with its comfortable cane chairs and potted palms, before taking a leisurely stroll around the expansive promenade deck to enjoy the fresh air. Hide away with a good book in the peaceful surrounds of the Library, where you may also enjoy a game of backgammon or fit the last piece in the jigsaw. Play a spot of Bridge in the Card Room, work out in the Gym or indulge yourself in the Salon Centre or with a relaxing dip in the pool on Promenade Deck. Ship Cocktail party.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Moderate activity with more walking, possibly including short steep inclines and steps.

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Shipboard activities. Swan Hellenic lectures at 9:30am and 11:30am.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Swan Hellenic and Road Scholar reserve the right to amend or withdraw shore excursions due to unforeseen or altered circumstances. Landings, which are subject to local conditions and the decision of the Captain - these are not guaranteed. Minerva docks in Portrush, Northern Ireland at 1:00pm. Visit the Giant’s Causeway world heritage site independently, viewing the hexagonal basalt columns that run like giant stepping stones out into the sea – there are estimated to be approximately 40,000 basalt columns here. Also enjoy a photo stop at Dunluce Castle, a dramatic and picturesque ruin on a rocky headland.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: The ship departs at 7:00pm. Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Moderate activity with more walking, possibly including short steep inclines and steps.

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Morning at sea. Swan Hellenic lectures at 9:30am and 11:30am. Shipboard activities. Dock at Portree Isle of Skye at 12:00pm.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Dunvegan Castle, the seat of the Chiefs of MacLeod, is magnificently situated at the head of the sea loch of the same name. The present castle, which demonstrates almost every architectural style from the 15th – 19th centuries, was once only accessible from the sea by a small gateway with a portcullis opening onto the rocks; it is now entered via a bridge across a ravine that once served as a dry moat. The interior visit includes the Fairy Tower, the Dungeon and the Dining Room where you can see the fabled Fairy Flag – a silk banner of Middle Eastern origin said to possess the power to save the clan from danger. You are also welcome to stroll in the gardens where you might catch sight of a white-tailed sea eagle.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: The ship departs at 6:00pm. Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Scenic cruise-St Kilda, Hirta Island, Bororay Stacks. The Outer Hebrides.

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: The Archipelago of St Kilda is the remotest part of the British Isles, situated some 41 miles west of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. Its native population was evacuated in 1930 and the island was bequeathed to the National Trust for Scotland by the 5th Marquess of Bute in 1957. Minerva will cruise off the main island of Hirta and the Boreray Stacks. The waters and cliffs are home to thousands of seabirds as well as some of the largest colonies of gannets and fulmars.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: The scenic cruise continues.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Swan Hellenic lectures at 9:30am and 11:30am.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: 1:45pm. Road Scholar lectures by David Saunders MBE. Lecture "Whales and Dolphins" Less than 100 species of these mysterious and enigmatic animals which occur in all oceans and seas and in some great rivers. No passenger fails to be excited when they are sighted and our cruise promises plenty of opportunities especially in Icelandic waters. 2:45pm Lecture: "Under Northern Lights". Despite the often harsh conditions an amazing variety of wildlife thrives in the north from Polar Bears to exotic northern flowers and birds like the Whooper Swan and Snowy Owl. Shipboard activities.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Limited and easy walking, involving some steps.

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Swan Hellenic lectures at 9:30am and 11:30am. Relax in Minerva’s comfortable lounges and Library as well as fine dining with fellow passengers in the Swan Restaurant as you cruise northwest to the only inhabited island of the Westman Islands, Heimaey. Minerva docks on Heimaey at 12:00pm.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Heimaey is the largest and only inhabited island of the Western Islands, an active volcanic group of islands just off the south coast of Iceland. An unexpected volcanic eruption in 1973 created a new 900-foot mountain, Eldfell (‘Mt Fire’) on Heimaey that swamped one third of the houses with boiling lava, and buried most of the rest in ash. On an island drive you’ll see Eldfell and the 5,000 year-old volcano, Helgafell. Weather permitting you’ll enjoy views across to Surtsey (the newest island, created by a volcanic eruption in 1963), drive to Storhofdi to spot the puffin colony and view the remains of farm buildings dating back to AD 650. You’ll also be introduced to the traditional sport of rope swinging, which enabled islanders to collect guillemot eggs from the island’s steep cliffs.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Minerva sest sail from Heimaey at 7:00pm. Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Limited and easy walking, involving some steps. Lunch or Evening Meal Included

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Dock at Reykjavik at 8:00am. The colourful city of Reykjavik is the world’s most northerly capital. Marvel at the unique landscape of Iceland’s ‘The Golden Circle’ – Gullfoss, a thundering waterfall, the mesmerising spectacle of the Geysir and Thingvellir National Park, home to the earliest parliament. En route to Gullfoss you’ll have a short stop at Hveragerdi, where hot springs provide the heat for Iceland’s greenhouses in which fruit, vegetables and flowers are grown. Continue to Gullfoss to view the ‘golden falls’, the most publicised and famous of the country’s many waterfalls. Next you’ll visit the Geysir area, where hot springs and other geothermal phenomena abound, to witness the active geyser, Strokkur, which spouts every few minutes. There will also be a brief visit to the nearby Geo Centre. After lunch you’ll drive on to Thingvellir National Park, to visit the site of Iceland’s first national assembly in AD930. On returning to Reykjavik there’ll be a short stop at Perlan, a futuristic dome of glass built atop the city’s hot water tanks, where the viewing platform affords panoramic views over the city.

Lunch: Included.

Afternoon: The field trip continues.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Minerva sets sail at 7:00pm. Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Isafjordur-the Western Fjords. Discover tiny villages and small fishing harbours, learn about the life and culture of this remote area, and visit the fascinating Maritime Museum.

Note: Strenuous activity with many steps, steeper hills and longer walking.

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Swan Hellenic lectures at 9:30am and 11:30am. Shipboard activity.

Lunch: Onboard ship.

Afternoon: The ship docks in Isafjordur at 1:00pm. Enjoy a short drive along the narrow, coastal road to Bolungarvik; here you’ll visit the tiny village church before continuing to Osvor, a small harbour for fishing boats where there is a fisherman’s hut (restored in 1988) that illustrates the harsh conditions experienced by Icelandic fishermen until the beginning of the 20th century. Next you’ll drive to the valley of Seljalandsdalur for a panoramic view over Isafjördur, and then return to the town to visit the excellent Maritime Museum, housed in a former 18th century warehouse. Explore the museum independently, and enjoy some refreshments, before returning by coach to the ship or walking back to Minerva at your leisure. .

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: The ships sets sail at 7:00pm. Shipboard activity.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Moderate activity with more walking, possibly including short steep inclines and steps.

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: 9:30am Swan Hellenic lecture.Shipboard activities. Minerva sails around the north of the island to Akureyri, located just 60km south of the Arctic Circle.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Dock at 12:00pm in Akureyri. Drive from Akureyri towards the beautiful Godafoss waterfall in the river Skjalfandafljot. You will stop at Fossholl, a short distance from Godafoss on the eastern bank of the river Skjalfandafljot, to admire the falls. Return to Akureyri for an orientation drive around the town followed by a short visit to the Botanical Gardens, which feature examples of every species indigenous to Iceland as well as an extensive collection of high-latitude and high-altitude plants from around the world. The wealth of flora on display in the city’s botanical gardens, Lystigardur Akureyrar, is truly astonishing considering the garden’s proximity to the Arctic Circle.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Overnight berth in Akureyri. Enjoy the evening sun in Iceland’s second city as Minerva remains in port overnight.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Free time in Akureyri.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Minerva sets sail at 2:30pm. Shipboard activities.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Minerva sails away from Iceland to Tórshavn on the remote Faroe Islands, little visited apart from the most determined traveller.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Swan Hellenic lectures at 9:30am and 11:30am. TBC.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: 1:45pm David Saunders lectures for Road Scholar. "Three Tea Bags": A peep at bird migration, at some of the amazing journeys undertaken by migrating birds. Yes, some like wood warblers weigh no more than three tea bags, or the Wheatears, slightly larger which travel from Alaska to central Africa, and back. 2:45pm Lecture "What You Need is a Good Milking Goat". Life and wildlife 50 years ago on the island of Skomer off the Pembrokeshire coast where the lecturer and his wife together with two small children lived for seven years, the only inhabitants. Shipboard actiities.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Moderate activity with more walking, possibly including short steep inclines and steps. Hot and Cold refreshments included.

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Arrive Torshavin at 8:00am. Enjoy a scenic drive to Vestmanna to embark a local boat to view spectacular cliffs and grottoes along the Streymoy coast. The cliffs rise dramatically from the sea to a height of 600m, and hidden grottoes line the coast. Subject to prevailing weather conditions the boats will sail into some of the grottoes, enabling you to see at close hand the colonies of puffins, kittiwakes and other seabirds which live there. Return to Torshavn by coach.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: Shipboard activities. Ship departs at 4:00pm.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Swan Hellenic lectures at 9:30am and 11:30am. Shipboard activities.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: 1:45pm pm David Saunders lectures to Road Scholars "The Navy's Here". A broad brush lecture about the Battle of the Atlantic the longest campaign of the Second World War which, if lost then Germany would have triumphed. The seas between Iceland and Great Britain witnessed many key actions.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Shipboard activities.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: At sea. 9:30 and 11:30am Swan Hellenic lecture round up.

Lunch: On board ship.

Afternoon: 1:45pm Lecture by David Saunders "Whose Bird?" ? The extraordinary stories behind the discovery and naming of birds, stories of high adventure and not a few disasters, three collectors were killed by elephants, another by Australian aborigines while others died of disease or starvation. Shipboard activities.

Dinner: On board ship.

Evening: Sail towards the historic naval dockyard at Portsmouth.

Lodging: MV Minerva

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: On board ship.

Morning: Minerva docks in Portsmouth at 7:30M. Disembark and travel to London Heathrow via Brighton Royal Pavilion.

Lunch: Taken in a restaurant in Brighton.

Afternoon: The coach continues to the hotel near Heathrow Aiprot. Check in and relax before dinner.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Transfers by public Hoppa bus to Heathrow terminals.

Meals Included: Breakfast