Road Scholar : Home
Voyage of the Vikings

Program Number: 20936RJ
Start and End Dates:
8/31/2013 - 9/16/2013;
Duration: 16 nights
Location: England/Scotland/Iceland/Newfoundland/Nova Scotia/Maine/Massachusetts
Price starting at: $6,005.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Ocean Cruises
Meals: 41; 14 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 15 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Fearless in their seafaring expeditions, the Vikings were some of the earliest explorers to make their way across the Atlantic Ocean. Trace their adventures during this journey that leads from England and Scotland to Canada and the U.S. on board the Crystal Symphony.




Activity Particulars

Must be able to handle your own luggage, get on and off a motorcoach, walk a few blocks and climb a few stairs.



Programs with Crystal Cruises are designed for the independent traveler. These programs offer a lower activity level and the ability to choose your own shore excursion based on your preferences and physical ability. Road Scholar will provide one exclusive shore excursion and private onboard lectures with our own Study Leader.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

London (England), 1 night; aboard Crystal Symphony, 14 nights.



Days 1-4: Overnight flight from the U.S.A. / arrival London (England) / coach to Dover / embark Crystal Symphony:

Enjoy a free morning to explore London’s most notable sites, such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey or the Tower. Lodging: Comfortable hotel.



Day 5: Edinburgh (Scotland):

Experience the history of Edinburgh as you explore the city’s castle or walk the Royal Mile.



Days 6-7: Lerwick / Shetland Islands / At sea:

Marvel in the rocky coastline of the Shetland Islands as you explore its main port of Lerwick.



Day 8: Akureyri (Iceland):

Wander along the charming streets of Iceland’s second largest city, settled along one of the most magnificent fjords in the country.



Days 9-12: Reykjavik / At sea:

Enjoy two days of exploration in Iceland’s capital city, taking in its fascinating maritime history and modern culture.



Days 13-14: St. John’s (Newfoundland) / At sea:

Take in the spectacular vistas from Signal Hill and Cape Spear, and walk the historic streets of St. John’s.



Day 15: Halifax (Nova Scotia):

Immerse yourself in the Scottish heritage of Halifax as you explore its historic waterfront and its 150-year old Citadel fortress.



Days 16-17: Bar Harbor, Maine / Boston, Mass. / disembark:

Thrill in the beautiful views of Maine’s coastline as you experience the quiet charm of Bar Harbor.



Crystal Symphony

This sleek 781-foot ocean liner is one of the most spacious at sea. It accommodates 940 passengers for whom it provides a spa, fitness facility, two pools, Jacuzzis and inspired dining options, including a restaurant, café and outdoor grill. Complimentary fine wines and premium spirits are available to you throughout the voyage.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
John Haywood
Born and brought up in the north of England, Dr. John Haywood studied medieval history at the universities of Lancaster and Cambridge (UK), and Copenhagen (Denmark). The author of over 20 books, Dr. Haywood has written on a wide range of historical topics, but his main interests are the Vikings, the Celts, and the mapping of history. His most recent publication is “The New Atlas of World History,” and he is currently working on a book about Viking warfare. Dr. Haywood formerly taught medieval history at Lancaster University, but since 2002 has been a full-time writer and editor. He is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society of Great Britain. In his leisure time, Dr. Haywood enjoys hiking and cycling, cooking and folk music. Dr. Haywood lives in Lancaster, near to the castle where, in 1612, one of his reputed ancestors was hanged for witchcraft.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Tower Hotel
  London, UK:England 1 night
   Crystal Symphony
  At Sea, At Sea 11 nights
   Crystal Symphony
  At Sea, At Sea 3 nights
 Tower Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Located on the River Thams in the heart of London, the Tower Hotel enjoys panoramic views of the Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the River Thames and St Katherine Docks. Vibrant, contemporary and spacious, this non-smoking hotel feels relaxed and enjoys an abundance of natural daylight.
  Contact info: St Katharine's Way
London,  E1W 1LD UK:England
phone: +44 845 305 8335
web: http://www.guoman.com/en/hotels/united_kingdom/london/the_tower/index.html
  Room amenities: Air conditioning, coffee and tea making facilities, flat screen LDC TV, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, mini bar, room safe, trouser press
  Facility amenities: Air conditioning, gym, meeting rooms, restaurant with outdoor terrace, bar, wifi internet (for an additional charge)
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: TBD Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services for rates and bookings.
  Check in time: 2:00 PM

 Crystal Symphony
Type: Cruise Ship
  Description: With her sleek silhouette and shimmering elegance, the legendary Crystal Symphony finds a natural home in the world's most glamorous harbors and idyllic ports of call. Generous per-passenger space ratios have become a Crystal trademark, along with forward-facing observation decks, a Palm Court lounge, and a wide teak promenade encircling the ship. A makeover in 2006 refreshed the Bistro Café and shops, reconstructed the casino and Starlite Lounge, and added a new nightclub called Luxe. An even more extensive refurbishment in 2009 transformed the Crystal Penthouses, Lido Café, and Prego Italian restaurant. Accented by a lovely waterfall, the focal point of the central two-deck atrium is a sculpture of two ballet dancers created especially for the space. Crystal Cove, the lobby lounge, is the spot to meet for cocktails as you make your way to the nearby dining room. Throughout the ship, public rooms shine with low-key contemporary style and flow easily from one to the next.
  Ship Information: Ship's Registry: The Bahamas 781 feet long x 99 feet wide 51,044 gross registered tons 20 knots cruising speed 21 knots maximum speed 922 passengers capacity An international crew of 545 with 40 countries represented European-trained hotel and dining staff
  Contact info: 2049 Century Park East, Suite 1400
Los Angeles, CA 1400 USA
phone: 310-785-9300
web: www.crystalcruises.com
  Room amenities: Cabins: There are no inside cabins on Crystal Symphony. Still, relatively small stateroom sizes are cozy and chic with boutique-hotel-style decor. All cabins have ample closet and drawer/shelf storage, as well as bathroom shelves. Many have private balconies furnished with chairs and tables. Most suites and penthouses have a walk-in closet. Crystal Penthouse suites have guest powder rooms. Amenities: Rich wood cabinetry, 100% Eygyptian cotton sheets, feather beds and plush duvets, wood and padded hangers, a small refrigerator filled with complimentary bottled water and soft drinks, a personal safe, two hair dryers, a flat-screen TV with a DVD player, and a sitting area with sofa, chair, and table are typical standard features in all cabins. Suite and penthouse extras vary, but all have a DVD/CD player, butler service, personalized stationery, and stocked minibars with wine, beer, and choice of liquor. Bathrooms: Every bathroom has oval glass sinks, granite counters, a full-size tub, Aveda toiletries, plush towels, and bathrobes for use during the cruise. Many suites and penthouses have a whirlpool tub and separate shower.
  Facility amenities: Public spaces have a sophisticated and contemporary feel with fine Italian and French fabrics, Axminster wool carpets, oriental rugs, teak deck furniture and English mohair lap blankets. 8 passenger decks, 2 specialty restaurants, dining room, buffet, ice cream parlor, Wi-Fi, safe, refrigerator, minibar (some), DVD, 1 pool, Fitness classes, gym, hair salon, 1 hot tub, sauna, spa, steam room, 5 bars, casino, cinema, dance club, library, dry-cleaning, laundry facilities, laundry service, Internet terminal, library
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
This program begins on day 2 at 6:00 p.m. at Orientation at the program hotel. You will be staying at Tower Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
This program ends on day 14 following breakfast and disembarkation from the ship. You will be staying at Crystal Symphony the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. **IMPORTANT INFORMATION** All participants MUST register online with Crystal Cruises. To register go to checkin.crystalcruises.com to access the Priority Check-in and Planning Center. To log in, you need type in your first/last names as they appear on your passport and your booking number (which appears on your cruise confirmation or can be obtained from Road Scholar). You will need to enter your contact and passport information in order to register. Once registered you will be able to book excursions and on-board activities (such as specialty dining, spa appointments, etc). If you did not recieve a booking number, please call us at 1.866.359.5966. For more information on using the Priority Check-in & Planning Center please see the attachment at the end of this booklet. Proof of citizenship is required for ALL guests.
  Parking availability:
Driving to program site is not possible.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: The National Express buses run from Dover to Victoria Station and continue on to Heathrow or Gatwick; transfer time to Victoria Station is approximately 2 1/2 hours. Regular trains run from Dover Priory Station to Victoria or Charing Cross Stations.
To Start of Program
  Location:  London
  Transportation to site: Trains and buses run from the airport to the city center of London. Taxis can be found outside each terminal and charge 44-55 GBP for the trip into the city center. Participants who purchase their air travel through Road Scholar Travel Services and are arriving on September 1st, will be provided with a transfer to the airport.
  From End of Program
  Location:  At Sea
  Transportation from site: Boston's Black Falcon Cruise Terminal is located approximately 4 miles from Boston Logan International Airport. Taxis will be readily available at the crusie terminal. All participants who have made their air arrangements with Road Scholar will receive a transfer on the day of the group departure.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Depart North America for London
(Saturday, August 31)
   
 Depart From: Depart from North America for London, England.

Day 2: Welcome and Orientation in London
(Sunday, September 1)
   
 Arrive To: Arrive in London and transfer to the program hotel.
 Afternoon: Program Orientation starts at 6:00 p.m. at the Tower Hotel, followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. (time is subject to change, your final orientaiton time will be confirmed upon check-in at the hotel)
 Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel
   
Accommodations: Tower Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: London Free Time / England's Cultural History / Embarkation in Dover
(Monday, September 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: Free time to explore London and perhaps visit the British Museum, the Tower, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben or one of the many other museums and historic sites in the city.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own in London; settle down in a cozy English pub for meat pies, bangers and mash or fish and chips, or savor the cuisine at one of the city's many gourmet restaurants.
 Afternoon: Group coach transfer to Dover.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Cruising the North Sea
(Tuesday, September 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: Presentation 1: On board lecture presented by your Study Leader: Theme TBD
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill.
 Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon aboard Crystal Symphony. Then attend the second presentation by your study lecture: Theme TBD
 Dinner: Group dinner will be served in the Crystal Dining Room.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Edinburgh, Scotland
(Wednesday, September 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: The ship arrives in Edinburgh in the early morning; after breakfast choose to explore Edinburgh on your own, or select from an array of Crystal excursion options. Dominated by a medieval castle on a towering crag, Edinburgh is the celebrated capital of Scotland and boasts more than a thousand years of vibrant historical heritage. The Exchange building, the famous Royal Mile featuring St. Giles Cathedral and John Knox House, as well as Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queens official, are only a few of the architectural masterpieces found in this delightful Scottish city.
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
 Afternoon: Continue your exploration of Edinburgh.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Lerwick/Setland Islands, Scotland
(Thursday, September 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: The ship arrives in Lerwick in the early morning; after breakfast choose to explore Edinburgh on your own, or select from an array of Crystal excursion options. Located at the northern tip of the British Isles, nearly 50 miles northeast of the Orkneys, the Shetland Islands are a mosaic of more than a 100 islands. Craggy cliffs sculpted by turbulent seas are in stark contrast to the tranquil, sandy bays and flower-strewn meadows found here.
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
 Afternoon: This afternoon is your final chance to delve into Lerwick history, explore its monuments, and soak in the essence of Scotland.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Cruising the North Atlantic Ocean
(Friday, September 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: Presentation 3: On board lecture presented by your Study Leader: Theme TBD
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill.
 Afternoon: In the afternoon, attend the fourth lecture presented by your Study Leader: Theme TBD
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Akureyri, Iceland
(Saturday, September 7)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: The ship arrives in Akureyri, Iceland this morning; after breakfast choose to explore Akureyri on your own, or select from an array of Crystal excursion options. Iceland’s second largest city sits on one of the most magnificent fjords in the country, bounded by snow-capped mountains and gently sloping pastures. Despite being just 60 miles from the Arctic Circle, the weather in Akuereyri is actually quite moderate, as evidenced by the over 2,000 species of plants in the Botanical Gardens, which thrive without the benefit of a greenhouse. Visitors can also discover the charm of this city with a stroll past the exquisite period houses or a stop at one of the many historical museums.
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
 Afternoon: Continue to enjoy your independent exploration of Akureyri.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Reykjavik, Iceland
(Sunday, September 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: The ship arrives in Reykjavik this morning; after breakfast choose to explore the city on your own, or select from an array of Crystal excursion options. Isolated in a northern landscape of icy tranquility, Iceland is a land of volcanoes, hot springs, mountains, glaciers and northern lights. As the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík reflects this natural diversity with ancient maritime history as well as a thriving modern energy and sophistication
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
 Afternoon: Continue your individual exploration of Reykjavik or choose to join a Crystal shore excursion or simply relax on board this afternoon.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Reykjavik, Iceland
(Monday, September 9)

Note: Today's exclusive Road Scholar field trip through Iceland is included in your program price. Please do not book a Crystal Shore Adventure on this day.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: EXCLUSIVE ROAD SCHOLAR FIELD TRIP: Journey from Reykjavik on this popular route which covers approximately 300km from Reykjavik to central Iceland and back. Stop at Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss (Golden Waterfall), and the spouting spring area of Geysir, after whom all geysers are named. En route, you will make a stop at Friheimar Tomato Farm. Learn how they are able to grow tomatoes year round using geothermal energy.
 Lunch: A light lunch of tomato soup, bread and a salad will be served at the farm.
 Afternoon: Continue exploring the Golden Circle of Iceland as you make your way back to the ship.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Cruising the North Atlantic Ocean
(Tuesday, September 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: Presentation 5: On board lecture presented by your Study Leader: Theme TBD
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill.
 Afternoon: Presentation 6: On board lecture presented by your Study Leader: Theme TBD
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Cruising the North Atlantic Ocean
(Wednesday, September 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: Presentation 7: On board lecture presented by your Study Leader: Theme TBD
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill.
 Afternoon: Presentation 8: On board lecture presented by your Study Leader: Theme TBD
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: St. John's, Newfoundland Canada
(Thursday, September 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: The ship arrives in St. Johns this morning; after breakfast choose to explore the city on your own, or select from an array of Crystal excursion options. St. John's is the capital of Newfoundland and the largest city in the province. Surrounded by a narrow landlocked harbor on the east coast of the Avalon Peninsula it is the most easterly city in North America. This remarkable port city has experienced a long and colorful history. Europeans arrived in the 16th century to exploit nearby fishing grounds and have left an indelible print on the city. As such, St. John's is known as the oldest city founded by Europeans in North America and much of its history is steeped in legend. Although the most popular theory regarding the origin of the city's name dates back to John Cabot's 1497 arrival, the most likely source stems from Portuguese explorer Gaspar Corte-Real, who first visited the harbor in 1500 and named the distant Waterford River St. John's River. St. John's retains an Old World charm with its narrow winding streets similar to those in London and much of its architecture resembles that found in small Irish towns. The city boasts an impressive array of churches and parkland while spectacular vistas abound from Signal Hill and Cape Spear
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
 Afternoon: Continue your exploration of St. Johns before returning to board the ship.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Crusing the North Atlantic
(Friday, September 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: Join your study leader for an exclusive presentation.
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to relax on board the ship. Take advantage of the many activities and amenities offered on board.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
(Saturday, September 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: The ship arrives in Halifax this morning; after breakfast choose to explore the city on your own, or select from an array of Crystal excursion options. As Crystal Symphony moors alongside the pier, bagpipers and the Town Crier bid a warm welcome to Halifax, capital of Nova Scotia, the most Scottish of all Canada's great cities. You will fall in love with Halifax's architectural blend of old and new. The mighty 150-year old Citadel fortress stands sentinel over the thriving downtown area where modern office and hotel blocks nestle alongside the exquisitely-restored Historic Properties waterfront shopping area. Shoppers will delight in the tempting array of buys from colorful Scottish tartans to pewter and superb hand-knit woolens. Nova Scotians claim they have the freshest air and warmest smiles in Canada. After your visit, we're sure you will agree
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
 Afternoon: Continue your exploration of Halifax before returning to board the ship.
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Bar Harbor, Maine
(Sunday, September 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: INDEPENDENT EXPLORATION: Cradled off the craggy coast of Maine lies Mount Desert Island and the charming seaport town of Bar Harbor. Earlier last century, when it was the summer retreat of millionaires, it boasted magnificent estate homes, or "cottages," many of which were completely destroyed by the fire of 1947. However, some things never change. The priceless asset of the island's scenic beauty remains untouched by time. Vistas of emerald-green forests and rugged valleys from the superb vantage point of Mount Cadillac remain just as spectacular, and the rugged shoreline scenery is still as awe inspiring as it ever was. The choice is yours. Take a scenic drive through some of Maine's most spectacular scenery or stroll along the picturesque main street with its inviting shops and galleries. Perhaps you will choose to sample some of North America's most delectable seafood at an authentic lobster bake, or cruise the fascinating coastal area.
 Lunch: Lunch at leisure on board the ship in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, or you may choose to eat independently ashore. Some Crystal shore excursions will include lunch (depending on the length).
 Afternoon: Continue exploring Bar Harbor
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and departure logistics.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Boston, Massachusetts/ Disembarkation
(Monday, September 16)
   
 Arrive To: Breakfast at leisure on board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.
 Morning: Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for depature flights.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Symphony
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


A Field Guide to North Atlantic Wildlife


Author: Noble S. Proctor, Patrick J. Lynch (Illustrator)


Description: A comprehensive pocket guide to commonly encountered marine mammals, seabirds and other marine life of Northeastern North America, from North Carolina to Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritimes.



A History of Scandinavia: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland


Author: T.K Derry


Description: Scandinavia from prehistory to the present with chapters on the Viking and Lutheran kingdoms, medieval times, monarchies, the World Wars and modern period, emphasizing the common cultural, political and social backgrounds.



A Naturalist's Guide to the Arctic


Author: E.C. Pielou


Description: Our best-selling book on the Arctic, this guide covers the geography and climate, plants, birds and wildlife of the circumpolar north.



Frost on My Moustache, The Arctic Exploits of a Lord and a Loafer


Author: Tim Moore


Description: In this inspired folly, a British comic heads to Iceland, Spitsbergen and other northern locales in pursuit of a fictitious Arctic hero.



Iceland, Land of the Sagas


Author: Jon Krakauer (Photographer), David Roberts


Description: Krakauer and colleague David Roberts hike and climb around Iceland in this classic travel narrative, reissued as a paperback and featuring Krakauer's color photographs. The book interweaves the natural and cultural history of the island with the authors' own adventures.



Independent People, An Epic


Author: Halldor Laxness


Description: Rich in local color, this great mock-epic by the Icelandic Nobel Prize-winner features the indelible Bjartur of Summerhouses, a hard-headed, independent-minded sheep farmer.



Knopf Mapguide Edinburgh


Author: Knopf Guides


Description: A handy set of full color, ingeniously folded maps, each indicating favorite sites, shops, restaurants and attractions.



Last Places, A Journey in the North


Author: Lawrence Millman, Paul Theroux (Introduction)


Description: Millman explores the culture and history of the Faroes, Iceland and Greenland in this often-hilarious account of his travels in the wake of the ancient Vikings.



Moon Handbook Atlantic Canada


Author: Mark Morris


Description: A comprehensive guide to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island. With regional maps and detailed descriptions of St. John's and other points of interest, along with an overview of the people, wildlife and history of the region.



My Famous Evening: Nova Scotia Sojourns, Diaries and Preoccupations


Author: Howard Norman


Description: For his National Geographic Directions book, Howard Norman returned to Nova Scotia over a period of 30 years to interview local legends and research the folklore of the area. Norman writes with an impressionistic intimacy to create a portrait of an enchanting place and its people.



Orkneyinga Saga, The History of the Earls of Orkney


Author: Hermann Palssom, Paul Edwards


Description: A fusion of myth and legend, circa A.D. 1200, by an unnamed Icelandic author. The medieval chronicle has its center of action among the Orkney Islands, describing their conquest by Norwegian kings during the Viking expansion of the ninth century.



Ring of Seasons, Iceland, Its Culture and History


Author: Terry G. Lacy


Description: A longtime resident of Reykjavik, Lacy weaves tales of family life, anecdote, lore and history into this illuminating personal portrait of Iceland.



The Control of Nature


Author: John McPhee


Description: In the classic McPhee tradition, these sparkling essays explore our generally feeble attempts to combat all-powerful nature, including valient efforts by Icelanders to control the flow of a volcano across the harbor at Heimaey in the Westman Islands.



The Farfarers, Before the Norse


Author: Farley Mowat


Description: A rabble-rouser by nature, Mowat posits that a group of Europeans, whom he calls the Albans, may have come to America hundreds of years before the Vikings in this original and provocative history of Atlantic exploration.



The Fish Can Sing


Author: Halldor Laxness, Magnus Magnusson (Translator)


Description: A quirky, moving coming-of-age tale set in Reykjavik at the turn of the last century, featuring an unforgettable cast of Icelandic characters. Laxness, who also wrote Independent People (ICL01), won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1955.



The History of Iceland


Author: Gunnar Karlsson


Description: A history of Iceland from the Viking era through colonization, independence and the 20th century. Karlsson draws on the sagas and rich literature of Iceland in presenting this comprehensive history.



The Sagas of Icelanders


Author: Jane Smiley (Introduction), Robert Kellog (Illustrator)


Description: Nine sagas and six tales composed between the years 1000 and 1500, including an account of Leif Eriksson's voyage to North America, all newly translated. With an introduction by Jane Smiley.



The Vikings, Lords of the Seas


Author: Yves Cohat


Description: An indispensable reference that fits in your pocket, this slim volume is packed with maps, archival photographs and illustrations. It tells of the Norse homeland, discoveries and settlements, and features a useful chronology and excerpts from the Viking Sagas. Part of the "Discoveries" series.



Theatre of Fish, Travels Through Newfoundland and Labrador


Author: John Gimlette


Description: A rollicking account of Gimlette's adventures in Newfoundland and Labrador on the trail of a great-great grandfather. It's a witty tale, soaked in fishy history, myth, lore and incident.



Viking Age Iceland


Author: Jesse Byock


Description: In this scholarly study, Byock challenges the conventional view of Norse society in Iceland. He describes the life, economy and culture of Medieval Iceland -- including its autonomy from kings and warlords back home.



Vikings, The North Atlantic Saga


Author: William Fitzhugh (Editor), Elisabeth Ward (Editor)


Description: An extensively illustrated volume of Viking culture, history and exploration that focuses especially on voyages to North America. Published in conjunction with a Smithsonian exhibit, it features essays and 400 color photographs.



Volcanoes, Crucibles of Change


Author: Richard Fisher


Description: A complete primer for the volcano lover, this heavily illustrated book covers types of volcanoes and eruptions, worldwide distribution and the physics of their formation.



Wildlife of the North Atlantic, A Cruising Guide


Author: Tony Soper, Dan Powell (Illustrator)


Description: This compact, illustrated guide covers the many petrels, ducks, gulls, terns and other seabirds, as well as the rich abundance of life existing under the waves, that populate the vast Atlantic region from the British Isles to Newfoundland.





You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768