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In search of Vikings – ‘Up Helly Aa’ Festival

Original post: Another World Adventures

26/01/2016
3mins read

We’re feeling inspired to go in search of Vikings as the last Tuesday in January – today! – each year is a special date in the Scottish calendar.

In the Scottish Shetland Islands a spectacular community tradition is celebrated called ‘Up Helly Aa’. It’s Europe’s largest fire festival to celebrate their rich Viking heritage and culture. Each year it’s held in Lerwick, Shetland and torchlight parades, costume marches and the obligatory burning of a Viking boat are always high on the party agenda.

It got us thinking about an amazing new trip for 2016 called ‘In Search of Vikings’ that sets sail in May. It’s a three week hands on sailing trip exploring ancient ports from Scotland to Iceland following the historic route of the Vikings.

Voyage crew (yes, that’s right, you are the crew) will steer the passage as you take in the Orkneys, Faroes and Shetlands on route to Iceland where fire and ice meet tocreate a tremendous and ever-changing landscape.

Trip details

The trip starts from Ullapool in Scotland and you’ll stop at the island of Hoy, the Orkney’s second largest, where you’ll find Ward Hill soaring 480m above sea level, Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and the Ring of Broadgar together with remarkable views of the surrounding islands.

From here it’s a fair sail to, well, Fair Isle of course, and your introduction to the Shetlands. Always known for being a welcoming port, Fair Isle is perhaps the most successful remote community in modern times. You’ll have time to explore sites like the Jarlshof-Prehistoric settlement, and Hermaness National Nature Reserve while in the Shetlands.

On the overnight sailing to the Faroes you’ll join a watch for an overnight crossing. Prepare to be rewarded by the awe-inspiring open water of the Atlantic. As you get closer, and if the weather cooperates, you have a great view of the cliffs of Slaettaratindur – The tallest sea cliffs in Europe standing at an impressive 883m above sea level.

Life in the Faroes is packed with authentic, sustainable, culturally minded and extraordinary culture. In 2015, the National Geographic, chose the island chain as their number one destination. You’ll be able to witness what is truly spectacular about this region as you wander through the Viking excavation site at Kvivik.

Your last port of call will be Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Tecla tall shipSpend a few days exploring this great (and tiny) city full of museums, adrenalin adventure tours, restaurants, and relaxation. The perfect way to get your land legs once more before heading home.

Highlights:

  • Discover the Orkneys, Shetlands, Faroes, and Outer Hebrides all in one remarkable voyage
  • Explore a Viking excavation in the village of Kvivik
  • See Gjogy natural harbour
  • Bird watching in Hermaness National Nature Reserve
  • Hike to Ambadalur valley to the site of Bugvin, the tallest free standing cliff in the Faroes
  • Puffin, Gannet, and Fulmar Colonies in Mykines
  • Cross a 35m free hanging bridge across the Atlantic

Find out more about this unique adventure sailing voyage in Search of Vikings in 2016.

Dates: 17th May – 7th June 2016
Price: 2,640 EUR
Start: Ullapool, Scotland
End: Reykjavik, Iceland
Length: 21 days

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