Aberdeen
Aberdeen 04/29/2025
Arrive any time on Day 1 and make your way to your included hotel. The gateway for your Arctic adventure, the Scottish city of Aberdeen has many monikers, but its most famous is Granite City, as it was once the granite capital of the world. Wandering the streets, you'll soon see why, as the Victorian buildings sparkle in the sun. A bustling cultural hub, Aberdeen also offers a range of museums, galleries, theaters, shops, cafés, and restaurants to explore.,
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04/29/2025 |
04/29/2025 |
Aberdeen
Aberdeen 04/30/2025
Today you will have some free time before being transferred to the port to board your ship. As you set sail this afternoon, you'll want to be out on deck, camera in hand—the area's coastal waters offer excellent possibilities for spotting bottlenose and white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and minke whales.,
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04/30/2025 |
04/30/2025 |
Cruise Starts (Embarkation)
Cruise Starts (Embarkation) 04/30/2025
Today you will have some free time before being transferred to the port to board your ship. As you set sail this afternoon, you'll want to be out on deck, camera in hand—the area's coastal waters offer excellent possibilities for spotting bottlenose and white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and minke whales.,
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04/30/2025 |
04/30/2025 |
Aberdeen
Aberdeen 04/30/2025
Today you will have some free time before being transferred to the port to board your ship. As you set sail this afternoon, you'll want to be out on deck, camera in hand—the area's coastal waters offer excellent possibilities for spotting bottlenose and white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and minke whales.,
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04/30/2025 |
04/30/2025 |
Fair Isle, Shetland Islands
Fair Isle, Shetland Islands 05/01/2025
The U.K.'s most remote inhabited island, the extraordinary Fair Isle is located halfway between the Shetland and Orkney Islands. Boasting a rugged beauty, Fair Isle's landscape is diverse, with fields and moors dominated by seaside cliffs and an astounding number of sea stacks, natural arches, and caves. Despite its small size, the island offers activities for history, nature, and photography buffs alike. Visit the museum to immerse yourself in local artifacts, photos, knitwear, and other historic memorabilia. Don't forget to snap a shot of the circa 1935 classic red phone booth by the post office! In terms of wildlife, orcas are native to the waters around Fair Isle, and they sometimes come close in pursuit of seals. But the island is best known for its coastal cliffs teeming with seabirds in spring and summer. The star attraction is the Atlantic puffin, a clown-like bird that burrows in nests in the grassy flat tops of the island's cliffs. Photographers will surely want to capture pictures of their bemused expressions, and Fair Isle's easily accessible grassy banks make it one of the best places in the Shetlands (if not the entire Scottish Isles!) to observe these colorful creatures. Northern fulmars, kittiwakes, storm petrels, razorbills, and guillemots may be spotted soaring over the open waters. Visitors to this community of crofters, artisans, and artists may be able to pick up a traditional Fair Isle sweater to keep warm during the rest of your Arctic voyage.,
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05/01/2025 |
05/01/2025 |
Faroe Islands
Faroe Islands 05/02/2025
Known for its beautiful, unspoiled landscape, with verdant pastures giving way to rugged, steep cliffs, the Faroe Islands have a storied past, though the details of the archipelago's early history remain mysterious. The first settlers may have been seventh-century Irish monks seeking solitude on these islands far removed from any continent. Their isolation ended in 800 AD, with the arrival of Norse farmers, and Norwegian colonization continued throughout the Viking Age. Today, many of the inhabitants of the Faroe Islands, now a self-governing country within the Kingdom of Denmark, are descendants of Norwegian Vikings, and speak Faroese, a descendant language of Old Norse. We will have two days to explore this seldom-visited archipelago made up of 18 rugged islands located about halfway between Scotland and Iceland. The mighty North Atlantic is omnipresent wherever we go with no place on the Faroe Islands farther than 3 miles (5 kilometers) from its shores. The sea has always dominated life on the Faroes—throughout history as much as today: rich fisheries, magnificent ocean views, and thriving sea bird colonies make up this rare Nordic jewel—often referred to as Europe's best-kept secret. We will spend a day exploring the outer islands of the archipelago, separated by narrow sounds and fjords, and delight in their surreal landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and rock formations. You'll see green valleys engulfed by steep mountains, protecting picturesque villages with colorful turf-topped homes. Wind, weather, and sea conditions will influence and shape our activity options, but we will of course always keep our eyes out for marine and bird life, especially the iconic Atlantic puffin. Our second day in the Faroes will be dedicated to the capital city of Tórshavn, where the Vikings established their government in 825 AD. One of the world's smallest capitals, the picturesque Tórshavn has a relaxed vibe and a number of historical and cultural sites. Meander the maze of narrow laneways of the Old Town, admiring the quaint wooden houses with traditional sod roofs and white paned windows. If you're looking for more action, a hike to historic Kirkjubøur not only unlocks some of the country's best medieval history but also rewards with sweeping views over the southern islands of Koltur, Hestur, and Sandoy. Or perhaps you'll prefer to wander the charming harbor, filled with cafés, pubs, and old warehouses, and simply gaze out at the sea while sipping a latte.,
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05/02/2025 |
05/03/2025 |
At Sea
At Sea 05/04/2025
Say goodbye to the Faroes as we cruise toward the world's most northerly volcanic island, Jan Mayen. There are several activities to keep you engaged while at sea. Learn to identify seabirds gliding alongside your ship, attend dynamic presentations by your Expedition Team, relax in the polar library, or simply spend some time on deck, admiring the ocean views. With your binoculars and camera at the ready, keep your eyes peeled for the blow of a humpback, blue, or fin whale. Encounters with minke whales or orcas are also possible, since their curiosity can bring them near the ship. If you're lucky, you may even see harp seals.,
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05/04/2025 |
05/05/2025 |
Jan Mayen Island
Jan Mayen Island 05/06/2025
North of the Arctic Circle, about 280 miles (450 kilometers) east of Greenland and 340 miles (550 kilometers) north of Iceland, the mysterious Jan Mayen rises from the depths of the North Atlantic Ocean. Often shrouded in thick fog, the small mountainous island was declared a nature reserve in 2010 and is rarely visited, save for the 18 rotating personnel of the Norwegian military and Norwegian Meteorological Institute, who are the only year-long inhabitants, save for some additional personnel during the summer. Landing here will be dictated by the weather and sea. If conditions allow, as we approach, keep watch on deck as the spoon-shaped island's highest summit emerges. At 7,470 feet (2,277 meters) high, the breathtaking Beerenberg volcano features a symmetrical cone shape and impressive glaciers that spill into the sea. During the summer months, the island's lower landscape is covered with grass, moss, and a smattering of hardy flowers that add a burst of color to the otherwise barren black lava terrain. One site we hope to visit is Olonkinbyen and the surrounding area. Named after Russian-Norwegian polar explorer Gennady Olonkin, it's the island's only settlement and the location of the meteorological station, where you may have the chance to learn about polar research while seeing how weather is monitored at the top of the world. Another option might be the black sand beach at Kvalrossbukta, where the remnants of a 17th-century Dutch whaling station and a large northern fulmar colony can be found. In 1632, two Basque ships landed at the small bay and plundered the station. A Dutch party was sent here the following year to protect the land stations during winter, but all seven men perished from scurvy. Whaling in the area came to an end about 20 years later. If conditions permit, we may view the volcano and the stratified cliffs of the spectacular north coast as we Zodiac cruise around the island, searching for wildlife. Designated an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International for the large numbers of breeding seabirds, Jan Mayen supports colonies of northern fulmars, little auks, glaucous gulls, kittiwakes, and black and Brünnich's guillemots (thick-billed murres). And if we are fortunate, you might see "sea parrots", the Atlantic puffin again. The waters here are rich feeding grounds for marine life, so keep a lookout for minke, fin, blue, or humpback whales.,
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05/06/2025 |
05/07/2025 |
At Sea
At Sea 05/08/2025
As we sail farther north, spend some time with your shipmates in the lounge, swapping stories and photos, or take the opportunity to learn about the regions traveled with your experienced and knowledgeable Expedition Team.,
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05/08/2025 |
05/08/2025 |
Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen 05/09/2025
Rugged, wild and situated entirely within the Arctic Circle, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago is unforgettable. From immense glaciers to lush tundra to polar deserts, the landscape here is as varied as the wildlife.
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05/09/2025 |
05/09/2025 |
Hornbreen
Hornbreen 05/10/2025
As we explore the fjords of the southwestern corner of this magical island, it won’t take long for you to see firsthand why Spitsbergen is the “wildlife capital of the Arctic.” Some areas we hope to visit include Hornsund and Bellsund fjords and Hornbreen Glacier.
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05/10/2025 |
05/10/2025 |
Isbjornhamna
Isbjornhamna 05/11/2025
The possible landing sites at Hornsund, the island’s most southerly fjord,
have rich histories. You may visit Isbjornhamna, a bay at the entrance of the fjord, where we hope to explore colonies of delightful little auks. You may also spot Svalbard reindeer and hike to a viewpoint for views of calving glaciers.
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05/11/2025 |
05/11/2025 |
Bourbonhamna
Bourbonhamna 05/11/2025
A 12-mile (20 km) long sound, Bellsund lured miners a century ago to its natural resources. Today, visitors come to Bourbonhamna and Calypsobyen to see historic mining and trapper sites and marvel at the magnificent vistas. It may also be possible to hike along the colorful tundra, dotted with flowers bursting for a taste of sunshine, and discover old whale bones.
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05/11/2025 |
05/11/2025 |
Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen 05/12/2025
The time has come to say farewell to your newfound friends and Expedition Team. After disembarking, spend the day exploring the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen before catching the charter flight to Helsinki.,
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05/12/2025 |
05/12/2025 |
Cruise Ends (Debarkation)
Cruise Ends (Debarkation) 05/12/2025
The time has come to say farewell to your newfound friends and Expedition Team. After disembarking, spend the day exploring the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen before catching the charter flight to Helsinki.,
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05/12/2025 |
05/12/2025 |
Air Travel
Air Travel 05/12/2025
The time has come to say farewell to your newfound friends and Expedition Team. After disembarking, spend the day exploring the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen before catching the charter flight to Helsinki.,
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05/12/2025 |
05/12/2025 |
Helsinki
Helsinki 05/12/2025
The time has come to say farewell to your newfound friends and Expedition Team. After disembarking, spend the day exploring the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen before catching the charter flight to Helsinki.,
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Helsinki City tour – 3 Hours
Helsinki was founded in 1550 by the Swedish King Gustav Vasa. As a result of the war of 1808-1809, Sweden was forced to cede Finland to Russia. In 1812 Tsar Alexander declared Helsinki the capital of autonomous Finland. In 1917 the city was to become the capital of the independent Republic of Finland. In safeguarding its historical heritage, Helsinki has again and again been forced to reassess the past. Cultural influences from both East and West have molded the life of the city, which has nevertheless preserved an outlook on life that is inherently Finnish. Over the years the city has spread, and its population multiplied, yet nature is still close at hand - the sea and islands are dominant features of the landscape.
Among the most striking features of the Helsinki architecture are the largish areas built in a uniform style. The city thus has whole blocks and even districts representing Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, National Romantic, functional or modern architecture. The oldest area in Helsinki that has been preserved intact is the Senate Square. Reminiscent of St. Petersburg in its neoclassical style.
In the 1970s Helsinki acquired some important new public buildings - e.g. the Finlandia Hall, the City Theatre, the new National Opera, the official residence of the Finnish President and the Temppeliaukio Church - which are now important landmarks on the Helsinki street scene.
A city tour includes all essential sights in the city center including the Sibelius Park with the Sibelius Monument, an unusual steel monument from 1967, commemorating the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorite venue for concerts. Please note that inside visits to the Rock Church cannot be guaranteed due to religious services and holidays.
| Basis: |
Private tour. |
| Duration: |
City center Hotel or address. |
| Start/End: |
3 hours. |
| Vehicle: |
01st Class. |
| Guide: |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances: |
Temppeliaukio Rock Church. |
| Meals: |
None. |
| Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
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Helsinki Suomenlinna Fortress tour – 3 Hours
Built in the second half of the 18th century by Sweden on a group of islands located at the entrance of Helsinki's harbour, this fortress is an especially interesting example of European military architecture of the time. Suomenlinna, until 1918 Viapori (Finnish), or Sveaborg (Swedish), was an inhabited sea fortress built on six islands and which now forms part of the city of Helsinki, the capital of Finland.
Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage site and popular with tourists and locals. The guided walking tour takes you through the historic Susisaari and Kustaanmiekka areas and provides information on the colourful past of the fortress. The tour introduces, for example, the Great Courtyard and the dry dock, which once was one of the largest in the world.
The tour includes a return ferry service to / from Suomenlina Maritime Fortress, a guided tour with an official Suomenlina guide and an entrance to Suomenlinna Museum. You will meet the guide at Suomenlina Maritime Fortress, after disembarking the ferry. Depending on your accommodation in Helsinki, city transfers to and from the ferry port may need to be considered.
| Basis: |
Private tour. |
| Duration: |
3 hours. |
| Start/End: |
Helsinki Harbour. |
| Vehicle: |
01st Class. |
| Guide: |
English speaking Soumenlinna Guide. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances: |
Suomenlinna Museum. |
| Meals: |
None. |
| Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
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Helsinki Porvoo Tour – 5 Hours
Porvoo is Finland's second oldest town and the most picturesque one. In other words, a beautiful area full of history. The town of Porvoo was granted town status in the 14th century and is one of the treasures of traditional Finnish architecture.
The original town plan from the Middle Ages, features the low, small houses, picturesque yards and narrow streets and forms a historically unique wooden town environment.
The symbols of Porvoo – the red warehouses on the riverbanks – tell tall tales of seafaring and trading. The guest marina and ferry dock at Jokiranta are humming with life, especially during the summer months.
The bridge at Aleksanterinkatu, completed in autumn 2004, and the newly restored Jokiranta area now encourage locals to take an evening walk and enjoy the latest improvements to the downtown area. Flower beds, fountains, cafés and sundecks have turned the shore into an attractive gathering place. The Market Square is the heart of the city, surrounded by City Hall, the bus station, specialty boutiques and services. The range of products at the marketplace varies by season.
| Basis: |
Private tour. |
| Start/End: |
City center Hotel, Cruise Pier or address. |
| Duration: |
5 hours. |
| Vehicle: |
01st Class. |
| Guide: |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances: |
None. |
| Meals: |
None. |
| Difficulty: |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes: |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
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Helsinki Jewish City tour – 4 Hours
This tour allows you to see the best of Helsinki and also learn more about the past and present of its Jewish citizens.
A city tour includes all essential sights in the city center including the Sibelius Park with the Sibelius Monument, an unusual steel monument from 1967, commemorating the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorable venue for concerts.
A visit to the local Synagogue is made during the tour. You will be able to see its rooms located in the local Jewish Community Center.
The center of the Helsinki is majestic with its classical style Senate Square. It offers a view to the impressive Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki University, National Library and the Government Palace. The statue to the Russian czar Alexander II is located in the middle of the square.
Please note that inside visits to the Rock Church and Helsinki Synagogue cannot be guaranteed due to religious services and holidays. In the event of religious services. Tour order may be adjusted based on Rock Church and the opening hours of Helsinki Synagogue.
| Basis |
Private |
| Start / End |
City center Hotel or address. |
| Duration |
4 hours |
| Vehicle |
01st Class. |
| Guide |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrances |
Temppeliaukio Rock Church & Synagogue. |
| Meals |
None |
| Difficulty |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
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Helsinki archipelago by RIB boat – 2,5 hours
On this private, RIB-boat trip, you’ll see and experience the Helsinki archipelago and visit an island suiting your interests. During this fast and furious trip, you’ll see the main Helsinki attractions, such as the main market place, Kaivopuisto Park and the ice breakers. We will also land on an island of your choice – be it a remote islet or Suomenlinna fortress island! This tour is for 1-10 persons and our professional captain can tailor or extend it according to your interests.
Experience the beauty of Helsinki from the seaside and enjoy the convenience of the fast RIB-boat with a professional captain and guide. Welcome aboard!
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 2,5 hours
Start / End: City.
Vehicle: 01st Class for transfers.
Guide: English-speaking
Entrances: None
Meals: None
Notes: All passengers are provided with life jackets
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Helsinki Design tour - 6 hours
Helsinki offers you a unique and fascinating journey through the centuries and across cultures through its buildings and architecture. The city’s architecture is typified by Nordic minimalism and refinement, and with its modernism, functionalism it also encompasses the largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Northern Europe.
For many Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is synonymous with Finland with architecture and with design.
After qualifying as an architect from Helsinki Institute of Technology in 1921, Aalto set up his first architectural practice in Jyväskylä. His early works followed the tenets of Nordic Classicism, the predominant style at that time.
During the tour, pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church (The Church in the Rock), completed in 1969 and carved out of a solid rock and topped with a copper dome. Only the dome is visible from the outside. The pantheon-like interior is enhanced by the rugged granite walls and the copper-plated cupola. The excellent acoustics make this a favorite venue for concerts.
The Senate Square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland.
The Central Railway Station was designed by Eliel Saarinen in 1909 and the station was opened in 1919. The station is mostly clad in Finnish granite, and its distinguishing features are its clock tower and the two pairs of statues holding the spherical lamps, lit at night-time, on either side of the main entrance.
The City Hall was designed by C.L. Engel as a hotel in 1833, the building has been the City Hall since the 1930s. The Helsinki coat-of-arms can be seen on the tympanum.
| Basis |
Private tour |
| Start / End |
City center Hotel or address. |
| Duration |
6 hours |
| Vehicle |
01st Class. |
| Guide |
English-speaking. Other languages on request. |
| Entrance |
Temppeliaukio Rock church & the Alvaro Aalto Studio & House tour (shared tour). |
| Meals |
None |
| Difficulty |
Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces. |
| Notes |
Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. |
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Helsinki Private Food tour– 3 hours
Experience the best of the Finnish cuisine on this food walking tour. You will stroll around the streets of Helsinki´s center, getting a taste of the most traditional as well as fashionable flavors the city has to offer.
The tour includes the visit of some of the main gastronomical areas and spots of the Finnish capital, such as the Old Market Hall and the Market Square and also some bakeries and special food stores. You may taste some local bread, cheese, chocolate, fish, pastry, seasonal berry treat and famous Finnish salt licorice: salmiakki!
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 3 hours walking tour.
Start / End: City.
Vehicle: None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: None.
Meals: The servings are equivalent to a light lunch/big snack. Veggie options available.
Physical activity level: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. This tour is offered everyday from May to September and on Mon-Sat during the rest of the year.
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Helsinki Canoe and Hike in Nuuksio National Park and visit to Reindeer Park - 6 hours
Our tour starts driving towards Nuuksio area in the district of Espoo. Our first stop will be at Nuuksio reindeer park, where will get to experience a touch of northern magic in Finland's southernmost reindeer park in Nuuksio. We will feed and learn about these characteristic animals.
In this tour you will explore the area of Nuuksio Hawk Nest, in Nuuksio National Park.
Once we get to the national park, our guide will provide you the necessary equipment and introduce to you the basics of canoeing, an old Indian way of moving along the waterways of wild nature. This first part of the tour will take place on The Hawk Lake which is only a very small lake, so the paddling distance is not long. Canoes are stable and fit two people each.
After canoeing we will go on a guided hike following the marked trails of Nuuksio National Park. The length of the guided hike is about 5km, and the pace is easy. This tour is more about enjoying the Finnish nature than covering long distance.
After the activities you will get a sandwich and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while resting after having explored the forest like a true Finn!
On our way back,
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 6 hours (3 hours canoeing & hiking, 1 hour visit to the Reinder park and time for transfers).
Start / End: City.
Vehicle: 01st Class for transfers.
Guide: English-speaking canoeing instructor and guide.
Entrances: None.
Meals: Water bottle and snack (sandwich).
Difficulty: Grade Moderate. Canoeing at leisure pace, walking required over uneven surfaces. No experience required, but you should be able to swim. No previous paddling or hiking experience required. The canoes are stable and easy to paddle.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. Kids from 6 years are welcome. Canoeing equipment will be provided. Please bring: Hat, Sun Cream, Sunglasses, Waterproof Clothes, Spare Clothes, Swimming Suit, Towel.
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05/12/2025 |
05/12/2025 |
The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
