Pn-pt 1000-1800 sob 1000

IVG07 ― LOCH NESS PANORAMIC

Duration: about 3.5 hours

Take a trip to Loch Ness, one of Scotland’s most popular destinations and the site of an abiding modern monster mystery. After leaving Invergordon, a comfortable coach will take you along the Cromarty Firth, a North Sea inlet, for a first brief stop at Beauly en route to the village of Drumnadrochit, whose elevated position affords spectacular views of Loch Ness, the UK’s largest body of freshwater by volume. But the loch’s greatest claim to fame is its alleged star resident: the Loch Ness Monster, aka Nessie. Thought by some to be one of a small group of otherwise extinct plesiosaurs, Nessie has fuelled the imagination of countless explorers ever since the story broke in the early 1930s. Have your zoom-lens camera ready for a shot of the elusive creature – you’d make history if your photo proved Nessie’s existence. The route then continues along the main road flanking the loch, with more stunning scenery before you reach the loch-side Clansman Hotel – about as close as you can get to the water without needing a boat. As one of the prettiest spots Loch Ness has to offer, this is the perfect place to take some more photos before you return to Invergordon.

Please note : limited number of guides in languages other than English. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in English only. This tour is not suitable for guests using a wheelchair. To reach the panoramic viewpoint at Clansman Hotel it is necessary to climb steps.

IVG08 ― INVERNESS ON YOUR OWN

Duration: about 4.5 hours

The port of Invergordon is situated only a short distance from the pretty city of Inverness, which dates back to the 6^th century A.D. and is regarded as the capital of the Scottish Highlands. A 45-minute coach drive will first take you through the stunning Scottish landscape – green, craggy, untamed – to reach Inverness. While still on the coach, your visit kicks off with a brief and unguided city tour to let you get your bearings, after which a map of the city will be your guide. You will then have enough time to explore the lovely city at your own pace, do some souvenir shopping or relax in one of the many cafés. Among the main attractions of this vibrant university town are the mid-19^th-century Inverness Castle at the end of the pedestrian zone, the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery with a fine collection of Pictish stones, wildlife dioramas and historical weaponry, as well as the Old High St. Stephen’s Church, a late-19^th-century building constructed in Gothic style. Or take a scenic walk along the River Ness to the so-called Ness Islands or follow the towpath of the Caledonian Canal, both within easy reach of the city centre. The tour will then come to a close with your return drive to the port and your ship.

IVG09 – ROGIE FALLS & SILVERBRIDGE FOREST WALK

Duration: approx. 4.5 hours

Starting from Invergordon to initially travel along the shores of the Cromarty Firth, a scenic North Sea inlet, you will then head up to one of the most beautiful spots in the Inverness region, the breathtaking Rogie Falls near the small spa town of Strathpeffer. The sturdy suspension bridge over the Black Water River provides spectacular views of the falls and also forms the starting point of a downstream walk through the Silverbridge Forest, with more lovely views of the river and several rapids. As you make your way through the bosky gloom, your guide will point out some of the local flora and fauna, which may include leaping salmon and red squirrels. You will also cross a traditional stone arched bridge that spans the river at Little Garve – the halfway point of your walk. The trail will then take you back upstream to return to the starting point. Next up is a short drive to the pretty town of Strathpeffer, a popular spa town in its Victorian heyday, where you will have some free time to explore on your own. More stunning scenery awaits you on your return journey to your ship, which brings your tour to a restful close.

Please note : limited number of guides in languages other than English. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in English only. This tour is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.
IVG10 – SEAFARI & WILDLIFE ADVENTURE

Duration: approx. 3 hours

This thrilling seafari and wildlife adventure will take you to explore the incredible beauty of the Cromarty and Moray Firths from the best perspective possible: the water. And to turn the fun factor up to the max, you’ll be boarding a special high-speed RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). Fast and nimble, this is an excellent craft on which to see all the key sights and observe the varied wildlife. Each of these tours is unique and as you travel, an experienced skipper and knowledgeable guide will provide a wealth of intriguing information and amusing anecdotes to entertain you. After a short introduction, the tour starts from Invergordon harbour and will then see you speed your way to the small historical village of Cromarty. As you go, be sure to watch out for marine mammals such as dolphins and harbour porpoise (a smaller relative of the dolphin), which are frequent visitors to the area throughout the year, as well as minke whales, which only come during the warmer summer months. Then, as you head towards the Moray Firth, you will pass bird colonies, coastal cliffs with sheer drops to the water, old defences dating back to WWI and WWII as well as several other points of scenic and historical interest. This seafaring tour comes to a close with your return to the port of Invergordon and your ship.

Please note: this tour is subject to weather conditions; wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. This tour is not suitable for pregnant women or guests with mobility/back problems or who are seriously overweight. The skipper of the boat will offer a commentary during the tour in English
ISAFJORDUR (Iceland)
Isafjörður, meaning ‘ice fjord’ in Icelandic, is a large fishing port in the north west of Iceland. If you’re in the mood for stunning scenery and natural attractions, then come ashore in Ísafjörður. The town has a special folkloric ambiance, perhaps due to its unique location just below the Arctic Circle.
IFJ01 – BOAT TRIP TO VIGUR ISLAND

Duration: approx. 3 hours

The lovely island of Vigur is a green oasis nestling in the blue waters of the Isafjardardjup fjord. In spring, the island is a nesting place for countless birds and in the summer months puffins, arctic terns, black guillemots and eider ducks can be seen in large numbers. A 30-minute boat transfer will take us to Vigur where we will take a leisurely walk around the island to discover its natural beauty and unspoilt environment. The duck’s nests are carefully protected by collecting Eiderdown is still permitted during spring. Traditional farming methods are still practiced on the island and visitors can see Iceland’s only windmill, built in 1840 and used to grind wheat imported from Denmark. The timeless feel is enhanced by the collection of historic houses which date back to the last centuries: Viktoria House was erected in 1862 and the second house was erected by a young priest in 1884, an ancestor of the family living in Vigur today. Before returning to Isafjordur we will see one of the smallest post offices in Europe and enjoy coffee and Icelandic cake.

Please note: limited number of guides in languages other than English. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in English only. No guide during the boat trip; she will wait on the island. This tour is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties and using a wheelchair. The sighting of the birds cannot be guaranteed.
IFJ02 – LIFE & CULTURE IN ISAFJORDUR

Duration: approx. 3 hours

The town of Isafjordur is the biggest settlement in the west fjords of Iceland and a key centre for trade and culture. The oldest part of the town, Nedstikaupstadur, features houses from the XVIII century which pay testament to Isafjordur’s former importance as one of the main trading centres in Iceland. Starting at the pier, drive into the centre of the town along a narrow coastal road passing the small town of Bolungarvik; here we will visit the church and “Osvor”, an old fisherman’s hut, restored in 1988. The village of Bolungarvik lies on a picturesque bay surrounded by steep mountains. The scenic drive to Isafjordur offers fantastic views of the mountains that surround the fjord. Our trip also takes us through the historic district of Isafjordur, to the Maritime Museum, located in one of the oldest houses of Iceland. Enjoy a typical Icelandic snack complete with schnapps and dried fish.

Please note : limited number of guides in languages other than English. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in English only. Guests using a wheelchair can take part, but should be aware that there are some obstacles (steps) to reach Osvor Hut; other sites are provided with ramps.

IFJ03 – GLACIER FJORDS & HESTEYRI BY BOAT

Duration: approx. 4.5 hours

Leave the pier and board a boat to one of the most beautiful and remote areas of Iceland, the beaches of Hornstrandir. An hour-long cruise takes us to Hesteyri, the westernmost bay of the Glacier Fjords. With very limited lowland, this isolated spit of land is framed by steep cliffs and is set against a backdrop of two beautiful mountains. Until 1950s Hesteyri only had a small and scattered community centered around a whaling station and a herring processing factory. By joining this tour you will gain insight into the difficult lives of those living in this remote place and learn how these communites were obliged to leave when herring fisheries closed. Now a beautiful nature reserve, this is one of the wildest spots in Iceland and we can enjoy the area in all its glory during a walking tour before stopping for a light snack of Icelandic pancake, rye-bread with smoked lamb and coffee.

Please note : limited number of guides in languages other than English. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in English only. This tour is not recommended for guests having walking difficulties or using a wheelchair. No guide during the boat trip; she will wait on the island.

IFJ04 – THE TROLL’S THRONE

Duration: approx. 2 hours

Wild and rugged, uncompromising and mesmerisingly beautiful, geologically and volcanically active, a place of thermal springs, mountains, valleys, rivers and waterfalls: the incredible island of Iceland is all of these things. And – as everybody surely knows – the island’s craggy mountainsides also provide a comfortable home for the world’s remaining trolls, those formidable creatures of Norse mythology. According to a legend told by the locals of Ísafjörður, a huge troll once lived in the area and one day, he decided to go for a walk in the fjord. However, soon getting tired from all the exercise, the troll spotted a nice tall mountain high above the town that looked like the perfect spot to have a rest. But when the thickset troll sat down, his incredible weight squashed part of the mountainside, leaving a large indentation that remains visible to this day: the so-called Troll’s Throne, or Naustahvilft to give the place its proper name. Situated only a few hundred metres up the mountain from the port, the Troll’s Throne is a popular hiking destination for tourists and locals alike. Your walking experience up to the bowl-like “throne”, which was actually formed by a glacier, will take you over ideal hiking terrain: a good mixture of grass, soil and sheep-trodden paths. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with wonderful views over the port and the picturesque fjord. Your return hike back down the mountain to your ship marks the end of this troll-themed tour.

Please note : limited number of guides in languages other than English. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in English only. This tour is recommended only for guests with a high fitness level. Due to the substantial walking and hiking the tour entails, it is classified a grade 4 hike.

IFJ05 – CALM FJORD KAYAKING

Duration: approx. 2.5 hours

The calm and secluded fjord setting of the Ísafjörður Djup, the last word of which literally means “deep”, offers a pristine environment for a few hours of sea-kayaking. Coupled with the rhythmic splashing of the paddles, the serene backdrop provided by Iceland’s verdant fjord landscape makes this almost meditative kayaking tour a perfect stress-busting experience. Stupendous views await you from a unique angle as you explore the great outdoors. Sports enthusiasts and bird watchers alike will delight in observing the local bird life at such close quarters and enjoy this opportunity to truly feel at one with the natural environment. Your leisurely kayaking tour comes to a close with your return to the pier and your ship.

Please note : this tour is not recommended for guests having walking difficulties or using a wheelchair. Excursion available only during your cruise.
ISTANBUL (Turkey)
Istanbul offers a wonderful introduction to Turkey and is a unique holiday destination. The former capital of three powerful empires - Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman - is a fascinating mix of past and present, modern and traditional. Architectural sights such as the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace are not to be missed, but don’t forget to try your hand at bargain hunting in the bazaar - haggling is half the fun!
IST01 - CITY TOUR

Duration: full day, lunch included.

Straddling two continents, Istanbul is a fascinating city and one which proudly keeps the heritage of its past alive. We will visit the Blue Mosque with its internal panels of blue and white ceramic tiles and enjoy a panoramic view over the ancient Hyppodrome that was once the centre of Byzantine public life. We will continue to St. Sophia Church to admire the wonderful Byzantine mosaics before stopping at the magnificent Topkapi Palace, centre of the Ottoman Empire between the XV and the XIX centuries and which also housed the Sultans and their Court; individual visit of Palace wings. We will have time for lunch before indulging the favourite Turkish past-time of shopping. Highlights of the day include a stop in a luxury jewelry or in a leather shop and the chance to watch a typical carpet demonstration. Next you will have free time at the fabulous Gran Bazaar.

Please note: drinks are not included in lunch; only water. If the visit falls on a Sunday or a religious holiday the visit to the Grand Bazaar will be replaced with a crossing the bridge uniting Asia to Europe. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance. Only cameras without a flash are allowed inside St. Sophia Church.
IST02 - TOPKAPI PALACE AND SHOPPING

Duration: approx. 4 hours 45 minutes

Don’t leave Istanbul without having visited the world-famous Topkapı Palace, the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years of their 624-year reign. Your excursion begins with a fascinating guided tour of the Topkapı Palace, after which you can explore the different sections of the Palace and admire the beautiful view of the Bosphorus Strait at your own pace. The Palace also contains important holy Muslim relics, including the Prophet Muhammad’s cloak and sword. After the Palace visit, the tour continues on to the Grand Bazaar for a chance to browse and purchase souvenirs. To round off your Topkapı experience, there will also be a stop in a luxury jewelry or in a leather shop and the chance to watch a typical carpet demonstration.

Please note: if the visit falls on a Sunday or a religious holiday the visit to the Grand Bazaar will be replaced with a crossing the bridge uniting Asia to Europe.

IST03 - BOSPHORUS CRUISE

Duration: approx. 4.5 hours

Enjoy a fascinating boat tour along the Bosphorus Strait which divides Istanbul into two, splitting the city between the continents of Europe and Asia. This excursion will begin in Istanbul’s historic district where we will board a boat heading to the Sea of Marmara and sail towards the Asian part of the city. Admire the ancient quarters of Uskudar and Kuzguncuk with wooden villas and houses, sail past the Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Quarter and Leander’s Tower on the small island of Kiz kulesi. You will admire the Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans and pass under the two bridges that unite Asia with Europe. Highlights of the day include a typical carpet demonstration and/or the chance to purchase in a luxury jewelry store or in a leather shop before having free time for shopping in the spice market.

Please note: if the visit falls on a Sunday or a religious holiday the visit to the Spice Market will be replaced with a crossing the bridge uniting Asia to Europe.

IST04 - ORIENTAL JEWELS

Duration: approx. 5 hours 15 minutes

Leave the ship and enjoy a few hours discovering some of Istanbul jewels: the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, the Underground Cistern and the sights and scents of the spice bazaar. Our excursion begins with a visit to the Ottoman Rüstem Pasha Mosque designed in 1561 by the architect Mimar Sinan for Grand Vizier Damat Rüstem Pasha. We will admire its interior characterized by exquisite tomato-red Iznik tiles set in a stunning floral and geometric design typical of the early Iznik period (1555 – 1620). The mosque was built on a high terrace over a complex of vaulted shops and has a double porch with five domed bays. We will continue on to the “Cisterna Basilica”, the largest of several underground cisterns beneath the city of Istanbul, with 336 marble columns. You will admire the face of Medusa, located in the northwest corner of the cistern and which is set upside down, apparently to diffuse the power of this Gorgon’s gaze. The excursion also includes a visit to the colourful and perfumed spice market, free time at the fabulous Gran Bazaar and a chance to see a typical carpet demonstration and/or to shop in a luxury jewelry store or in a leather shop.

Please note: if the visit falls on a Sunday or a religious holiday the visit to the Grand Bazaar and to the Spice Market will be replaced with a crossing the bridge uniting Asia to Europe. This excursion is available only for guests onboard MSC Armonia, MSC Orchestra and MSC Sinfonia. Conservative attire is recommended for visitings sites of religious importance. This tour is not suitable for guests using a wheelchair.
IST06 - CULTURE, ART & SHOPPING IN ISTANBUL

Duration: approx. 5 hours

The excursion will begin with a transfer to the Blue Mosque where we will admire the interior panels of blue and white ceramic tiles. Built between 1609 and 1616, the Blue Mosque contains the tomb of its founder, as well as a madrasah (school) and a hospice. After the visit we will enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient Hippodrome that was the centre of the Byzantine public life before continuing to St. Sophia Church to admire the wonderful Byzantine mosaics and learn how this building evolved from a church to a mosque and which has since become a museum. You will have the opportunity to shop at a luxury jewelry store/leather shop or to see a carpet demonstration before enjoying free time in the fabulous Gran Bazaar.

Please note: the order of the visits may vary. If the visit falls on a Sunday or a religious holiday the visit to the Grand Bazaar will be replaced with a crossing the bridge uniting Asia to Europe. Conservative attire is recommended for visiting sites of religious importance. Only cameras without a flash are allowed inside St. Sophia Church.