British Isles Cruise - from Hafnarfjordur - 114456

The Vestmannaeyjar Islands ("Westman Isles") became world famous at the beginning of 1973. A huge volcanic explosion with a stream of lava measuring 1600 m destroyed the majority of the main settlement of Heimæy.The lava flowed through the streets and could only be stopped by the use of waterpumps used to spray sea water onto the hot lava non-stop. This also prevented the loss of the natural harbour of Heimæy. Without it, the main source of income of the island population would have been lost, which would probably have led to the abandonment of the permanent settlement. Sights include: the lighthouse at Storhöfoi, the Hjörleifur valley.

Torshavn is the capital of the Faeroe Islands, a group of Danish islands of volcanic origin situated between Iceland and the Shetland Islands. The town has a population of around 15,300 and is the cultural centre of the islands. The smallest capital in the North, it has several special attractions: the Lístaskálin museum of art, which has works by relatively young artists from the Faeroes, the wooden church Havnar Kirkja, built in 1788, and the old town with its lovely old wooden houses.

Lerwick is the main port of the Shetland Islands and a cornerstone in the economy and infrastructure of the region. With its ideal location, it is a popular destination for cruise ships en route between Iceland, the Faroe Isles, Norway and Scotland. With the many small islands - home to the Shetland ponies, the Shetland Islands are also a popular destination for day-trippers from Aberdeen and Orkney.

Kirkwall is the capital of the northern Scottish island council area of Orkney, where visitors can expect to find a landscape made up mainly of craggy cliffs and strange sandstone formations. The pretty capital and business centre is famous primarily for its whisky distilleries and St. Magnus Cathedral. The cathedral dates from the 12th century and is one of the most beautiful examples of Norman architecture in the British Isles. Other sights include: Tankerness House, a 16th century town house that houses the local history museum of the Orkney Islands, and the Stone Age village of Skara Brae, which is more than 5,000 years old.

Dublin is the capital of Ireland and one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. More than a quarter of the Irish population (approximately 4 million) lives in Dublin, a youthful and dynamic city that is becoming increasingly cosmopolitan. Elegant restaurants and ultra-modern hotels have brought new life to the city. Visitors can follow Tourist Trails on foot to get to know the city. The perfect starting point is the O’Connell Bridge, located in the city centre and the most important bridge over the River Liffey. Sights include: Temple Bar, Trinity College, Merrion Square, the National Art Gallery, the National Museum, Christ Church Cathedral, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, the Guinness Brewery, Custom House, Boyne Valley, Malahide and James Joyce Tower.