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TRAVEL
220
June15
Explore
Europe
Th i nk i ng abou t r ev i s i t i ng
Europe, one of the world’s
classic destinations? This new
programme of sailing itineraries
should appeal to anyone who is
keen for a different type of travel
experience.
A
fter many seasons’ sailing
across the seas of Indonesia,
the South Pacific and Australia,
the exploring partnership of
Lindblad
Expeditions-National Geographic
has
set its sights on Europe. Its expedition
ship, the
National Geographic Orion
,
will embark on a maiden voyage of
Portugal, Spain, France, England, Ireland,
Holland, Belgium, the Baltic Republics
and Scandinavia by land and sea next
year. The smaller size of the ship (102
guests) makes it well suited to navigating
European waters.
The 11 one-week itineraries, across 22
sailings, in the inaugural 2016 European
programme aim to take travellers beyond
the usual tourist experience, combining
expert voices on everything from ancient
history, art, viniculture and photography to
active options such as hiking, biking and
kayaking, and a range of authentic food
experiences throughmenus prepared by
international chef Serge Dansereau, of
Sydney’s The Bathers’ Pavilion.
Here are eight sample itineraries
that showcase the breadth of options
available aboard the Orion.
#1
Scandinavia by Sea:
Denmark, Sweden and Norway
Kayak through the Weather Islands off
the west coast of Sweden and get up
close to colonies of Scandinavian seals.
#2
Best of the Baltics: Cities
and Islands from Tallinn to
Copenhagen
Discover the Latvian town of Riga by
bicycle, crossing the mighty Daugava
River to the Island of Kpsala, known for
its distinctive wooden houses.
FACT FILE
T
he first European
deployment commences with
Portugal and Spain: From
the Algarve to Catalonia
,
departing 24 April 2016; the
final cruise departs on 18
September 2016.
The lead-in price for each of
the 22 voyages is $9,990 per
person, Category One, and
includes the bar tab and staff
gratuities.
Itineraries have been
designed to allow for hopping
on and off across two or
more itineraries (bookings of
more than one voyage attract
a 10 percent discount).
For more information, visit
expeditions.comor call 1300 361 012
.
#3
Wild and Windswept:
Exploring the Coasts of
England and Wales
On the island of Sark, join a local
astronomer from the Astronomical
Society for a night of stargazing.
#4
Norway and Scotland: From
Fjordlands to the Inner Hebrides
Hike to the lighthouse at Sumburgh
Head, and get the chance to dive the
historic wrecks of Scapa Flow.
#5
Culture and Cuisine from
Oporto to the Basque Country
Spend the day discovering Galicia,
collect mussels with local fishermen and
listen to traditional music.
#6
Bordeaux to London: The
French Atlantic Coast
Explore the history and culinary
traditions of St Malo, visiting a local
oyster farm and gathering oysters for
the
National Geographic Orion
’s chefs.
#7
The North Sea: London to
Copenhagen
Work alongside local culinary artisans
to make Belgian chocolates in Brugge
and sculpt marzipan in Lubeck.
#8
Hidden Ireland: Loughs and
Isles off the Beaten Path
Experience the true Irish culture of Aran
Island, discovering how goat cheese is
made on a working goat farm.
8
Great
Cruise
Ideas