Marco Polo - Cruises from Tilbury

Day One

Make your way to Tilbury for embarkation and this afternoon's sailing.

Day Two

Today is spent at sea, enjoying the atmosphere on board and getting to know Marco Polo's wonderful on-board amenities.

Day Three

Our first port of call is the Shetland capital of Lerwick. This rugged, enchanting town is gateway to a land of ancient legend, traditional crafts and an incredible abundance of bird-life. Wander the town, or join the excursion to the 3000-year-old archaeological site at Jarlshof, with its Bronze and Iron Age remains.

Day Four

Geirangerfjord is one of the smallest, but most beautiful fjords, its twists and turns marked by crashing waterfalls and ancient and beguiling villages Hellesylt and Geiranger. Step ashore, perhaps to visit the fascinating Norsk Fjordsenter, which chronicles life in the region, or to enjoy a scenic optional excursion.

Day Five

Today is spent cruising along the spectacular Norwegian coast, crossing the Arctic Circle during the morning. The highlight of the day will be the afternoon viewing of the mighty Svartisen Glacier, whose tentacles reach down to just 20 metres above sea level. The sight of the blue-white ice moving imperceptibly down the valley is a foretaste of some of the spectacular scenery yet to come.

Day Six

Another memorable day is spent at sea, bathed in perpetual summer sunlight, following the ancient route plied by the famous Hurtigrute steamers, which to this day bring supplies and news of the outside world to astonishingly remote settlements.

Day Seven

Today Marco Polo docks in the remote 'village' of Honningsvag, where you can join an optional excursion to the famous visitor centre at Nordkapp (North Cape) very nearly Europe's northernmost point. This evening - though in the continuous sunlight time seems to matter less - Marco Polo leaves the Norwegian mainland, and heads ever northwards, to begin her Arctic adventure in earnest.

Day Eight

A day at sea, spent wrapped up warm on deck perhaps, looking out for bird and aquatic-life as Marco Polo nudges ever closer to the High Arctic.

Day Nine

By morning you will have arrived in the arctic archipelago of Svalbard, the largest island of which is Spitsbergen, ice-bound for all but high summer, and covered by glaciers and frozen tundra. The largest settlement, Longyearbyen, has some 3000 hardy inhabitants, and is a gateway for guided excursions into an Arctic wilderness that feels a world away from the rest of Europe.

Day 10

With her ice-strengthened hull, her fleet of Zodiac launches, and her on-board wildlife experts, Marco Polo will provide an unforgettable day as she cruises through stunning Magdalenafjord, where ice-covered peaks plunge into the waters. She'll also call at the polar research station of Ny Alesund where you'll be able to learn more about the Svalbard region.

Days 11 and 12

Another two days at sea as Marco Polo turns south and heads for home.

Day 13

Tiny, Toytown-like Torshavn is the capital of the remote Faroe Islands. A birdwatcher's Paradise, the islands are home to countless species, and its inhabitants are guardians of a deep-rooted Norse tradition, and live surrounded by natural beauty, which you may wish to explore on an excursion during your time here.

Day 14

Marco Polo arrives in Kirkwall, the historic capital of Orkney. Wonder the meandering streets and marvel at the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral. Alternatively, join an excursion to fabled Scapa Flow, Churchill's famous Barriers, or the Italian Chapel. Other excursions include highlights of the island's unique mix of history, archaeology, crafts and wildlife.

Day 15

A final day at sea.

Day 16

Marco Polo returns to Tilbury, at the end of a wonderful voyage.