Day 1: Bergen
Day 2: North Sea
Day 3: Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris
Day 4: Oban
Day 5: Belfast
Day 6: Dublin
Day 7: Cobh
Day 8: Isles of Scilly
Day 9: Portsmouth
Day 10: At Sea
Day 11: Hamburg
Day 1 Bergen, Norway
We depart from Bergen in the afternoon. We recommend you acquaint yourself with this international city with its small-town charm, surrounded by seven mountains. Stroll through the picturesque streets of Bergen and enjoy the well-known and famous sites like Håkon’s Hall and Rosenkrantz Tower, St. Mary’s Church, Bergen Harbour and the famous fish market. Bergen was founded in 1070, and we recommend a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage famous houses of “Bryggen” (the wharf).
Day 2 North Sea
Enjoy the comfort of MS Fram while we cross the North Sea and head towards UK. Our expedition team will give interesting lectures about the history and biology of the area we are in.
Day 3, Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris, UK
It might have been the first visitors to the Outer Hebrides of Scotland who coined the phrase “wild and wooly”. For that is an apt description of Scotland’s westernmost islands. The Isle of Lewis is dominated by deep glens and fjords; highland sheep roam the wind-blasted hills and flocks of birds rise above seaside rookeries. Stornoway was originally a Viking settlement, and developed around its well sheltered natural harbour. We will spend the morning hours here, before we set course for an afternoon visit to Tarbert. Tarbert is the main town on the nearly Isle of Harris
Day 4, Oban, Scotland UK
Oban, situated on the west coast of Scotland was once a small fishing village. Today it is known as “the gateway to the Highlands”. It has a busy port, and a variety of shops and attractions. A landmark of the town is McCaig’s Tower. It was a replica of Rome’s Colosseum built over a century ago by banker John McCaig, both as a memorial to his family and to give employment to local stonemasons. You can walk up to the top of the hill it is a fairly steep climb but well worth the effort, on a clear day you will have a magnificent view across the bay.
Day 5, Belfast, Ireland
What was a village in the 17th century is now a northern metropolis of nearly half a million people with much in common with Liverpool and Manchester, those breezy cities across the Irish Sea. Belfast was the engine for the industrial revolution in Ulster. The world's largest dry dock is found here and the shipyard's giant cranes tower over the port. This is also where the Titanic was built. Allthough today a modern city you still find many Victorian and Edwardian buildings with sculptures over doors and windows. Stone-carved heads of gods and poets, scientists, kings and queens peer down from the high ledges of banks and old linen warehouses.
Day 6, Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is the largest city and capital of Ireland. The city is located near the midpoint of Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey. Originally founded as a Viking settlement, it evolved into the Kingdom of Dublin and became the island's primary city following the Norman invasion. Dublin is a historical and contemporary cultural centre as well as a modern centre of education, arts, economy and industry. With its mix of urban cool, lush parkland, sweeping coastline and hip designer boutiques, Dublin pulsates with energy while still holding a cozy atmosphere.
Day 7, Cobh, Ireland
The town of Cobh is found on the largest island in Cork Harbour. The island has a history which dates back to pre-Christian times but the town itself is relatively new, dating from the 17th century. Cobh's varied history includes a reputation as a health and seaside resort but is probably best known as the country's main emigration port in the 19th century. Close by we find Cork, Ireland’s second largest city. Most of Cork’s finest monuments can be found in the heart of the city, including the Crawford Art Gallery located next to Opera House. Just five miles away is Blarney Castle, containing the famous stone said to give the “gift of eloquence” to all who kiss it.
Day 8, Isles of Scilly, UK
Just 28 miles off the southwest tip of Britain, lays the small, beautiful archipelago of the Isles of Scilly. Here we find mile after mile of white sandy beaches, natural landscape and a rich, fascinating history. The islands are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), testament to the unique landscape that exists here. This includes some of the highest concentrations of prehistoric remains of anywhere in Britain and rare species of birds and plant life, many unique to Scilly. The islands holds some of the best beaches in Britain, white sandy coves, exposed granite headlands, lagoons, important moorland sites and box-like fields sheltering colorful narcissi flowers, an important industry on the islands.
Day 9, Portsmouth, UK
Portsmouth is famed for its naval heritage and harbor, but there is also more to discover. Take a walk around the city and you'll notice a striking contrast of old and new. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard stands close to Portsmouth's newest landmark, the Spinnaker Tower. The city is home to fascinating museums covering all aspects of Portsmouth's past as well as the award-winning Gunwharf Quays - with over 20 cosmopolitan bars, designer outlet shopping, nightclubs, a multiplex cinema and bowling.
Day 10, At Sea
We leave UK for now, and set course towards our last port of call, Hamburg. Enjoy our onboard lecture program, or relax in our spacious Observation lounge.
Day 11, Hamburg, Germany
This morning the FRAM will navigate up the River Elbe and arrive in Hamburg, second largest city in Germany. Economically and culturally, Hamburg is also the centre of Northern Germany, and one of the most attractive cities in all of Europe. Here our voyage ends; disembark in the morning.