San Sebastian / Hondarribia, 4/16/2023, National Geographic Resolution
Aboard the
National Geographic Resolution
Europe & British Isles
The sun had not yet risen, and National Geographic Resolution headed for the narrow mouth of the bay of Pasajes, where her port was the next planned stop.
The initial fog gave way to a splendid day. One group went to San Sebastian, the pearl of the Cantabrian Sea, famous for the beauty of its city and especially its gastronomy. A second group went to the village of Hondarribia, a charming fishing town on the border with France, where guests tasted local pintxos and wandered through the streets.
Maria Intxaustegi is an internationally awarded maritime archaeologist, naval historian, commercial diver, professional offshore sailor, and expedition guide from the Basque Country.
Blue skies, a comfortable temperature, and a gentle breeze accompanied guests as they enjoyed visiting the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside and the city of Aberdeen. As guests disembarked for their morning activities, a lone piper played traditional tunes at the foot of the gangway, a very warm greeting to Aberdeen that further enhanced our overall Scottish experience. While some guests had the opportunity to visit Highland Cattle and Scottish Blackface sheep at a nearby farm, others were able to spend a wonderful morning at either Drum Castle or Crathes Castle. Castle visits included a guided tour of these fortified homes and were followed with independent time, during which guests enjoyed walking through the beautiful gardens and woodlands. For those guests that participated in the city tour of Aberdeen, the sunny conditions highlighted the ornate structures of the Granite City, so named because many of the buildings are constructed of the rock that is found in the hillsides surrounding the city. A glorious morning was enjoyed by all in this remarkable city and its surroundings.
Once again, the weather gods were kind as we sailed south into Kirkwall. The morning was spent discovering this Scottish Archipelago’s rich archaeological or wartime history on tours with visits to the Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness, and Skara Brae or to Scapa Flow. The afternoon was either spent exploring the town of Kirkwall and its stunning cathedral or, for those more adventurous, hiking along the clifftops above thousands of seabirds in the glorious sunshine. A very full day was capped off when the Highland Park distillery came on board for a whiskey tasting.
Today, we had the privilege of experiencing an incredible variety of what the Shetland Islands has to offer – from weather and wildlife to history and music. Our navigation overnight allowed us time to explore a few surprise stops in the morning, including a visit to the Isles of Mousa and Noss. Making a landing at Mousa, we appreciated the craft of ancient builders by visiting the world’s best-preserved broch, dating back to the Iron Age. We then cruised by the cliffs of Noss to the sight of countless seabirds making light work of the impressive Shetland winds and sea conditions. Following an exciting lunch aboard National Geographic Explorer , we settled alongside the town of Lerwick for the afternoon. Here, we ventured out to Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head to hike and visit the iconic Shetland ponies and Atlantic puffins. We also explored the town to learn about local sites, stories, and crafts. To round out our day in Shetland, we were treated to a fantastic performance of fiddle music by a renowned local trio, led by Maurice Henderson.
