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[title] => Small-Ship Cruises
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[description] => Small-scale, big experience
A cruise allows you to explore a variety of destinations without the hassle of overland travel. The downside on most cruises, however, is that you will be on board with thousands of other people.
That’s where a small-ship cruise comes in. During our hand-picked holidays, you get all the benefits of a cruise, without the large crowds. You can be safe in the knowledge that our ships can port in far smaller destinations and that you’ll travel with a small group of like-minded travellers who want to experience the destination in the same meaningful way. It's also much more environmentally-friendly than large cruises.
Whether you want to cruise the Croatian coast or explore the wilds of Greenland and Iceland for a totally different cruising experience, we have the small-ship cruise to suit you.
Croatia on a small-ship cruise
Our small-ship cruises allow you to visit some Croatian gems, travelling in comfort and exploring in style.
Our 34-metre longships are a delight. They are wonderfully equipped for exploring the coastal highlights such as Dubrovnik as well as some areas which are further off the beaten track such as Plitvice National Park. Choose from our Cruise the Island and Cities of the Dalmatian Coast trip or our Highlights by Land and Sea holiday here.
We also offer Croatia trips on a catamaran, for an even more personal experience. These vessels carry around 10 people so it’ll just be you, the skipper and a small group of like-minded travellers. Choose from our Elaphiti Island Active Adventure or Adventure Sailing Weekend for a catamaran experience.
Arctic highlights
For those who want an adventure with a difference, we have a range of cruises showcasing the very best of Greenland and Iceland.
These voyages have a real exploratory undertone, focusing heavily on the natural wonders of these remote and wild islands.
You could combine both Greenland and Iceland during our Natural Wonders cruise. On this holiday, you’ll visit the exceptional ice fjords and remote townships which lie around the coast. You’ll also cross The Denmark Strait to the Westman Islands and make port in Iceland where we can arrange a multitude of land-based activities.
To experience Iceland in its entirety, our Small Ship Exploration holiday is a perfect choice. Travel from Reykjavik and back again, stopping at a huge variety of ports that allow you to soak up the natural wonders in this unforgettable destination.
These voyages take place onboard the Ocean Diamond which carries a maximum of 224 people. It is completely equipped for the Arctic while still offering a range of modern comforts. The expert staff and ground excursion options available make this an ideal way to explore this outstanding region.
Image credits: Gulliver Travel, Huck Finn Adventure Travel, Ivo Biocina & Croatian National Tourist Board
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Broaden your Horizon outside of Europe
For families ready to venture further afield, our Beyond Europe collection opens up a world of immersive, long-haul adventures designed to feel both exciting and easy to navigate. These carefully curated trips combine meaningful experiences with well-paced itineraries, ensuring that travelling as a family remains smooth, comfortable and genuinely enjoyable from start to finish.
In Costa Rica, families can discover one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, where rainforest trails, wildlife-rich reserves and coastal landscapes create a natural playground for all ages. In Borneo, the focus shifts to ancient jungle environments, offering unforgettable opportunities to experience rare wildlife and conservation-led travel in a way that is both educational and inspiring for children and adults alike. Meanwhile, Morocco delivers a vibrant cultural contrast, where bustling souks, desert landscapes and historic cities create a multi-sensory journey that keeps every member of the family engaged.
Each destination has been thoughtfully selected to balance adventure with accessibility, combining guided experiences, comfortable accommodation and seamless logistics. The result is a long-haul family holiday that feels enriching, well-supported and full of shared moments you’ll talk about long after you return home.
Travel with the experts
Our Artisan Travel Experts know our destinations intimately and will be more than happy to discuss the various activity options with you if you have any questions about our holidays. Our clients’ safety is our primary concern so you can rest assured that you will be travelling in the best possible hands.
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[title] => The Midnight Sun
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[description] => What is the Midnight Sun?
The Midnight Sun is essentially where the sun does not set below the horizon, causing 24 hours of daylight. This is due to the tilt in the world’s axis which makes the North Pole face towards the sun in the summer.
The effect of the Midnight Sun is, of course, longer days. People in this region take full advantage with festivals, barbeques and summer activities such as kayaking and hiking. It is said that those who live in these regions have more energy during the months of the Midnight Sun and can take the time to appreciate the evenings filled with warm light and long shadows.
Another benefit of the Midnight Sun is that it makes even the most remote regions greener. The flora and fauna are given an energy boost which leads to a growth of delicious fruits such as cloudberries and lingonberries.
When does the Midnight Sun occur?
Within the Arctic Circle, this natural occurrence is visible from around the 12th June to 1st July, with a greater date range the further north you travel. In the northernmost inhabited region of Europe, the Svalbard Archipelago does not experience a sunset from around the 19th April to the 23rd August.
We offer several dedicated Midnight Sun trips which all take full advantage of this natural occurrence. There are also a variety of activities we offer throughout the evenings so that you can watch the way the sun barely dips along the horizon before rising again.
Where can I go on holiday to see the Midnight Sun?
We offer a range of Midnight Sun holidays. Whether you want to adventure on a self-drive tour to Norway or immerse yourself in the wilderness of Finnish Lapland, we have the holiday to suit you. Talk to an Artisan Travel Expert today on 01670 785 085 to discuss your perfect Midnight Sun holiday.
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