Ultimate Viking & Iceland Discovery

• Day 1 - Bergen, Norway; Embarkation Day

  Welcome to Bergen where a world of wonder awaits with a warm greeting by the crew as you step on board. Tonight toast to the start of your luxurious cruise.

• Day 2 - Hardanger Fjord

  Hardanger Fjord, the fourth longest fjord in the world, is the second longest in Norway. A spectacular day of discovery awaits as we cruise through the magnificent scenery.

• Day 3 - Lerwick

  Closer to Norway than Scotland, the Shetland Islands boast astounding archaeological sites, ancient ruins and Viking and Norse influences.

  There will be time at leisure this evening to discover the local nightlife.

  Freechoice
  Explore Jarlshof Prehistoric site or discover the Norse history on your tour of the town and Shetlands Museum. Or you can choose to discover Scalloway and visit the Museum, or play a round of golf.

  Enrich
  Immerse yourself in Scottish traditions with a Highland fling and concert of Shetland fiddlers and Celtic singers.

• Day 4 - Fair Isle

  Halfway between the isles of Orkney and Shetlands with a resident population of just 60, Fair Isle is a place rich in wildlife, cultural heritage and community spirit. Be welcomed by the locals to their island paradise and share stories of their life and history as you tour the Museum and enjoy their home made cakes and biscuits.

  Freechoice
  Choose from a range of discovery excursions to explore the island by Zodiac or kayak. Take a short birdlife walking tour or the more active can choose a hike to the more remote areas of the island in search of wildlife. Helicopter excursions are available^.
  ^ At additional expense and availability subject to regulatory approval

• Day 5 - Kirkwall

  Kirkwall, the ancient capital of Orkney, has an intriguing ancient history, Viking heritage and Scottish traditions.

  Freechoice
  Uncover the Neolithic history and visit the World Heritage-listed Ring of Brodar or taste local brews at Highland Park Distillery and Orkney Brewery. You can also choose to witness local artisans at a demonstration or take a walking tour and visit St Magnus Cathedral. The more active can take a guided kayak or Zodiac adventure. Helicopter excursions are available^.
  ^ At additional expense and availability subject to regulatory approval

• Day 6 - Stornoway to Portree

  Stornoway, originally a Viking settlement, is now a bustling hub for the arts and Gaelic heritage.Arrive in the afternoon to Portree, the thriving capital of the Isle of Skye and the perfect location to moor overnight.Enjoy time at leisure this evening to explore this charming Scottish cultural centre.

  Freechoice
  Uncover the intriguing Viking and Iron Age history or at Harris Distillery sample the local malt. Alternatively play a round of golf, or take a discovery excursion by Zodiac or kayak in search of bird and marine life.

  Freechoice
  Visit Dunvegan Castle, traditional home of Clan Macleod or take a tour of Portree and its surrounds.

• Day 7 - Loch Ewe

  One of the most beautiful places in Scotland, Inverewe Estate and gardens date back to 1860. Carefully sculpted since its inception, this outstanding garden is an oasis of exotic plants and vibrant colour fuelled by the warm currents of the North Atlantic Gulf Stream. Discover the diversity of species and its history on your tour. Helicopter and submarine excursions are available^.
  ^ At additional expense and availability subject to regulatory approval

• Day 8 - St Kilda

  This isolated archipelago of volcanic islands in the North Atlantic Ocean is a nature reserve boasting the largest colony of guillemots in the world, the oldest and largest colony of fulmars, the biggest colony of puffins in Britain and over one million birds in total.

  Freechoice
  Choose a discovery excursion by Zodiac and kayak to search for some of the fascinating bird species or take a guided walk across the islands. Helicopter excursions are available^.
  ^ At additional expense and availability subject to regulatory approval

• Day 9 - At sea

  Relax on board and perhaps try a course in Scenic Epicure.

• Day 10 - Reykjavik

  Time at leisure to explore this quirky capital.

• Day 11 - Snæfellsnes Peninsula

  Sparkling fjords, dramatic volcanic peaks, sheer sea cliffs and vast lava flows beckon as we cruise in and around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. See vast concentrations of bird species nesting on the treacherous Látrabjarg cliffs and marine life in the waters of the Peninsula.

  Freechoice
  With a flexible itinerary depending on the conditions, the Discovery Team will lead Zodiac and kayak excursions or you can choose a helicopter excursion^.
  ^ At additional expense and availability subject to regulatory approval

• Day 12 - Isafjordur

  Located in the incredibly stunning landscapes of the Westfjords is the small town of Isafjordur.

  Freechoice
  Visit the Ósvör Maritime Museum or take a walk in search of birdlife at Vigur Island. The more active may choose a hike in the impressive Hornstrandir nature reserve or take a kayak adventure. Helicopter and submarine excursions are available^.
  ^ At additional expense and availability subject to regulatory approval

• Day 13 - Grimsey Island to Akureyri

  Keep your eyes open for whales and dolphins as we cruise to Grimsey Island north of the mainland and straddling the Arctic Circle.

  Cruise into the harbour of Akureyri this evening and admire the views of the brightly coloured houses
  with the backdrop of a snow-capped mountain under the sultry hues of the Arctic summer evening.

  Freechoice
  Discovery excursions by Zodiac and kayak offer opportunities to spot puffins and other birdlife or take a walk across the small island and cross the Arctic Circle. Helicopter and submarine excursions are available^.
  ^ At additional expense and availability subject to regulatory approval

• Day 14 - Akureyri

  Freechoice
  Visit the Herring Era Museum to learn about this once thriving industry or explore the city and taste local specialties. You may choose Laufas Open Air Museum ^ At additional expense and availability subject to regulatory approval

• Day 15 - Husavik

  Nestled on the edge of Shaky Bay, the town of Husavik is one of the best locations in Iceland to see multiple species of whales.

  Freechoice
  Board the traditional fishing boats for a whale-watching cruise or visit the geothermal region of Lake Mývatn. Alternatively enter Vatnajökull National Park and see the impressive Dettifoss waterfall whose powerful flow originates from the largest glacier in Iceland. Helicopter and submarine excursions are available^.
  ^ At additional expense and availability subject to regulatory approval

• Day 16 - Seydisfjordur

  We dock right in the heart of this charming town settled by wealthy Norwegian fishermen, allowing free time for you to explore at leisure.

  Freechoice
  Your local guide will share stories on a walking tour or you can meet some local residents and share morning tea together. Those feeling active may choose a hike in the Skálanes nature reserve or take a discovery excursion by Zodiac or kayak. Helicopter and submarine excursions are available^.
  ^ At additional expense and availability subject to regulatory approval

• Day 17 - Westman Islands

  This small archipelago was born from geological volatility and is home to vast species of birdlife including nesting puffins each summer. Heimaey was the site of the eruption of the Eldfell volcano in 1973 that covered most of the island with volcanic ash.

  Freechoice
  Tour the island and visit the Volcano Museum built around one of the destroyed houses or take a hike over the lava fields to the top of the new volcanic cone. Alternatively cruise around the island with a local captain in search of birdlife, including the puffin colonies and discover hidden caves. Helicopter excursions are available^.
  ^ At additional expense and availability subject to regulatory approval

• Day 18 - Thorlakshofn

  Freechoice
  Visit the geothermal area and see how the power generated sustains daily life on the island or hike the glacial fields at Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. You can choose to visit the small village of Eyrarbakki or take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.

  Enrich
  Be immersed in Icelandic culture and traditions at a private performance.

• Day 19 - Reykjavik, Iceland; Disembarkation

  Reykjavik signals the end of your cruise as you disembark after breakfast taking with you a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.