Iceland Intensive Cruise

Day 1 - Reykjavik

Arrive: Mon 01 July 2024

Domain of the Norse thunder god, Thor, and shaped by fire and ice, Iceland’s volcanic landscape is a spectacular collage of lava fields, craters, waterfalls, and imposing mountain ranges. Vast geothermal springs power the spray of geysers, provide residents with the hot water that heats their homes, and fills the warm public pools where locals go to relax and catch up with friends. Visitors are encouraged to join in the fun. Reykjavik itself is a 21st century European city, with fine restaurants, cozy cafes, and intriguing museums and galleries.

Day 2 - Reykjavik

Depart: Tue 02 July 2024 at 22:00

Domain of the Norse thunder god, Thor, and shaped by fire and ice, Iceland’s volcanic landscape is a spectacular collage of lava fields, craters, waterfalls, and imposing mountain ranges. Vast geothermal springs power the spray of geysers, provide residents with the hot water that heats their homes, and fills the warm public pools where locals go to relax and catch up with friends. Visitors are encouraged to join in the fun. Reykjavik itself is a 21st century European city, with fine restaurants, cozy cafes, and intriguing museums and galleries.

Day 3 - Grundarfjordur, Iceland

Arrive: Wed 03 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 03 July 2024 at 17:00

Day 4 - Skagafjordur

Arrive: Thu 04 July 2024 at 10:00 / Depart: Thu 04 July 2024 at 18:00

Day 5 - Akureyri

Arrive: Fri 05 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 05 July 2024 at 22:00

Akureyri is considered a city, in fact Iceland’s second largest, even though its total population is only about 18,000. Set on the shores of one of Iceland’s most spectacular fjords, with a backdrop of countryside earth tones and greens and perennially snow-capped mountains, it is quite a sight to behold. Weather patterns here are a bit of a puzzle - only 60 miles from the Arctic Circle, summer temperatures can soar to the high 60’s. No surprise then that a main attraction is the Botanical Gardens, where over 2000 species of native and non-native plants flourish without benefit of a greenhouse.

Day 6 - Husavik

Arrive: Sat 06 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 06 July 2024 at 18:00

Tucked away on the northern coast of Iceland along the picturesque shores of Skjálfandi Bay is Husavik—a small fishing community that has garnered a well-deserved reputation as one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world. Over 23 different species of whale have been recorded in Icelandic waters, with the most common visitors to Skjálfandi Bay being humpbacks, minke, and blue. Blue whales are especially impressive to behold. Known as the largest animal on Earth, a blue whale’s tongue alone can weigh more than an elephant.

Day 7 - Seydhisfjordur

Arrive: Sun 07 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 07 July 2024 at 18:00

Nestled within a deep fjord and surrounded by dramatic snow-capped mountains lies Seyðisfjörður—a quirky, charming enclave on Iceland’s eastern coast. Built on the back of the Icelandic herring fishing industry, there’s nowhere on Earth quite as picturesque, peaceful, or peculiar as Seyðisfjörður, and, with Azamara®'s smaller ships, we think we fit right in.

Day 8 - At Sea

Day 9 - Runavik (Faroe Isles)

Arrive: Tue 09 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 09 July 2024 at 22:00

Runavík is a comparatively urbanised village in Runavík Municipality, Faroe Islands. It lies on the south half of the isle of Eysturoy.

Day 10 - Thorshaven

Arrive: Wed 10 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 10 July 2024 at 17:00

This remote and little known fragment of Europe is an archipelago of 18 hilly islands, and a self-governing region of Denmark. Towns and villages cluster along the shores of fjords, and brightly painted houses in a rainbow of colors stand out against the deep green of fields and hillsides. It is a fine place to be outdoors and ideal for a hike amidst the superb scenery. Viking settlers are said to have established their parliament here in 825 with Torshavn as the capital, which it has remained ever since. The collection of impressive medieval ruins of Kirkjubour is also of interest, especially the striking Magnus Cathedral.

Day 11 - Lerwick, Scotland

Arrive: Thu 11 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 11 July 2024 at 17:00

An interesting mix of cultures, Shetland belonged to the Vikings until 1468, when the islands were mortgaged to Scotland as part of a marriage agreement between the future James II and Princess Margrethe of Denmark. It is a great place for wildlife experiences, with an abundance of breeding seabirds, orcas off shore, and shaggy and inquisitive Shetland ponies nosing about for a snack when you stop to take their photos. These isles are surely worth a visit; as Shetland Tourism says, “A quarter of a million puffins who come back every year can’t be wrong.”

Day 12 - Aberdeen, UK

Arrive: Fri 12 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 12 July 2024 at 18:00

Where the rivers Dee and Don meet the North Sea, you’ll find the harbor city of Aberdeen. Remote and northerly, Scotland’s third largest city is a surprising gem with distinctive architecture and a cosmopolitan feel. Encompassing a veritable wonderland of urban delights and pastoral pursuits, Aberdeen stands apart from other Scottish cities. You won’t hear Gaelic around these parts, as this bright sunny port more closely resembles a typical English city.

Day 13 - Edinburgh, UK

Arrive: Sat 13 July 2024 at 08:15

If ever there were a town made for walking, it would be Scotland's capital. Renowned as one of Europe?s most attractive cities, Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town are a Marvelous mixture of elegant streets, charming squares and quaint alleyways. Of course, the city?s most distinctive landmark is Edinburgh Castle, set high up on a craggy cliff in the center of the city. A must-see.

Day 14 - Edinburgh, UK

Depart: Sun 14 July 2024

If ever there were a town made for walking, it would be Scotland's capital. Renowned as one of Europe?s most attractive cities, Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town are a Marvelous mixture of elegant streets, charming squares and quaint alleyways. Of course, the city?s most distinctive landmark is Edinburgh Castle, set high up on a craggy cliff in the center of the city. A must-see.