7-Day Viking Trails & Celtic Origins Cruise

Day 1 - Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive: Sun 23 July 2028 / Depart: Sun 23 July 2028 at 23:00

See dramatic evidence of Iceland's volcanic origins: geysers, hotsprings, vast fields of cooled lava. Swim in the naturally-warmed Blue Lagoon.

Day 2 - Grundarfjordur, Iceland

Arrive: Mon 24 July 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 24 July 2028 at 17:00

Grundarfjörður is a town in the north of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in the west of Iceland. It is situated between a mountain range and the sea. The nearby mountain Kirkjufell forms a small peninsula.

Day 3 - Heimaey

Arrive: Tue 25 July 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 25 July 2028 at 17:00

This charming Arctic settlement of around 4,500 people (and millions of wild puffins) offers unique opportunities for sightseeing. The visually dramatic setting is particularly suited to photographers looking to capture memorable vistas.

Day 4 - At Sea

Day 5 - Runavik (Faroe Isles)

Arrive: Thu 27 July 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 27 July 2028 at 17:00

Situated on the picturesque island of Eysturoy, the small village of Runavík is your gateway to the Faroe Islands. This ethereal archipelago and autonomous region of Denmark lies in the North Atlantic between Scotland, Iceland and Norway. Explore the islands’ pastoral landscapes, dotted with colorful cottages, grass roofed wooden churches, Viking stone farmhouses, and sheep grazing on green pastures of scotch heather.

Day 6 - Kirkwall

Arrive: Fri 28 July 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 28 July 2028 at 17:00

While the southernmost isles of Orkney closely straddle the northeast corner of the Scottish mainland, historically the archipelago (around 70 islands in all) and its people have had as much in common with Scandinavia as they have had with Scotland. In fact, until the 15th century, the Orkney Islands were politically part of Norway. Today the Orcadians are a fairly tight-knit and cooperative group of Scots—a rich community of artists and crofters (small-holding farmers), fisherfolk and those in the trades. A key attraction for tourists is the wealth of prehistoric sites on Orkney, including standing stones, burial chambers and even Stone Age settlements, such as Skara Brae, inhabited sometime around 3000 B.C.E. More recently, because of its isolation, Orkney was chosen as the place to keep Italian prisoners of war during WWII; a chapel built by them is a popular site to visit. The island capital is Kirkwall (originally Kirkjuvagr meaning Church Bay). Here you'll find the Cathedral of St. Magnus—one of only two pre–Reformation cathedrals still largely intact in Scotland (the other is Glasgow's St. Mungo). Nearby, the historic town district includes the Earl's Palace, built for the infamous Earl Patrick Stewart, whose father was a bastard son of King James V and who was executed in 1615 for treason.

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - Rotterdam

Arrive: Sun 30 July 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 30 July 2028

Often called the gateway to Europe, the port city of Rotterdam is full of old-world charm. The harbor offers amazing views and a maze of wharves and canals, along with towering spires make for a beautiful sight. Take a stroll and duck into one of the pubs or eateries along the way. Only three pre World War II buildings in the city centre have survived and are worth a look - city hall, St. Laurence church and the White House. Explore the Museum Boymans van Beuningen, which houses a unique collection dating from the 14th century, or the Museum Voor Volkenkunde - home to ethnological exhibits. Exquisite architecture can be seen in many areas of Rotterdam, most notably in the Delfshaven quarter of the city - where 18th century houses are on display. For a laugh, check out Kijk-Kubus, an upside-down house.