Northern Isles & Viking Sagas Cruise

Day 1 - Rotterdam

Arrive: Sat 29 June 2024 / Depart: Sat 29 June 2024 at 16:00

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.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Scenic Cruising Oslo Fjord

Day 3 - Oslo

Arrive: Mon 01 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 01 July 2024 at 16:00

At the head of Oslofjord, Norway's handsome capital is the logical first stop in Scandinavia. Thor Heyerdahl's raft, Kon Tiki, recalls a voyage between Easter Island and Tahiti to prove a theory about the earliest colonization of Oceania. Watch the changing of the palace guard; ferry to the open-air Folke Museum with its 12th-century stave church

Day 4 - Kristiansand, Norway

Arrive: Tue 02 July 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 02 July 2024 at 15:00

One of southern Norway's most picturesque attractions. Take a walk among the white wooden houses, or visit the variety of shops. You'll discover the town's interesting geometric layout designed during the Renaissance.

Day 5 - Ulvik

Arrive: Wed 03 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 03 July 2024 at 15:00

Tucked away in a snug corner of the Hardangerfjord, the small, scenic village of Ulvik sits along the shoreline, with orchards filling the green hills behind. This popular little resort is an excellent place to unwind with hiking trails that crisscross the rough uplands to the north of Ulvik, and meander along the surrounding shoreline. The townspeople are justly proud and happy to share their "kulturlandskapsplan" (culture landscape plan), in which four designated areas incorporate both footpaths and historic sights, including the Ljonakleiv crofter's farm in the hills above the village.

Day 5 - Hardangerfjord

Arrive: Wed 03 July 2024 / Depart: Wed 03 July 2024

Day 6 - Sognefjord

Arrive: Thu 04 July 2024 / Depart: Thu 04 July 2024

Norway's Sognefjord is the longest and deepest fjord in the world. Imagine 205 majestic winding kilometers (127 miles) of beautiful villages, centuries-old architecture including wooden stave churches, towering mountains with snow-covered peaks, cascading waterfalls and panoramic views. It is also a region known for its traditional food, folklore, music and rich culture. Set in the southern part of the country, centrally located at the heart of Fjord Norway (as the region is known), the fjord reaches depths of more than 1,308 meters (4,291 feet). It also soars to the sky, with rugged cliffs rising to more than 1,700 meters (5,577 feet). This is nature at its most dramatic. In fact, one of the Sognefjord’s arms, the Nærøyfjord, is on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The Urnes Stave Church, which was build around 1130 is also included on UNESCO's World Heritage List. As the poet John Keats once wrote, “The poetry of earth is never dead,” and within the Sognefjord lie many sonnets of life. Be inspired by its treasures. All you have to do is sit back and watch the spectacular wonder of this destination.

Day 6 - Skjolden

Arrive: Thu 04 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 04 July 2024 at 15:00

Surrounded by steep hills and stunning waterfalls, Skjolden is located at the head Sognefjord--the world's longest navigable fjord. Visit Urnes Stave Church, the oldest stave church found in Norway, included on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, and take a hike in Jostedalsbreen National Park for views you'll never forget.

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - Rotterdam

Arrive: Sat 06 July 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 06 July 2024 at 15:00

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.

Day 9 - At Sea

Day 10 - Stornoway (Isle Lewis)

Arrive: Mon 08 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 08 July 2024 at 17:00

Inhabited for more than 6,000 years, the Isle of Lewis has a rich history and rugged beauty. Explore the islands varied scenery from fjord-like lochs and dramatic sea-cliffs to barren peat moors and romantic heather covered uplands; marvel at the mysterious Standing Stones at Callanish, the most remarkable piece of antiquity in the Western Isles; and shop for famous Harris Tweed, hand-woven and uniquely dyed using indigenous plants.

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive: Wed 10 July 2024 at 08:00

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

Day 13 - Reykjavik, Iceland

Depart: Thu 11 July 2024 at 17:00

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

Day 14 - Akureyri

Arrive: Fri 12 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 12 July 2024 at 17:00

Often described as the capital of north Iceland, the country's second-largest city is both vibrant and pretty, and serves as an ideal hub for exploring the incredible landscape that surrounds it. Located at the head of a 60-kilometer fjord—the country’s longest—and surrounded by snow-streaked mountains, Akureyri was originally settled in the 9th century and was first officially mentioned as a city in the 16th century. Today it boasts a population of around 17,000, a scenic harbor and an array of interesting shops, buzzy cafés and upscale restaurants. Its main sights include the Akureyri Church, a wonderful botanical garden (founded in 1912) and the fascinating Akureyri Museum. From here it’s possible to explore some of the country’s most memorable landscapes, starting with Akureyri’s own fjord, Eyjafjörður, where you'll find several museums (including the Icelandic Folk and Outsider Art Museum), fishing villages like Grenivík and plenty of dramatic mountain scenery. Farther afield are the island of Grímsey, the volcanic wonderland of Lake Mývatn and a whole host of waterfalls, gorges, churches and saga sites.

Day 14 - Grundafjordur

Arrive: Fri 12 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 12 July 2024 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 15 - Isafjordur

Arrive: Sat 13 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 13 July 2024 at 17:00

Bordered on three sides by dramatic mountains that form a natural harbor, the idyllic town of Ísafjörður—population 2,600—serves as a charming exploration hub for the surrounding Westfjords peninsula. Settled since the 16th century, and traditionally dependent on fishing as its main source of income, its streets are today lined with old wooden houses interspersed with occasional shops, restaurants and cafés. Despite its low-key atmosphere, Ísafjörður offers plenty to do, from visiting local museums and enjoying a game of golf, to hiking, biking and kayaking around the town and harbor. The town also hosts several notable events, such as Iceland's oldest cross-country ski race, the mud-football European Championships and a classical music festival, Við Djúpið. The rugged and remote Westfjords offer many more attractions. A daily summer ferry transports visitors to the scenic Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and to Vigur, an island that's home to many protected bird populations. Follow the region’s striking coastline and you’ll find snow-streaked mountains, waterfalls and beaches.

Day 15 - Scenic Cruising Isafjardurdjur

Day 16 - Husavik

Arrive: Sun 14 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 14 July 2024 at 17:00

Visitors should take a trip to downtown Husavik to visit the Husavik Whale Museum. The museum set itself the task of educating the public about whales with a focus on the North Atlantic species. One of the main attractions of the city is the whale watching tour. The waters of the region are filled with different types of whales. Adventurers and nature lovers should visit Lava Horses. Here, visitors are assigned a guide and horses for a tour of the region on horseback. The unique experience rewards visitors with spectacular views of the region's landscapes.

Day 17 - Djupivogur, Iceland

Arrive: Mon 15 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 15 July 2024 at 18:00

Djúpivogur, a quiet fishing village with fewer than 500 residents, sits on the eastern coast of Iceland and dates back to the days of the Vikings. Despite the fearsome reputation of those who first established Djúpivogur, today what draws visitors to this remote corner of the country is its dramatic natural setting. Located on Berufjörður, it is near stunning natural wonders like the Hofellsjökull Glacier and the Valley of Waterfalls. Wherever you journey in the region, you'll come upon stunning vistas and a landscape shaped by glaciers and geothermal activity. The village itself is home to intriguing sites like Langabúð, a log house built in 1790 that now houses artifacts related to Iceland’s long-held folk traditions. (These include a belief in “hidden folk” who live in the ancient windswept landscapes of rock, glacier and lava.) You can also journey to nearby Papey Island and meet some of eastern Iceland's seabird population including cute and quirky puffins. These birds are so beloved in Iceland that they were long the symbol of the national airline and actually outnumber the country's human population by some 25 to 1.

Day 17 - Scenic cruising Berufjordur

Day 18 - At Sea

Day 19 - Lerwick, Scotland

Arrive: Wed 17 July 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 17 July 2024 at 16:00

Although part of the United Kingdom, Shetland’s roots are as much Norse as Scottish. This is reflected in the archipelago's many archaeological sites, cultural events and a unique dialect that borrows heavily from Old Norse. Although economically driven by energy, in particular the North Sea oil industry and a growing number of wind farms, Shetland’s heritage of fishing and textile production lives on. Tradition also drives the islands’ main festivals, including the world-famous Viking-themed Up Helly Aa festival of fire held every January, and smaller folk festivals held throughout the year. Located midway between Scotland, Norway and the Faroe Islands, the archipelago is home to diverse animal life including the iconic Shetland ponies, easily recognizable by their distinctive short legs and heavy fur coats. Get a closer look at the ponies and the unique black Shetland sheep on the scenic drive to the remarkable Bronze Age archaeological site at Jarlshof. If you choose to linger in Lerwick, head to Commercial Street for the best independent shops and places to eat. A surprising number of musicians, writers and filmmakers make Shetland their home. The new Mareel center for visual and performing arts is testament to the growing importance of the arts community to the Shetland way of life.

Day 20 - South Queensferry

Arrive: Thu 18 July 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 18 July 2024 at 23:59

History was made in this port, just across the Firth of Forth from Rosyth, when the future Queen Margaret of Scotland arrived around 1071. Her devout religious attitude established 'Queen's Ferry' as the place for pilgrims from abroad to alight on their way to St. Andrews—Scotland's ecclesiastical capital in the Middle Ages. Margaret's legacy continues less than a dozen miles away at Edinburgh Castle. A key attraction up on the castle's rock is St. Margaret's Chapel, believed to be the oldest section of the fortifications and the place where she worshipped. There's more to Scotland's capital than the Castle, though. Edinburgh proudly displays multiple exhibits on national and international scientific achievement at the National Museum of Scotland, as well as some fantastic works of visual art at the National Galleries of Scotland. South Queensferry's moorings are also within easy striking distance of Scotland's largest metropolis: the city of Glasgow. Transformed in many ways since the post–WWII days when it had a reputation for grime and crime, the city is among the most vibrant in the U.K.: It is Scotland's de-facto capital of modern culture, with the hippest DJs and most accomplished conceptual artists.

Day 21 - At Sea

Day 22 - Rotterdam

Arrive: Sat 20 July 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 20 July 2024

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.