Scandinavia, Iceland & British Isles Explorer Cruise

Day 1 - Helsinki

Arrive: Sat 13 May 2028 / Depart: Sat 13 May 2028 at 20:00

Perhaps their country's harsh climate encouraged the Finns' love and respect for design and the arts. Whatever the cause, there's no denying that Helsinki is one of the most vibrant and beautiful cities in Scandinavia. Hailed as the "Daughter of the Baltic," Finland's capital is a city of graceful neoclassical buildings, striking modern architecture and spacious boulevards dotted with squares and parks. In the past century, Finland has nurtured some of the major creative talents of Western culture, from the composer Sibelius to architects Eliel & Eero Saarinen and Alvar Aalto. The center of Finnish commerce and culture, Helsinki is home to some 616.000 people. Much of the city's neoclassical architecture dates from the period of Tsarist rule, which began in 1809 after political control of Finland passed from Sweden to Russia, Finland gained its independence in 1917.

Day 2 - Tallinn

Arrive: Sun 14 May 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 14 May 2028 at 16:00

Like Latvia and Lithuania, the Baltic republic of Estonia has survived a turbulent history. The small nation was conquered and ruled by the likes of Teutonic Knights, Polish princes and Russian Tsars. For 51 years, Estonia remained a pawn in the Soviet empire, until the burgeoning freedom movement led to independence for the Baltic Republics in 1991. Like its sister republics, Estonia maintained its ties to the Western tradition, retaining the Latin alphabet and Catholic and Protestant faiths. Once a member of the historic Hanseatic League, Tallinn is the political, commercial and cultural center of Estonia.

Day 3 - Stockholm

Arrive: Mon 15 May 2028 at 09:00 / Depart: Mon 15 May 2028 at 17:00

Often described as the "Capital of Scandinavia," Stockholm traces its origins back seven centuries, when it was founded on the island of Gamla Stan and became the capital of Sweden. Today, the city covers 14 separate islands connected by bays, channels and inlets. The skyline is a sea of copper roofs grown green with patina, towers, spires and graceful cupolas stand sentinel over the historic Old Town (Gamla Stan). With its population of nearly a million people, Stockholm is one of the world's most beautiful, clean and orderly cities. With a history stretching over seven centuries, Stockholm is not just a beautiful city but also Sweden's center of art and culture.

Day 4 - Visby, Sweden

Arrive: Tue 16 May 2028 at 09:00 / Depart: Tue 16 May 2028 at 17:00

Dramatic 13th-century city walls surround the former Viking settlement of Visby, Sweden. Recognized by UNESCO as the best-preserved medieval commercial center in Northern Europe, this quaint town of 20,000 residents, known as the "City of Roses and Ruins," is home to ancient forts, churches and winding streets lined with cafés and cozy cottages. The Gotlands Fornsal Museum explores 8,000 years of the region's rich cultural history, from the geological formation of Gotland through the Viking period to the modern age. A venture beyond the ancient walls takes you to the Hanseatic harbor of Almedalen, dotted by such historical sites as the Kruttornet (Powder Tower) and the Jungfrutornet (Maiden's Tower), or to scenic Dalmansporten, site of the 12th-century St. Mary Church, the only one of Visby's earliest churches to still be in use today. For those seeking the solace of the countryside, Gotland, Sweden's largest island, offers flowering meadows, pastoral views and the opportunity to experience the dairy products and sweet jams produced on local farms.

Day 5 - Bornholm, Denmark

Arrive: Wed 17 May 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 17 May 2028 at 16:00

This idyllic island in the Baltic has been a popular destination since its discovery by Danish artists in the 19th century. Bornholm boasts a wealth of scenic beauty ranging from bucolic farms to one of Denmark's largest forests. The island also features sandy beaches, quaint fishing ports and a rugged coast crowned by the ruins of the largest medieval fortress in Northern Europe. Bornholm is also the host of "New Scandinavian Cooking" - a wildly popular television series watched by over 60 million viewers. The island has become renowned for its high-quality gourmet produce including superb smoked fish, sausages and internationally award-winning beer and blue cheese. The island's capital and largest city, Rønne is home to 14,000 inhabitants.

Day 6 - Kiel (Hamburg)

Arrive: Thu 18 May 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 18 May 2028 at 17:00

Kiel, capital of Germany's rich agricultural Schleswig-Holstein region, has also been a bastion of German naval power since the 19th century. This Baltic port hosts a large regatta each year, attracting yachtsmen throughout Europe and beyond. The famous Kiel Canal begins here, where it stretches some 60 scenic miles from the Baltic to the North Sea. The North Sea-Baltic Canal, as it is formally named, took approximately 9,000 workers 8 years to build, and was officially opened in 1895. Today, over 40,000 vessels pass through each year, and its set of locks are sometimes referred to as the "Busiest Locks in Europe." Not far from the Kiel Canal, incredible Hamburg awaits. It is the third largest port in Europe, established by Charlemagne in the early 9th century. Though it fell to Viking attacks and foreign raids, lost over half its population to the Black Death and was later obliterated by the Great Fire of 1842, the city rebuilt and prevailed. It maintains much of its medieval character, thanks to a series of restorations that took place after World War II. Its unusual cityscape is devoid of traditional skyscrapers, though several magnificent church spires reach towards the clouds. From its fascinating museums and rich culture to the hundreds of bridges crossing its rivers and canals, Hamburg is a delightful city to stroll through as your ship transits the Kiel Canal.

Day 7 - Aarhus

Arrive: Fri 19 May 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 19 May 2028 at 17:00

It's easy to assume that Aarhus stands in Copenhagen's shadow - Aarhus after all is the second largest city in Denmark, and its university is both the country's second oldest and second largest. Yet Aarhus boasts singular virtues and charms. Despite a relatively modern cityscape, Aarhus is the oldest city in Scandinavia, mentioned in Icelandic sagas and chronicles. Excavated glass pearls and rune fragments date the city to centuries before its official founding in 770. Aarhus also boasts a lively cultural scene with an acclaimed International Art & Culture Festival in late August. It is also rich in parks and green areas. Located on Jutland's east coast, Aarhus is surrounded by dense forests, and provides easy access to Denmark's scenic Lake District west of the city and it also holds the queen's summer residence beautifully set at the rim of the forest overlooking the sea. Originally constructed in the 12th century, Aarhus's Domkirke is one of the great cathedrals in Scandinavia. Its immense copper spire stands over 300 feet high, making it - ironically - the second tallest bell tower in Northern Europe.

Day 8 - Copenhagen, Denmark

Arrive: Sat 20 May 2028 at 05:00 / Depart: Sat 20 May 2028 at 16:00

Copenhagen was founded during the 12th century. The city owes much of its charm to the buildings erected by Denmark's monarchs, and boasts a treasure trove of late-Renaissance and Rococo architecture. Copenhagen deserves its accolade as the Venice of the North. Founded on a series of islands and islets, the city today is laced with graceful canals and boasts some of the most delightful architecture in Northern Europe. See the fabled statue of Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid, a symbol of the city. Stroll along the old harbor of Nyhavn, lined with cafés, restaurants and 500-year-old gabled houses. Browse the superb shops on the world-famous Stroget or view the Rococo palaces lining Amalienborg Square. Best of all, savor the taste of local delicacies while wandering the paths of Tivoli Gardens, one of Europe's most celebrated pleasure gardens.

Day 9 - Skagen

Arrive: Sun 21 May 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 21 May 2028 at 15:00

On Denmark's northern tip, where the Baltic meets the North Sea, lies Skagen (pronounced "Skain"). Skagen is a fishing town with a maritime history that reaches back to the early Middle Ages. Boasting white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and stunning natural landscapes, the area has lured artists since the mid-19th century, drawn to the radiant light's interplay on the rugged landscapes, seascapes and cityscapes. The town has been featured in world-famous paintings by artists such as Michael and Anna Ancher and P.S. Krøyer, and the area has long enjoyed a rich artistic heritage. Guided bicycle excursions give a unique, up-close perspective on this pretty town, with its picturesque white-picket fenced neighborhoods featuring brightly painted yellow houses crowned by red-tiled roofs. Stroll through one of the many art galleries and museums, such as Skagen Art Museum and the Skagen Odde Nature Center. When it's time to taste the delicacies of the region, head to Pakhuset for a chance to discover one of Skagen's most iconic foods-marinated herring accompanied by Aquavit, a traditional spirit of Scandinavia infused with spices and herbs. A visit to Grenen, where the North and Baltic Seas converge, is a must for all voyagers-you can even straddle the waters with a foot in each mighty sea.

Day 10 - Stavanger

Arrive: Mon 22 May 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 22 May 2028 at 15:00

Norway's fourth largest city, Stavanger lies at the mouth of the Gandsfjord. The old port, attests to the sea's enduring role in Norwegian history. Here, Vikings once sailed on voyages of conquest and exploration. In later centuries, the port served as a major hub for Norway's mercantile and fishing fleets. By the mid-20th century, however, Stavanger had fallen on hard times as the fishing grounds dwindled. In 1969, the discovery of North Sea oil opened a new chapter in Stavanger's history. At the "Sword in the Rock" Monument, three giant crossed Viking swords commemorate King Harald Fair Hair's unification of Norway in 872 following his victory at the Battle of Hafrsfjord.

Day 11 - Andalsnes

Arrive: Tue 23 May 2028 at 12:00 / Depart: Tue 23 May 2028 at 21:00

As the dense fog parts, it reveals the truly epic scenery of Åndalsnes and its surrounding mountains and fjords. This small alpine village in western Norway is a fisherman's paradise, where the Rauma River and majestic Romsdalsfjord yield a high volume of cod, haddock and herring, to name a few. Not for the faint of heart, the main attraction in Åndalsnes is the winding Trollstigen, a winding scenic road to Geiranger that offers commanding views of breathtaking Geirangerfjord and the thundering Stigfossen Waterfall.

Day 12 - Nordfjordeid

Arrive: Wed 24 May 2028 at 10:00 / Depart: Wed 24 May 2028 at 21:00

Day 13 - Alesund

Arrive: Thu 25 May 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 25 May 2028 at 16:00

The island of Giske is the reputed birthplace of the great Viking Rollo, who laid siege to Paris and founded the Duchy of Normandy. William the Conqueror was his grandson. In 1904, a massive fire destroyed 800 buildings in this fishing port. Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm II responded with immediate aid, and Ålesund was reborn. Not surprisingly, the town was rebuilt in the then-popular Art Nouveau style known as Jugendstil. The result is one of the prettiest ports in Norway. Buildings with elegant turrets and spires can be seen lining the streets of the city center. Today, the city is one of Norway's most important fishing harbors and the world's largest supplier of stockfish (Klippfisk) - dried cod. Alesund's major attractions are the surrounding fjords and the stunning Sunnmøre Alps.

Day 14 - At Sea

Day 15 - Seydisfjordur

Arrive: Sat 27 May 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 27 May 2028 at 17:00

Considered the cultural capital of Eastern Iceland, Seydisfjordur lies at the head of a narrow fjord flanked by high mountains. This town of some 700 souls achieved municipal status in 1895, the first town in the East of Iceland to do so. The city is also the terminus for the ferry service linking Iceland to the Faeroe Islands and Denmark. Seydisfjordur is your gateway to the wild and isolated scenery of the Eastern Fjords. In myth, these narrow bays and towering mountains were once the home of trolls, elves and ogres. Seydisfjordur boasts a wealth of well-preserved 19th century homes and buildings. In the summer the small town can take on a cosmopolitan air as visitors flock to town aboard the ferry.

Day 16 - Akureyri

Arrive: Sun 28 May 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Sun 28 May 2028 at 18:00

The town is your gateway to the famous "Land of Fire and Ice" - Iceland's dramatic landscape of volcanic craters, extinct lava lakes and majestic waterfalls. Visitors to Akureyri have a hard time grasping the fact that the town lies just below the Arctic Circle. The climate here is temperate: flower boxes fill the windows of houses, and trees line the neat, well-tended avenues. Thanks to that mild climate, Akureyri's Botanical Gardens provide a home for over 2,000 species of flora from around the world - all surviving without greenhouses. No wonder Icelanders refer to Akureyri as the most pleasant town on the entire island.

Day 17 - Isafjordur

Arrive: Mon 29 May 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 29 May 2028 at 17:00

The town of Ísafjördur is the municipal centre of the West Fjords peninsula. The West Fjords are Iceland's least populated region, with 9,600 inhabitants in the area of 9,520 km. Isafjördur (population 3,500) formerly one of Iceland's main trading posts, was granted municipal status in 1886. Some of Iceland's oldest and best-preserved buildings, dating from the 18th century, are located in Ísafjördur. The town is still predominantly a fishing centre. A vigorous and varied cultural and artistic scene flourishes in the town as well. Mountains surround Ísafjördur on the three sides and the sea on the other. The ancient settlement site of Eyri downtown is enclosed by the narrow Skutulsfjördur fjord, which shelters the harbour in all weathers.

Day 18 - Reykjavik

Arrive: Tue 30 May 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Tue 30 May 2028 at 19:00

The patron saints of Reykjavik are fire and ice. Iceland is a land of volcanoes and glaciers, lava fields and green pastures, boiling thermal springs and ice-cold rivers teeming with salmon. This unspoiled demi-paradise is also home to a very old and sophisticated culture. The northernmost capital in the world, Reykjavik was founded in 874 when Ingolfur Arnarson threw wood pillars into the sea, vowing to settle where the pillars washed ashore. Today, Iceland is an international center of commerce and home to one of the most technologically sophisticated societies in the world. Reykjavik is the gateway to Iceland's natural wonders, which range from ice fields to thermal pools. The island is in a continual process of transformation much like its society, which blends Nordic tradition with sophisticated technology.

Day 19 - Isafjordur

Arrive: Wed 31 May 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 31 May 2028 at 18:00

The town of Ísafjördur is the municipal centre of the West Fjords peninsula. The West Fjords are Iceland's least populated region, with 9,600 inhabitants in the area of 9,520 km. Isafjördur (population 3,500) formerly one of Iceland's main trading posts, was granted municipal status in 1886. Some of Iceland's oldest and best-preserved buildings, dating from the 18th century, are located in Ísafjördur. The town is still predominantly a fishing centre. A vigorous and varied cultural and artistic scene flourishes in the town as well. Mountains surround Ísafjördur on the three sides and the sea on the other. The ancient settlement site of Eyri downtown is enclosed by the narrow Skutulsfjördur fjord, which shelters the harbour in all weathers.

Day 20 - Akureyri

Arrive: Thu 01 June 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 01 June 2028 at 17:00

The town is your gateway to the famous "Land of Fire and Ice" - Iceland's dramatic landscape of volcanic craters, extinct lava lakes and majestic waterfalls. Visitors to Akureyri have a hard time grasping the fact that the town lies just below the Arctic Circle. The climate here is temperate: flower boxes fill the windows of houses, and trees line the neat, well-tended avenues. Thanks to that mild climate, Akureyri's Botanical Gardens provide a home for over 2,000 species of flora from around the world - all surviving without greenhouses. No wonder Icelanders refer to Akureyri as the most pleasant town on the entire island.

Day 21 - Seydisfjordur

Arrive: Fri 02 June 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 02 June 2028 at 18:00

Considered the cultural capital of Eastern Iceland, Seydisfjordur lies at the head of a narrow fjord flanked by high mountains. This town of some 700 souls achieved municipal status in 1895, the first town in the East of Iceland to do so. The city is also the terminus for the ferry service linking Iceland to the Faeroe Islands and Denmark. Seydisfjordur is your gateway to the wild and isolated scenery of the Eastern Fjords. In myth, these narrow bays and towering mountains were once the home of trolls, elves and ogres. Seydisfjordur boasts a wealth of well-preserved 19th century homes and buildings. In the summer the small town can take on a cosmopolitan air as visitors flock to town aboard the ferry.

Day 22 - At Sea

Day 23 - Runavik, Faroe Islands

Arrive: Sun 04 June 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 04 June 2028 at 16:00

Day 24 - Orkney Islands (Kirkwall)

Arrive: Mon 05 June 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 05 June 2028 at 17:00

Just north of Scotland lay the Orkney Islands. Washed by the furthest reach of the Gulf Stream, this chain of over 70 islands offers dramatic landscapes that range from sea cliffs rearing 1,000 feet above the waves to sweeping white sand beaches. Bird watchers flock to the Orkney Islands, drawn by the multitudes of sea birds. Divers explore the wrecks lying in the clear waters of Scapa Flow, the Royal Navy's fleet anchorage in two world wars. And most fascinating of all, the Orkney Islands boast the greatest concentration of prehistoric sites in all Europe, including the mysterious Ring of Brodgar and 5,000-year-old Skara Brae.

Day 25 - Edinburgh (South Queensferry), Scotland

Arrive: Tue 06 June 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 06 June 2028 at 19:00

Edinburgh is Scotland's compact, hilly capital. It has a medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings. Looming over the city is Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish rulers.

Day 26 - At Sea

Day 27 - Southampton (London)

Arrive: Thu 08 June 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Thu 08 June 2028 at 16:00

The south of England boasts a dramatic coastline that encloses some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain. The landscape of hills and heaths, downs and forests, valleys and dales, is without rival. Southampton serves as your gateway to the countryside - and to a wide variety of historic sites, national landmarks and charming. And of course, London is a two-hour drive by modern highway. The United Kingdom's premier passenger ship port, Southampton was home for many years to the great transatlantic liners of yesteryear.

Day 28 - Cornwall (Falmouth)

Arrive: Fri 09 June 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 09 June 2028 at 17:00

Situated along Cornwall's Riviera Coast, Falmouth has a maritime charm with a superb natural, deepwater harbor -- the third largest in the world. Picture-perfect harbors such as Polperro and Charlestown lie nearby. And the area’s golden stretch of beachfront draws thousands of visitors each year.

Day 29 - Cork (Cobh)

Arrive: Sat 10 June 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 10 June 2028 at 18:00

Day 30 - Dublin (Dun Laoghaire)

Arrive: Sun 11 June 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 11 June 2028 at 19:00

The coastal suburb of Dún Laoghaire is popular for strolls on the East Pier, and locally caught fish and chips. The National Maritime Museum of Ireland has nautical art and artefacts inside a 19th-century sailors’ church, while the harbour is a busy hub for fishing, water sports and cruises.

Day 31 - Belfast

Arrive: Mon 12 June 2028 at 07:30 / Depart: Mon 12 June 2028 at 20:00

The capital of Northern Ireland - part of the United Kingdom - Belfast has experienced a renaissance since the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 that promised an end to the decades-old "Troubles" between Catholics and Protestants. Stretching along both sides of the River Lagan, this graceful city of Victorian and Edwardian buildings has become a cosmopolitan tourist destination. Once a major industrial center, Belfast is also your gateway to the rich, Irish countryside of Counties Antrim and Down. Belfast was an industrial giant in the 19th century, famed for its linen and its shipyards. Explore this exuberant city, marvel at the Giant's Causeway or shop for superb Irish linens.

Day 32 - Killybegs

Arrive: Tue 13 June 2028 at 10:00 / Depart: Tue 13 June 2028 at 20:00

Day 33 - Galway

Arrive: Wed 14 June 2028 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 14 June 2028 at 18:00

Galway, a harbour city on Ireland’s west coast, sits where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city’s hub is 18th-century Eyre Square, a popular meeting spot surrounded by shops and traditional pubs that often offer live Irish folk music. Nearby, stone-clad cafes, boutiques and art galleries line the winding lanes of the Latin Quarter, which retains portions of the medieval city walls.

Day 34 - At Sea

Day 35 - Southampton (London)

Arrive: Fri 16 June 2028 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 16 June 2028

The south of England boasts a dramatic coastline that encloses some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain. The landscape of hills and heaths, downs and forests, valleys and dales, is without rival. Southampton serves as your gateway to the countryside - and to a wide variety of historic sites, national landmarks and charming. And of course, London is a two-hour drive by modern highway. The United Kingdom's premier passenger ship port, Southampton was home for many years to the great transatlantic liners of yesteryear.