Fire, Ice & Splendor - Reykjavik to London Cruise

Day 1 - Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive: Thu 25 July 2024 / Depart: Thu 25 July 2024 at 18:00

Just as Iceland is a unique country, rugged and remote, yet modern and enjoying Nordic standards of affluence, so Reykjavik is a beautifully diverse capital city. As Iceland's capital and its main center of population, the city of Reykjavik offers a fascinating mixture of the traditional and the very technically advanced. In addition, its natural beauty leaves a lasting impression. Visit the remarkable solfatara fields of Krýsuvík where you’ll discover an expanse of steaming volcanic vents and boiling hot springs, framed dramatically by a range of multi-colored hills.

Day 2 - Isafjordur

Arrive: Fri 26 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 26 July 2024 at 18:00

Discover the dazzling natural beauty of Isafjordur. With its striking steep mountains on three sides rising dramatically around a gorgeous bay, this is one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. Trace the area’s history with a visit to the Maritime Museum in one of the oldest buildings dating back to the 18th century. A delightfully urban atmosphere prevails with major music schools, free concerts and festivals. Bring home fine handmade woolen items, nautical-themed articles, as well as arts and crafts. Feast on fresh baked goods and coffee at one of the many cafés.

Day 3 - Akureyri

Arrive: Sat 27 July 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 27 July 2024 at 18:00

Explore the big city amenities and small village charm of Akureyri, on the shores of one of the world’s longest fjords encircled by dramatic snow-capped mountains. As you stroll into town visit the newly built “temple of culture,” HOF, which houses a theater, music hall, restaurant as well as the Tourist Information Center. Marvel at the variety of Arctic plants in the Botanical Garden of Akureyri. Stroll along Arts’ Alley meandering through the museum, galleries and artists’ studios. Enjoy the tax-free shop in the town center. Look for fine woolen knitwear, handmade ceramics, glassware, and silver jewelry.

Day 4 - Norwegian Sea

Day 5 - Faroe Islands

Arrive: Mon 29 July 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 29 July 2024 at 16:00

Day 6 - Lerwick, Scotland

Arrive: Tue 30 July 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Tue 30 July 2024 at 17:00

Explore Stone Age ruins, heather-covered moors and the rugged Scottish highlands in Lerwick, capital of the Shetland Island Archipelago. With its dramatic cliffs, Grand Victorian houses, charming Shetland ponies, and Nordic heritage Lerwick offers hours of entertainment. Set off on your own to get an historic overview at the Shetland Museum and Archives on the waterfront. Stroll through the numerous galleries and quaint shops looking for unique art, fine hand knitted sweaters made from the wool of Shetland Sheep and beautiful knitted lace. The local-made beer and whiskey is well worth a visit to a pub.

Day 7 - Alesund

Arrive: Wed 31 July 2024 at 11:00 / Depart: Wed 31 July 2024 at 20:00

In 1904, much of Alesund was destroyed by fire, but the town was quickly rebuilt in the period’s popular Art Nouveau style. Soaring turrets, spires and beautiful ornamentation adorn the buildings throughout Alesund, giving it a distinctive flair and earning the town a revered architectural reputation. Explore its many attractions, such as the spectacular Art Nouveau Centre museum, scenic Town Park, and Atlantic Sea Park, one of Europe’s largest aquariums. For a look at modern Norwegian woodworking, visit the impressive Gallery Cylindra. Many of Alesund’s squares feature sculptures commemorating significant events, including the town’s rich fishing history and Norway’s contribution to World War II. Buy exquisite Norwegian fashions, jewelry, leather handbags, tapestries and glassworks. Alesund offers a wealth of restaurants serving everything from Norwegian seafood delicacies to international gourmet fare, ranging from Japanese to Italian.

Day 8 - Bergen

Arrive: Thu 01 August 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 01 August 2024 at 21:00

Situated along the Byfjord, Bergen is Norway’s second largest city, and one of its most charming. The city’s history dates back to the early 11th century when Olav Kyrre established a settlement and royal residence here. In 1240, Bergen replaced Trondheim as the capital, and the city quickly prospered. Much of the city's architecture today reflects the lifestyle of the Hanseatic merchants, who resided in narrow row houses near the harbor.

Day 9 - Stavanger, Norway

Arrive: Fri 02 August 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 02 August 2024 at 21:00

Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway, and has been called the Petroleum Capital of Norway. Starting in the 1880s, industry grew in Stavanger, primarily based on treatment and exports of fish and fish-products. In the 1960s, exploratory oil-drilling in the North Sea changed the economic situation for Stavanger. With its good harbor and plane connections, Stavanger was well-positioned to take advantage of the increased activity. Stavanger and its region, along with Liverpool, United Kingdom, have been selected as a European Capital of Culture for 2008.

Day 10 - Kristiansand, Norway

Arrive: Sat 03 August 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 03 August 2024 at 19:00

Discover cosmopolitan Kristiansund with its cultural, tranquil atmosphere, blend of contemporary and traditional architecture, and natural beauty woven throughout and beyond the city set on the shores of a sparkling fjord. Visit the old town, Posebyn, and admire the small, white wooden houses that speak of a bygone era. Stroll along the boardwalk to the town center and Fiskebrygga (fish market), enjoying the maritime history and fresh local seafood. Visit the Adger Nature Museum and Botanical Gardens for an overview of Norway’s history dating back to the Ice Age. Then go to Markens gate to browse the shops, making a turn onto Skippergada for a selection of smaller boutiques, galleries and cafés. Look for hand-knit sweaters, fine Norwegian glassware and local crafts in this picture perfect setting.

Day 11 - Oslo

Arrive: Sun 04 August 2024 at 08:00

Oslo is Norway's capital and largest city. Located at the head of the Oslofjord, the city is encircled by wooded hills and snowcapped peaks. Norway is a maritime nation with Oslo being the chief port for sea services from the Continent and England. Throughout Oslo’s 900-year history there have been many fires, and as a result it has a mixture of architectural styles. With a fairly compact city center, many of Oslo's attractions can be explored on foot.

Day 12 - Oslo

Depart: Mon 05 August 2024 at 18:00

Oslo is Norway's capital and largest city. Located at the head of the Oslofjord, the city is encircled by wooded hills and snowcapped peaks. Norway is a maritime nation with Oslo being the chief port for sea services from the Continent and England. Throughout Oslo’s 900-year history there have been many fires, and as a result it has a mixture of architectural styles. With a fairly compact city center, many of Oslo's attractions can be explored on foot.

Day 13 - North Sea Cruising

Day 14 - Amsterdam

Arrive: Wed 07 August 2024 / Depart: Wed 07 August 2024

As capital cities go, Amsterdam is small in comparison. It has a reputation for free-spirited and very liberal lifestyles. Some might call it Europe's most "radical" city, but one cannot deny the beauty of Amsterdam and its rich history. Amsterdam is a cultural center of Europe, as exemplified in its more than 140 art galleries and 40 museums. In addition, it is famous for its baroque architecture, canals, and cobblestone streets where the favored mode of transportation is the bicycle.

Day 15 - Antwerp

Arrive: Thu 08 August 2024 at 10:00

The two most recurring sights in Antwerp are the works of local sculptor Peter Paul Rubens and hands, which adorn everything from the town flag to the local Belgian chocolates. The hands' symbolism is explained at Brabo Fountain in Grote Market Square, which depicts the soldier that severed the hand of a mythical giant who bullied the townspeople by taking tolls. Antwerp is also known for its beautifully preserved Gothic and Baroque architecture, which includes the Cathedral of Our Lady, a masterpiece of lace work in stone on Groenplaats public square.

Day 16 - Antwerp

Depart: Fri 09 August 2024 at 14:00

The two most recurring sights in Antwerp are the works of local sculptor Peter Paul Rubens and hands, which adorn everything from the town flag to the local Belgian chocolates. The hands' symbolism is explained at Brabo Fountain in Grote Market Square, which depicts the soldier that severed the hand of a mythical giant who bullied the townspeople by taking tolls. Antwerp is also known for its beautifully preserved Gothic and Baroque architecture, which includes the Cathedral of Our Lady, a masterpiece of lace work in stone on Groenplaats public square.

Day 17 - Honfleur

Arrive: Sat 10 August 2024 at 09:00 / Depart: Sat 10 August 2024 at 22:00

The peaceful setting of the picturesque port of Honfleur along the Seine attracted many artists and writers over the years, including English painter Bonington, French painter Boudin, French poet Charles Baudelaire and later the members of Impressionist Painters. Throughout its history, numerous maritime journeys were initiated from Honfleur. It is especially known for its old, beautiful picturesque port, characterized by its houses with slate-covered frontages.

Day 18 - St. Peter Port, Guernsey

Arrive: Sun 11 August 2024 / Depart: Sun 11 August 2024

St. Peter Port is the capital of Guernsey, as well as the main port of the island. In Guernesiais and in French, historically the official language of Guernsey, the name of the town and its surrounding parish is St Pierre Port. As well as being a parish, St. Peter Port is a small town consisting mostly of steep narrow streets and steps on the overlooking slopes.

Day 19 - Southampton

Arrive: Mon 12 August 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Mon 12 August 2024

Southampton is the largest city and port on the south coast of England. Tour the historic byways of Old Town with its Medieval walls and Tudor architecture. Spend an hour or two meandering along the pathways of Royal Victoria Country Park, picturesquely set along the waterfront on the grounds of a former military hospital where Florence Nightingale once worked. Southampton's maritime past can be explored by strolling along the Town Quay with its marina and lively bars and restaurants.