Coastal Wonders of Norway, the Faroe Islands and Iceland

15 Days

Overview

Trace the route of early Viking explorers and see their influence in wild, remote lands. Cruise the famed Norwegian fjords and the magical Lofoten islands, explore Stone Age sites in Scotland’s Shetland Islands, and come face to face with the legacy of the Vikings amid the turf-roofed cottages and ancient sites of the Faroe Islands. Then trace Iceland’s most remote shorelines, witnessing geological wonders from volcanoes to thundering waterfalls.

Arrive in Tromsø, known as the “gateway to the Arctic” due to the large number of Arctic expeditions that originated here. Transfer to the meeting place in the city and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship.

This morning, enter the long fjord of Tysfjorden, where only a few small villages cling to the rocky shores. Glide beneath the fjord’s steep walls on Zodiac and kayak excursions, and explore Hellemobotn Fjord, which reaches far inland, ending just a few miles from the border of Sweden.

The Lofoten archipelago boasts an enchanting landscape of picturesque villages ringed by jagged granite peaks. Enjoy village walks and island explorations as you venture through an area known for its dramatic landscapes and its cod fishing traditions throughout the centuries. A bit later, admire one of Norway’s most dramatic fjords from the deck as the ship navigates through Trollfjorden.

Carved by glaciers over millions of years, Norway’s northern coast is laced with steep-walled fjords, mountainous islands and chiseled peaks. Cruise in a Zodiac along vertical rock faces, kayak through serene fjords or go ashore on a secluded sandy beach to hike amid verdant valleys and birch forests.

Spend a relaxing day at sea as you sail toward the Shetland Islands, an archipelago of about one hundred islands and islets located north of the Scottish mainland. Glide past the towering cliffs of Noss to look for murres, puffins, kittiwakes and other seabirds. This evening, dock overnight in Lerwick.

Lerwick is Shetland’s only official town with a little more than 7,000 inhabitants. Spend the morning delving into your choice of interests, from the ruins of Jarlshof, the Lighthouse and bird cliffs of Sumburgh Head, or by heading to the quieter western villages to hike, birdwatch and meet local fisherman. After dinner, the ship will attempt a landing at Foula, part of the Shetland Archipelago. Conditions permitting, enjoy an evening exploration on this remote island.

The last day in Shetland is spent anchored in a secluded fjord, just below the Hermness Nature Reserve. For nature lovers, there is no limit to the number of discoveries waiting along its paths, notably its extensive moorland and dramatic bird cliffs. For those looking to understand the cultural heritage of Shetland and the island of Unst, visit their cultural center and Viking project with reconstructed longhouse.

This morning, arrive in the Faroe Islands, an autonomous archipelago within the Kingdom of Denmark. The legacy of the Vikings persists here, reflected in the language of the Faroese and their love of the sea. Visit Tórshavn, the colorful capital of the Faroe Islands, where even the government buildings are crafted in the traditional design of wooden siding with a turf roof. See the 12th-century St. Olav’s Church alongside the ruins of Kirkjubøur Cathedral, which was never completed. Navigate through the islands to one of the local communities on Eysturoy, the second largest island in the Faroes. Enjoy a day alongside villagers, experiencing the warm hospitality and stunning landscapes of their beautiful fjord.

After a morning at sea, arrive at Iceland’s rugged eastern coast, an unspoiled stretch of rocky outcrops, hidden coves and hills that beckon hikers. Visit Seyðisfjörður, known for its charming fishing village, and visit Skálanes Nature Reserve with its colorful wildflowers and bird cliffs. Continue to Grímsey on the Arctic Circle.

The Westfjords of Iceland are notably some of the most remote fjords in the country with many nooks and crannies or fjords and islands to explore. Spend two days enjoying expedition activities across this dynamic corner of Iceland, meeting locals who call this region home and using the ship as a platform of adventure and discovery.

Disembark in Reykjavík and take a morning excursion. Transfer to the airport for flights home.