Following a zigzagging route packed with contrasts, we follow in the wake of the Vikings from Norway to the rugged northern isles of Scotland to Iceland’s icebergs, hot springs and lava fields. We seek the diversity of these dramatic isles: Stone Age sites at Orkney and isolated villages in the Shetlands that hark back to the old days. Everywhere we marvel at the rugged scenery of this domain, from the pastoral beauty and turf-roofed houses of the Faroes to Iceland’s snow-capped mountains and icebergs, bubbling mud pools at Hverarond and unforgettable Godafoss, the waterfall of the gods. With our Zodiacs, kayaks and undersea technology, we explore Iceland’s many bays and fjords—seeing sights which hardly an Icelander has ever witnessed. And we see an abundance of wildlife, both above and below the sea. Seabirds—puffins, kittiwakes and guillemots. At this time of year we’re hopeful to spot several species of whales. And our galley will serve the bounty of these waters, rich with North Atlantic fish stocks. Join us as we head north to explore the fringes of the Arctic, meeting the colorful puffins and the real Vikings of today.
Day 1 Bergen/Embark
Arrive in Bergen and explore the historic Bryggen wharf area, a World Heritage site. (L,D)
Day 2 At Sea/Orkney Islands, Scotland
Discover the Stone Age sites of Orkney: the standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar, the megalithic tomb of Maeshowe and the stone-slab village of Skara Brae—5,000 years old! Visit medieval St. Magnus Cathedral and stop for tea at Balfour Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Shetland Islands
Glide past the bird cliffs of Noss to view murres and kittiwakes. Pause to photograph Shetland ponies on our way to Jarlshof, a site inhabited for almost 4,000 years. At Mousa Island, see a fine example of an Iron Age broch (a fortified stone tower). (B,L,D)
Day 4 Vestmanna, Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are an autonomous archipelago within the Kingdom of Denmark. Our ship navigates between the cliffs of Streymoy and Vágar Islands. Explore Streymoy by boat, skirting dramatic sea stacks, or set out overland to visit the historic settlements. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Tórshavn
The Faroese are proud of their Viking legacy, reflected in their ancient language and love of the sea. Browse Viking artifacts at the museum, wander through 12th-century St. Olav’s Church, and discover the Kirkjubøur archaeological site. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Mykines
Zodiacs take us ashore on Mykines Island, known for its thousands of puffins. Stroll through the tiny village, passing whimsical turf roofed houses. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Djúpivogur, Iceland
Explore the vast Vatnajökull ice cap, the largest ice cap in the Europe. Take an optional boat ride through Jökulsárlón, a lagoon strewn with sculpted icebergs. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Exploring the Langanes Peninsula
Today is left open to explore Iceland’s rugged, unspoiled east coast by Zodiac and on foot. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Húsavík and Lake Mývatn
Watch for whales on our approach to Húsavík. Drive to Lake Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. Examine the bizarre boiling mud pools at Hverarönd and continue through Krafla Volcano’s geothermal area to the crater at Viti. End the day at Goðafoss, the “waterfall of the gods.” (B,L,D)
Day 10 Exploring Iceland’s Northern Coast
Discover the sights of Akureyri. Venture into the old town or go riding on an Icelandic horse. Sail north to the land of the midnight sun, taking Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grimsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. (B,L,D)
Day 11 Ísafjörður
The town of Isafjörður lies on a tiny spit jutting out into the water, great for hiking. Meet a farmer for a tour of a working eiderdown farm and learn how feathers are collected. (B,L,D)
Day 12 Exploring Iceland’s Western Coast
Sail past the Latrabjarg cliffs, home to a huge population of razorbills. Continue to Flatey Island for a walk or a Zodiac cruise around the charming hamlet. (B,L,D)
Day 13 Westman Islands
The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes some 10,000 years ago. Heimaey was threatened in 1973 by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey, which we’ll see from deck. (B,L,D)
Day 14 Reykjavík/U.S.
Disembark in Reykjavík. Explore the old town and visit the Blue Lagoon before our flight home. (B,L)
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is between $600 and $1500, depending upon length of cruise, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/mail/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 120 days or more | $300 per person |
| 90-119 days | full deposit |
| 60-89 days | 30% trip cost |
| 30-59 days | 55% trip cost |
| 29 days or less | 100% trip cost |
