Follow the Viking trail aboard the new National Geographic Endurance on a 16-day voyage from Norway to the far-flung islands and archipelagos of the Arctic. Cruise the famed Norwegian fjords and the magical Lofoten islands, explore Bronze Age sites in Scotland’s Shetland Islands, and delve into the legacy of the Vikings amid the turf-roofed cottages of the Faroes. Then trace Iceland’s most remote shorelines, witnessing geological wonders from volcanoes to thundering waterfalls.
Highlights
Explore secluded inlets and coves of the Arctic by kayak or Zodiac
Encounter the Bronze Age ruins and Viking longhouses of Jarlshof
Explore the unique culture of the Faroe Islands
Observe nesting seabirds in Látrabjarg cliffs and Lofoten islands
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Once you arrive in Oslo, settle into Clarion Hotel, the Hub, in the heart of the city. Take an afternoon tour, stroll amid the city’s famed Vigeland sculptures—hundreds of life-size human figures set in terraced parkland. Visit the Fram Museum, showcasing the polar ship Fram and dedicated to the explorers and wooden vessels that navigated the Arctic Sea in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The evening is free to explore Oslo on your own.
Take a charter flight to Tromsø and visit the Arctic Cathedral where the unique architecture evokes icebergs. You can also see the Polar Museum that showcases the ships, types of equipment and seafaring traditions of early Arctic settlers. Embark on the ship this afternoon.
This morning, you will enter the long fjord of Tysfjorden where only few small villages cling to the rocky shores. Glide beneath the fjord’s steep walls on Zodiac and kayak excursions and explore the U-shaped valley whose fjord reaches far inland, ending just a few miles from the border of Sweden.
Start your day on deck as you glide into Trollfjorden, one of Norway’s most dramatic fjords. The Lofoten archipelago boasts an enchanting landscape of picturesque villages framed by jagged, granite peaks that rise straight from the sea. Explore the many islets, and go ashore at Værøy to hike and kayak. Seek out Atlantic puffins, razorbills, and guillemots on a Zodiac cruise.
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 morning 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 view murres, puffins, kittiwakes, and other seabirds.
Dock in Lerwick, a town where Norse and Gaelic cultures intermingle. Explore the town, delve into local culture and history at the Shetland Museum & Archives, or embark on a bird-watching or geology walk. Alternatively, venture to the prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof to examine its Bronze Age ruins and Viking longhouses. In the afternoon, continue to Foula, a stark but spectacular island edged with towering cliffs and blanketed with peat bogs, where people are drastically outnumbered by puffins.
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. Browse Viking artifacts at the historical museum in Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands; wander through 12th-century St. Olav’s Church; and discover the archaeological site of Kirkjubøur, a medieval farming and religious village.
Zodiacs take you ashore on Mykines island, known for its breathtaking views and for the hundreds of puffins that make their home here. Stroll through the tiny village along unpaved streets, passing whimsical turf-roofed houses and a turf-roofed church; and see the islands tiny lighthouse, tethered down with guy wires.
Day 11-12: At Sea | Rauđanes or Langanes Peninsulas, Iceland | Grímsey
After a day at sea, awake along Iceland’s rugged eastern coast, an unspoiled stretch of rocky outcrops, hidden coves, and hills that beckon hikers. You may visit one of several locations in this region. Depending on the weather and tides, go for a Zodiac cruise to view the sea stacks near Rauđanes peninsula or hike along a stretch of the Langanes peninsula. Continue to Grímsey on the Arctic Circle.
Day 13-14: Ísafjörđur | Flatey Island | Látrabjarg
Located in the Westfjords region, the town of Ísafjörđur lies on a tiny spit jutting out into the water against a backdrop of steep hills. Spend time hiking and watching for nesting seabirds in this remote setting. The next day, visit Flatey island, a fishing and trading post for centuries. Navigate the coast by Zodiac to see where Erik the Red is believed to have set sail around the year 982, bound for Greenland. Sail past the soaring Látrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to teeming populations of bird species, including razorbills and puffins.
Arrive at the Westman Islands and you will get to explore one of the world’s younger archipelagos that was formed by undersea volcanoes some 11,000 years ago. Visit the Eldfell volcanic crater, where the earth is still hot, and take in views over landscapes engulfed in lava rock and also spy Surtsey which was formed by volcanic eruptions between 1963 and 1967.
Day 16: Reykjavík | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark in Reykjavík and choose to either soak in the geothermal waters of the famed Blue Lagoon; or visit hot springs, a geothermal power plant, and a horse farm. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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Located on the Fore Deck. 183 square ft room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Located on the Fore Deck. 205 square ft. room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers.
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Located on the Main Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Located on the Lounge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Located on the Bridge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Located on the Bridge Deck. 344 square ft suite with large balcony, sofa bed, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Located on the Bridge Deck. 430 square ft. suite with large balcony, sofa bed, bathtub, walk-in closet, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Located on the Main Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Located on the Lounge Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Included
15 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 14 Dinners
15 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors that are available for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 164 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 164 reviews on
9 hours ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
1 day ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner
Fiona Lonsdale
2 days ago
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!
Sandi T
2 days ago
Adventure Life took care of everything! All we had to do was show up when we were supposed to, which made our first trip to Costa Rica largely stress-free and incredibly fun. Our trip reps, Hannah and Mariethony, were helpful and responsive, getting back to us by email usually within a few hours. Our accommodations were all great, and we got incredibly blessed with some absolutely stellar guides and drivers.
Our Jungle & Beach trip was an excellent balance of adventure and rest. We got to try out a lot of different activities, including snorkeling, hiking, white water rafting and kayaking, while also partaking of some rest around the pool or by the ocean. We enjoyed seeing and exploring the beautiful Caribbean side of the country.
Joy Knowles
2 days ago
This was a life changing trip of a lifetime and exceeded my expectations. No details were left out during the planning of this trip by Adventure Life. The entire crew on the ship could not have been more helpful and kind. Everyone went out of their way to make this trip as pleasurable as possible.
