Legendary Northern Isles: Scotland, Faroes, & Iceland

Bergen is one of the major cities of the powerful Hanseatic League. Hansa merchants operated in the historic Bryggens Wharf area, filled with wooden buildings from the Middle Ages.

Enjoy a morning at sea, then see the standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar and the stone slab village of Skara Brae. Step into the past at the red sandstone cathedral of St. Magnus, built in 1137. 

The ship glides past the towering bird cliffs of Noss for views of murres and kittiwakes. Visit the Jarlshof archaeological site, a prehistoric and Norse settlement continuously inhabited for more than 4,000 years, and see the famous Shetland ponies.

The rugged Faroese are proud of their Viking ancestry, reflected in their ancient language and love of the sea. We will explore the archipelago with possible stops: in Tórshavn, wooden boats bob at anchor in the harbor and harken back to Viking times; visit the natural history museum and the Kirkjubøur archaeological site, a medieval farming, and religious center; see the incredible bird cliffs and scenic landscapes of northern Streymoy, at the cliffs of Vestmanna. 

Dock in Djúpivogur and drive down the coast to explore the vast Vatnajökull icecap and the deep blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Alternatively, go by 4x4 vehicle to visit some of the secluded valleys and remote waterfalls in the countryside around Djúpivogur or visit a local farm to meet the families living in rural Iceland.

Enjoy a morning at sea as you sail northward to the land of the midnight sun, going ashore in the evening at the tiny island of Grimsey. Home to nesting sea birds, it lies exactly on the Arctic Circle.

Drive to Lake Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. See the mud pools at Hverarond and the unforgettable sight of Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Visit the explosion crater at Viti. Drive to Akureyri with its beautiful period houses, backed by snow-capped mountains.

Cruise past the immense Látrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razorbills. Continue to Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries. Walk around the charming hamlet that grew here.

The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. Surtsey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was created in 1963 and 10 years later, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Visit the crater where the earth is still hot and see areas that were engulfed by lava.

Today you disembark in Reykjavík with options to visit either the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths or the hot springs, geothermal power plant and a horse farm, prior to your flight home.