Embark on a thrilling expedition to breathtaking southeastern Iceland, the isolated and unique Faroe Islands and off-the-beaten-path Norwegian fjords. Soak up the lava-crafted, windswept wilds of Hofn, Iceland; visit the brightly colored façades of the Torshavn harbor; and discover the myth and magic of the Sami people in the Vesteralen islands. Enjoy active exploration throughout, including hiking and kayaking with Explorer-in-Residence Fiann Paul.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in modern Reykjavik and transfer to your hotel. Set off on a walking tour of the colorful city center before gathering tonight for a welcome event.
Despite its small size, the northerly capital of Reykjavik is a vibrant city packed with eye-popping art, buzzy restaurants and historic treasures. Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore the city. After lunch, board ‘Le Boreal,’ your luxury megayacht for the next nine nights.
Arrive in the archipelago of the Westman Islands. Discover Heimaey island’s unique geography and local farmhouse ruins. Opt, if you wish, for a moderate or vigorous walk up to the island’s storied volcano before heading to Eldheimar, a museum home to interactive exhibits that detail the crater’s powerful eruption in 1973. This evening, attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception and get to know your fellow adventurers.
At the foot of the massive Vatnajokull ice cap lies an otherworldly, strikingly picturesque glacier lagoon. Board a small craft and watch these masses of polished and sculpted blue ice float by in peaceful procession on their way to the Atlantic Ocean. Soaring mountains ring the lagoon, providing an inspiring backdrop for your cruise. Back on land, take in the rugged, spiky peaks of Vestrahorn Mountain before heading back to the ship.
Tiny villages and jaw-droppingly dramatic landscapes dot the northern shores, where you begin your exploration of the rarely visited Faroe Islands. Of mixed Norse and Gaelic heritage, Faroe Islanders likely came from the Irish Sea and the Upper Hebrides of Scotland originally. Known to be fiercely independent, the Faroes maintain the oldest existing parliament in the world today. The islands have a total area of roughly 540 square miles and a population of about 50,000 — along with 70,000 sheep. During your visit, take in Torshavn, the Faroes’ capital city. Torshavn’s old town, Tinganes, is packed with sod-roof houses crowded together on a small peninsula. Old Torshavn contrasts strongly with the new, as modern boutiques and coffeehouses alternate with historic buildings, boisterously sung ballads, and traditional chain dancing.
Join your expedition staff on deck to look for the whales that populate the Norwegian Sea. Pilot whales, minke whales, orcas, and majestic humpbacks all make their homes in these waters. Don’t forget to look up for razorbills, glaucous gulls or kittiwakes as they wheel toward you above the ship. August is an excellent month to spot the northern fulmar or Atlantic puffin in these waters, and your onboard ornithologist helps you identify what you’re observing.
The legendary beauty of this region calls to many travelers, and many have included the stunning Norwegian fjords on their bucket lists. A fjord is a deep, narrow sea or lake drain with steep land on three sides. Norway’s fjords were formed by giant glaciers that descended over the course of several ice ages and carved out the current landscape. Fjords are natural harbors; fascinating cultures developed in the tiny hamlets that formed on their shores. Some of the areas you may visit include: Trondheim Fjord: This fjord, the third-longest in Norway, offers the iconic landscapes and green mountain paradise most people imagine when envisioning the fjords. Trondheim: Quaint, brightly colored historic residences and shops line the River Nidelva. Cyclists glide by on wide streets, and pedestrians make their way to bustling cafés in this upbeat metropolis of nearly 200,000 people. Vega Island: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vega Island is emblematic of how fishermen and farmers survived the harsh Arctic climate for centuries. You might climb 2,000 steps to experience an unbelievable view. Or you may visit an artist’s studio and try your hand at making pottery the way it has been made here for generations. Vesteralen Islands: Myths, magic and reindeer herding fill the lives of the Sami people, who welcome you into their homes for a seat near a cozy fireplace. You might also hike the mountains of Vesteralen with a local guide, head out on a mountain biking excursion or meet locals from Hadsel Island, who wish to share their favorite dishes with you. Prepare to say goodbye to your newfound friends and the rich cultures of these Arctic regions at the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on one of these evenings.
Disembark this morning in colorful, charming Tromso and visit the Polar Museum that highlights the heroics of great explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. Time permitting, visit playful seals Bella and Mai San at Polaria, the northernmost aquarium in the world. In due course, board your charter flight to Oslo. A&K’s attentive staff guide you to our convenient airport hotel. Recount your adventures as you join your fellow travelers for dinner this evening at the hotel.
Day 12: Olso
1 Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flights homeward as your journey comes to an end.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$15,495
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Classic Balcony Stateroom- Cat 1
243 Total Square feet, outside stateroom with private facilities and balcony. Double bed or two single beds, mini bar, safe, wi-fi, flat screen TV, telephone.
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Deluxe Balcony Stateroom- Cat 2
243 Total Square feet, outside stateroom with private facilities and balcony. Double bed or two single beds, mini bar, safe, wi-fi, flat screen TV, telephone.
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Premier Balcony Stateroom- Cat 3
243 Total Square feet, outside stateroom with private facilities and balcony. Double bed or two single beds, mini bar, safe, wi-fi, flat screen TV, telephone.
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Superior Balcony Stateroom- Cat 4
243 Total Square feet, outside stateroom with private facilities and balcony. Double bed or two single beds, mini bar, safe, wi-fi, flat screen TV, telephone.
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Premier Two Room Suite- Cat 5
354 Total Square feet, outside suite with private facilities and balcony. Double bed or two single beds, mini bar, safe, wi-fi, flat screen TV, telephone.
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Prestige Balcony Suite- Cat 6
486 Total Square feet, outside two room suite with private facilities and balcony. Private sleeping quarters with double bed or two single beds, mini bar, safe, wi-fi, flat screen TV, telephone.
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Prestige Two-Room Balcony Suite- Cat 7
486 Total Square feet, outside two room suite with private facilities and balcony. Private sleeping quarters with double bed or two single beds, mini bar, safe, wi-fi, flat screen TV, telephone.
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Owners Balcony Suite- Cat 8
Outside suite with private facilities and balcony. Private sleeping quarters with double bed or two single beds, mini bar, safe, wi-fi, flat screen TV, telephone.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.
- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a suite is 2 times the shared rate.
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.