Iceland's natural beauty and rich folklore come together at Isafjörður's Naustahvilft Mountain, where legend has it a troll hurrying to get home before sunrise to avoid being turned to stone sat at its peak, creating the flat top. The Church of Akureyri inspires the imagination with an architectural design resembling a 1920s U.S. skyscraper on the outside and bas-reliefs on the inside. Waterfalls abound in Seyðisfjörður, where scenes like the Fjarðarheiði mountain pass and Hengifoss beckon you and your fellow explorers to strap on your boots for an invigorating hike. From Tórshavn, follow the paths to the villages of Klaksvík and Gjógv, where a heritage deeply rooted in fishing culture still flourishes. Wandering the cobbled streets of Kirkwall transports you and fellow explorers back to Norse times, leading to a medieval cathedral where, according to local lore, miracles took place. Lews Castle of Stornoway captivates the attention with its lavish, Tudor-style architecture.
Cruise Fares are per guest, cruise-only, based on double occupancy, and are subject to change at any time without notice. Government Taxes and Fees of $400 per guest are included in the fares shown and are not eligible for special offers or promotional savings.
Sep 14Reykjavik, Iceland
Depart: 6:00 pm
Reykjavik, Iceland
In the southwest of Iceland near Faxaflói Bay lies the capital of the country, Reykjavík, simultaneously cosmopolitan and charming. The colorful houses on the horizon create a quaint scene that will make you want to stay forever. Kaleidoscopic views await you at the Harpa Concert Hall, a glittering, glass structure that perfectly exemplifies Iceland’s modern design and will fascinate your inner architect. One of Iceland’s most prominent landmarks is Perlan, originally a group of hot water tanks that was converted to a building that now hosts an exhibition, planetarium, restaurant and observation deck, located atop Öskjuhlíð hill.
Sep 15Isafjörður, Iceland
Arrive: 9:00 am Depart: 5:30 pm
Isafjörður, Iceland
Amid the enchanting Westfjords of Iceland stands Ísafjörður, a fishing town thriving with local energy and culture. Summer months here are brisk, but it’s this cool climate combined with breathtaking and quaint scenery that makes the village feel like an undiscovered treasure. The massive depression among the flat-topped mountains called Naustahvilft - known colloquially as the troll seat - combines Iceland’s natural beauty with the town’s rich folklore. Make a stop at Dokkan Brugghús, the only brewery in the entire Westfjords, and sample the local beers, crafted with naturally filtered spring water from the nearby mountains. For those for whom the sea’s siren call beckons, you must visit the Westfjord History Museum, based on Ísafjörður’s maritime heritage and its rise in the fishing industry.
Sep 16Akureyri, Iceland
Arrive: 8:00 am Depart: 3:30 pm
Akureyri, Iceland
A rich folklore culture abounds in Akureyri, Iceland, put on full display during the city’s festivals throughout the year. Inland, only 50 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, is the Akureyri Botanical Garden, a remarkable sight with brightly colored flowers and lush greenery. The iconic Akureyrarkirkja (or The Church of Akureyri) designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson resembles more a 1920s U.S. skyscraper, but within its walls stands an impressive 3,200-pipe organ. Among the local favorite eating spots is Greifinn, a modern restaurant serving a mix of fare from classic burgers to pasta to Tex Mex to salted fish pizza (to honor Iceland’s roots).
Sep 17Seyðisfjörður, Iceland
Arrive: 8:00 am Depart: 2:00 pm
Seyðisfjörður, Iceland
The tiny, picturesque village of Seyðisfjörður is the pearl of Iceland. A town of just 700 people, it is hidden at the innermost point of the fjord of the same name. In the valley above town, the river Fjarðará cascades over the hill to create several, beautiful waterfalls, down to the lagoon at the head of the fjord. Throughout the scenic village you’ll also find well-preserved, old wooden buildings, an enticing subject for photography as you walk down Rainbow Street..
The 18 major islands making up the archipelago of the Faroe Islands lie between the Norwegian Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Iceland and Norway. Here, a mix of Nordic and Danish architecture amid lush, grass scenery creates a quaint image of a picturesque destination. Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands capital city, holds a competitive tradition and spirit of sporting events, including housing the largest football stadium in the district. But the city also contains an artsy energy with the annual Tórshavn Jazz Festival that takes place every August. Among the many natural treasures of the Faroe Islands is the Bøsdalafossur waterfall, a cascade that flows from the Sørvágsvatn/Leitissvatn lake into the Atlantic Ocean, creating a glassy surface amid the rugged cliffs of the falls
Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, is a stunning place filled with history. As part of an archipelago of 70 islands off the tip of Scotland, the city is not among the more commonly visited destinations in the country, but it was the center of Norse culture near the end of the first millennium. Walk down the cobbled streets and be transported back to Norse times as you explore a 300-year-old medieval cathedral built by the Vikings where, according to local lore, miracles took place. Another great miracle is the preservation of the archeological sites in Orkney, like the World Heritage sites of the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar.
Sep 20Stornoway (Isles of Lewis), Scotland
Arrive: 8:00 am Depart: 3:00 pm
Stornoway (Isles of Lewis), Scotland
The harbor town of Stornoway is your gateway for an unforgettable adventure. Steeped in history and culture, ranging back thousands of years, you’ll find that Gaelic is spoken alongside English, and eagles and otters are as much residents as the locals. For a complete account of the social, cultural, archaeological, geological, and economic history of Stornoway, head to Museum nan Eilean. A drive along the west coast of the Isle of Lewis reveals the Neolithic standing stones at Callanish that are older and more impressive than Stonehenge. Comprising 19 monoliths, ending in a circle of 13 stones with rows of other stones radiating out in the shape of a cross, this site is fascinating.
Sep 21Belfast, Northern Ireland
Arrive: 11:00 am Depart: 9:00 pm
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Anticipate a vibrant restaurant scene, award-winning architecture, and friendly locals as you make your way through the historic city of Belfast. Traipsing the city center calls for a stroll through Belfast’s Botanic Gardens, 28 acres of green lawns and trees near Queens University. Emerge from the gardens at the Ulster Museum, a well-designed space with exhibits on Northern Irish history, art, and natural history. It’s also the gateway to the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s most famous landmark deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Causeway was formed between 50 and 60 million years ago by an ancient volcanic eruption attracting visitors from far and wide to this corner of north Antrim to come marvel at its majesty and mystery.
Sep 22Dublin, Ireland
Arrive: 8:00 am
Dublin, Ireland
Ireland’s capital, Dublin, is bustling, cosmopolitan, ancient, and young at heart all at once. It is one of Europe’s liveliest cities, where medieval and 17th-century buildings stand comfortably amid all the trappings of a 21st-century community. Marvels like the incredible Book of Kells, one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world, call out to the curious. A gentle and relaxing cruise along the River Liffey immerses you in the capital’s colorful history, from the first arrival of the Vikings to the rapid development of the city during the 18th and 19th centuries. When in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of St. James’ Gate Brewery, invites you to raise a glass at the Gravity Bar with a 360-degree view of the city skyline.
Always Included
FREE cultural immersion
FREE gourmet dining with ever-changing menus
FREE unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits and craft beers
FREE open bars and lounges, including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapés
FREE stocked in-room minibar
FREE specialty coffees, teas and fresh-pressed juices
FREE afternoon and high tea
FREE champagne and gourmet canapés during meet and greet
FREE 24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer
FREE L'OCCITANE bath amenities
FREE pre-paid gratuities
FREE use of walking sticks and binoculars
FREE reusable water bottle
FREE butler service and expanded room service menu in suites
Government Taxes and Fees per guest are included in Cruise Fares. Trip delay and medical evacuation coverage included at no additional cost.
Exclusively on Polar Expeditions
FREE cultural immersion
FREE private charter jet service with private group transfers*
FREE enrichment lectures and destination briefings
FREE shore landings led by expert field guides
FREE escorted sightseeing safaris by Zodiac
FREE polar plunge
FREE Atlas Ocean Voyages parka and vest
FREE use of knee boots
FREE 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay*
FREE 1-night post-cruise hotel stay on select Antarctica expeditions
*Available on Antarctica and select Arctic expeditions
Exclusively on Epicurean Expeditions
FREE cultural immersion includes culinary experience ashore, such as local market visits, specialty tastings and more
FREE Josper Grill Dining Experience at 7AFT Grill
FREE culinary presentations and wine tastings
FREE cooking demonstrations and cuisine tastings
FREE events hosted by a Tastes & Traditions Expert on select expeditions
FREE Atlas Ocean Voyages backpack
Exclusively on Cultural Expeditions
FREE cultural immersion
FREE enrichment programs and workshops on select expeditions
FREE authentic, local experiences and on board events on select expeditions
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