Viking Oceans Cruises – Iceland’s Majestic Landscapes (Faroe Islands, Iceland, Norway) 13 Days

Step on board your ship to begin your journey. Encircled by majestic mountains, fjords and glaciers, Bergen was home to Viking sagas. With your ship berthed next to Bryggen wharf, a UNESCO Site, easily stroll along its waterfront. This evening mingle with the locals and dine ashore, as we will be spending the night in port.

Awake in Bergen and further explore this Norwegian treasure. See the beautiful 18th-century wooden houses, and visit the Hanseatic Museum on your included tour. Perhaps take an excursion to Troldhaugen, the home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s famous composer. Or take a trip to the top of Mt. Ulriken, where you can savor an Ulriken bun, a cinnamon pastry, with a view that is equally as indulgent. Gain an insider’s view of Norway’s shipbuilding culture and fish farming industry on our optional excursion.

The charming village of Flåm sits eight hours inland through the breathtaking Aurlandsfjord. It is world-renowned as one of the world’s most spectacularly scenic places and the gateway to sprawling green valleys dwarfed by towering peaks. These primeval mountains, glacial lakes and glorious waterfalls were sculpted during the Ice Age. The landscape around Flåm is dramatically steep and the town is the starting point of the world-renowned Flåm Railway, which chugs through the magnificent scenery of Norway, past roaring waterfalls and breathtaking vistas.

Admire Ålesund’s colorful Art Nouveau facades by foot. After the city was destroyed by fire in 1904, it was rebuilt with the support of German Kaiser Wilhelm, who often vacationed here. The architectural style of the day, Jugend, prevails in the town center. Alternately, you may visit spectacular Nordic islands via a vast coastal network of bridges and tunnels, or join a Norwegian family in their home for coffee and a snack to learn firsthand about daily life in this scenic place.

Cruise into the tiny village of Geiranger via the Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords. If you would like magnificent bird’s-eye views of this magical setting, join an included tour to Eagle’s Bend, perched 2,000 feet above the village. It is a thrilling drive marked by 11 hairpin turns and incredible panoramas. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors on an optional tour to witness spectacular waterfalls or journey through the fjords by kayak.

The North Sea has long been central to Europe’s history. From Viking settlement and medieval trade to international war and modern-day oil production, some of the continent’s most pivotal moments have unfolded on its stage. Learn more about this body of water during an enriching lecture. Relax on board with tea in the Wintergarden or find your inner calm with yoga on the Sports Deck.

Explore the legacy of Vikings in the scenic Faroe Islands, located halfway between Norway and Iceland. Once home to the Viking Parliament, the island’s capital of Tórshavn occupies the archipelago’s most historic peninsula. During your visit, a scenic drive reveals the breathtaking fjords of Kaldbak and Kollafjørdur, magnificent island vistas and a rich salmon fishing culture . . . all infused with a welcoming Nordic spirit.

Cruise the Norwegian Sea, the source of transformative discoveries and ideas, from legendary sea monsters and real-life whales to massive amounts of cod and oil. As you sail, learn more about your upcoming destinations during our engaging port talks in our onboard theater.

Walk along streets of colorful wooden homes dating back to the 19th century or explore the surrounding fjord landscape, all overseen by starkly picturesque slopes and the soaring summits of Mounts Bjólfur and Strandartindur. The tiny town boasts a thriving scene of local arts and a history dating back to early Viking settlement. If you wish, you may follow a tranquil walking path from the town center along the banks of the Fjardará River.

Visit Iceland’s second largest city and admire its colorful architecture. Nicknamed the “Capital of the North,” Akureyri prospered during its days as a Danish trading post. Visit the city’s beloved church to gaze upon the stained-glass window that once adorned England’s Coventry Cathedral and admire some of the 2,000 species of blooms at the Public Park and Botanic Garden.

Uncover the natural beauty and history of the Westfjords peninsula in Iceland’s most remote, and many say most breathtaking, reaches. Explore your port city of ĺsafjördur and the tiny and tranquil enclave of Bolungarvík, one of the nation’s oldest fishing villages and home to the Ósvör Maritime Museum. Alternately, marvel at the magnificent Dynjandi waterfall, a bridal veil of water cascading down a mountainside, or kayak amid some of Iceland’s most picturesque locations.

Explore Reykjavík, one of the cleanest and most eco-friendly cities in the world. Vikings settled here in 870 AD, and today Reykjavík is home to endless charms, watched over by the majestic Esja mountain range. You will see the city’s highlights up close, including the charming cathedral. And admire the cityscape from the Perlan, a hilltop, glass-domed landmark offering spectacular city views. Alternately, you may venture farther afield to take in the country’s breathtaking natural beauty, from towering waterfalls and soaring mountains to blue thermal springs.

Disembark your ship this morning and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Or stay on to explore more of Reykjavík’s beauty and culture.