The fire, frost and water symbolized by the red, white and blue of Iceland’s flag are manifested in this land. Reykjavik, or Smoky Bay, was so named in 874 A.D. by Ingolf Arnarson when he sighted the numerous hot springs on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Today this remarkably pollution-free city is wrapped around a sweeping bay and has managed to retain its charming Old-World atmosphere. A pastiche of red-blue-and green-roofed houses together with the tall gray tower of Hallgrim’s Church dominate the skyline. In Old Town, many of the wooden buildings have been lovingly restored and stand side by side with modern timber and concrete structures. There are fine museums and art galleries; historic pubs present activity in late afternoon. The beautiful countryside outside of Reykjavik includes such natural wonders as volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and spectacular waterfalls.
Every moment aboard EXPLORA V is designed to awaken a sense of space and ease, with an intimate atmosphere and a seamless connection to the ocean.
Jul 15, 2028 - Reykjavik
The fire, frost and water symbolized by the red, white and blue of Iceland’s flag are manifested in this land. Reykjavik, or Smoky Bay, was so named in 874 A.D. by Ingolf Arnarson when he sighted the numerous hot springs on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Today this remarkably pollution-free city is wrapped around a sweeping bay and has managed to retain its charming Old-World atmosphere. A pastiche of red-blue-and green-roofed houses together with the tall gray tower of Hallgrim’s Church dominate the skyline. In Old Town, many of the wooden buildings have been lovingly restored and stand side by side with modern timber and concrete structures. There are fine museums and art galleries; historic pubs present activity in late afternoon. The beautiful countryside outside of Reykjavik includes such natural wonders as volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and spectacular waterfalls.
Jul 16, 2028 - Heimaey
Heimaey, off the coast of Iceland, is one of 15 volcanic Westman Islands - home to "Keiko" the star of the "Free Willy" movies. The island is buzzing with life and there are some truly spectacular sights. The perfectly formed natural harbor area has tall cliffs tenanted by multitudes of puffin, fulmar and guillemot. Sprangan is a cliff where young islanders are taught the rope swinging sport. Herjólfsdalur Valley has ruins of old farmhouses dating back to 650 AD. The western part of the island provides an opportunity to view outer islands. 'Stórhöfdi' has magnificent views over the island and majestic glaciers of mainland Iceland and is home to the island's largest puffin colony. Two volcanoes in Heimaey are 5,000-year-old "Helgafell" (Holy Mountain) and the Eldfell (Mt. Fire), whose history is more recent and which offers a viewpoint. A road through the lava field passes the center of the volcano's crater, the ruins of a house buried in lava, and the main streets. Skansinn wooden church was donated to the people of Islands by Norway to commemorate the millennium of Christianity in Iceland.
Jul 17, 2028 - Djupivogur
This village at the head of the bay Berufiord developed around an important trading post in the past. In 1589 the German Hansa merchants were granted a trading license there by the Danish king. Later on the Danish introduced the trade monopoly and took over themselves. The oldest houses (1788-1818) date back to the Danish period. One of them, Langabud (1790), has been renovated and transformed into a nice restaurant and museums. Fishing, fish processing and commerce are the main trades. The scenic beauty of the surroundings is renowned and visitors are treated well in every respect.
Jul 18, 2028 - Torshavn, Faroe Islands
Approximately one third of the 50,000 residents of the "Sheep Islands" live in Torshavn. The city has large fishing industries, a seat of a Lutheran bishop and boasts many museums and culture.
Jul 19, 2028 - At Sea
Jul 20, 2028 - Geiranger
Nestled at the edge of the Geiranger Fjord, this charming town offers you the opportunity to observe amazing panoramic views from its famed mountain peak, Mount Dalsnibba.
Jul 21, 2028 - Bergen
With its spectacular setting among seven hills, Bergen is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable cities in Norway. Most sites are within an easy walk from the harbor. From fine surviving medieval buildings to a series of good museums such as Fishery Museum and Old Bergen open-air museum, Bergen offers a wide variety of attractions. Its scenic beauty can best be appreciated from Mt. Floyen and is captivating. Enjoy this lovely city by taking a stroll to the old part of town, passing impressive 12th-century Bergenhus fortress. Old Hanseatic Wharf, called Bryggen, is where reconstructed gabled buildings house workshops, boutiques and restaurants. St. Mary's Church is Bergen’s oldest building and one of the finest Norman churches in Norway. Rasmus Meyers Collection is a rambling townhouse featuring one of the best collections of Norwegian art, including an upper floor devoted almost entirely to Munch. Bergen boasts numerous historic buildings dating from medieval times: Bergenhus Fortress; Rosenkrantz Tower; Haakon’s Hall.
Jul 22, 2028 - At Sea
Jul 23, 2028 - Hamburg
Welcome to Hamburg, formerly Germany's largest city, which has a skyline dominated by historic spires, the largest port, the center of trade, and the most daring nightlife. Obviously, a city of superlatives, there is a reserved, gentlemanly quality about the citizens of Hamburg. Hamburg is a busy city of docks, quays and ships; the St. Pauli quarter where movie houses, restaurants, stage shows, bars and frivolous nightlife vie for patronage of thousands of tourists, sailors and locals. Hamburg is every shoppers dream and through its port, the city offers a wide range of varied and well-priced goods from elegant shopping to young fashion and antique shopping. Music and theater play a prominent role in Hamburg's daily life with the Hamburgische Staatsoper enjoying an international reputation for the staging of ballet repertoires. The revolutionary "communications centres", which combine arts, crafts, experimental theater and communications, in the widest sense represent the city's alternative cultural force.
Jul 24, 2028 - At Sea
Jul 25, 2028 - Haugesund
Jul 26, 2028 - Molde
Nestled between the Romsdal Mountains and Norway's most dramatic stretch of coastline, Molde is known as the "Town of Roses". From the nearby Varden Viewpoint enjoy a breathtaking view over the town, the many snowcapped mountain peaks, and the small islands of the Romsdalfjord. Molde was established during the fifteenth century. Much of what visitors see today are modern structures, though some old wooden Romsdal houses were preserved and are now on display at the city's open-air museum.
Jul 27, 2028 - Nordfjord
Nordfjord is a gateway to the majestic glaciers of Norway and truly an outdoor lovers paradise. Adventure tours lead groups into the spectacular Boldasbreen Glacier for glacier hiking, downhill skiing, rafting, kayaking, and much more. Nordfjord is also the perfect place to explore Norway's rich cultural history through the local folk museum, churches, and medieval Viking sites. Natural Wonders are to be found all over the fjord including, waterfalls, mountains, rivers, and the scenic National Park.
Jul 28, 2028 - Sandnessjoen
Jul 29, 2028 - At Sea
Jul 30, 2028 - Copenhagen
Wonderful Copenhagen is a city of bridge-spanned canals, copper-roofed buildings and manicured parks. This famous Baltic seaport is one of Europe’s loveliest capitals and the seat of the oldest monarchy in the world. Copenhagen is a focus for commerce, culture, industry and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The locale of Hans Christian Andersen’s enchanting tale of The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen is known as Denmark’s fairy-tale city. Its impressive theaters, museums and churches are of interest to many visitors; the best-loved attractions include the world-famous Tivoli Gardens, the Langelinie Harbor with its Little Mermaid statue and the busy shopping promenade known as Strøget.