38-night Summer Exploration: Norway, Baltic Coasts & Iceland Cruise

Aug 04, 2029 - London (Dover)

The white cliffs of Dover are famous in song and story. From Dover you can visit nearby Canterbury or take a full-day excursion to see the sights of London, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and more.

Aug 05, 2029 - At Sea

Aug 06, 2029 - At Sea

Aug 07, 2029 - Trondheim

Norway's royal residence since 997 AD, when King Olaf I founded Trondheim, the city still boasts Stiftsgarden, the huge wooden palace. A century later, St. Olaf II began to perform miracles for the people, making Trondheim a major pilgrimage destination. Be sure to visit Nidaros Cathedral, where the Norwegian kings are still crowned, which is certainly one of Europe's premier Gothic-style churches.

Aug 08, 2029 - Bronnoysund

Beautiful Bronnoysund is situated in central Norway. Popular with travellers is a visit to the marvelous Torghatten, a mountain with a distinctive hole running straight through the hillside. Also of interest  is the Skarsasen fortress from WWII. Trenches and tunnels lead underground from the four large cannon sites. Fjord Seafood originated here, as well as the largest limestone mine in Northern Europe.

Aug 09, 2029 - Svolvaer

Svolvaer is the main town of the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway. It is on the southern coast of Ostvagoya, the easternmost island of the group. The rugged and bleak countryside around Svolvaer has attracted both tourists and artists, and the town has become something of an artists' colony.

Aug 10, 2029 - Tromso

Enjoy the appealing frontier atmosphere at this ancient whaling capital and base for expeditions to the North Pole.

Aug 11, 2029 - Honningsvag

The world's northernmost village, Honningsvag, the gateway to the North Cape, is a completely modern fishing harbor set in a land of forests, fjord waters, and crashing waterfalls, everything bathed in summer by the eerie light of the midnight sun. Only the chapel withstood the German destruction of 1944. It's some 50 miles nearer to the North Pole than Hammerfest, on the Alta-Hammerfest bus route.

Aug 12, 2029 - At Sea

Aug 13, 2029 - Bodo

Bodo is the second largest city in Northern Norway. Its beautiful scenery and natural surroundings offer visitors excellent outdoor activities. Travellers can go hiking, and cycling though the idyllic countryside and watch sea eagles. Bodo also offers excellent fishing for those wishing to explore rivers or lakes populated with high quality trout and salmon.  In this varied coastal landscape visitors will find everything from sheer mountain faces and white, sandy beaches, to charming farming communities.

Aug 14, 2029 - At Sea

Aug 15, 2029 - Haugesund

Aug 16, 2029 - Farsund

Aug 17, 2029 - Aalborg

Aalborg has a worldwide reputation for the production of Aquavit (schnapps), but this strong Scandinavian liquor isn’t the only attraction. Once a powerful Viking port, Aalborg served as the base for the Vikings’ predatory pilgrimages. Its old town attracts with its picturesque setting, and the port is well located for excursions into the scenic surrounding area. Jutland is considered the heartland of Denmark, a land of crystal fjords, stark moors, dense forests, and small medieval towns. With the additional attraction of miles of sandy beaches, the peninsula is the most popular domestic holiday area. The city’s pride in its heritage is evident in the carefully preserved burgher houses built by merchants during the Renaissance. Along the road north to the popular resort of Skagen at the tip of Jutland, huge, shifting dunes up to 35 feet high present some of Denmark’s most stunning sights.

Aug 18, 2029 - 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.

Aug 19, 2029 - Ronne

Green Bornholm island is a favorite escape for Danes in the summer. The sea is blue, the sun is warm, the fields are bright with flowers, and the island is blessed with picturesque, round, whitewashed churches. On a bluff overlooking the sea: a ruined castle. For lunch, try local smoked herring.

Aug 20, 2029 - Visby

Today a thriving holiday resort, Visby on the Baltic island of Gotland has become famous as 'the town of roses and ruins' - a living relic of a medieval heyday when this Hanseatic port vied in riches and fame with the great capitals of mainland Europe. Now its narrow cobbled streets and ruined churches reside behind the two-and-a-half mile 13th century city wall, a haunting monument to a lost glory. Gotland and Oland are part of the Baltic islands off the southeast coast of Sweden. Gotland is a blend of old and new with its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Hoards of coins and other treasures found on the island indicate its importance in maritime trade as far back as the Bronze Age. Gotland was nominally Swedish as early as the 9th century but long remained autonomous. In the Middle Ages Visby was a rich and important member of the Hanseatic League and had many splendid churches and elaborate fortified walls. Gotland was conquered by Denmark in 1361 and returned to Swedish rule in 1645.

Aug 21, 2029 - Stockholm

Stockholm is Sweden’s strikingly elegant and beautiful capital. Stockholm, noted for its outstanding architecture, is one of Scandinavia’s most attractive cities. In addition to its many man-made monuments, Stockholm boasts natural beauty - with one-third of the city’s total land area devoted to parks. As the country’s major city, Stockholm offers a wealth of monuments and sites, fine museums, and a rich culture. There are also hundreds of excellent restaurants, as well as a great selection of trendy boutiques and exciting nightclubs. Visitors should start their exploration of Stockholm with the Gamla Stan, the Old Town on Stadsholmen; an island in the center of the city, it has retained its medieval charm. The maze of narrow, cobbled streets, full of art studios, boutiques, antique shops, nightclubs and bars, is best explored on foot.

Aug 22, 2029 - Stockholm

Stockholm is Sweden’s strikingly elegant and beautiful capital. Stockholm, noted for its outstanding architecture, is one of Scandinavia’s most attractive cities. In addition to its many man-made monuments, Stockholm boasts natural beauty - with one-third of the city’s total land area devoted to parks. As the country’s major city, Stockholm offers a wealth of monuments and sites, fine museums, and a rich culture. There are also hundreds of excellent restaurants, as well as a great selection of trendy boutiques and exciting nightclubs. Visitors should start their exploration of Stockholm with the Gamla Stan, the Old Town on Stadsholmen; an island in the center of the city, it has retained its medieval charm. The maze of narrow, cobbled streets, full of art studios, boutiques, antique shops, nightclubs and bars, is best explored on foot.

Aug 23, 2029 - Helsinki

Often referred to as "Pearl of the Baltic," this neat city is known for impressive architecture, wide boulevards, and beautiful harbor. Grand Senate Square, dominated by exquisite Tuomio Church and onion domes of Russian Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral, is an example of neo-Classical, Empire-style impressive architecture. Visit the lively harborfront market and Temppeliaukioa Church (Rock Church), which was created in the 60's from man-made and natural materials. Finland’s musical heritage comes alive in great Finlandia Hall, designed by renowned architect Alvar Aalto. Finland’s beloved composer, Jean Sibelius, is remembered by a beautiful monument on Helsinki’s outskirts. Helsinki has good museums displaying everything from art to architectural design. Open-air Museum - the small wooded island of Seurasaari - has a collection of vernacular buildings assembled from all over Finland which provide insight into how country folk lived until recently. Suomenlinna Fortress is the largest in the world and often called Gibraltar of the North.

Aug 24, 2029 - Tallinn

Tallinn's many occupations over the centuries have resulted in a cultural mix and unique ambiance of this maritime city. Old Town's cobbled streets and 13th-14th century buildings attract thousands of visitors annually who admire the city’s heritage of medieval buildings, the imposing City Hall, the Orthodox Cathedral, Toompea Castle and Oleviste Church. See former guild houses, including the Great Guildhall of the medieval Hanseatic League. Other attractions include impressive Town Hall Square with 15th century Gothic Town Hall, and numerous Gothic churches including Toomekirik. Toompea Castle has fine views over Tallinn. In Hirve Park, Estonians have rallied recently in protest of foreign occupation. "Tall Herman" and "Fat Margaret" are two towers among the remnants of the original defense walls. The "Fat Margaret" tower now houses a Maritime Museum on Tallinn’s history as a busy port. Other museums include: The House of Knights on Toompea Hill which displays Estonian art from the 19th and 20th centuries; the Museum of Decorative and Applied Art.

Aug 25, 2029 - At Sea

Aug 26, 2029 - Riga

Now reasserting its proud Baltic heritage after the return of Latvia's independence, this ancient Hanseatic river-port is the largest city of the Baltic States and a showcase for the restored Old Riga with its cobbled pedestrian streets, towers and spires of medieval churches and venerable facades of gabled 17th century German merchants' homes. It is surrounded by a moat and contains several medieval buildings, including a 13th-century cathedral and guild halls from the 14th century. Riga is still historically and architecturally fascinating.

Aug 27, 2029 - Klaipeda

Klaipeda (formerly Memel) is a port in western Lithuania on the Baltic Sea. It has shipyards, factories, museums and an aquarium.

Aug 28, 2029 - Gdansk (Gdynia)

Historic Gdansk represents one of the richest, most lavish complexes of architectonic relics in Poland. The entrances to historic quarters are huge stone gateways guarding the main thoroughfare; the well-proportioned tower of town hall makes a powerful impact. The main square is filled with fine mansions. St. Mary’s Church is the world's largest brick church, with a capacity of 25,000. Dominating the waterside is seven-story Great Mill. Gdynia is the modern port for Gdansk. Near Gdansk is Sopot, one of the most fashionable seaside resorts in northern Europe during the 19th century and the country’s most popular health spa with its beach and flair for entertainment. Sopot is known as an important music center, featuring an annual Opera and International Song Festival. Gdansk Historical Museum has lavish decorations and fascinating exhibits. Maritime Museum features a model of every ship produced in local shipyards since 1945 and is housed in the massive 15th-century Gdansk Crane. National Art Museum, one of Gdansk’s highlights, boasts a collection of Gothic art and sculpture.

Aug 29, 2029 - Karlskrona

Karlskrona is beautifully situated on the south-east tip of Sweden, built upon 33 islands around the island of Trossö in the Blekinge archipelago. A baroque city founded in 1680 and inspired by Venice. The beautiful archipelago surrounding Karlskrona is now open to everyone. The larger islands of Hasslö, Senoren, Sturkö and Tjurkö are accessible by bridge. Reach the outskirts of the archipelago by skerry boat. The genuine charm and lovely surroundings. In the very far distance are the harsh, fascinating islets of Utklippan, frequented by the migrating birds. Call in at the crafts workshops or curing houses with their wide range of smoked fish and enjoy the harvests of the season. Experience, as well, the Oak Kingdom, with genuine handicrafts, ceramic workshops and a host of other attractions. Among the many other activities one can partake of in Karlskrona and it's surroundings, are the well-known Sail Festival, golf, fishing, canoeing, cycling, bathing and camping.

Aug 30, 2029 - 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.

Aug 31, 2029 - Skagen

At the tip of Jutland, where picturesque streets and luminous landscapes have inspired painters for centuries, see the works of Holger Drachman, and perhaps take up your own brush. Also in Skagen, Danish precision is manifest in the art of watchmaking. Get your Skagen timepiece here in the city of the same name.

Sep 01, 2029 - Arendal

Arendal is a small town in the county of Aust-Agder, Norway.  It was originally called the Venice of Scandinavia because the town is built on seven islands, with a network of canals surrounding it. Sailing, riding, canoeing, fishing and other sports are also available here. Arendal is also home to several popular music festivals including the Hove Jazz Festival and Canal Street, a blues and rock restival.

Sep 02, 2029 - Stavanger

Founded in the 8th century and one of Norway's oldest towns, Stavanger is situated along the Byfjord, an arm of the Stavangerfjord. A bishop ruled the city from the twelfth through seventeenth centuries. At the end of the eighteenth century, Stavanger had developed a successful merchant shipping fleet and during the next century developed herring fishing and canning industries. Appealing echoes of that proud heritage live on amid the evocative cobbled streets of Gamle (Old) Stavanger, whose whitewashed 18th century houses are probably northern Europe's best-preserved community of wooden houses. It has a well-preserved 12th century stone church.

Sep 03, 2029 - Lerwick, Shetland Island

The Shetland Islands are Great Britain's most northerly islands, situated nearly fifty miles northeast of the Orkneys. Lerwick is the capital of the principal island of Mainland and is Britain's most northerly town. Founded on the fishing industry and with strong Viking connections, little now remains of the old village of Lerwick. Features of interest include the Cromwellian Fort Charlotte and annual Norse fire festival, Up-Helly-Aa, held every January. On the southern tip of the island is Jarlshof, site of ruins of several Stone Age and Bronze Age dwellings as well as wheel-houses from the Iron Age. Elsewhere on the island is Clichimin Broch, another prehistoric site containing a Bronze Age fort.

Sep 04, 2029 - 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.

Sep 05, 2029 - 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.

Sep 05, 2029 - Klaksvik

Sep 06, 2029 - At Sea

Sep 07, 2029 - Seydisfjordur

Seydisfjördur is long and narrow and flanked by high mountains. At its head lies the town of Seydifjordur, which has one of the best natural harbors in the country. The oldest part of the town is built in 19th century Norwegian-style architecture, making Seydisfjördur a unique Icelandic fishing towns. Seydisfjördur is close to the Faroe Islands and Europe. A Faeroese passenger and car ferry has operated scheduled weekly sailings between Seyðisfjörður and Scandinavia during the summer, and this has attracted considerable tourism to the area. The cultural life is very lively during summer. The Á Seyði Art festival is a yearly event. The Blue Church has concerts every Wednesday in summer. Art exhibitions are at the cultural center, and there is a Crafts Market. There is a swimming pool, a golf course, mini golf and the Rarik electricity museum. Also offered are guided sightseeing tours, cruises, sea angling tours, and trips to Lodmundarfjördur fjord. There are a variety of marked hiking trails in the area, and fishing licenses are available.

Sep 08, 2029 - Husavik

The most interesting places to visit in Iceland are Dettifoss, Myvatn, Goðafoss, Krafla, Ásbyrgi, the park in Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, the fossils at Tjörnes, the ghost valleys of the north. Húsavík is known for being the whale watching capital of Iceland. The bird life offers unique nature experience on sea for tourists. Lundey (also known as Puffin Island) is an island colony of 100.000 puffins and other cliff dwelling birds. The beautiful garden in the center of town and the river running through it provides life for many birds. The Folk Museum has one of the largest polar bears ever caught locally. The well-timbered church built in 1907 is open for visitors during summer. The town is a starting point for sightseeing tours and one-day excursions to many famous places found in the north, like Lake Myvatn, Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, Hljódaklettar, Hólmatungur, Ásbyrgi, Tjörnes peninsula, Adaldalur valley, Laxárdalur valley and the Grenjadarstadur Folk Museum. Húsavík is an environmental friendly town - where geothermal water heats all houses and heats or dries industrial products.

Sep 09, 2029 - Siglufjordur

Siglufjordur is a quiet fishing village located within an isolated narrow fjord in northern Iceland. The small town at one point was home to 3,000 inhabitants, however since the 1950’s has drastically shrunk. Siglufjordur as of the year 2011 reported a population of only 1,206 locals. Visitors can enjoy skiing, private tours of the area as well as the Herring Era Museum which is enjoyed by many.  During the aurora spring & autumn seasons, the sky shines with vibrant neon shades that light up the charming small town. 

Sep 10, 2029 - Isafjord

The town of Isafjord is a bona fide hive of industry. This busy fishing port runs to sizable shipyards as well as shrimp and fish factories— all ready to handle the catch of the day from the icy waters of the Denmark Strait. Recreational activities around here include hiking, kayaking, and of course, fishing.

Sep 11, 2029 - 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.