DATES / RATES
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// Rates are listed per person in USD
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Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
ITINERARY
Day
1: 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.
Day
2: Isafjordur, 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.
Day
3: 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).
Day
4: Seydisfjordur, 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..
Day
5: At Sea
Spend
the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some
time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of
your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore
Day
6: Alesund, Norway
Spread
across three islands and ringed by dramatic mountains,
Ålesund is imbued with whimsy and romance. Dressed elegantly
in its signature Art Nouveau architecture, you can appreciate the
turrets, spires and medieval ornaments that adorn the town. In a small
park at the base of Mount Aksla, you’ll find a
picture-postcard view of Ålesund, the Art Nouveau city center
and the surrounding alpine landscapes of Sunnmøre. If
dramatic views are what you seek, Trollstigen Road is an exciting
roadway through enormous mountains, offering amazing views of Norway.
The ultimate adventure is Trollveggen, the Troll Wall, which is the
highest perpendicular rock face in Europe.
Day
7: Geiranger, Norway
The
tiny village of Geiranger is home to major adventures, as the
area’s unique natural surroundings were created during a
succession of ice ages when glaciers carved out deep fjords and shaped
the high mountains. The crown jewel of all the Norwegian fjords is
Geirangerfjord. The entire area, from the snow-covered mountain tops to
the clear, blue water, were included on UNESCO’s list of
World Heritage Sites. Among the extraordinary features are the Seven
Sisters waterfalls, jutting out from the cliff sides in seven separate
cataracts and creating a curtain you can walk behind. Travelers seeking
a thrilling experience will appreciate the 11 hairpin turns of
Trollstigen mountain road, each bend with its own moniker often named
after the person who supervised its construction.
Day
8: Flam, Norway
Surrounded
by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls, and deep valleys,
Flåm is located off one of the hidden arms of the Sognefjord.
To fully appreciate the breadth of this region, leave the harbor behind
to reach Gudvangen, a tiny hamlet at the tip of spectacular
Nærøyfjord. This 11-mile-long fjord is listed as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site and rated by the National Geographic Society
as the world’s number one natural heritage site. In addition
to attracting naturalists, this destination will surely delight avid
cyclists with some of the best, most scenic routes. If you prefer to
take in the scenery in comfort, climb aboard the Flåm Railway
and get ready for one of Europe’s most dramatic and visually
stunning train adventures.
Gudvangen,
Norway
Within
the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjorden lies the little gem
of Gudvangen. Enter the Viking village of Njardarheim and discover your
inner pioneer with possible opportunities to participate in exciting
activities like archery and ax throwing. Set within the pristine
environment of the fjords, Gudvangen offers plenty of chances for
stimulating adventures like kayaking and standup paddleboarding. Or you
could get the blood pumping with an energizing hike through Bakkanosi
up to a lookout point that brings you rewarding vistas of the
surrounding mountains and fjords. Explore the small villages that
surround Gudvangen – Dyrdal, Styvi, Tufte and Bakka
– making up the Nærøy community of
Aurland.
Day
9: Bergen, Norway
When
you think of Norway, among the images that come to mind are those of
brightly painted wooden buildings with a backdrop of ice-capped
mountains. In a nutshell, you’ve envisioned Bergen,
Norway’s second-largest city that’s an easy access
gateway to the fjords. Start with an unforgettable funicular ride to
the top of the iconic Mount Floyen, rising over 1,000 feet above sea
level in a seamless eight minutes. Back on the ground, you will not
tire of snapping images of Bergen’s famous UNESCO World
Heritage-listed Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen. You will also find that
Bergen is a city for foodies, with a commitment to organic and
sustainable food that has earned it the additional UNESCO designation
of City of Gastronomy.
Day
10: Stavanger, Norway
Stavanger
brings you to the intersection of historical and natural wonders. While
officially incorporated as a city in 1125 CE, the earliest evidence of
inhabitants traces back to 3,000 BCE. A stroll through Old Stavanger
takes you to the historic residential area, one of Northern
Europe’s best-preserved wooden house settlements. Norway also
contains a few prime surfing grounds, including the Jæren
beaches. It’s also the gateway to one of the most dramatic
fjords, Lysefjord, and is best explored by kayak or stand-up
paddleboard. Jutting nearly 2,000 feet above the fjord, Pulpit Rock, or
Preikestolen, offers another stunning perspective.
Day
11: Arendal, Norway
Arendal,
the inspiration for the name of the fictional land in
Disney’s Frozen, is a popular summer getaway for the locals.
Like most destinations in Norway, Arendal offers idyllic villages made
for quaint and quieter explorations. Find your way to Tyholmen, the Old
Town, a charming scene with cobblestone alleys and small wooden houses.
Cool down with a refreshing swim in the ocean or opt for the floating
pool by the Arendal marina. When you’re ready to engage the
mind, head over to the Science Center for exciting, interactive
exhibits that bring out your inner child.
Day
12: Oslo, Norway
From
music and museums to quiet forest explorations to charming
neighborhoods, Norway’s capital Oslo contains a dynamic array
of experiences for every traveler. The city is filled with cutting-edge
architecture, among them the iconic Oslo Public Library. As part of its
status as a green city, Oslo has become easy to navigate by foot or
bike, perfect for intimate explorations. The Historical Museum holds a
vast array of artifacts from the Middle Ages and pre-historic times.
Among the cities with the most concerts per capita in Europe, Oslo
always has an event to immerse into local culture.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- FREE
cultural immersion on every voyage
- FREE
dining venues 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
in-room minibar with your preferences
- 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
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
- FREE Josper Grill Dining Experience at 7AFT Grill
- FREE Atlas Ocean Voyages backpack
Shore Excursions selected by AFAR as exceptional experiences to connect
with local culture