Viking: Viking Venus

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.

Suggested Private Excursions

Reykjavik - The Golden Circle - FD Tour

Reykjavik - Bathing in the Blue Lagoon - HD Tour

Reykjavik - Langjökull Glacier & the Ice Tunnel

Reykjavik Highlights - HD Tour

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.

Suggested Private Excursions

Reykjavik - The Golden Circle - FD Tour

Reykjavik - Bathing in the Blue Lagoon - HD Tour

Reykjavik - Langjökull Glacier & the Ice Tunnel

Reykjavik Highlights - HD Tour

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.

Akureyri is one of Iceland's oldest towns, and features picturesque historic houses set below snowcapped peaks, botanical gardens and several museums. Explore the interior to see Godafoss Waterfall and Lake Myvatn. It is the largest settlement outside the south-west of Iceland, and one of the country's largest cities. The name means "Meadow Sandspit" in Icelandic. Akureyri is an important shipyard and fishing port, as well as a commercial and distributing centre for agriculture and manufacturing.

Suggested Private Excursions

Akureyri - Lake Mývatn classic - Nature Baths- FD Tour

Akureyri - Godafoss Waterfall & Laufas Turf Farm - HD Tour

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.

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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.

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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.

The region is famous for its beautiful scenery with high mountains and blue fjords, of which the Geiranger fjord is one of the most attractive tourist places in Norway. The climate is less severe than might be expected from its geographical location, with mild winters and cool summers. Ålesund, with its unique architecture, is the center of business and industry in Møre and Romsdal. As the sea, the woods and the mountains are easy accessible, the possibilities for outdoor and sports activities are excellent, both in the summer and winter season.

Flåm­ is the destination of the 12-mile branch line of the train from Myrdal, a 50-minute ride that plummets nearly 3,000 feet into Flåm­ Valley. The tiny village lies at the end of the Aurlandsfjord, amid meadows and orchards, surrounded by towering mountains. A trip on famous Flåm­ Railway is a thrilling experience. Its track took four years to complete and leads through breathtaking mountain scenery, past cascading waterfalls and through hand-dug tunnels. At one point the train travels through a reverse tunnel in order to negotiate a gradient of nearly a thousand feet, making it one of the steepest anywhere in the world. It operates year-round - a great tourist attraction during the summer and a local lifeline during deep winter. Strolling around the few souvenir shops or walking in the picturesque Aurland Valley are popular pastimes. Guests interested in exploring on their own would enjoy a hike in the countryside. The picturesque setting among orchards and meadows draws visitors to this serene and peaceful place.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The northern part of Scotland, known as the Highlands, ranks as one of the world’s most magnificent scenic spots. Among the main attractions is a landscape of dramatic mountains and forested hills. Invergordon is the port for Inverness and capital of the Highlands. The surrounding countryside offers such famous attractions as the Battlefield of Culloden, Loch Ness, the villages of Tain and Cromarty, numerous historic castles and old established whisky distilleries. Enjoy the picture-perfect scenery and an opportunity to chat with a Highlander eager to introduce you to his fabled land and its rich heritage. Inverness Castle is a predominantly 19th-century edifice perched high above the Ness River. Today’s remains house the Sheriff’s Office. The exhibits of Inverness Museum and Art Gallery may be worth viewing as they provide a good overview of the development of the Highlands. Located 14 miles southwest of Inverness the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition tell the legend of the monster from 565 A.D. to the present.

Dominated by the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, this picturesque city offers shopping on Princes Street, the grandeur of the Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral and historic Palace of Holyrood House, where Queen Mary lived and many Scottish kings were wed. Or venture across the moors to marvel at the scenic Highlands.

The Orkney Islands are different from mainland Britain and reflect the original 9th century Viking settlement. In addition to Norse heritage are remains of prehistoric monuments such as Stenness Standing Stones at Finstown. Steep-roofed stone houses line streets winding around medieval St. Magnus Cathedral. A museum featuring Orkney artifacts is housed in 16th-century Tankerness House. Other attractions include Maes Howe, Britain's best-preserved megalithic tomb, and the stone-age village Skara Brae. Rock circles, cairns, standing stones, ancient tombs and prehistoric villages are scattered about, gaining these islands international recognition. Only the walls and tower of the 12-century residence, Bishop's Palace, stand. The top of the tower affords a great view of the cathedral and across Kirkwall rooftops. Earl's Palace dates from 1600. Its style blends medieval fierceness with elements of French Renaissance architecture - featuring dungeons, massive fireplaces and magnificent central hall. A good mile south of town is Highland Park - the "most northerly legal distillery in Scotland."

Situated on Loch Broom and only 59 miles from Inverness, Ullapool is the largest settlement in Wester Ross. It was purpose built as a herring station to a Thomas Telford design in 1788. It is also an excellent base from which to explore the Northwest Highlands. Most of the main roads north of here have been upgraded over the years, and staying in Ullapool and using it as a touring base is now a viable and attractive option.

Belfast is popular with travelers who come to discover the city’s physical beauty and renewed tranquility. Enjoy performances at the Grand Opera House, shopping along trendy Donegall Place and visiting numerous pubs along The Golden Mile. St. Anne’s Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral, is the principal church of the Anglican Church of Ireland and contains stones from every county in Ireland. Located next to Europa Hotel, the Grand Opera House boasts an impressive mix of large productions of opera, ballet, musicals and drama. Known as the Big Ben of Belfast, the Albert Memorial Clock Tower was built in 1869 to commemorate the Prince Consort. Built in 1849 as one of Queen Victoria’s colleges, Queens University is one of the foremost universities in the British Isles. The classical-style building of Stormont, erected in 1928-32 to house the Parliament of Northern Ireland, stands 3.5 miles outside the city. The Prince of Wales Avenue is exactly one mile long and is bordered by rose beds containing 600 of the famous Korona roses noted for their scarlet blooms.

Suggested Private Excursions

Belfast - Tour of Antrim Coast - Full Day Tour

Belfast: Cultural Belfast - 8 hours

Belfast: Highlights of Belfast - 6 hours

Liverpool – just saying the name automatically brings the world’s most famous group to mind – The Beatles. Liverpool however has more to offer visitors though than just Beatles memorabilia. Located on the Irish Sea on the mouth of the Mersey River, Liverpool is one of England’s most important seaports, second only to London. A bustling port for the exchanging of goods, it is also a passenger port for those traveling to Ireland. Several churches in the city are notable; among them is the Anglican Cathedral, built in 1904 which is one of the largest ecclesiastical structures in the world. There are several museums in the city as well, the Walker Art Gallery and the Merseyside County Museum.

Suggested Private Excursions

Liverpool: Explore Liverpool - 8 hours

Holyhead is the largest town on the island of Anglesey and a busy ferry port. The town has a number of interesting attractions and is a bustling shopping and visitors area. Around Holyhead there is excellent fishing, golfing and,of course, sailing facilities. Couple this with wonderful scenery, walks and beaches and you can easily lose yourself and relax for a few days. A day trip by ferry to sample the wonderful Dublin is easily achievable.
Anglesey has a number of both historic and prehistoric sites close-by. The maritime museum in Holyhead is well worth a visit with exhibits on 100 or so shipwrecks that have taken place in the vicinity. Stroll' down to South Stack Lighthouse.

Dublin enjoys one of the loveliest natural settings in Europe. Dublin attracts visitors from around the world with its old world charm and friendly atmosphere. Most of the architecture dates from the 18th century, when Dublin enjoyed great prominence and prosperity. Also of interest are stately Georgian houses which front Merrion Square. O'Connell Street is considered the commercial center of Dublin. Perhaps the most memorable feature of Dublin is the traditional pub, where visitors can enjoy conversation over fine Irish brew. The city also offers many fine parks, including St. Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park. National Gallery's renowned collection includes works by such famous masters as Rembrandt and Monet. Trinity College's Old Library is home to the most cherished treasure, the Book of Kells, a manuscript of the Gospels. Admire Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy the exhibits in impressive National Museum. Self-guided walking tours include Old City Trail, Georgian Heritage Trail and the Cultural Trail.

Suggested Private Excursions

Dublin: Highlights of Dublin City - 8 hours

Dublin - Dublin City & Powerscourt - Full Day Tour

Dublin: An Introduction to Dublin - 4 hours

Cruising

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.

Greenwich is a borough of London in southeastern England. It is most known for being the site of the prime meridian, or 0 longitude, which passes though the Greenwich Observatory.

Greenwich is a borough of London in southeastern England. It is most known for being the site of the prime meridian, or 0 longitude, which passes though the Greenwich Observatory.