Hurtigruten/HX: MS Maud

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

Stykkisholmur is a village and municipality that sits on the western region of Iceland. The main financial contributors in the area come from fishing and growing summer month tourism. Stykkisholmur has quickly become one of the most favorite visited towns in Iceland. Enjoy your day while walking through the docks, grab lunch at one of the many cafes in town and visit the famous Library of Water.

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.

No information currently available.

No information currently available.

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.

No information currently available.

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.

Famous for birds, knitwear and historic shipwrecks, Fair Isle is a tiny jewel of an island lying half-way between Orkney and Shetland.

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."

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.

Suggested Private Excursions

Edinburgh: Royal Edinburgh - 8 hours

Edinburgh: Introducing Edinburgh - 4 hours

No information currently available.

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.