British Isles & Viking Trails: Ireland & Reykjavík Cruise

Day 1 - Dover, UK

Arrive: Sat 26 July 2025 / Depart: Sat 26 July 2025 at 19:00

Dover, in the county of Kent in southeast England, has understandably been one of the most important ports of entry to the country for centuries, given its location on the English Channel across from France. The famous White Cliffs of Dover greet you as you arrive, and the city has a number of historic sights, including a medieval castle. For many travelers, however, it is primarily a gateway to London. Few places can compete with England’s capital for sheer energy, atmosphere and variety. London’s vibrancy—in art, in music, in architecture—is formidable. It’s a city with not only multiple attractions, grand structures and great cultural institutions (though there are plenty of those) but also scenic parks, walkable villages and striking modern additions.Culinary pioneers are reviving traditional techniques and introducing menus that are at the forefront of the world’s premier restaurant experiences. Leg-powered sightseeing (by bike or on foot) around London maximizes opportunities for stumbling across secret alleys, courtyards housing quirky art galleries and tiny old pubs serving fresh British ales. Shoppers will want to check out the items at some of the retail emporiums known the world over as well as diminutive boutiques stocking unique souvenirs.

Day 2 - Rotterdam

Arrive: Sun 27 July 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 27 July 2025 at 15:00

Often called the gateway to Europe, the port city of Rotterdam is full of old-world charm. The harbor offers amazing views and a maze of wharves and canals, along with towering spires make for a beautiful sight. Take a stroll and duck into one of the pubs or eateries along the way. Only three pre World War II buildings in the city centre have survived and are worth a look - city hall, St. Laurence church and the White House. Explore the Museum Boymans van Beuningen, which houses a unique collection dating from the 14th century, or the Museum Voor Volkenkunde - home to ethnological exhibits. Exquisite architecture can be seen in many areas of Rotterdam, most notably in the Delfshaven quarter of the city - where 18th century houses are on display. For a laugh, check out Kijk-Kubus, an upside-down house.

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Stornoway (Isle Lewis)

Arrive: Tue 29 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 29 July 2025 at 17:00

Inhabited for more than 6,000 years, the Isle of Lewis has a rich history and rugged beauty. Explore the islands varied scenery from fjord-like lochs and dramatic sea-cliffs to barren peat moors and romantic heather covered uplands; marvel at the mysterious Standing Stones at Callanish, the most remarkable piece of antiquity in the Western Isles; and shop for famous Harris Tweed, hand-woven and uniquely dyed using indigenous plants.

Day 5 - Killybegs

Arrive: Wed 30 July 2025 at 10:00 / Depart: Wed 30 July 2025 at 18:00

Killybegs has offered mariners a safe haven from the churning waters of the Atlantic Ocean for centuries. Its sheltered deepwater harbor opens out into Donegal Bay and the vast northeastern Atlantic. In ancient times, the town consisted of no more than a huddle of small beehive-style huts called “Na Cealla Beaga,” a Gaelic phrase from which the town takes its current name. Fast-forward to today, and the maritime theme is just as strong. Modern-day Killybegs is a tight-knit seafaring community with Ireland’s largest fishing fleet. This part of County Donegal is also home to a number of traditional industries and artisan workshops, where craftspeople specialize in carpet-making, weaving and knitting. Killybegs is surrounded by some of the most scenic landscape Ireland has to offer. As a stop along the 2,500-kilometer-long coastal route known as the Wild Atlantic Way, there are several stunning spots you can’t miss, including the white, sandy expanse of nearby Fintra Beach and the vertigo-inducing cliffs at Slieve League. Come here to soak up the small-town atmosphere and drink in the natural beauty that abounds.

Day 6 - Galway

Arrive: Thu 31 July 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 31 July 2025 at 17:00

Set on the Corrib River, with the scenic sweep of Galway Bay beyond, Galway is one of Ireland’s most charming cities, small yet vibrant, with a decidedly bohemian feel. It is also known as the City of Tribes, as its public and commercial life during the Middle Ages was dominated by a group of 14 influential merchant families, whose surnames—including Morris, Joyce, Kirwan, French and D'Arcy—are still in evidence today. Galway’s spiritual heart is Eyre Square, but the real attraction is its medieval quarter, a jumble of narrow streets and landmarks like the Spanish Arch, which perches on the quayside where river and sea meet. Take a stroll along Galway’s seaside promenade at Salthill, just west of the city center, to take in stunning Atlantic panoramas. Galway has a thriving cultural scene and has been designated a UNESCO City of Film. Its rich artistic heritage is epitomized by the annual International Arts Festival held each July, but you can find traditional music in its bars and pubs any day of the week, year round. Venture beyond the city to immerse yourself in the haunting landscape of Connemara, and get lost among its pewter lakes, lonely bogs and silver sand beaches.

Day 7 - Cobh

Arrive: Fri 01 August 2025 at 10:00 / Depart: Fri 01 August 2025 at 18:00

Corkonians are fiercely proud of their hometown, so much so that it’s jokingly referred to as the People’s Republic of Cork. And there is a lot to love about Ireland’s second city. Hugging the banks of the River Lee, it takes its name from corcaigh, the Gaelic word for "marshy." With its origins in the 7th century, Cork enjoyed a flourishing period as a merchant center in the 18th and 19th centuries, with grand buildings like the elegant Cork City Hall bearing testimony to this status. On the north bank of the River Lee is the quaint neighborhood of Shandon with its landmark clock tower of St. Anne’s Church. The city’s heart is set on an island sandwiched between two channels of the Lee that open out into one of Europe's largest natural harbors at Cobh. Cobh brought the city prosperity (and also happened to be the final port of call for the ill-fated RMS Titanic). And it was from Cobh that over 2.5 million immigrants caught their final glimpse of their home country as they departed in search of a better life in the United States between 1848 and 1950. There’s a more modern side to Cork, with a thriving university quarter, pubs, bars and restaurants. Whatever your interests, you will find a side of Cork to love too.

Day 8 - Dun Laoghaire, Ireland

Arrive: Sat 02 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 02 August 2025 at 17:00

Day 9 - Liverpool

Arrive: Sun 03 August 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 03 August 2025 at 18:00

The city that launched the Beatles, Liverpool is still a hardworking docks town, offering a lively pub scene and a branch of London's Tate Gallery. Sample shore excursions: The Beatles; The Roman City of Chester.

Day 10 - At Sea

Day 11 - Portree, Isle of Skye

Arrive: Tue 05 August 2025 at 10:00 / Depart: Tue 05 August 2025 at 18:00

The largest town on Skye - located in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland - this port's harbor is fringed by steep cliffs and the town's Gaelic heritage in evident in the local attractions. Harry Potter fans will recognize that the town is home to the fictional Pride of Portree. Everything is a short stroll away within Portree, and nearby Glasgow provides further opportunities for exploration. The mountainous Isle of Skye provides breathtaking vistas from nearly every destination. Play a round of golf in nearby Sconser or go pony trekking at Skeabost. Skye is also the ideal place for fishing and bird watching. Sample the local whisky at Talisker Distillery in Carbost or simply find a quiet spot to admire the views.

Day 12 - Invergordon

Arrive: Wed 06 August 2025 at 10:00 / Depart: Wed 06 August 2025 at 18:00

The skirl of Highland bagpipes calls you ashore. Go in search of your clan tartan, and "Nessie," the spurious monster often sighted in Loch Ness.

Day 13 - Newhaven

Arrive: Thu 07 August 2025 at 10:00

The portside neighborhood of Newhaven is just minutes from one of the most charming city centers in Western Europe: that of the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. A top destination for travelers to the U.K., Edinburgh is known not only for its nearly fairy-tale appearance, with a castle hovering over the city center, but also for its rich arts scene and long cultural heritage. The center of Edinburgh is divided between two distinct and internationally recognized historic districts. To the north is the Old Town, with its vennels (alleys) and medieval remnants—all still intact if modified over the ages. To the south, it's the New Town, begun around the time of the American Revolution. Both districts demand wandering and exploration. The city counts amid its splendor such attractions as the National Galleries of Scotland and the Holyrood Palace (Queen Elizabeth's official Scotland residence) and Abbey ruins. Other touring options include a trip to the royal burgh of Culross (an important destination in the 16th through 18th centuries), a day in the buzzing city of Glasgow, or a round of golf at St. Andrews, the most famous course in the world.

Day 14 - Newhaven

Depart: Fri 08 August 2025 at 01:00

The portside neighborhood of Newhaven is just minutes from one of the most charming city centers in Western Europe: that of the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. A top destination for travelers to the U.K., Edinburgh is known not only for its nearly fairy-tale appearance, with a castle hovering over the city center, but also for its rich arts scene and long cultural heritage. The center of Edinburgh is divided between two distinct and internationally recognized historic districts. To the north is the Old Town, with its vennels (alleys) and medieval remnants—all still intact if modified over the ages. To the south, it's the New Town, begun around the time of the American Revolution. Both districts demand wandering and exploration. The city counts amid its splendor such attractions as the National Galleries of Scotland and the Holyrood Palace (Queen Elizabeth's official Scotland residence) and Abbey ruins. Other touring options include a trip to the royal burgh of Culross (an important destination in the 16th through 18th centuries), a day in the buzzing city of Glasgow, or a round of golf at St. Andrews, the most famous course in the world.

Day 14 - At Sea

Day 15 - Dover, UK

Arrive: Sat 09 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 09 August 2025 at 19:00

Dover, in the county of Kent in southeast England, has understandably been one of the most important ports of entry to the country for centuries, given its location on the English Channel across from France. The famous White Cliffs of Dover greet you as you arrive, and the city has a number of historic sights, including a medieval castle. For many travelers, however, it is primarily a gateway to London. Few places can compete with England’s capital for sheer energy, atmosphere and variety. London’s vibrancy—in art, in music, in architecture—is formidable. It’s a city with not only multiple attractions, grand structures and great cultural institutions (though there are plenty of those) but also scenic parks, walkable villages and striking modern additions.Culinary pioneers are reviving traditional techniques and introducing menus that are at the forefront of the world’s premier restaurant experiences. Leg-powered sightseeing (by bike or on foot) around London maximizes opportunities for stumbling across secret alleys, courtyards housing quirky art galleries and tiny old pubs serving fresh British ales. Shoppers will want to check out the items at some of the retail emporiums known the world over as well as diminutive boutiques stocking unique souvenirs.

Day 16 - Rotterdam

Arrive: Sun 10 August 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 10 August 2025 at 16:00

Often called the gateway to Europe, the port city of Rotterdam is full of old-world charm. The harbor offers amazing views and a maze of wharves and canals, along with towering spires make for a beautiful sight. Take a stroll and duck into one of the pubs or eateries along the way. Only three pre World War II buildings in the city centre have survived and are worth a look - city hall, St. Laurence church and the White House. Explore the Museum Boymans van Beuningen, which houses a unique collection dating from the 14th century, or the Museum Voor Volkenkunde - home to ethnological exhibits. Exquisite architecture can be seen in many areas of Rotterdam, most notably in the Delfshaven quarter of the city - where 18th century houses are on display. For a laugh, check out Kijk-Kubus, an upside-down house.

Day 17 - At Sea

Day 18 - Haugesund

Arrive: Tue 12 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 12 August 2025 at 17:00

With Norway possessing countless famous natural landmarks—its glorious fjords practically enjoy celebrity status—the town of Haugesund, in the southern county of Rogaland, can be overlooked despite its history as a center of the country’s Viking rulers. Norway’s first king, Harald Fairhair, whose rule began in the latter half of the 9th century, lived nearby, and he and several other early kings are buried in a mound here along the Karmsundet Strait. Today, Norwegians know the town as a cultural center with popular music and film festivals, as well as for being a beneficiary of Norway’s petroleum wealth. As in many Scandinavian port towns, a long row of handsome old commercial buildings line the Smedasundet waterfront; today, they house busy restaurants. A block inland, the Haraldsgata pedestrian street has a folk museum, the brick Our Savior’s Church and plenty of shopping. At the edge of town, a huge granite obelisk erected in 1872 commemorates the 1,000th anniversary of the seminal Battle of Hafrsfjord, when Harald Fairhair led his forces to victory and united Norway in the process. It is also easy to get from Haugesund to the massive glacier fields of Folgefonna National Park and to the 612-meter-high (2,008-foot) Langfoss waterfall.

Day 19 - At Sea

Day 20 - Djupivogur, Iceland

Arrive: Thu 14 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 14 August 2025 at 17:00

Djúpivogur, a quiet fishing village with fewer than 500 residents, sits on the eastern coast of Iceland and dates back to the days of the Vikings. Despite the fearsome reputation of those who first established Djúpivogur, today what draws visitors to this remote corner of the country is its dramatic natural setting. Located on Berufjörður, it is near stunning natural wonders like the Hofellsjökull Glacier and the Valley of Waterfalls. Wherever you journey in the region, you'll come upon stunning vistas and a landscape shaped by glaciers and geothermal activity. The village itself is home to intriguing sites like Langabúð, a log house built in 1790 that now houses artifacts related to Iceland’s long-held folk traditions. (These include a belief in “hidden folk” who live in the ancient windswept landscapes of rock, glacier and lava.) You can also journey to nearby Papey Island and meet some of eastern Iceland's seabird population including cute and quirky puffins. These birds are so beloved in Iceland that they were long the symbol of the national airline and actually outnumber the country's human population by some 25 to 1.

Day 20 - Scenic cruising Berufjordur

Day 21 - Akureyri

Arrive: Fri 15 August 2025 at 10:00 / Depart: Fri 15 August 2025 at 19:00

Often described as the capital of north Iceland, the country's second-largest city is both vibrant and pretty, and serves as an ideal hub for exploring the incredible landscape that surrounds it. Located at the head of a 60-kilometer fjord—the country’s longest—and surrounded by snow-streaked mountains, Akureyri was originally settled in the 9th century and was first officially mentioned as a city in the 16th century. Today it boasts a population of around 17,000, a scenic harbor and an array of interesting shops, buzzy cafés and upscale restaurants. Its main sights include the Akureyri Church, a wonderful botanical garden (founded in 1912) and the fascinating Akureyri Museum. From here it’s possible to explore some of the country’s most memorable landscapes, starting with Akureyri’s own fjord, Eyjafjörður, where you'll find several museums (including the Icelandic Folk and Outsider Art Museum), fishing villages like Grenivík and plenty of dramatic mountain scenery. Farther afield are the island of Grímsey, the volcanic wonderland of Lake Mývatn and a whole host of waterfalls, gorges, churches and saga sites.

Day 21 - Scenic cruising Eyjafjordur

Day 22 - Isafjordur

Arrive: Sat 16 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 16 August 2025 at 17:00

Day 22 - Scenic Cruising Isafjardurdjur

Day 23 - Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive: Sun 17 August 2025 at 08:00

See dramatic evidence of Iceland's volcanic origins: geysers, hotsprings, vast fields of cooled lava. Swim in the naturally-warmed Blue Lagoon.

Day 24 - Reykjavik, Iceland

Depart: Mon 18 August 2025 at 14:00

See dramatic evidence of Iceland's volcanic origins: geysers, hotsprings, vast fields of cooled lava. Swim in the naturally-warmed Blue Lagoon.

Day 25 - At Sea

Day 26 - Stornoway (Isle Lewis)

Arrive: Wed 20 August 2025 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 20 August 2025 at 16:00

Inhabited for more than 6,000 years, the Isle of Lewis has a rich history and rugged beauty. Explore the islands varied scenery from fjord-like lochs and dramatic sea-cliffs to barren peat moors and romantic heather covered uplands; marvel at the mysterious Standing Stones at Callanish, the most remarkable piece of antiquity in the Western Isles; and shop for famous Harris Tweed, hand-woven and uniquely dyed using indigenous plants.

Day 27 - Belfast

Arrive: Thu 21 August 2025 at 09:00 / Depart: Thu 21 August 2025 at 17:00

Belfast has emerged from decades of conflict to become one of Ireland’s most intriguing cities. In the 19th century, its location on the banks of the River Lagan made it an industrial center for ropemaking, shipbuilding, tobacco and textiles. And this legacy shaped much of its architecture: Grand Edwardian and Victorian municipal buildings and warehouses are found throughout the city alongside telltale scars of its more recent past. While the legacy of Belfast’s complex conflict known as The Troubles still looms, there are many other sides of Northern Ireland's capital to explore, from the quaint streets of the Cathedral Quarter to the newly regenerated Titanic Quarter, where the ill-fated RMS Titanic was constructed. Belfast is also gathering momentum as an up-and-coming gourmet destination, with a new generation of chefs producing food to get excited about. Beyond the city limits, County Down and neighboring County Antrim have a wealth of things to see and do. Any lingering negative preconceptions will evaporate after a short time in this fascinating and welcoming city.

Day 28 - At Sea

Day 29 - Dover, UK

Arrive: Sat 23 August 2025 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 23 August 2025 at 19:00

Dover, in the county of Kent in southeast England, has understandably been one of the most important ports of entry to the country for centuries, given its location on the English Channel across from France. The famous White Cliffs of Dover greet you as you arrive, and the city has a number of historic sights, including a medieval castle. For many travelers, however, it is primarily a gateway to London. Few places can compete with England’s capital for sheer energy, atmosphere and variety. London’s vibrancy—in art, in music, in architecture—is formidable. It’s a city with not only multiple attractions, grand structures and great cultural institutions (though there are plenty of those) but also scenic parks, walkable villages and striking modern additions.Culinary pioneers are reviving traditional techniques and introducing menus that are at the forefront of the world’s premier restaurant experiences. Leg-powered sightseeing (by bike or on foot) around London maximizes opportunities for stumbling across secret alleys, courtyards housing quirky art galleries and tiny old pubs serving fresh British ales. Shoppers will want to check out the items at some of the retail emporiums known the world over as well as diminutive boutiques stocking unique souvenirs.