7-Day Icelandic Fjords & Orkney Islands Cruise

Day 1 - Rotterdam

Arrive: Sun 06 June 2027 / Depart: Sun 06 June 2027 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 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Kirkwall

Arrive: Tue 08 June 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Tue 08 June 2027 at 17:00

While the southernmost isles of Orkney closely straddle the northeast corner of the Scottish mainland, historically the archipelago (around 70 islands in all) and its people have had as much in common with Scandinavia as they have had with Scotland. In fact, until the 15th century, the Orkney Islands were politically part of Norway. Today the Orcadians are a fairly tight-knit and cooperative group of Scots—a rich community of artists and crofters (small-holding farmers), fisherfolk and those in the trades. A key attraction for tourists is the wealth of prehistoric sites on Orkney, including standing stones, burial chambers and even Stone Age settlements, such as Skara Brae, inhabited sometime around 3000 B.C.E. More recently, because of its isolation, Orkney was chosen as the place to keep Italian prisoners of war during WWII; a chapel built by them is a popular site to visit. The island capital is Kirkwall (originally Kirkjuvagr meaning Church Bay). Here you'll find the Cathedral of St. Magnus—one of only two pre–Reformation cathedrals still largely intact in Scotland (the other is Glasgow's St. Mungo). Nearby, the historic town district includes the Earl's Palace, built for the infamous Earl Patrick Stewart, whose father was a bastard son of King James V and who was executed in 1615 for treason.

Day 4 - At Sea

Day 5 - Seydhisfjordur

Arrive: Thu 10 June 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 10 June 2027 at 17:00

The lush valleys and dramatic waterfalls of Seyðisfjörður are some of the most picturesque sights on Iceland’s east coast. And at the head of the fjord sits the colorful, lively town of Seyðisfjörð with a thriving art and music scene thanks to the LungA Art Festival and concerts in the landmark Blue Church each summer. The Skaftfell Center for Visual Art, open year round, exhibits the work of young artists and also has a popular bistro and a bookstore. Seyðisfjörð was founded in the 19th century by Norwegian settlers, who built some of the brightly painted wooden buildings you see today. The town, population 700, has kept its connection to the European mainland: It's the only port in Iceland that regularly sees passenger ships from Europe, through a ferry service to and from Denmark and the Faroe Islands. The residents in the area surrounding Seyðisfjörð are more likely to be wild reindeer—originally imported from Norway, they're the only such animals in Iceland—and arctic foxes, while seals and porpoises swim along the coast. Many native bird species, including puffins and arctic terns, nest around town, with dozens of species at Skálanes, a nature reserve and research center. Farther afield is Iceland’s largest forest, one of its tallest waterfalls and many opportunities for hiking, cycling and kayaking.

Day 5 - Scenic cruising Seydisfjordur

Day 6 - Akureyri

Arrive: Fri 11 June 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 11 June 2027 at 17:00

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 6 - Scenic cruising Eyjafjordur

Day 7 - Isafjordur

Arrive: Sat 12 June 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 12 June 2027 at 17:00

Day 7 - Scenic Cruising Isafjardurdjur

Day 8 - Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive: Sun 13 June 2027 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 13 June 2027

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