Fjords Of Norway & Iceland Cruise

Day 1 - Amsterdam

Arrive: Sat 15 May 2027 / Depart: Sat 15 May 2027 at 16:00

A stop in Amsterdam offers the chance to explore the sights of one of Europe’s most colorful, dynamic and historic cities—one with a well-earned reputation as a laid-back and inviting place for people of all stripes. Visitors are naturally drawn to the historic city center where you’ll find some of the world’s top art museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. And at Dam Square, the Amsterdam’s largest public square, you can tour the Royal Palace before continuing to the tourist attractions on the Canal Belt. The iconic network of waterways that surrounds the downtown area offers a picturesque backdrop for sightseeing by bike or canal boat. Be sure to visit the floating Bloemenmarkt to peruse famed Dutch tulips, and take time to wander and window-shop among the narrow lanes of de Jordaan. And you won’t have to look far in Amsterdam to find delicious Dutch treats along the way. Just duck into a cozy brown café to sample a plate of bitterballen with mustard and a beer, and grab a gooey sweet stroopwafel from a street vendor as you stroll.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Eidfjord, Norway

Arrive: Mon 17 May 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 17 May 2027 at 16:00

In the shadow of snowy peaks and near stunning blue-green fjords, Eidfjord is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful villages in Norway. Even though it has a population of less than 1,000, scores of visitors come here each year to bask in the area's natural splendor. Hardangervidda, near Eidfjord, is Europe's largest mountain plateau as well as Norway's largest national park. Interestingly, the legendary polar explorer Roald Amundsen, who led the first expedition to reach the South Pole, and Fridtjof Nansen, who made the first successful crossing of the Greenland interior, both used Hardangervidda to prepare for their expeditions. Walking, hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing are popular, and the area is home to Europe's largest population of wild reindeer. Numerous canyons, including the famous Måbødalen Valley, lead south from the Hardangervidda plateau to the fjords along the coast, and about 16 kilometers (10 miles) south of Eidfjord, visitors can see the dramatic 182-meter-tall (597-foot-tall) Vøringfossen waterfall. In the center of Eidfjord stands the 14th-century stone Eidfjord Kirke, while outside town the famous Kjeåsen Mountain Farm sits on a ledge some 600 meters (1,968 feet) above the Simadalsfjord.

Day 4 - Olden, Norway

Arrive: Tue 18 May 2027 at 10:00 / Depart: Tue 18 May 2027 at 19:00

A charming village and urban area at the mouth of Oldeelva river, Olden is a short distance from the Briksdalsbreen glacier, a popular hiking destination. In town, travelers can compare the deep red “new” Olden Church, built in 1934, to the white “old” Olden church, built in 1759.

Day 5 - Alesund

Arrive: Wed 19 May 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 19 May 2027 at 17:00

Ålesund, a quaint fishing town of approximately 45,000 in western Norway, has been called Norway’s most beautiful city. A fire in 1904 destroyed much of it, resulting in the town being rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style—also known as Jugendstil—that was popular around the turn of the 20th century. A year after the fire, Norway gained its independence from Sweden, which led to a campaign to build a "Norwegian town" to mark the creation of the new nation. The colorful buildings feature castlelike turrets and spires with intricate facades of ornamental flowers, gargoyles and Viking-inspired decorations. Bordering the Norwegian Sea, this area is also famous for its mountain ranges and fjords. For those looking for a more active visit, Ålesund offers great hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. One of the highlights is climbing the 418 steps that lead up Mount Aksla for a spectacular view of the city and the Sunnmøre Alps. Nearby is the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful waterfalls. This is also home to Atlanterhavsparken, or the Atlantic Sea Park, one of the largest aquariums in Europe.

Day 6 - Bergen

Arrive: Thu 20 May 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 20 May 2027 at 17:00

Beautiful Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is one of the most popular ports of call on a cruise up the fjords. Step off the ship into the medieval Bryggen wharf area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, where small boats line the harbor and wooden gabled buildings stand proud along the waterfront. Bergen’s rich maritime tradition goes back nearly 1,000 years, including the years the town played an important part in the Hanseatic League, the trading empire that dominated maritime commerce in the region between the 14th and 18th centuries. The city is one of Europe’s oldest settlements, and its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways lead to emerald-green parks, medieval cathedrals and stone fortresses that kept enemies at bay centuries ago. It's also eminently walkable, with historic buildings and excellent markets selling everything from fish and produce to trinkets and souvenirs. Surrounded by mountains and thick forest, and sitting halfway between Geiranger to the north and Stavanger to the south, Bergen offers plenty to do outside the city too. Whether you sign up for a guided excursion or venture out on your own, you’ll be sure to fall in love with Bergen.

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - Amsterdam

Arrive: Sat 22 May 2027 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 22 May 2027 at 16:00

A stop in Amsterdam offers the chance to explore the sights of one of Europe’s most colorful, dynamic and historic cities—one with a well-earned reputation as a laid-back and inviting place for people of all stripes. Visitors are naturally drawn to the historic city center where you’ll find some of the world’s top art museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. And at Dam Square, the Amsterdam’s largest public square, you can tour the Royal Palace before continuing to the tourist attractions on the Canal Belt. The iconic network of waterways that surrounds the downtown area offers a picturesque backdrop for sightseeing by bike or canal boat. Be sure to visit the floating Bloemenmarkt to peruse famed Dutch tulips, and take time to wander and window-shop among the narrow lanes of de Jordaan. And you won’t have to look far in Amsterdam to find delicious Dutch treats along the way. Just duck into a cozy brown café to sample a plate of bitterballen with mustard and a beer, and grab a gooey sweet stroopwafel from a street vendor as you stroll.

Day 9 - At Sea

Day 10 - Lerwick, Scotland

Arrive: Mon 24 May 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Mon 24 May 2027 at 18:00

Although part of the United Kingdom, Shetland’s roots are as much Norse as Scottish. This is reflected in the archipelago's many archaeological sites, cultural events and a unique dialect that borrows heavily from Old Norse. Although economically driven by energy, in particular the North Sea oil industry and a growing number of wind farms, Shetland’s heritage of fishing and textile production lives on. Tradition also drives the islands’ main festivals, including the world-famous Viking-themed Up Helly Aa festival of fire held every January, and smaller folk festivals held throughout the year. Located midway between Scotland, Norway and the Faroe Islands, the archipelago is home to diverse animal life including the iconic Shetland ponies, easily recognizable by their distinctive short legs and heavy fur coats. Get a closer look at the ponies and the unique black Shetland sheep on the scenic drive to the remarkable Bronze Age archaeological site at Jarlshof. If you choose to linger in Lerwick, head to Commercial Street for the best independent shops and places to eat. A surprising number of musicians, writers and filmmakers make Shetland their home. The new Mareel center for visual and performing arts is testament to the growing importance of the arts community to the Shetland way of life.

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - Seydhisfjordur

Arrive: Wed 26 May 2027 at 07:00 / Depart: Wed 26 May 2027 at 16:00

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 13 - Akureyri

Arrive: Thu 27 May 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Thu 27 May 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 14 - Isafjordur

Arrive: Fri 28 May 2027 at 08:00 / Depart: Fri 28 May 2027 at 17:00

Day 15 - Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive: Sat 29 May 2027 at 07:00 / Depart: Sat 29 May 2027

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