Cruising Iceland, the Faroe Islands & Norwegian Fjords (2021)

Arrive in modern Reykjavik and transfer to your hotel. Set off on a walking tour of the colourful city centre before gathering tonight for a welcome event. 
Hotel Borg or Hotel Apotek

Despite its small size, the northerly capital of Reykjavik is a vibrant city packed with eye-popping art, buzzy restaurants and historic treasures. Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore the city. After lunch, board ‘Le Boreal,’ your luxury mega-yacht for the next nine nights.
‘Le Boreal’ | Meals: BLD

Arrive in the archipelago of the Westman Islands. Discover Heimaey island’s unique geography and local farmhouse ruins. Opt, if you wish, for a moderate or vigorous walk up to the island’s storied volcano before heading to Eldheimar, a museum home to interactive exhibits that detail the crater’s powerful eruption in 1973. This evening, attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception and get to know your fellow adventurers. 
‘Le Boreal’ | Meals: BLD

At the foot of the massive Vatnajokull Icecap lies an otherworldly, strikingly picturesque glacier lagoon. Board a small craft and watch these masses of polished and sculpted blue ice float by in peaceful procession on their way to the Atlantic Ocean. Soaring mountains ring the lagoon providing an inspiring backdrop for your cruise. Back on land, take in the rugged, spiky peaks of the Vestrahorn Mountain before heading back to the ship.
‘Le Boreal’ | Meals: BLD

Tiny villages and jaw-dropping dramatic landscapes dot the northern shores where you begin your exploration of the rarely visited Faroe Islands. Of mixed Norse and Gaelic heritage, Faroe Islanders likely came from the Irish Sea and the Upper Hebrides of Scotland originally. Known to be fiercely independent, the Faroes maintain the oldest existing parliament in the world today. The islands have a total area of roughly 540 square miles and an approximate population of about 50,000 — along with 70,000 sheep. During your visit, take in Torshavn, the Faroes’ capital city. Torshavn’s old town, Tinganes, is packed with sod-roof houses crowded together on a small peninsula. Old Torshavn contrasts strongly with the new, as modern boutiques and coffeehouses alternate with historic buildings, boisterously sung ballads and traditional chain dancing.
‘Le Boreal’ | Meals: BLD

Join your expedition staff on deck to look for the whales that populate the Norwegian Sea. Pilot whales, minke whales, orcas and majestic humpbacks all make their homes in these waters. Don’t forget to look up for razorbills, glaucous gulls or kittiwakes as they wheel toward you above the ship. August is an excellent month to spot the northern fulmar or Atlantic puffin in these waters, and your onboard ornithologist helps you identify what you’re observing.
‘Le Boreal’ | Meals: BLD

The legendary beauty of this region calls to many travellers, and many have included the stunning Norwegian fjords on their bucket list. A fjord is a deep, narrow sea or lake drain with steep land on all three sides. Norway’s fjords were formed by giant glaciers that descended over the course of several ice ages and carved out the current landscape. Fjords are natural harbors; fascinating cultures developed in the tiny hamlets that formed on their shores. Some of the areas you may visit include:

Trondheim Fjord: This fjord, the third longest in Norway, offers the iconic landscapes and green mountain paradise most people imagine when envisioning the fjords.

Trondheim: Quaint, brightly coloured historic residences and shops line the River Nidelva. Cyclists glide by on wide streets and pedestrians make their way to bustling cafés in this upbeat metropolis of nearly 200,000 people.

Vega Island: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vega Island is emblematic of how fishermen and farmers survived the harsh Arctic climate for centuries. You might climb 2,000 steps to experience an unbelievable view. Or you may visit an artist’s studio and try your hand at making pottery the way it has been made here for generations.

Vesteralen Islands: Myths, magic and reindeer herding fill the lives of the Sami people, who welcome you into their homes for a seat near a cosy fireplace. You might also hike the mountains of Vesteralen with a local guide, head out on a mountain biking excursion or meet locals from Hadsel Island, who wish to share their favourite dishes with you.

Prepare to say goodbye to your newfound friends and the rich cultures of these Arctic regions at the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on one of these evenings.
‘Le Boreal’ | Meals: BLD

Disembark this morning in colourful, charming Tromso and visit the Polar Museum that highlights the heroics  of great explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. Time permitting, visit playful seals Bella and Mai San at Polaria, the northernmost aquarium in the world. In due course, board your charter flight to Oslo. A&K’s attentive staff guide you to our convenient airport hotel. Recount your adventures as you join your fellow travellers for dinner this evening at the hotel.
Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardermoen | Meals: BL

Transfer to the airport for your flights homeward as your journey comes to an end.
Meals: B

This journey contains some active elements, including Zodiac boat excursions, walks over uneven terrain and optional, challenging hikes.

Note: Itinerary is for guidance purposes only and may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances including weather, medical emergencies and other conditions beyond A&K’s control at the sole discretion of the Captain.

Minimum age is 7 years.

Categories 5–8 include room upgrade at the hotel and butler service aboard the ship.

First group event: welcome reception on Aug 18.

Last group event: hotel overnight at the Radisson Blu Gardermoen, Oslo on Aug 28.