An Arctic Summer: Iceland and the North Cape

Dover

Embark Spirit of Adventure.

Depart 1700.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Kristiansund, Norway.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Spread across four islands, this historic and prosperous fishing settlement was once proudly known as the ‘Clipfish Capital of Norway’. Explore the Norwegian Clipfish Museum which recounts the city’s past when cod was dried in the sun on the sea cliffs, or stroll around the colourful old town, Gamle Byen, which dates back to the 17th century.

Optional excursions

Embark on an out-of-town tour that visits Bremnes, the 14th-century Kvernes Stave Church and navigates the surf-battered Atlantic Road which links a series of islands by eight bridges.

Trondheim, Norway.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

One of the most striking features in Trondheim is Nidaros Cathedral. Built on the grave of St Olav, Norway’s patron saint and the Viking king who founded the city, the Gothic cathedral was an important pilgrimage site in medieval times.

Spend the day at sea.

Leknes ?, Lofoten Islands, Norway.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

A sea of jagged mountain peaks and undulating green hills dotted with traditional fishing villages define the photogenic Lofoten Islands. Leknes is well placed for exploring this archipelago’s most dramatic landscapes, as you’ll see on an included panoramic excursion. Other attractions include the fishing village of Nusfjord and the Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg, the site of an ancient Viking long-house.

Included excursion

Admire the Lofoten Island’s mountain scenery and rugged coastline on a panoramic tour.

? Land by launch or tender.

Spend the day at sea.

Tromsø, Norway.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Often referred to as ‘The Gateway to the Arctic’, many Polar expeditions have begun in Tromsø. See the iceberg-like Arctic Cathedral as part of an included panoramic excursion, or discover the cable car which offers fine views across the city and the Botanic Gardens where plants hardy enough to survive the extreme environment are showcased.

Included excursion

See more of Tromsø on an included excursion.

Honningsvåg, Norway.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

This deep-water harbour is part of the northernmost city in mainland Europe and gateway to the rugged landscape of the North Cape. The oldest building in town is the neo-Gothic 19th-century church as most other buildings were destroyed during World War Two. A small museum by the port reflects on the region’s fishing heritage and daily life.

Included excursion

Journey to the North Cape, with its iconic globe monument set on a cliff-top above the Barents Sea.

Optional excursion

Learn about life on the remote island of Magerøy Island.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Akureyri, Iceland.

Arrive 0900. Depart 1800.

Set on Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjordur, the self-titled ‘Capital of the North’ was settled by Vikings in the 9th century. Akureyri has since developed into Iceland’s most populous town outside of Reykjavik.

Although just 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle, it is warmed by the Gulf Stream, lending it a relatively moderate climate. This is evident in the Botanic Gardens and the two-month-long annual Arts and Culture Festival’s outdoor summer events. From Akureyri, you can discover Godafoss Waterfall on an included panoramic excursion.

Included excursion

Admire Godafoss Waterfall on an included excursion.

Isafjördur, Iceland.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Dwarfed by stark mountains on either side, the small town of Isafjördur is tucked away on an arm of the fjord of the same name. It boasts the largest harbour in Iceland’s Westfjord region, which saw it thrive as a trading hub from the 16th to 19th centuries. Wooden 18th-century merchant houses still stand along the harbourfront, including the oldest in Iceland, which now houses a folk museum.

Another historic home is now the Maritime Museum, which further attests to Isafjördur’s close ties to the sea. Boat trips to the nearby island of Vigur are popular with birdwatchers as it has an array of birdlife.

Reykjavik, Iceland.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1700.

Reykjavik, or ‘Smoky Bay’, was named after the area’s numerous hot springs by its Viking founder, Ingólfur Arnason, in AD 874. Although Iceland’s oldest permanent settlement and capital, it retains a friendly small-town atmosphere. Glimpse Old Reykjavik’s colourful houses capped by corrugated roofs and the imposing Hallgrimskirkja church on an included panoramic excursion.

The city’s historic heart is full of boutiques, numerous museums and art galleries. Excavations have revealed many Viking artefacts in this area around city-centre Lake Tjörnin – known locally as The Pond. Find out more about the city’s development at the National Museum and Saga Museum or visit the famous Blue Lagoon.

Included excursion

Tour this quirky capital on a panoramic drive, highlighting the striking Hallgrimskirkja church built out of concrete.

Optional excursions

The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most famous sites, where natural geothermal energy heats the artificial lagoon. The mineral-rich waters make it a favourite spot for a rejuvenating dip. Alternatively, join a full-day visit to a trio of natural wonders: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Strokkur and Gullfoss Waterfall.

Spend the day at sea.

Spend the day at sea.

Lerwick ?, Shetland Islands.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1630.

Fringed by unspoilt beaches, with a unique array of wildlife and a dramatic Viking past, the Shetland archipelago is made up of over 100 islands scattered in the North Sea. Lerwick, from the Norse word ‘Leirvik’ meaning ‘muddy bay’, is the main town and port, offering a quaint array of arts and crafts shops and a museum which charts the history of the islands.

Optional excursions

Delve into the islands’ history further with a visit to Jarlshof, a settlement that spans 4000 years dating back to the Neolithic period.

? Land by launch or tender.

Spend the day at sea.

Dover

Arrive 0730.

Disembark Spirit of Adventure after breakfast.