Cruising Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Norwegian Fjords

Arrive in modern Reykjavik and transfer to your hotel. Set off on a walking tour of the colorful city center before gathering tonight for a welcome event.

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 megayacht for the next nine nights.

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.

At the foot of the massive Vatnajokull ice cap 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 Vestrahorn Mountain before heading back to the ship.

Tiny villages and jaw-droppingly 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 a 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.

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.

The legendary beauty of this region calls to many travelers, and many have included the stunning Norwegian fjords on their bucket lists. A fjord is a deep, narrow sea or lake drain with steep land on 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 colored 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 cozy 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 favorite 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.

Disembark this morning in colorful, 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. Recount your adventures as you join your fellow travelers for dinner this evening at the hotel.

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