March 3: Select Excursions
March 19: Make Dining Reservation (On-board Experience)
July 15: Arrive Reykjavík from home at July 14
Tom Arrives 6:05 AM
Jump aboard this Flybus transfer for quick and convenient transportation from Keflavik International Airport to Grand Hotel Reykjavik. With this flexible pre-booked ticket, you can skip the lines and go directly to the bus.
https://guidetoiceland.is/book-holiday-trips/airport-express-door-to-door-kef-rvk
Johnsons and Zimmerman Arrive at 4:15 PM
Take taxi to Grand Reykjavik Hotel (here's a tour of hotel)
July 16: Grand Hotel Reykjavik
- 9 AM: Private Golden Circle Tour (7 hrs)
- 4 PM: Relax in the hotel
July 17: Grand Hotel Reykjavik
- 9:30 AM: Walk over to Hallgrímskirkja
- 10 AM: Small Group Walking Tour (2-1/2 hrs)
- 1 PM: Lunch in Reykjavik
- 2 PM: Explore Reykjavik on our own
July 18: Board the Viking Neptune Ship Skarfabakki Terminal- 9 AM Breakfast at the hotel
- Noon: Board ship; Stateroom at 2 PM
July 19 (Sun): ĺsafjördur, Iceland 8:30 AM 11:00 AM 1:30 PM 2 Hours
History and Culture of the Westfjords PeninsulaDiscover the wild beauty of Iceland’s northwest corner, and the culture and history of the region’s small towns.
Embark on a scenic drive around Ísafjördur, the principal town of the Westfjords peninsula. Surrounded by mountains that offer endless opportunities to enjoy nature and wilderness during all seasons of the year, the town is also known throughout the country for its rich cultural life. The fishing industry, however, has traditionally been the mainstay of the town and surrounding municipality, known as Ísafjardarbaer. Visit the Ósvör Maritime Museum, a fascinating replica of an old fishing outpost that offers a glimpse of how life treated the Icelandic fishermen until the beginning of the 20th century. Continue to Bolungarvík and enjoy a guided tour of the village before returning to Ísafjördur.
July 20/21: Sail the Norwegian Sea
July 22 (Wed) : Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands
10:45 AM, 11:30 AM 2 Hours
Panoramic Drive and Svalbard Museum VisitDiscover what life in the Arctic is like during a drive through Longyearbyen and a visit to the Svalbard Museum.
Founded by American businessman John Longyear as a mining town, the capital city of the Svalbard archipelago is now home to approximately 1,800 residents—many of whom are still employed by the mining industry. Get an impression of everyday life in this unforgiving environment as you travel past residential homes, schools, and the hospital en route to the museum. Dedicated to showcasing the interplay between people and nature in the Arctic, the museum is a repository of natural and cultural history. Through models, reconstructed environments, and authentic artifacts, gain insight into the story of Svalbard, from 17th-century whalers to present-day mining, research, and tourism. After time to view the exhibits, you will return to your ship.
July 23: Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands 8:30 AM 9:30 AM 2 Hours
Meet Furry Residents and Learn About Svalbard’s DiscoveryJourney to Camp Barentz in the remote Advent Valley and meet its lovable husky dogs and their musher.
Board your motor coach for a scenic drive, pausing for photos at the famous polar bear sign which warns visitors of their possible presence. Upon arrival, meet the adorable huskies and enjoy a presentation about the lives of local mushers and the town’s history. Canines have long been a valued mode of transportation in northern climes, with sled dog teams capable of pulling heavy loads over long distances. Afterward, see Barentz Hus—a replica of the house that William Barentz and his crew built to shield themselves during the winter after discovering Svalbard. Then, step inside the gamme, a traditional Norwegian dwelling centered around an open fire, where you will enjoy a warming beverage and snack as you listen to tales of the “King of the Arctic”—the polar bear.
July 24: Sail the Barents Sea
July 25 (Sat): Honningsvåg, Norway 8:30 AM, 8:45 AM 2.8 Hours
A Breathtaking Drive to Scenic Nordkapp Take in glorious vistas along Europe’s far northern shores and enjoy an independent visit at Nordkapp (North Cape).You will meet your motor coach at our berth and transfer for approximately one hour to one of Europe’s most stunning natural sights. Located on the reaches of Magerøya Island, where the Norwegian and Barents Seas meet, the cliffs of Nordkapp rise more than 1,000 feet from the sea waters and are topped by a large, flat plateau. Upon arrival, you will have time to take in its spectacular vista of barren tundra. You will have the opportunity to visit the North Cape Hall, which chronicles the region's history. Spend time on your own, perhaps visiting the small ecumenical St. John’s Chapel. An excellent film at the visitors’ center depicts the region through the seasons. If you prefer, simply find yourself the perfect overlook and ponder your journey.
July 26 (Sun): Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø’s Most Beloved Sites 8:30 AM / 9:15 AM / 2.5 HoursTake in the sights of Tromsø’s natural beauty and unique structures amid its island setting and winter landscapes.
Meet your local guide and drive through the city known as the “Gateway to the Arctic”—a starting point for many Arctic expeditions. Tromsø boasts the largest concentration of wooden houses in northern Norway, built here until 1904 at which point wood construction was banned for fear of fire. Throughout the city, you will see classic architecture mingling with modern buildings, including the stunning Arctic Cathedral. With its soaring white roofline, it has been compared to the Sydney Opera House. View its triangular interior, a stunning vision in white and icy blue, then continue to the Science Centre of Northern Norway. Here, in the darkened planetarium, you will see the northern lights during a breathtaking documentary before returning to your awaiting ship.
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Explore City Delights during a Walking Tour 9:00 AM / 9:30 AM / 1.5 HoursSet off on foot from the harbor and take in the picturesque sites at the water’s edge. Admire the mix of architectural styles, blending old with new, and glimpse the modern facade of the Arctic Cathedral, nicknamed the “Opera House of Norway” due to its resemblance to the Sydney Opera House. Continue to Skansen and view Tromsø’s oldest house, then stroll down Storgata, the city’s pedestrian street, where you can browse the windows of the boutique stores. Pass the iconic Raketten, a quaint establishment that is one of Norway’s smallest bars, and stop to see the statue of the polar explorer Roald Amundsen. On the walk back to your ship, pause to admire the Tromsø Cathedral, Norway’s only wooden cathedral, and stroll past the MS Polstjerna, a historic sealing vessel.Take a walk around Tromsø and enjoy the sights of the “Gateway to the Arctic.”
July 27 (Mon): Narvik, Norway 8:30 AM / 9:15 AM / 2 Hours
Visit Community Sites at the Heart of Narvik’s GrowthLearn about Narvik’s industrial heritage and the navigational engineers that transformed the city.
With your guide, set off on a city drive, admiring the views of the Arctic Ofot Fjord. See some of Norway’s most majestic scenery as you listen to tales of this stunning Arctic region and its history, culture and strategic position for trade. At the train station, you will hear the story of the construction of the Ofoten railway line, built in 1902 to transport iron ore from Kiruna in Swedish Lapland, to Narvik’s year-round, ice-free harbor. Continue your journey to the Ankenes church, where you will be greeted by members of a local choir, who will perform an array of navvy songs. Admire its wooden exterior and learn more about life in Narvik as you gaze over the LKAB complex. From here, an impressive 20 million tons of iron ore are transported each year.
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8:30 AM / 11:15 AM / 2.3 Hours
Sweeping Arctic VistasGaze upon the stunning sights of Skjomen during a panoramic drive to see some of its most dramatic landscapes.
Meet your guide, board your motorcoach and set off to trace the scenic coastline of the vast Ofotfjord, admiring its impressive mountains. The calm waters of the fjord, framed by lush green slopes, were the location for many of the naval conflicts during the Battles of Narvik in World War II; some of the sunken ships remain on its seabed. Next, turn into Skjomen, an inlet that hosts towering mountains—reaching up to 5,600 feet—and the imposing Frostisen glacier; popular with skiers and hikers, it is renowned for its beautiful yet challenging environment. Drive up to Reinneset, an outlook that allows for a breathtaking view of the sweeping landscapes that surround you. After time for photos, reboard your coach and return to your awaiting ship.
July 28 (Tue): Lofoten (Leknes), Norway 8:30 AM / 9:00 AM / 2.5 Hours
Lofoten’s Fish Industry and Haukland Beach
Learn about modern fishing practices with Lofoten’s stunning mountains as a backdrop.
Travel through this beautiful landscape of towering mountains and fishing villages to arrive at the Lofoten Seafood Center. Meet your guide and walk to the Stockfish house to learn about this ancient food preservation technique and see how the fish are dried using only cold air and wind. Stroll by the drying racks to get an up-close look at the final product before returning to the center, where you will enjoy free time to explore the main exhibit that focuses on salmon farming, from the hatchery to the supermarket. After, return to your motor coach and drive to Haukland Beach, where you can admire the stunning views of the mountains that rise up out of the sea before returning to your awaiting ship.
July 29: Sail the Norwegian Sea
July 30: Geiranger, Norway 8:30 AM / 9:15 AM / 3 Hours
SEE SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST STUNNING VISTASWitness Geiranger's pristine majesty as you ascend to the heights of Geirangerfjord on a magnificent drive.
You will meet your guide at the berth and drive up a winding road to Eagle's Bend viewpoint, passing through 11 breathtaking hairpin turns. At the road's pinnacle, you will witness the spectacular scenery that has earned Geirangerfjord status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, you will drive to Flydalsjuvet viewpoint for more impressive views. After a photo stop, continue into the green Flydal Valley to the high mountain plateau at Djupvatn Lake. Its gorgeous waters shimmer in the Norwegian sun. Afterward, you will return to your ship.
July 31 (Fri) : Bergen, Norway 8:30 AM/8:45 AM 2 Hours
Explore Norwegian City by Motor Coach and On FootDiscover the main sights of Bergen during a panoramic drive and a leisurely walk.
Founded in 1070 AD, Bergen features many historic sites, including the medieval King Haakon’s Hall, the Rosenkrantz Tower, the bustling fish market and the Nordnes Peninsula, with its 19th-century white painted wooden houses. During a scenic drive, see these and more, pausing to take a photo stop at Nordnes to admire the views over Bergen Harbor. At the National Stage, disembark your motor coach and walk downhill to Festplassen, passing the statue of Ole Bull before arriving in Bryggen. Hear interesting stories from your guide about Bergen’s colorful past as you admire the picturesque wooden buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, you may return to your ship via motor coach, or explore the district and return independently on your own.
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8:30 AM/:00 AM Hours
Discover a Hanseatic Port Town
Explore Bergen’s historic sights during an invigorating walking excursion.
Meet your guide at the pier and set off on foot to Bergenhus Fortress, one of Norway’s best-preserved fortifications. Pass the Rosenkrantz Tower and arrive at Bryygen to admire its picturesque wooden buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hear interesting stories from your guide about Bergen’s colorful past as you get acquainted with this Hanseatic town. Formerly the capital of Norway, Norwegian kings once resided here. Bergen owed its wealth and prominence to the fish export trade, which has been at the heart of the town since the Middle Ages. Head to Festplassen to its music pavilion, and continue your walk, pausing to see the old telegraph, the historic post office and to admire the quaint residences. Afterward, walk back to your ship.
