Tromso to Reykjavik

Tromsø, nestled within the Arctic Circle, is ideal if you want to see the northern lights, and offers a lovely mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, and restaurants that serve Arctic delicacies. The Arctic Cathedral, with its striking design, is a must-see. Take a cable car up Storsteinen Mountain for panoramic views of the fjords and surrounding islands.

Tromsø is also renowned for its Northern Lights, visible from September to April. The Polaria Arctic aquarium provides a unique insight into Arctic marine life, and the Polar Museum offers a fascinating look at the region's polar history. Stroll through the city center to explore charming cafes, shops, and the historic wooden houses of Skansen.

Almost a hundred islands and rocks make up the Gjesvӕrstappan Nature Reserve, one of Europe’s largest and most accessible nesting areas for Atlantic seabirds. More than one million nesting birds have been counted on Storstappen, the largest of the islands, and the minor islands next to it.

Zodiacs are the best way to look for the Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills, Black and Common Guillemots, Northern Gannets, White-tailed Eagles, and Arctic Skuas, Common Eider Ducks, Common Shags and Great Cormorants as well as various other species.

Called the northernmost point of Europe, the North Cape (or Nordkapp) is situated at the very north tip of Norway and inside the Arctic Circle. Home to where the Atlantic and Arctic oceans meet and with only the Svalbald archipelago standing between it and the North Pole, this is the true land of the midnight sun.

Lookout for hundreds of thousands of puffins, gannets, cormorants, seals, dolphins and whales that make this stretch of chilly water and the tall cliffs their home. Not forgetting the colourful, compact fishing villages, so at odds with the otherwise stark and barren landscape.

The world’s most northerly fishing village, Skarsvag, is set amongst rolling hills, prolific birdlife and arctic fjords. The village is most famous for its proximity to the North Cape, the northernmost point in Europe.

The cape's sea cliffs are perched 1,000 ft above the Arctic Ocean and provides a lookout over a limitless panorama. These cliffs are home to thousands of puffins, gannets and cormorants.

Visitors can stand beneath the massive metal globe and take in the limitless view, hike to cape Knivskjellodden or visit the North Cape Hall for exhibitions on the North Cape’s history.

Bear Island is considered Svalbard’s southernmost island, roughly half way between Spitsbergen and Norway’s North Cape. Although the last polar bears were seen in 2004, the name goes back to Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz and his visit in 1596. The island has been used to hunt walrus, for whaling, and even coal mining has taken place. The strategic location on the border of the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea has led to a meteorological station being set up by Norway near Gravodden on Bear Island’s north coast. Some two thirds of the island is a relatively flat plain with shallow freshwater lakes and Ramsar Wetland, while the entire island and the surrounding waters are a Nature Reserve.

Bear Island has also been designated an Import Bird Area as it is a staging area for Pink-footed and Barnacle Geese and the steep cliffs south of Sørhamna are home to thousands of breeding seabirds. This is a specially protected area where Zodiacs are allowed to cruise along the cliffs around Kapp Kolthoff. In smaller amounts Atlantic Puffins, Northern Gannets, Glaucous Gulls and Great Skuas are found in between the large Black-legged Kittiwake, Little Auk, Common Guillemot and Brünnich’s Guillemot colonies. The constant battering of the sea has not only created impressive sea caves and tunnels, but unfortunately the Russian vessel Petrozavodsk shipwrecked near Revdalen at the base of the limestone cliffs and the waves are causing a continuous disintegration of the remains of the ship.

Svalbard’s Southern Region and specifically Spitsbergen’s west coast is less ice-clogged than the rest of Svalbard due to the moderating influence of the Gulf Stream. Several fjords cut into the west coast of Spitsbergen and remains of huts, mines and active scientific settlements can be found along these. Depending on the time of the season, glaciers can be visited on foot or by sea. Hornsund will reveal fascinating views of geological formations, craggy mountains, spectacular glaciers and a variety of seabirds and seals.

Svalbard’s northern region differs from the southern region as it is less influenced by the Norwegian Current coming through the Greenland Sea and as a result shows more ice.

The northern part of Spitsbergen Island has quite a number of impressive fjords, bays and glaciers. The east coast of the island is inlcuded in the Nordaust Svalbard Nature Reserve.

Throughout this region there are several walrus haul-outs, spectacular glaciers, bird cliffs and bird islands, as well as surprising flora in Arctic deserts and the possibility to see polar bears.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Humpback and Minke whales play and feed in the waters around the impressive island of Jan Mayen with its towering ebony peaks and broad black lava beaches. The landscape is dominated to the north by Mt. Beerenberg, an active volcano covered in glacial ice that last erupted in 1985.

With permission from the Norwegian authorities, a landing is possible at this rarely visited outpost. Visitors may walk to the research and weather station, or beyond, for birds-eye views of the meteorological station and the long black sandy eastern shore of the island.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Iceland’s Capital of the North is the gateway to a thrilling land of roaring waterfalls, soaring volcanoes and glorious wildlife. Situated at the head of Eyjafjordur, Iceland's longest fjord and with a backdrop of dramatic snow-covered mountains, Akureyri is Iceland's second largest city. Ships will dock at the pier.

Top Things to Do in Akureyri:

• visit Lystigardurinn botanical garden
• admire Godafoss waterfall
• visit the Akureyri Folk Museum
• take a mud bath at Lake Myvatn
• go whale watching

Bolungarvik is Iceland’s northernmost town and despite its relative isolation, Bolungarvik has been settled for hundreds of years. Located next to rich fishing grounds and the cove of the same name, Bolungarvik has always been a place for fishermen and one of the town’s attractions is a replica of an old fishing station.

Just to the northwest is Bolafjall Mountain which blocks off the wind and swell from the Atlantic Ocean. The view from the top not only covers Bolungarvik and the surrounding valleys and mountains, but several fjords and the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.

Vigur, a small island in Iceland's Westfjords, is renowned for its serene beauty and abundant birdlife. The island is home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, Arctic terns, and eider ducks, making it a paradise for bird watchers. Visitors can also see traditional Icelandic eiderdown harvesting methods.

The island features a charming 19th-century farmhouse, a historic windmill, and a unique collection of old tools and artifacts. The peaceful landscape, with its lush green meadows and stunning coastal views, offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.

Flatey, a small island located in the Breidafjördur Bay of Iceland, epitomises tranquility and traditional Icelandic culture. The island is home to beautifully preserved old houses and the historic Flatey Library, established in 1864. Known as the smallest library in Iceland, this quaint wooden structure once served as a cultural hub for the island's summer residents and visiting scholars. The library houses a collection of books in several languages, reflecting the island's historical status as a centre of learning.

During summer, Flatey becomes a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to a diverse array of seabirds including puffins and black guillemots. Access to Flatey is typically by Zodiac, with the island's car-free policy enhancing its peaceful atmosphere and allowing visitors to leisurely explore its flat terrain on foot.

Stykkishólmur, located in western Iceland at the northern end of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, is the commerce centre for the area. Its natural harbour allowed this town to become an important trading centre early in Iceland’s history. The town centre boasts beautiful and well-preserved old houses from earlier times.

A very environmentally conscious community, it was the first in Europe to get the EarthCheck environmental certification, the first municipality in Iceland to start fully sorting its waste, and the first town in Iceland to receive the prestigious Blue flag eco-label for its harbour.

Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Begin your day exploring the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, with its panoramic city views from the tower. Wander through the colorful streets of the Old Harbor, where you can find quirky shops, cozy cafes, and stunning views of Mount Esja.

Don't miss the Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural marvel on the waterfront, or a visit to the National Museum for a deep dive into Icelandic history. Recharge at one of Reykjavik's many geothermal pools, like the Blue Lagoon, just a short drive from the city. Wrap up your visit with a stroll along the scenic Sun Voyager sculpture, capturing the spirit of adventure and discovery.