Edinburgh to Nuuk

Nestled between the Highlands and the Border Hills, Edinburgh is a gracious city noted for its superb skyline, its impressive collection of architecture and its beautiful parks. Here you'll find the best of central eastern Scotland: spectacular views, rolling hills and castles. Ships will dock at the Port of Leith Cruise Liner Terminal.

Top Things to Do in Edinburgh:

• explore the Edinburgh Castle
• visit the Holyroodhouse
• wander down the Royal Mile
• play a round at the worlds oldest golf course

Located off the east coast of Scotland, the Isle of May is a wildlife haven renowned for its bustling seabird colonies and rich marine life. A short ferry ride from Anstruther, this small island offers visitors a unique glimpse into the lives of puffins, razorbills, and seals. The island’s rugged landscape is dotted with historic sites, including the remains of a medieval monastery and the Isle of May Lighthouse, Scotland’s oldest operational lighthouse.

Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney Islands, it is considered one of the most charming and well preserved small towns in Scotland. The islands offer dramatic landscapes with cliffs rearing 1,000 feet above the waves to sweeping white sand beaches. Small ships will dock at this port, while larger ships will anchor offshore.

Top Things to Do in Kirkwall:

• explore Skara Brae, a Neolithic village
• admire the St. Magnus Cathedral
• visit the Ring of Brodgar
• ponder the Standing Stones of Stenness
• stroll the Viking Capital Walking Trail

Lying midway between Shetland and the Orkney islands, Fair Isle is a tiny jewel in the sea, known for its birds, knitwear, and historic shipwrecks. With a population of around 70, the island offers a warm and friendly welcome to visitors. Turquoise waters surround the breathtaking Sheep Rock, which rises over 100 metres - almost an isle of its own.

Fair Isle's oceanic climate brings stormy yet mild winters, while summer sees rapid weather changes from sparkling sunshine to thick mist and fog. Named the island of peace by Norse settlers, it has been a landmark for shipping, but the storms and fog have contributed to over 100 shipwrecks, including the Spanish Armada flagship "El Gran Grifon."

Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Island Archipelago, offers stone age ruins, heather-covered moors and rugged Scottish highlands. With its dramatic cliffs, Grand Victorian houses, charming Shetland ponies, and Nordic heritage Lerwick allows for hours of entertainment. Smaller ships will dock at the Port of Lerwick, while larger ships will anchor offshore.

Top Things to Do in Lerwick:

• explore the ruins of Scalloway Castle
• hike on Mousa Island
• visit the Shetland Museum
• admire Fort Charlotte

Seydisfjodur, located in eastern Iceland, is a picturesque town renowned for its stunning fjord views and vibrant arts scene. The town's charming wooden houses and rainbow-painted street create a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Visitors can explore the Skaftfell Center for Visual Art, showcasing contemporary Icelandic art, or hike to the nearby Skálanes Nature Reserve, home to diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. The nearby Gufufoss waterfall is another natural wonder worth visiting. Seydisfjodur's unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and artistic flair makes it a captivating destination for travellers seeking a serene yet stimulating experience.

Tucked away on the northern coast of Iceland along the picturesque shores of Skjálfandi Bay is Husavik, a small fishing community that has garnered a well-deserved reputation as one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do in Husavik:

• visit the Whale Museum
• see the Húsavíkurkirkja church
• go on a whale watching boat tour
• visit Godafoss waterfall
• explore Jokulsargljúfur National Park

Djupavik, nestled in the remote Westfjords of Iceland, is a tiny village with a compelling blend of stark natural beauty and poignant history. Once a thriving herring fishing hub, it is now known for its striking abandoned herring factory, which stands as a silent testament to the boom and bust of the early 20th century fishing industry in Iceland. This haunting structure, against the backdrop of dramatic cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean, invites exploration and photography.

Visitors to Djupavik can also hike the rugged trails around the village, offering panoramic views of the fjord and the chance to spot diverse birdlife. The village exudes a quiet charm, with its few inhabitants providing a warm welcome to travelers seeking solitude and a touch of Icelandic history.

Discover northern Iceland's fantastic, outlying beauty as you cruise the majestic Veidileysufjörður. Nestled away in the scenic Westfjords, relatively few visitors reach this secluded area. Enjoy privileged access as we sail into the waters of the fjord, with its steep, bowl-like valley sides. Veidileysufjörður's serene isolation makes it an ideal locale for revelling in Iceland's grandiose natural glory, and you can admire views of snow-capped peaks contrasting sharply against the deep navy-blue hues of the North Atlantic.

The pristine fjord is also a place to look out for Iceland's incredible marine life; during summer, humpback whales and playful seals often frequent its inky waters. Soak in the silence and serenity, punctuated only by the calls of seabirds like Black-legged Kittiwakes and Common Guillemots, which swoop above the water's surface, their calls echoing across the still waters.

Iceland is well known for its spectacular waterfalls. The iconic Dynjandi waterfall, located in the Westfjords region, is regarded as one of Iceland’s most impressive and majestic waterfalls.

At the top, the cascading water is roughly 100 feet wide and tumbles down about 330 feet into the fjord.

Its name Dynjandi means, 'the thundering one' and its vast size, enormous sound, and sheer force is overwhelming. It has also been nicknamed, ‘The Bridal Veil’ because of the way the water sprays and spreads over the rocks.

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.

Vestmannaeyjar or Westman Islands are an archipelago of 15 islands and 30 rock stacks off the south coast of Iceland.

The largest of the islands, Heimaey, is the only inhabited island of the group and is known for its steep Edfell volcano, grey sand beaches and its green prairies.

Located in the chilly and wild North Atlantic, it is common to see whales and seals in the surrounding waters. Puffins are also a common sight in summer, as the islands are considered as the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world. Ships will dock in the main harbour.

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.

Prince Christian Sound or Prins Christian Sund is a dramatically picturesque fjord in the south of Greenland with gorgeous glaciers, steep mountains reaching over 2,200 metres, crystal-clear waterfalls fed by the ice sheet and untouched wildlife.

Here, whales swim along the iceberg-dotted shores and bearded seals love to lie on the floating ice to soak up the sunshine.

Bright blue and purple flowers come out during the summer and visitors may get to witness an aurora borealis, a stunning light show put on by the polar night.

Considered one of the Ten Wonders of the Arctic, Tassermiut Fjord is a 70-kilometre (44 mile) incision into the pristine wilderness of south-western Greenland. The fjord is entered near the settlement of Nanortalik (population 1200) and winds its way through scenery that is reminiscent of the dramatic mountain landscape of Patagonia.

Cruising up the fjord by ship reveals a spectacular panorama of jagged peaks perched atop steep-sided mountains, interspersed with u-shaped side valleys and moraines - all clear indications of glacial action. The lower slopes are green with lush vegetation but quickly rise to barren walls of rock. These sheer walls make Tassermiut Fjord a Mecca for rock climbers, who rate such climbs as Uiluit Qaaqa (Ketil), Ulamertorsuaq (Uli) and The Baroness as being some of the best in the world. For the less active among us, just processing and comprehending the vista itself seems challenging enough.

The Tassermiut Fjord region has always attracted people. Inuit made hunting camps around the fjord mouth to target the ringed, harp and bearded seals that are abundant when the pack ice drifts in. The Norse too, settled the area in the 10th century, drawn no doubt to the valleys that promised fertile grazing for their precious livestock. They were also perhaps drawn to the astounding natural beauty of the region, as if it was blessed by divine hand, something that is readily apparent to the eager traveller that makes it to this little-explored corner of Greenland.

The largest town in southern Greenland, colourful Qaqortoq rises steeply over the fjord system around the city, offering breath-taking panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, deep, blue sea, Lake Tasersuag, icebergs in the bay, and pastoral backcountry. Ships will anchor offshore and tender guests to shore.

Top Things to Do in Qaqortoq:

• hike around Lake Tasersuaq
• visit the Norse ruins at Hvalsey Church
• tour the Qaqortoq Art Walk
• bathe in the hot springs on Uunartoq Island
• visit the Qaqortoq Museum
  

Hvalsey, located in southern Greenland, is home to the best-preserved Norse ruins in the country, offering a fascinating glimpse into Greenland’s Viking history. The Hvalsey Church, built in the 14th century, stands as a remarkable testament to medieval Norse architecture and is the site of the last recorded Norse wedding in Greenland in 1408.

Hvalsey is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kujataa farming complex, which highlights the unique agricultural practices of both Norse and Inuit cultures in the subarctic region. The surrounding area is characterised by stunning natural beauty, with rugged landscapes, fjords, and lush valleys that contrast with the ancient stone structures. Visitors can explore the ruins and the serene Greenlandic countryside, gaining insight into the life of the Norse settlers who once inhabited this remote part of the world.

Maniitsoq, often referred to as the "Venice of Greenland," is a picturesque town located on the west coast of Greenland. Known for its stunning fjords and rugged mountainous terrain, it offers incredible opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Kayaking, fishing, and hiking are popular activities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Wildlife is abundant, with chances to see whales, seals, and various seabirds. The town itself is charming, with colourful houses and a rich cultural heritage. The Maniitsoq Museum provides insights into local history and Inuit culture. Maniitsoq is an ideal destination for those seeking adventure and a deep connection with Greenland's pristine environment.

Ilulissat, located on the west coast of Greenland, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique Arctic experiences. The town sits adjacent to the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site where colossal icebergs calve from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier into the sea. This dramatic landscape offers stunning views and is a prime spot for witnessing the majesty of Greenland's ice formations.

Outdoor activities in Ilulissat include guided hikes along the icefjord, boat tours among the icebergs, and dog sledding adventures in the winter. The town also hosts the Ilulissat Museum, which provides insights into the local Inuit culture and the explorer Knud Rasmussen. With its extraordinary ice formations and rich cultural heritage, Ilulissat offers an unforgettable Arctic experience.

The small town of Sisimiut is typical of Greenland, boasting bewitching panoramas with colourful stilt houses dotting the undulating landscape. The town centre is home to a number of historic buildings, a small church and a museum which retraces the history of the Inuit people, as well as many craft shops.

Sisimiut's vast back country offers excellent opportunities for hiking and fishing, and during the summer visitors can walk the trail used for the Polar Circle Marathon, one of the toughest endurance events in the world. Small ships will dock while large ships will anchor offshore.

Evighedsfjorden means 'the fjord of eternity' and for good reason, just when you think you’ve reached the end of this stretch of sea measuring over 100 kilometres in length, it seems to go on forever, as though to bring even more pleasure to those sailing in it.

The spectacular scenery ranges from glaciers to tundra with an abundant flora, and jagged cliffs where numerous bird species have taken up residence. Take the time to observe the white-tailed eagles and the colonies of seagulls and black-legged kittiwakes flying overhead in the area.