| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 11th11 | JulJul | 202626 | Reykjavík, Iceland, embark on the Scenic Eclipse | | |
| Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two. Welcome to Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital city. Your journey begins here in Iceland’s quirky and creative heart. This afternoon, you’ll meet the Captain and crew of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. Be welcomed on board with a glass of Champagne and explore your spacious suite. Meet your fellow guests for a drink in the Sky Bar as you toast to the start of an epic journey. Please book your flight to arrive into Reykjavik prior to 02:00 PM. |
| 12th12 | JulJul | 202626 | At Sea | | |
| 13th13 | JulJul | 202626 | Grímsey Island, Iceland | | |
Grímsey is a small island north of the Icelandic mainland, home to only 100 people and one million seabirds. Nesting on the high cliffs that surround the whole island, the chatter of seabirds here is constant, especially during the 24 hours of sunshine in summer. This green, grassy outcrop straddles the Arctic Circle, making it one of the few places on earth where you can cross over the Arctic Circle on foot – truly a once in a lifetime experience. Scenic Eclipse will depart this afternoon and sail across the Arctic Circle, bound for Húsavik. |
| 14th14 | JulJul | 202626 | Husavik, Iceland | | |
| The town of Húsavík sits below Húsavíkurfjall mountain on the eastern shore of Skjálfandi bay. Just above the town is lake Botnsvatn, a popular place for outings. The lake is just the right size for a nice hike around it. The lakes surroundings are rich in vegetation and bird life and trout is said to be abundant, though small. Húsavík harbour lies below the bank right in the heart of town. The harbour once boasted a large fishing fleet, bustling with the activity of fishermen. It still serves as a fishing harbour but today's activity revolves more around the successful whale watching businesses. The first organised whale watching excursions in Iceland started from here in 1995. Since then, whale watching has become a major attraction and Húsavík continues to be the leading destination for whale watching. In addition to the tours, a fascinating whale museum is located right by the harbour. Húsavík is considered to be the oldest settlement in Iceland. The Swedish explorer, Gardar Svavarsson, spent one winter there in 870 AD during which time he built himself a house from which the settlement derives its name. Nestled on the edge of Shaky Bay, Húsavík dates back to the very foundation of Iceland in 860. Its colourful houses and stunning peaks across the bay make it one of the prettiest fishing villages in the northeast, and surrounded by incredible natural wonders. From the thundering beauty of Goðafoss waterfall to the serene landscapes of Lake Mývatn and the dramatic cliffs of Ásbyrgi Canyon, this region promises unforgettable experiences. It’s also known as the Whale Capital of Iceland with various species regularly spotted in the deep blue water. |
| 15th15 | JulJul | 202626 | Seydisfjørdur, Iceland | | |
| Seyðisfjörður, a beautiful 19th-century Norwegian village on the east coast of Iceland, is regarded by many as one of Iceland's most picturesque towns, not only due to its impressive environment, but also because nowhere in Iceland has a community of old wooden buildings been preserved so well as here. Poet Matthías Johannessen called Seyðisfjörður a 'pearl enclosed in a shell'. The community owes its origins to foreign merchants, mainly Danes, who started trading in the fjord in the mid-19th century. But the crucial factor in the evolution of the village was the establishment of the Icelandic herring fishery by Norwegians in 1870-1900. The Norwegians built up a number of herring-fishing facilities, and in a matter of years the little community grew into a boom town. Today, about 800 people live in Seyðisfjörður. The local economy has long been based on the fisheries, while light industry also flourishes. Tourism is playing a growing role, as the picturesque town in its spectacular surroundings attracts more and more visitors. The car/passenger ferry Norrøna, which plies between continental Europe and Iceland every summer, docks at Seyðisfjörður every Thursday. Seyðisfjörður has been a cosmopolitan community from its foundation, and the ferry service has contributed to ensuring that it remains so. In a country with an abundance of natural drama, Seyðisfjörður may steal the show. Set at the mouth of a beautiful fjord, this is East Iceland’s heart of culture, heritage and hospitality – and then there’s the architecture. The centre of town is known for 19th-century timber houses perched on the side of the lagoon, built by fisherfolk when the region was booming. There’s plenty of culture to go with the small-town country charm, complemented by plentiful wildlife, including reindeer and porpoises drawn by the verdant setting of cascading waterfalls and snow-capped mountains. |
| 16th16 | JulJul | 202626 | At Sea | | |
| 16th16 | JulJul | 202626 | Tórshavn, Faroe Islands | | |
| 17th17 | JulJul | 202626 | Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland | | |
| In bustling Kirkwall, the main town on Orkney, there's plenty to see in the narrow, winding streets extending from the harbor. The cathedral and some museums are highlights. Founded approximately 1000 years ago, Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney Islands, just off the northern tip of the Scottish mainland. A Viking spirit still runs through the town, centred around the grand St Magnus Cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Wander the charming streets lined with quaint shops and cosy cafes, and soak up the early summer sunshine in pretty Tankerness House Gardens. Dive into Orkney's rich heritage at the Orkney Museum or go all the way back to prehistoric times at the world-famous Neolithic sites of Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar. |
| 18th18 | JulJul | 202626 | North Haven, Fair Isle, Scotland | | |
Turning north again you’ll reach Fair Isle this morning, the most southerly of the Shetlands. This tiny jewel is owned by the National Trust of Scotland and is home to just 60 people. It’s rich in natural beauty and famous for its birdlife, shipwrecks and eponymous knitwear. Enjoy kayaking excursions along its stunning coastline or embark on scenic walks, immersing yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and abundant seabirds. Learn about local history at the small museum, visit the two lighthouses or watch a local artisan at work producing genuine Fair Isle knits. |
| 19th19 | JulJul | 202626 | Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland | | |
| Founded by Dutch fishermen in the 17th century, Lerwick today is a busy town and administrative center. Handsome stone buildings—known as lodberries—line the harbor; they provided loading bays for goods, some of them illegal. The town's twisting flagstone lanes and harbor once heaved with activity, and Lerwick is still an active port today. This is also where most visitors to Shetland dock, spilling out of cruise ships, allowing passengers to walk around the town. The most northerly point of the British Isles, the Shetland Islands sit almost 200 kilometres off the north coast of mainland Scotland. Lerwick is the island group’s only town and has a charming waterfront lined with sandstone buildings dating back to the 18th century. This is the place where Norse heritage meets Scottish charm. Listen out for the sound of traditional Shetland music as you walk through the twisting lanes and bustling market square of this pretty harbour town. |
| 20th20 | JulJul | 202626 | Flåm, Norway | | |
Today you’ll cruise through Sognefjord, the largest fjord in Norway, known as the ‘King of the Fjords’. Be mesmerised by the fjord's majestic beauty, with its dramatic cliffs, emerald waters, and charming villages nestled along the shores. At its deepest, Sognefjord is more than 1,300 metres and flanked by steep mountains on either side. Take in the views from the Observation Terrace or breathe in the fresh fjord air as you sit back in one of the cabanas. You’ll arrive in the village of Flam this evening and Scenic Eclipse will dock here overnight. |
| 21st21 | JulJul | 202626 | Flåm, Norway | | |
Nestled at the heart of Sognefjord and flanked by steep mountains, the tiny village of Flam is one of Norway’s most popular destinations. Here you can take one of the world’s most spectacular railway journeys, the 20km Flam Railway, which offers unobstructed views of the valley as it winds gently through the peaks towards the town centre. Depart after lunch for an awe-inspiring scenic cruise through the majestic Nærøyfjord. This World Heritage-listed site is the most wild and beautiful arm of Sognefjord, with its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Later, be immersed in the charming village of Gudvangen, nestled amidst dramatic landscapes. |
| 21st21 | JulJul | 202626 | Gudvangen, Norway | | |
| On an arm of Sognefjord, Gudvangen is at the foot of steep cliffs soaring 5,500 feet above the water's surface and plunging deep to form one of the region's deepest fjord basins. Snow-capped mountains, green cliffs, and veils of tumbling waterfalls characterize the vertical landscape on the approach to Gudvangen. The fjord is so narrow in places that during winter the sun can't reach the valley floor. Mystical Gudvangen is the site of white caves and medieval stave churches. Standing sentinel over the ornate entrances to the venerable wooden sanctuaries are visages of fierce trolls and dragons, carved by long-dead Viking craftsman from the region. |
| 22nd22 | JulJul | 202626 | Bergen, Norway, disembark the Scenic Eclipse | | |
| Surrounded by mountains and sparkling fjords, the waterside city of Bergen has a spectacular setting. There has been a settlement here since medieval times and the colourful waterfront buildings of the Hanseatic wharf, known as Bryggen, are testament to its fascinating history of trade. As Norway’s best known medieval settlement, the Bryggen is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Our comprehensive selection of excursions allows you to discover the many sides of Bergen, such as the fish market and narrow cobbled streets, as well as stunning views of the city from the summit of Mt Fløyen. Alternatively, those who have visited the city previously may like to experience one of the tours that travel further afield. Just 300 yards from the main piers, you will find the Fortress Museum (Fesningsmuseum), which has an interesting collection of objects related to World War II. Your unforgettable journey finishes today in Bergen. This Hanseatic fishing port dates back to the 12th century and is now Norway’s second largest city. Surrounded by seven hills and with colourful houses lining the harbour, it’s considered one of the prettiest cities in the country. Savour one last luxurious breakfast on board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht before saying farewell to the crew and new friends who have shared this journey with you. You'll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey or return flight home, taking with you memories that will last a lifetime. Please book your flight to depart out of Bergen after 12:00 PM. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. #Spa treatments at additional cost. ~Kayaking may not operate in all locations.
Please note the itinerary is a guide and may be subject to changes for operational reasons. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.
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