Land Program

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel. After check-in, you’ll have time to get settled in before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D)

Note: if you wish to spend more time in Reykjavik, ask your Personal Vacation Manager about the optional hotel extension.

Icelandic Geyser Strokkur

After breakfast at the hotel, you will embark on one of Iceland’s most popular day tours – the Golden Circle. This sightseeing route has three stunning stops: Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Area and Thingvellir National Park. Gullfoss, translated to ‘the Golden Waterfall’, is one of Europe’s most impressive waterfalls with thousands of tons of icy water thundering majestically into a deep canyon. The Geysir Area is filled with numerous hot springs, fumaroles and geysers, including Strokkur. Every 5 to 10 minutes Strokkur erupts, sending water 100 feet into the air.

Thingvellir National Park

After lunch at a local restaurant, we will continue to the final part of the Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park. A remarkable geological and historical site, the park contains a beautiful canyon that is actually the dividing fault line between two of the earth’s tectonic plates. After your tour around the Golden Circle, you will head to your hotel in Reykjavik and enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B, L)

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Today you will have the day at leisure to explore Reykjavik on your own. Stroll along Laugavegur, the main avenue, for shopping, traditional pubs and restaurants. Visit the Hallgrímskirkja Church, whose steeple is a Reykjavik landmark, or learn about the island’s history at the National Museum of Iceland. Or perhaps you’ll visit the Blue Lagoon (reservation required in advance) to relax in the warm, mineral-rich geothermal water. The day is yours to do as you wish! Your guide will be available in the morning to answer questions and provide recommendations. (B)

This morning, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to London. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B)

Tower of London

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore London on your own. Perhaps you’ll explore world-class museums such as the British Museum and the Tate Modern, or marvel at iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. The city’s vibrant cultural scene offers West End theatre productions, bustling markets like Borough Market and diverse culinary experiences. The day is yours to do as you wish! Your guide will be available in the morning to answer questions and provide recommendations. (B)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the port, where you will board the Celebrity Apex for a 12-night cruise to Norway and the Arctic Circle. (B)

Enjoy breakfast onboard, then disembark the Celebrity Apex and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B, L)

Port Highlights

Brussels (Zeebrugge), Belgium

Brussels (Zeebrugge), Belgium: The “Venice of the North,” and its canals and romantic cobblestone alleys twist and turn to show visitors a perfectly preserved side of medieval history and culture. The city center of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning a stroll through its center is a must-see and must-photograph opportunity for travelers. History and art buffs will find plenty to see during a cruise to Bruges, like hearing stories of ancient Belgian lore or touring 19th century castles like Loppem Castle or Castle Wijnendale along the way. Then there’s the Groeningemuseum, an impressive art gallery featuring work from artists like Jan Van Eyck to Magritte.

Flam, Norway

Flam, Norway: The town of Flam, Norway is nestled in a tributary of the world’s longest and deepest fjord. Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls and deep valleys, you’ll experience a one-of-a-kind encounter with nature on your Flam cruise. This quaint Norway town is a place of extremes. The epic majesty of Flam’s dense green mountains dwarfs even the grandest of cruise ships and the glass-calm water that surrounds the town woos adventurers from near and far. This is a place where you can’t help but feel closer to nature for no other reason that it overwhelms at every turn. Climb aboard the Flam Railway for the world’s steepest train ride and rumble 2,800 feet up the wilds of Norway. Kayak through the calm waters of the Aurlandsfjord for breathtaking views of mountain farms with grazing goats or sheep perched at the fjord’s edge. You’ll find many restaurants and cafes offering local Norwegian fare made with farm-fresh ingredients. And you can sample the famous brown and white goat cheese in nearby Undredal. Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, or taking a dizzying train ride into the mountains, Flam is a Norwegian wonderland that’s meant to be explored.

Arctic Circle

Arctic Circle (Cruising): Crossing the imaginary line of the Arctic Circle as you cruise Norway’s starkly beautiful fjord-indented coast is a thrilling rite of passage to many travelers. Jagged, tooth-like mountains, their peaks dusted in snow even in summer, extend along the coast as far as the eye can see. Hundreds of rocky islets and skerries, remnants of the last Ice Age, are scattered across the sea.

Tromso, Norway

Tromso, Norway: Often referred to as the Arctic’s capital, this colorful northern Norwegian city is located above the Article Circle and is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. As a major cultural hub—previously called the “Paris of the North”—Tromsø will offer you a young and vibrant city center to explore, a buzzy harbor and an exciting international dining scene filled with cozy cafes, pubs and vibrant restaurants. You can also stop for a pint at Mack’s Ølhallen, one of the world’s northernmost breweries. Tromsø’s striking surrounding landscape also offers a playground for hiking, dog sledding and skiing during your Norway cruise. Other must-see points include the Arctic Cathedral—a true icon of Northern Norway, built in 1965, with beautiful, stained-glass windows—the Tromsø Cathedral; the Polaria and Perspective museums; and cable car rides for stunning city views.

Honningsvag, Norway

Honningsvag, Norway: Located on the island of Magerøya, Honningsvåg is the northmost city in mainland Europe and the gateway port for cruise passengers heading up to the Arctic Circle. This rugged yet charming town features brightly painted wooden buildings with a surrounding landscape characterized by expansive stretches of tundra, breathtaking fjords, waterfalls and dense forests. The tiny fishing town was completely rebuilt after World War II and is one of the best places to experience the “midnight sun,” a phenomenon where the sun doesn’t set in the summer and offers continuous light.

Geiranger, Norway

Geiranger, Norway: Geiranger takes you the length of one of the most spectacular Norwegian fjords, so pristinely beautiful that it’s protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sheer cliffs plunge into the deep blue water, while waterfalls cascade down rock faces and snow-capped mountains tower all around.

At the head of the Geirangerfjord, the sleepy village of Geiranger lies surrounded by lush meadows. This serene little spot is the gateway to some of the most thrilling highlights of Norway cruises: rugged mountain scenery, spectacular hikes, kayaking on the fjord and a number of cultural attractions. Geiranger are the perfect way to admire Norway’s natural attractions and learn more about the Norwegian way of life.

Alesund, Norway

Alesund, Norway: The town’s gorgeous art nouveau architecture was rebuilt after a tragic fire in 1904 and ever since, Alesund has captivated visitors with its beauty, being voted one of Norway’s most beautiful cities. The town has a vibrant fishing community, plus the locals are passionate about good food and drink. It’s not Norway’s biggest city, but it has a lot of charm, particularly the colorfully painted homes and neighborhoods around the harbor. Seven islands comprise Alesund and they’re cleverly connected by an elaborate set of underwater tunnels.

Haugesund, Norway

Haugesund, Norway: You’ll discover the home of the Viking kings in Norway. Located between the towns of Stavanger and Bergen, Haugesund is a destination brimming with Nordic history, culture and spectacular natural beauty at every turn.

Visit an ancient Viking settlement and learn all about the grounds where powerful kings once ruled. Head to Langfoss Waterfalls and enjoy the cooling mist of one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls on your skin. Walk on top of an icy blue glacier and admire the unrivaled scenery as you make your way down the gorgeous fjords that make a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Land Program

Itinerary 2 Map

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel. After check-in, you’ll have time to get settled in before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D)

Note: if you wish to spend more time in Reykjavik, ask your Personal Vacation Manager about the optional hotel extension.

Icelandic Geyser Strokkur

After breakfast at the hotel, you will embark on one of Iceland’s most popular day tours – the Golden Circle. This sightseeing route has three stunning stops: Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Area and Thingvellir National Park. Gullfoss, translated to ‘the Golden Waterfall’, is one of Europe’s most impressive waterfalls with thousands of tons of icy water thundering majestically into a deep canyon. The Geysir Area is filled with numerous hot springs, fumaroles and geysers, including Strokkur. Every 5 to 10 minutes Strokkur erupts, sending water 100 feet into the air.

Thingvellir National Park

After lunch at a local restaurant, we will continue to the final part of the Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park. A remarkable geological and historical site, the park contains a beautiful canyon that is actually the dividing fault line between two of the earth’s tectonic plates. After your tour around the Golden Circle, you will head to your hotel in Reykjavik and enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B, L)

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Today you will have the day at leisure to explore Reykjavik on your own. Stroll along Laugavegur, the main avenue, for shopping, traditional pubs and restaurants. Visit the Hallgrímskirkja Church, whose steeple is a Reykjavik landmark, or learn about the island’s history at the National Museum of Iceland. Or perhaps you’ll visit the Blue Lagoon (reservation required in advance) to relax in the warm, mineral-rich geothermal water. The day is yours to do as you wish! Your guide will be available in the morning to answer questions and provide recommendations. (B)

This morning, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to London. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B)

Tower of London

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore London on your own. Perhaps you’ll explore world-class museums such as the British Museum and the Tate Modern, or marvel at iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. The city’s vibrant cultural scene offers West End theatre productions, bustling markets like Borough Market and diverse culinary experiences. The day is yours to do as you wish! Your guide will be available in the morning to answer questions and provide recommendations. (B)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the port, where you will board the Celebrity Apex for a 12-night cruise to Norway and the Arctic Circle. (B)

Enjoy breakfast onboard, then disembark the Celebrity Apex and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B, L)

Port Highlights

Brussels (Zeebrugge), Belgium

Brussels (Zeebrugge), Belgium: The “Venice of the North,” and its canals and romantic cobblestone alleys twist and turn to show visitors a perfectly preserved side of medieval history and culture. The city center of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning a stroll through its center is a must-see and must-photograph opportunity for travelers. History and art buffs will find plenty to see during a cruise to Bruges, like hearing stories of ancient Belgian lore or touring 19th century castles like Loppem Castle or Castle Wijnendale along the way. Then there’s the Groeningemuseum, an impressive art gallery featuring work from artists like Jan Van Eyck to Magritte.

Flam, Norway

Flam, Norway: The town of Flam, Norway is nestled in a tributary of the world’s longest and deepest fjord. Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls and deep valleys, you’ll experience a one-of-a-kind encounter with nature on your Flam cruise. This quaint Norway town is a place of extremes. The epic majesty of Flam’s dense green mountains dwarfs even the grandest of cruise ships and the glass-calm water that surrounds the town woos adventurers from near and far. This is a place where you can’t help but feel closer to nature for no other reason that it overwhelms at every turn. Climb aboard the Flam Railway for the world’s steepest train ride and rumble 2,800 feet up the wilds of Norway. Kayak through the calm waters of the Aurlandsfjord for breathtaking views of mountain farms with grazing goats or sheep perched at the fjord’s edge. You’ll find many restaurants and cafes offering local Norwegian fare made with farm-fresh ingredients. And you can sample the famous brown and white goat cheese in nearby Undredal. Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, or taking a dizzying train ride into the mountains, Flam is a Norwegian wonderland that’s meant to be explored.

Arctic Circle

Arctic Circle (Cruising): Crossing the imaginary line of the Arctic Circle as you cruise Norway’s starkly beautiful fjord-indented coast is a thrilling rite of passage to many travelers. Jagged, tooth-like mountains, their peaks dusted in snow even in summer, extend along the coast as far as the eye can see. Hundreds of rocky islets and skerries, remnants of the last Ice Age, are scattered across the sea.

Tromso, Norway

Tromso, Norway: Often referred to as the Arctic’s capital, this colorful northern Norwegian city is located above the Article Circle and is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. As a major cultural hub—previously called the “Paris of the North”—Tromsø will offer you a young and vibrant city center to explore, a buzzy harbor and an exciting international dining scene filled with cozy cafes, pubs and vibrant restaurants. You can also stop for a pint at Mack’s Ølhallen, one of the world’s northernmost breweries. Tromsø’s striking surrounding landscape also offers a playground for hiking, dog sledding and skiing during your Norway cruise. Other must-see points include the Arctic Cathedral—a true icon of Northern Norway, built in 1965, with beautiful, stained-glass windows—the Tromsø Cathedral; the Polaria and Perspective museums; and cable car rides for stunning city views.

Honningsvag, Norway

Honningsvag, Norway: Located on the island of Magerøya, Honningsvåg is the northmost city in mainland Europe and the gateway port for cruise passengers heading up to the Arctic Circle. This rugged yet charming town features brightly painted wooden buildings with a surrounding landscape characterized by expansive stretches of tundra, breathtaking fjords, waterfalls and dense forests. The tiny fishing town was completely rebuilt after World War II and is one of the best places to experience the “midnight sun,” a phenomenon where the sun doesn’t set in the summer and offers continuous light.

Geiranger, Norway

Geiranger, Norway: Geiranger takes you the length of one of the most spectacular Norwegian fjords, so pristinely beautiful that it’s protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sheer cliffs plunge into the deep blue water, while waterfalls cascade down rock faces and snow-capped mountains tower all around.

At the head of the Geirangerfjord, the sleepy village of Geiranger lies surrounded by lush meadows. This serene little spot is the gateway to some of the most thrilling highlights of Norway cruises: rugged mountain scenery, spectacular hikes, kayaking on the fjord and a number of cultural attractions. Geiranger are the perfect way to admire Norway’s natural attractions and learn more about the Norwegian way of life.

Alesund, Norway

Alesund, Norway: The town’s gorgeous art nouveau architecture was rebuilt after a tragic fire in 1904 and ever since, Alesund has captivated visitors with its beauty, being voted one of Norway’s most beautiful cities. The town has a vibrant fishing community, plus the locals are passionate about good food and drink. It’s not Norway’s biggest city, but it has a lot of charm, particularly the colorfully painted homes and neighborhoods around the harbor. Seven islands comprise Alesund and they’re cleverly connected by an elaborate set of underwater tunnels.

Haugesund, Norway

Haugesund, Norway: You’ll discover the home of the Viking kings in Norway. Located between the towns of Stavanger and Bergen, Haugesund is a destination brimming with Nordic history, culture and spectacular natural beauty at every turn.

Visit an ancient Viking settlement and learn all about the grounds where powerful kings once ruled. Head to Langfoss Waterfalls and enjoy the cooling mist of one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls on your skin. Walk on top of an icy blue glacier and admire the unrivaled scenery as you make your way down the gorgeous fjords that make a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Southampton, England

Southampton, England: Located along the southern coast of England and only 69 miles away from London, Southampton is a fantastic departure port for a cruise around Europe. This thriving city full of history, culture, shopping and world-class cuisine is a great jumping-off point for excursions to places like the mysterious stone ruins of Stonehenge and the small cathedral city of Winchester, where legendary author Jane Austen once lived.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark: The city of Copenhagen is spread across two large islands, called Zealand and Amager and connected to southern Sweden via the Öresund Bridge. When your Copenhagen cruise ship docks, you’ll arrive at a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a bustling harbor, renowned restaurants and gorgeous historical architecture.

A stop in Copenhagen makes for a fabulous day in port while on a cruise and to Northern Europe’s capitals. Spend the day admiring the city’s opulent castles and stroll along the colorful waterfront district of Nyhavn. Don’t forget to try a Danish brew and sample local eats at a food hall while you’re here.

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden: For a city that has been around since the 13th century, Stockholm balances hundreds of years of history with a sleek, modern energy. On your Stockholm cruise, don’t miss a walking tour through the cobblestoned streets of Gamla Stan, the Old Town. Spend an afternoon at the National Museum or the Vasa Museum and you’ll leave with more knowledge about Vikings and Swedish art than you ever thought possible. Because Stockholm is a set of islands connected by bridges, there’s often a light breeze and plenty of opportunities for swimming, kayaking and water sports during the summer months. Stockholm is the perfect introduction to the finer things in life in Scandinavia.

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, Finland: Helsinki feels like a mix of colorful St. Petersburg, Russia with sleek, Scandinavian design. Perhaps there’s no city more enigmatic than Helsinki, with its cultural Baltic warmth and deeply cold Finnish winters. As the capital of Finland, Helsinki holds up as an art and culture hub thanks to museums like the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, the Design Museum, or the National Museum of Finland. Many Finnish citizens go to the sauna several times a week and if it’s rejuvenation you’re after, spas like Kotiharjun Sauna or Löyly are a must-try experience.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn, Estonia: Tallinn offers the perfect introduction to Estonia. After decades of occupation by the Soviet Union in the late 20th century, Tallinn is a little like a teenager in rebellion. The thriving nightlife and dance hall scene breathe life into the city, while colorful new districts like Creative City give residents and visitors alike a contemporary perspective of Tallinn. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Town is a visitor favorite, with its quaintly cobblestoned streets teeming with history.

Skagen, Denmark

Skagen, Denmark: This Danish port town is rife with nautical charm. Rugged and beautiful, Skagen is a favored tourist destination, especially in the summer months with its long coastline and pleasant atmosphere. Popularized by an influx of Scandinavian artists in the mid-19th century who were drawn by its radiance, the town enjoys a wealth of cultural treasures. A great way to learn about the artists who have settled here is to plan a trip during your Skagen cruise to Anchers Hus. This was the home of Michael and Anna Anchers that has remained unchanged since they first lived there. You can see some of their works, the studios where they painted and a glimpse into how they lived.