11 August
Setting sail from Reykjavik
Capital of Iceland and gateway to this extraordinary volcanic island, modern Reykjavik is home to an impressive collection of interesting attractions and places of historic significance. Visit the impressive Hallgrímskirkja church, relax in a thermal pool, potter around the old harbour, and with 24 hour daylight in the summer months, you can play golf at midnight, or choose the perfect place to view the midnight sun such as the lighthouse at Grotta or on the waterfront by Sólfar - the Sun Voyager sculpture. If you're like us, you will find travelling out of Reykjavik by land or sea to be unforgettable.
Our tip
Visit the impressive Hallgrímskirkja for its amazing architecture, and go up the tower for an extraordinary view of the city.
12 August
Iceland: Ísafjörður
Ísafjörður is the largest town in Iceland’s wild Westfjords, dramatically located on a spit of sand hemmed in by mountains on three sides. The town itself is fairly low key, and the main attraction is exploring the surrounding landscapes, such as the spectacular Hornstrandir Peninsula.
13-14 August
At sea
15 August
Greenland: Nuuk
Greenland’s capital and largest town, Nuuk is positively cosmopolitan compared to the rest of this remote and isolated country. The setting amongst mountains and fjords is striking, and attractions include the Greenland National Museum and the picturesque Old Harbour.
16 August
Greenland: Paamiut
17 August
Greenland: Qaqortoq
Qaqortoq is southern Greenland’s largest town, though with just 3,000 inhabitants it’s hardly crowded. A trip to the nearby hot springs at Uunartoq is recommended; relaxing in the 38°C water and watching icebergs drift across the bay is quite something.
18-20 August
At sea
21 August
Faroe Islands: Tórshavn
Tórshavn, named after the Norse god Thor, is one of the world’s smallest capitals, with a population of just 20,000. The brightly coloured facades and turfed roofs lend the harbour an attractive, storybook quality, and the narrow streets are home to some atmospheric pubs and cafés.
22 August
United Kingdom: Scrabster
This little village on the north coast of Scotland is an important fishing port, and a ferry runs between Scrabster and Stromness in the Orkney Islands. Munitions were shipped from here to Scapa Flow during the Second World War, and nearby attractions include the historic Castle of Mey.
23 August
United Kingdom: Aberdeen
The ‘granite city’ of Aberdeen is flush with money from the North Sea oil boom, and boasts cultural attractions including the fascinating Maritime Museum and the Aberdeen Art Gallery. Head out into the countryside and you’ll find magnificent castles, wild mountain scenery and whisky distilleries aplenty.
24-26 August
United Kingdom: Leith (Edinburgh)
Cosmopolitan Edinburgh, Scotland’s lovely capital, is located in spectacular countryside, always visible from the city centre. Striking architecture, lots to see and do, and great food mean that your time here will be very busy. And if your visit coincides with the Festival, you have a treat in store.
27 August
United Kingdom: Kirkwall (Orkney Islands)
The flat, windswept Orkney Islands, just off the northeast coast of Scotland, have a distinctive Scandinavian heritage that’s discernible in everything from the unusual place names to the ancient Norse architecture of the capital, Kirkwall. Don’t miss the Ring of Brodgar, a fascinating Neolithic stone circle.
28 August
United Kingdom: Lerwick
Lerwick is the only town of any size in the Shetland islands, and originally grew up around the herring trade. Highlights include the charming 18th century architecture along the waterfront and the informative Shetland Museum, which provides an excellent introduction to the history and culture of the islands.
29 August
Norway: Ålesund
When Ålesund was destroyed by fire in 1904, the German Kaiser Wilhelm II agreed to foot the bill to rebuild it. The result was the stunning Art Nouveau architecture that you see today, which blends elements of the German 'Jugendstil' with Viking flourishes.
30-31 August
At sea
1 September
Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen is the largest settlement in Svalbard, remotely located in the high Norwegian Arctic, and originally built as a mining town. The locals continue to make the best of this hostile environment, and brightly painted wooden buildings line the main street. The surrounding area is breathtakingly beautiful.
2 September
At sea
3 September
Norway: Honningsvåg
The port of Honningsvåg is the gateway to Europe’s most northerly point, the North Cape, and enjoys 24-hour daylight in summer. Aside from tourism, fishing is the major industry in this part of Norway, and the region is also said to be inhabited by trolls.
4 September
Norway: Alta
Although Alta lies in Norway’s far north, the city has a surprisingly mild climate. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed prehistoric rock carvings at the Alta Museum, some of which date back over 6,000 years, and the striking Northern Lights Cathedral, with its aurora-inspired interior.
5 September
Norway: Harstad
Harstad is situated on Hinnøya, Norway’s largest island, and is one of the most important cultural and commercial centres in the north of the country. The town hosts several annual festivals, and the surrounding landscape of forests, mountains and fjords is perfect for outdoor adventure.
6 September
Norway: Bodø
Bodø, just to the north of the Arctic Circle, is the largest city in Nordland county and the gateway to northern Norway. The town itself is not the most exciting place, but the surrounding scenery is striking and the islands to the north are home to the world’s densest population of white-tailed sea eagles.
7 September
Norway: Trondheim
Trondheim’s wooden buildings look much as they would have done in the Middle Ages, rebuilt in the same style and layout throughout history. Here also Norway's national sanctuary, Nidaros Cathedral, was built over the grave of St. Olav, Norway's patron saint, with parts dating back to the 12th century.
8 September
Norway: Måløy
The little town of Måløy is a major fishing port, on the sheltered eastern side of Vågsøy island. Nearby sights include the Kannesteinen rock, sculpted by the sea into a bizarre mushroom-like shape, while further afield is the Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to continental Europe’s largest glacier.
9 September
At sea
10 September
Belgium: Zeebrugge (Bruges)
Zeebrugge’s main attraction is its proximity to Bruges. This beautifully preserved old town is a magical maze of winding cobbled lanes, narrow canals and gorgeous gabled houses, and it’s no wonder so many visitors throng the streets in summer.
11-12 September
Arriving in Ijmuiden
Your home from home
Small enough to operate fascinating port-intensive itineraries, but with the space for dining options, comfortable accommodation and more, sister ships Insignia, Nautica, Regatta and Sirena are for many the perfect size.
What we love
These four boutique style sister ships carry just 684 guests apiece, with a comfortable, relaxed country house style and plenty of intimate corners. We love the alternative restaurants - Oceania is rightly renowned for great food - and the pretty little library up on deck 10.
Capacity | 684 Guests |
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Crew | 400 International Staff |
Style | On Oceania it's all about the time spent ashore, so back on board it's relaxed and unpretentious, with no dressing up. Open seating throughout creates an atmosphere which is friendly and sociable. |
Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Extend your stay in Reykjavik
Enjoy Icelandic design chic at the super cool 101 Hotel, with a perfect central location.
Private tours from Reykjavik
A helicopter tour is a must do here; the unforgettable spectacular day-tours will give you a completely different perspective.