23 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.

24 August

Iceland: Akureyri

Akureyri is Iceland’s second city, though with just 18,000 inhabitants it’s really more of a small town. Situated on the north coast at the head of Iceland’s largest fjord, it’s a cute and quirky place that also serves as a base from which to explore the bubbling mud pools and lunar landscapes around Lake Mývatn.

25 August to 26 August - At sea

27 August

Greenland: Prince Christian Sound

The spectacular Prince Christian Sound provides a protected passage for ships rounding the southern tip of Greenland, at times narrowing to just 1,500 feet across. Waterfalls cascade down the rugged mountain sides, and you can often spot whales and seals amongst the icebergs.

28 August

Greenland: Nanortalik

Nanortalik is the southernmost city in Greenland, and sits on a small island at the mouth of the Tasermiut fjord. The name means ‘the place of polar bears’, since bears come to hunt on the sea ice in summer, and the town is also known for its unique choir singing culture.

29 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.

30 August to 31 August - At sea

1 September

Canada: L'Anse aux Meadows

The archaeological site of L’Anse aux Meadows, on the northern tip of Newfoundland, is the only confirmed site of Norse settlement in North America. Vikings arrived from Iceland and Greenland some 500 years before Columbus, and you can visit the reconstructed timber and peat-turf homes that they built.

2 September - At sea

3 September

Canada: Gaspé

The rugged Gaspé Peninsula is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Canadian Maritimes, and the waters off the coast are a whale watching hotspot. Highlights include Forillon National Park, home to wildlife including moose and bears, and Bonaventure Island, where you’ll find one of the world’s biggest gannet colonies.

4 September - At sea

5 September

Canada: Cap-aux-Meules (Magdalen Islands)

6 September

Canada: Sydney

Sydney is the only real city on Nova Scotia’s beautiful Cape Breton island, a former steel and coal town that is reinventing itself as a cultural and culinary hub. The revitalised waterfront area is particularly appealing, and there are some interesting Loyalist-era buildings in the city’s North End district.

7 September - At sea

8 September

Canada: Halifax

The natural harbour at Halifax is the second largest in the world after Sydney, and this charming city has a proud maritime heritage. Take a stroll along the historic waterfront, delve into the vibrant arts scene or explore the beautiful coastal scenery of Nova Scotia.

9 September

Canada: Shelburne

10 September

United States: Portland (Maine)

The vibrant maritime city of Portland is a culinary and cultural hotspot, with some fantastic restaurants, a thriving craft beer scene and a host of trendy galleries and shops. Lobster lovers will be in heaven, while history buffs will enjoy strolling the handsome Victorian streets of the Old Port district.

11 September

United States: Boston

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the USA, and in amongst the skyscrapers are plenty of red-brick buildings, a Georgian architecture that lends the city a distinctly European feel. Boston is also home to a wealth of cultural riches, including the superb Museum of Fine Arts, as well as the world famous Harvard University.

12 September - At sea

13 September

United States: New York

The Big Apple is one of the world’s most iconic, cosmopolitan cities, a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. From the lofty heights of the Manhattan skyscrapers to the hipster hangouts of resurgent Brooklyn, New York City buzzes with energy and excitement, and there’s never been a better time to visit.

14 September

United States: Newport (Rhode Island)

Newport is one of New England’s most appealing towns, with a well preserved colonial centre and an illustrious history. This was the holiday destination of choice for wealthy families in the 19th century, and their magnificent clifftop mansions along Bellvue Avenue are a real sight to behold.

15 September

United States: Boston

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the USA, and in amongst the skyscrapers are plenty of red-brick buildings, a Georgian architecture that lends the city a distinctly European feel. Boston is also home to a wealth of cultural riches, including the superb Museum of Fine Arts, as well as the world famous Harvard University.

16 September

United States: Rockland (Maine)

Rockland sits on the picturesque coastline of Midcoast Maine, a pleasant little town with a vibrant cultural scene, home to some interesting museums and galleries. Nearby attractions include the 19th century Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse and the pretty town of Camden, and this is also a great place to feast on Maine lobster.

17 September - At sea

18 September

Canada: Halifax

The natural harbour at Halifax is the second largest in the world after Sydney, and this charming city has a proud maritime heritage. Take a stroll along the historic waterfront, delve into the vibrant arts scene or explore the beautiful coastal scenery of Nova Scotia.

19 September - At sea

20 September

Canada: Charlottetown

Charlottetown, the charming provincial capital of Prince Edward Island, occupies an important place in Canadian history: it was here that the conference which led to the creation of the Canadian Confederation took place in 1864. The city also has a great culinary scene, making use of the island’s bountiful seafood and fresh produce.

21 September - At sea

22 September

Canada: Saguenay

The stunning Saguenay fjord is the fourth largest in the world, and the only fjord in North America navigable by cruise ship. The point where the fjord meets the colder waters of the St Lawrence river is rich in krill, which makes this a great destination for whale watching.

23 September to 24 September

Canada: Québec City

Québec City, the capital of French-speaking Canada, is one of the North American continent’s most beguiling cities. The pretty old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a joy to behold; the cobbled streets and church spires are enclosed within the old city walls, and many of the buildings date back to the 17th century

25 September

Arriving in Montréal

Bilingual Montréal is Québec’s largest city, a vibrant island metropolis with a distinctive blend of old style European charm and thrusting modernity. Architectural highlights include the beautiful Basilique Notre-Dame-de-Montréal, and the city also boasts the world’s third largest botanical garden.