11-Night Oslo To Reykjavik

ITINERARY

Aug 10    Oslo, Norway    Depart: 6:00PM
Aug 11    Skagen, Denmark   Arrive: 7:00AM Depart: 3:00PM
Aug 12    Stavanger, Norway   Arrive: 9:00AM Depart: 8:00PM
Aug 13    Bergen, Norway   Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 6:00PM
Aug 14    Flam, Norway   Arrive: 7:00AM Depart: 4:00PM
Aug 15    Olden, Norway   Arrive: 9:00AM Depart: 6:00PM
Aug 16    Alesund, Norway   Arrive: 7:00AM Depart: 4:00PM
Aug 17    At Sea   
Aug 18    Seydisfjordur, Iceland   Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 4:00PM
Aug 19    Akureyri, Iceland   Arrive: 9:00AM Depart: 6:00PM
Aug 20    Isafjordur, Iceland   Arrive: 8:30AM Depart: 5:00PM
Aug 21    Reykjavik, Iceland   Arrive: 8:00AM

Day 1  Oslo, Norway    Depart: 6:00PM

From music and museums to quiet forest explorations to charming neighborhoods, Norway’s capital Oslo contains a dynamic array of experiences for every traveler. The city is filled with cutting-edge architecture, among them the iconic Oslo Public Library. As part of its status as a green city, Oslo has become easy to navigate by foot or bike, perfect for intimate explorations. The Historical Museum holds a vast array of artifacts from the Middle Ages and pre-historic times. Among the cities with the most concerts per capita in Europe, Oslo always has an event to immerse into local culture.

Day 2  Skagen, Denmark   Arrive: 7:00AM Depart: 3:00PM

The heath and dune landscapes of Skagen inspired many artists in the mid-19th century and you can see these charming paintings in the Skagens Museum. At Grenen Beach, find one of the few unorganized areas of Denmark. The wild beauty of the Kattegat and Skagerrak clashing makes it a striking locale to explore. Just northeast of Skagen in Jutland stands the Skagen Lighthouse. A captivating structure designed by Niels Sigfred Nebelong, it replaced Skagen’s original lighthouse in 1958. It’s a simple construct, but that embodies the nature of Denmark’s culture and invites visitors to take a photo op.

Day 3  Stavanger, Norway   Arrive: 9:00AM Depart: 8:00PM

Stavanger brings you to the intersection of historical and natural wonders. While officially incorporated as a city in 1125 CE, the earliest evidence of inhabitants traces back to 3,000 BCE. A stroll through Old Stavanger takes you to the historic residential area, one of Northern Europe’s best-preserved wooden house settlements. Norway also contains a few prime surfing grounds, including the Jæren beaches. It’s also the gateway to one of the most dramatic fjords, Lysefjord, and is best explored by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Jutting nearly 2,000 feet above the fjord, Pulpit Rock, or Preikestolen, offers another stunning perspective.

Day 4   Bergen, Norway   Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 6:00PM

When you think of Norway, among the images that come to mind are those of brightly painted wooden buildings with a backdrop of ice-capped mountains. In a nutshell, you’ve envisioned Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city that’s an easy access gateway to the fjords. Start with an unforgettable funicular ride to the top of the iconic Mount Floyen, rising over 1,000 feet above sea level in a seamless eight minutes. Back on the ground, you will not tire of snapping images of Bergen’s famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen. You will also find that Bergen is a city for foodies, with a commitment to organic and sustainable food that has earned it the additional UNESCO designation of City of Gastronomy.

Day 5  Flam, Norway   Arrive: 7:00AM Depart: 4:00PM

Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls, and deep valleys, Flåm is located off one of the hidden arms of the Sognefjord. To fully appreciate the breadth of this region, leave the harbor behind to reach Gudvangen, a tiny hamlet at the tip of spectacular Nærøyfjord. This 11-mile-long fjord is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rated by the National Geographic Society as the world’s number one natural heritage site. In addition to attracting naturalists, this destination will surely delight avid cyclists with some of the best, most scenic routes. If you prefer to take in the scenery in comfort, climb aboard the Flåm Railway and get ready for one of Europe’s most dramatic and visually stunning train adventures.

Day 6  Aug 15    Olden, Norway   Arrive: 9:00AM Depart: 6:00PM

Anticipate becoming enamored with the lesser-known, Norwegian town of Olden, a quaint little village located between steep mountains and roaring waterfalls. And then there’s the Briksdal Glacier, famous for beautiful surroundings between high peaks and roaring waterfalls, dropping almost 4,000 feet into the narrow Briksdal valley below. To get an even closer look, try your hand at glacier walking with snowshoes and ice axe in hand. The small village of Olden has a population of approximately 500 people, but even with its miniscule size, you can find cafés, grocery stores and shops in the center of town. You can also paddle your way around the magnificent green water of the Nordfjord, a serene experience surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and glaciers at sea level

Day 7  Aug 16    Alesund, Norway   Arrive: 7:00AM Depart: 4:00PM

Spread across three islands and ringed by dramatic mountains, Ålesund is imbued with whimsy and romance. Dressed elegantly in its signature Art Nouveau architecture, you can appreciate the turrets, spires and medieval ornaments that adorn the town. In a small park at the base of Mount Aksla, you’ll find a picture-postcard view of Ålesund, the Art Nouveau city center and the surrounding alpine landscapes of Sunnmøre. If dramatic views are what you seek, Trollstigen Road is an exciting roadway through enormous mountains, offering amazing views of Norway. The ultimate adventure is Trollveggen, the Troll Wall, which is the highest perpendicular rock face in Europe.

Day 8  At Sea
Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Day 9   Seydisfjordur, Iceland   Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 4:00PM

The tiny, picturesque village of Seyðisfjörður is the pearl of Iceland. A town of just 700 people, it is hidden at the innermost point of the fjord of the same name. In the valley above town, the river Fjarðará cascades over the hill to create several, beautiful waterfalls, down to the lagoon at the head of the fjord. Throughout the scenic village you’ll also find well-preserved, old wooden buildings, an enticing subject for photography as you walk down Rainbow Street..

Day 10  Akureyri, Iceland   Arrive: 9:00AM Depart: 6:00PM

A rich folklore culture abounds in Akureyri, Iceland, put on full display during the city’s festivals throughout the year. Inland, only 50 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, is the Akureyri Botanical Garden, a remarkable sight with brightly colored flowers and lush greenery. The iconic Akureyrarkirkja (or The Church of Akureyri) designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson resembles more a 1920s U.S. skyscraper, but within its walls stands an impressive 3,200-pipe organ. Among the local favorite eating spots is Greifinn, a modern restaurant serving a mix of fare from classic burgers to pasta to Tex Mex to salted fish pizza (to honor Iceland’s roots).

Day 11  Isafjordur, Iceland   Arrive: 8:30AM Depart: 5:00PM

Amid the enchanting Westfjords of Iceland stands Ísafjörður, a fishing town thriving with local energy and culture. Summer months here are brisk, but it’s this cool climate combined with breathtaking and quaint scenery that makes the village feel like an undiscovered treasure. The massive depression among the flat-topped mountains called Naustahvilft – known colloquially as the troll seat – combines Iceland’s natural beauty with the town’s rich folklore. Make a stop at Dokkan Brugghús, the only brewery in the entire Westfjords, and sample the local beers, crafted with naturally filtered spring water from the nearby mountains. For those for whom the sea’s siren call beckons, you must visit the Westfjord History Museum, based on Ísafjörður’s maritime heritage and its rise in the fishing industry.

Day 12  Reykjavik, Iceland   Arrive: 8:00AM

In the southwest of Iceland near Faxaflói Bay lies the capital of the country, Reykjavík, simultaneously cosmopolitan and charming. The colorful houses on the horizon create a quaint scene that will make you want to stay forever.Kaleidoscopic views await you at the Harpa Concert Hall, a glittering, glass structure that perfectly exemplifies Iceland’s modern design and will fascinate your inner architect. One of Iceland’s most prominent landmarks is Perlan, originally a group of hot water tanks that was converted to a building that now hosts an exhibition, planetarium, restaurant and observation deck, located atop Öskjuhlíð hill..

WHAT'S INCLUDED

ALWAYS INCLUDED

• FREE cultural immersion
• FREE dining venues with ever-changing menus
• FREE unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits and craft beers
• FREE open bars and lounges, including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapés
• FREE stocked in-room minibar
• FREE specialty coffees, teas and fresh-pressed juices
• FREE afternoon and high tea
• FREE champagne and gourmet canapés during meet and greet
• FREE 24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer
• FREE L'OCCITANE bath amenities
• FREE pre-paid gratuities
• FREE use of walking sticks and binoculars
• FREE reusable water bottle
• FREE butler service and expanded room service menu in suites

EXCLUSIVELY ON CULTURAL EXPEDITIONS

• FREE cultural immersion
• FREE enrichment programs and workshops on select expeditions
• FREE authentic, local experiences and on board events on select expeditions
• FREE Josper Grill Dining Experience at 7AFT Grill
• FREE Atlas Ocean Voyages backpack

Shore Excursions selected by AFAR as exceptional experiences to connect with local culture