Southampton to Reykjavik

Take a trip up to London and get a bird’s eye view of the city from the London Eye. See sights like Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Piccadilly. Stroll along Lower Regent Street or visit the British Museum.

Aberdeen is a port city in northeast Scotland, where the Dee and Don rivers meet the North Sea. With an offshore petroleum industry, the city is home to an international population. It's also known as the ‘Granite City’ for its many enduring grey-stone buildings. The 19th-century Marischal College is typical – a monumental Victorian landmark that’s now headquarters of the City Council.

Enjoy a taste of the Highlands here in the rugged landscape and heathered moors, the ruined castles, steep cliffs and sea air. Drive through beautiful valleys and flower-filled meadows with romping Shetland ponies to quaint villages like Scalloway with its ruined castle, or explore the fascinating Jarlshof prehistoric site, occupied for more than 4,000 years.

Situated on the southeastern coast of the island of Vågsøy, Måløy is a fetching coastal village graced by silvery beaches, lighthouses and a long history in fishing. A major port for exporting Norway’s prized seafood, Måløy is an ideal place to sample the local cod and chips, fish soup, crab-stuffed sandwiches and other fruits of the sea. History buffs will enjoy the Måløy Raid Center, which focuses on an allied full-scale operation that went on to become an important and strategic victory for the Allies during World War II. Also of note is the 10-foot-tall Kannesteinen rock, which has been carved by the sea over thousands of years and now resembles the tail of a whale.

Embrace the traditional Icelandic character of Eskifjördur, a sleepy fishing hamlet tucked into a dramatic fjord of the same name. As you sail into the harbor, marvel at the towering silhouette of Hólmatindur Mountain, an immensely picturesque feature that watches over the town from the opposite shore. Gain a deeper understanding of the region’s fishing heritage at the Maritime Museum and, in the home-turned-museum of a charming local couple, study an astonishing collection of gems, geodes and minerals gathered throughout Iceland. While exploring the surrounding countryside, rejoice at the breathtaking scenery of craggy mountains that rise from vividly green meadows.

Renowned as Iceland’s whale-watching capital, the picturesque fishing village of Husavik offers unforgettable adventures to witness a variety of extraordinary whale species. Skjálfandi Bay is home to a diverse array of whales and other sea life, including minke, humpback and blue whales; white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. The Husavik Whale Museum makes an excellent accompaniment to whale watching, shedding light on the ecology of these fascinating creatures as well as the history of whaling. Meanwhile, the Culture House provides an interesting look at the folk, maritime and natural history of northern Iceland. Lake Myvatn and Jökulsárgljúfur National Park make equally compelling day adventures.

Although remotely located in northwest Iceland and surrounded by ruggedly beautiful fjords, Isafjordur is surprisingly cosmopolitan. The capital of the Westfjords has long been a cultured oasis in the midst of this haunting beauty, fueled by the rewards of being one of Iceland's largest fishing centers. The first merchants lived in wooden houses now preserved in the Neöstikaupstaöur section of town, which is alive with shops and restaurants. Two museums are of particular interest - the West Fjords Folk Museum for tools and heritage items and the Maritime Museum for a look at the 19th century fishing industry.

Discover this fascinating land where the forces of nature hold sway as you visit the modern capital with its thermally heated outdoor swimming pool, remarkable botanic gardens and folk museum. Explore the starkly beautiful countryside of lava formations, glaciers and incredible waterfalls and the site where the first parliament sat in 930 A.D.