Oceania Scottish & Nordic Voyager

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.

Savor the old town’s marvelous Georgian and Victorian architecture and impressive Edinburgh Castle, high on its volcanic crag with a fabulous view. Stroll along the medieval Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to see the abbey and Queen Mary’s chambers. Visit St. Giles’ Cathedral where John Knox once preached.

Known as “Inverbreakie” until the early 18th century, Invergordon has long been recognized for its rich naval history and jewel of a harbor in the northern Highlands. Invergordon perches on the northern bank of the Cromarty Firth, a lengthy estuary that provides welcome sanctuary for a multitude of water birds and one of only two species of resident bottlenose dolphin in the British Isles. Venture into the Highlands, where the local clan castles perch on craggy hills and on the shores of lochs and firths. And there’s always the chance to see the mysterious Loch Ness Monster.

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.

Deep within magnificent Sognefjord, the world’s second-largest fjord, discover the cozy hamlet of Vik. Although small in size, the village holds outsize importance in Norway, as it is home to one of the country’s few remaining medieval stave churches as well as an even older stone church. While the latter is a study in restraint, the wood-built Hopperstad Stave Church dazzles with its fanciful Viking-era design. Another of Vik’s claims to fame is the region’s coveted gamalost cheese, a pungent creation that is certainly an acquired taste but which curious epicures should not miss. If sampling gamalost sounds a bit adventurous, you’ll be delighted to learn Vik is also famed for its scrumptious raspberries.

In 1904 much of Ålesund was destroyed by fire, but the town was quickly rebuilt in the period’s popular Art Nouveau style. Soaring turrets, spires and beautiful ornamentation adorn the buildings throughout Ålesund, giving it a distinctive flair and earning the town a revered architectural reputation. An evening departure allows you plenty of time to explore its many attractions, such as the spectacular Art Nouveau Centre museum, scenic Town Park, and Atlantic Sea Park, one of Europe’s largest aquariums. For a look at modern Norwegian woodworking, visit the impressive Gallery Cylindra. Many of Ålesund’s squares feature sculptures commemorating significant events, including the town’s rich fishing history and Norway’s contribution to World War II.

Squarely in the middle of the Eastfjords and literally located at the base of a long and narrow fjord, picturesque Seydisfjordur quickly makes an impression on visitors upon arrival. It’s at the heart of some of Iceland’s most unsung treasures. Waterfalls, mountains, fjords and peaceful hiking trails stretch out all around. Discover the local flora and fauna at Skalanes Nature Reserve, which is home to diverse wildlife such as reindeer, arctic foxes and more than 40 different species of birds, or soak in soothing geothermal waters at Vok Nature Baths. Seydisfjordur features ornate wooden architecture with a Scandinavian influence and boasts a flourishing arts scene too. You won’t want to miss two iconic photo opportunities – the quaint Blue Church and the Rainbow Road that leads there.

Nestled along the shores of one of the most breathtaking fjords in Iceland, Akureyri is the nation’s second largest city and a center of Icelandic folk culture. Visit the museums and art festivals, hike along the extraordinary vistas, or explore the botanical gardens. Also of interest is the most northerly 18-hole golf course in the world.

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.