Odyssey of lights: from Iceland to the Lofoten Islands

Itinerary

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Make sure there is sufficient timeto explore this diminutive but dramatic capital city. Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do. To get your bearings, take the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church, designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson is one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to earth, visit the city’s other renowned building Harpa Concert Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík's regenerated harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland from past to present. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an impressive contemporary collection including eye-catching pieces by Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometres outside the city lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original Viking parliament.

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Considered one of Iceland’s most impressive falls, the thunderous Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords region gives the impression of a bridal veil as it spreads down ever-growing cascades. The walk takes 15 minutes passing five smaller waterfalls.

Walk to Dynjandi Waterfall With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

01 h 30 m

Let your onboard Expedition Team, experts in all things Icelandic, guide you along the path to uncover this hidden treasure
Awaken your spirit of adventure as you stand in awe of nature's raw power firsthand
Delve into the secrets of Dynjandi as your Expedition Team provides captivating insights into its geological significance and cultural importance

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Surrounded by fjords in the Westfjords region, Ísafjörður is a bustling fishing town and cultural center in northwest Iceland with cafés, restaurants and museums. The Heritage Museum, also known as the Maritime Museum, houses some of the country's oldest buildings and explores the region's fishing heritage through compelling exhibits. Nearby, Osvor is a replica of a 19th-century Icelandic fishing station.

ATV Tour (2 persons/ATV)

Optional

02 h 00 m

Embark on a wild journey along old gravel paths that wind their way through the picturesque surroundings of Ísafjörður.
Break free from the ordinary and explore Iceland's diverse nature full of verdant valleys, rocky slopes and muddy trails.
As you ascend the towering mountains, immerse yourself in the stunning panoramas of the Westfjords that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Holt Inn Farmers & Flavours

Optional

03 h 30 m

Learn about sustainable sheep farming at Bær Farm, where sheep roam freely in the summer
Explore the fascinating history of Stadardalur Valley, one of Iceland's earliest Viking settlements.
Taste Icelandic delicacies while soaking in panoramic views of Isafjordur

Flowers & Fjords

Included

03 h 00 m

Tour the calm and quiet village of Flateyri and its surrounding area with steep, narrow passes and deep, sheltered fjords where farms and other villages cling to the narrow strip of shoreline
Your first stop is Iceland’s first botanical gardens, Skrúður, founded in 1905 and used to teach students about botany and growing vegetable-rich diets in the sub-Arctic climate
Learn all about Flateyri’s history with shark fishing, dating back to the mid 19th century before visiting the church for a musical performance

ATV Tour (1 person per ATV)

Optional

02 h 00 m

Embark on a wild journey along old gravel paths that wind their way through the picturesque surroundings of Ísafjörður.
Break free from the ordinary and explore Iceland's diverse nature full of verdant valleys, rocky slopes and muddy trails.
As you ascend the towering mountains, immerse yourself in the stunning panoramas of the Westfjords that stretch as far as the eye can see.

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Grímsey is a remote island located 40 km off Iceland’s north coast. Many people travel here for the purpose of setting foot in the Arctic Circle, the only place in Iceland where you can. The island is also home to fewer than 100 people, but over one million seabirds. Birdlife thrives here thanks to the lack of egg predation and the well-stocked surrounding seas. Grímsey has one of Iceland’s largest tern nesting sites and largest puffin colonies.

Life in the Arctic Circle

Included

02 h 30 m

Get ready for an Arctic adventure on an island hike with our guide, soaking up Grimsey's ancient tales and stunning scenery.
Keep your eyes peeled for puffins, guillemots and other seabirds as we stroll past the Orbis and Globus artwork marking the Arctic Circle's path.
See a 19th-century driftwood church, a testament to Grimsey's resilience, as we explore this remote northern outpost.

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Hrisey Island is a small island in the Eyjafjordur fjord in northern Iceland. It is home to various wildlife, including puffins, seals, and whales. Hriseyjarfjall Mountain is the highest point and offers views of the surrounding landscape and the vast expanse of Eyjafjörður fjord. Despite its size, Hrisey Island possesses a rich cultural heritage. Traditional Icelandic crafts, such as hand-knitting and woodworking, preserve the island's identity.

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Húsavík, overlooking Skjálfandi Bay, is famed for whale watching, especially the endangered blue whale. The town's Whale and Exploration Museums focusses on Viking history and Apollo astronaut training, taking place nearby. The town also marks Iceland's first house from 860 AD. Húsavík is on the Arctic Coast Way and the start of the Diamond Circle route. Nearby, Kaldbakur pond is a popular geothermal swimming spot oddly populated with goldfish.

Húsavík & GeoSea Baths

Optional

02 h 30 m

Explore Húsavík’s iconic landmarks, including the historic 1907 wooden church, the scenic town gardens, and the site of Iceland’s oldest known house.
Take in breathtaking views from a panoramic harbour lookout and the Húsavík lighthouse, with a chance to spot whales in Skjálfandi Bay.
Conclude your tour with a relaxing soak in the GeoSea baths, enjoying warm geothermal waters and stunning coastal scenery.

Whale Watching & Whale Museum

Included

04 h 30 m

Witness whales up close in the "Whale Capital of Iceland" with its wide bay and rich marine life (wildlife sightings not guaranteed).
Explore the Whale Centre and see life-size whale skeletons before boarding a whale watching boat.
Sail into Skjálfandi Bay for a chance to spot magnificent whales in their natural habitat.

Jewels of the North

Optional

07 h 00 m

Explore the otherworldly geothermal field of Námaskarð, where bubbling mud-pots, steam vents, and vibrant sulphur deposits create a truly surreal landscape.
Wander through the mystical Dimmuborgir lava fields, a dramatic terrain of towering rock formations and arches, steeped in Icelandic folklore.
Discover the unique Skútustaðir pseudo-craters, formed by ancient lava flows, and take in the stunning views of Lake Mývatn, a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

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Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

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Bodø highlights its Sami heritage and connects the arts to its Arctic setting. Rebuilt after the 1940 bombing in modernist "reconstruction" style, Bodø's architectural commitment endures with the 2014-built Stormen concert hall and Molobyen, a new waterfront cultural hub. Surrounded by natural landscapes, Bodø lies near the world-famous maelstrom of Saltstraumen, a powerful whirlpool on the Saltsfjorden strongest when the tides change daily.

Saltstraumen & City Sightseeing

Included

03 h 00 m

Hop on a coach for a scenic tour of Bodo, discovering its herring industry roots
Brace yourself for the jaw-dropping show at Saltstraumen, where nature flexes its muscles with the world's mightiest tidal change
Catch your breath after witnessing the incredible spectacle, and grab a coffee at the nearby hotel while swapping tales about the experience

Saltsraumen RIB Adventure

Optional

03 h 00 m

Experience an exhilarating RIB boat ride to witness Norway’s stunning natural phenomena up close
Marvel at the power of nature as the world’s strongest current creates whirlpools and foaming waves
Enjoy a leisurely panoramic coach ride back to Bodo, soaking in the fjord's beauty and stopping at a viewpoint along the way

Norwegian Aviation Museum and City sights

Optional

03 h 00 m

Learn about the massive attack Germany launched on Bodo on May 27th 1940
Stop at Ronvikfjell viewpoint, 538 ft above sea level, with great views of the city and surroundings
Discover famous and infamous military aircrafts like the Spitfire, CF-104 Starfighter, JU 88 and U-2 spy plane among others

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The mighty Svartisen glacier, Norway’s second biggest, pours down the mountain almost to Svartisvatnet lake. The glacier visitor centre is a fascinating place with access to hikes along the edge of the ice flow, up to 200 m thick. Glorious Holandsfjord is just the other end of a short channel from the lake and the ship has stirring views. The little village of Holandsvika sits across the fjord, with an 18-km lakeside path and boat trips.

Hike towards Svartisen Glacier with your Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

02 h 00 m

Get up close and personal with Norway's second-largest glacier, Svartisen, for a jaw-dropping experience
Enjoy a scenic hike towards a glacier-formed lake, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding icy landscape
Be awestruck by the sheer magnitude of this massive ancient ice tongue, set amidst a pristine national park

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With red fishermen's cabins nestled on the shores of Reinefjord amid dramatic granite peaks, Reine is celebrated as one of the world's most beautiful places. The village serves as a starting point for hikes like the Reinebringen trail, offering panoramic views of the vertical granite Lofoten Islands rising from the Arctic Sea. Nearby, the fishing village of Å houses the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum.

Å Fishing Village

Optional

02 h 40 m

Explore Å, once the most important fishing village in the Lofoten area, offering insights into its past significance
Indulge in freshly baked delights at Bakeriet at Å, attached to the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum
Take in the magnificent scenery of Lofoten, with majestic mountains and red and white fishermen's huts scattered along the shoreline

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Svolvær is a classic Norwegian fishing port, tucked away on Austvågøya in the Lofoten Islands. Surrounded by peaks and beaches, bays and craggy inlets, it’s an age-old picture, a jumble of white and red clapboard houses, the clear water filled with little, bobbing boats. Popular with mountain climbers, the town’s mountain Fløya commands a spectacular viewpoint across the harbour and Vestfjord.

Svolvaer Panorama

Included

02 h 00 m

Take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and fjords at Svolvær
Visit Lofoten’s beautiful 12th century cathedral, Lofotkatedralen
Explore the charming fishing village of Henningsvær with its traditional wooden buildings and fresh seafood

Walking Tour of Svolvaer, Svinoya and Ice Bar

Optional

03 h 00 m

Walk over the 359-m Svinøy Bridge, enjoying views of the famous "Svolvær Goat" rock formation on Mount Fløya
Explore Svinøya Island, where artists find inspiration in its wild nature, vibrant colours and ethereal light
See colourful fisher's cabins and stockfish racks before ending with a drink at the ice bar in Svolvær

Lofotr Viking Museum & Borg Church

Optional

04 h 00 m

Travel 1000 years back in time and experience the Viking age by visiting the Lofotr Viking Museum
See the world's longest reconstructed longhouse and discover how people used to live in the Viking Age
Admire the magnificent northern Norwegian nature and the different livestock that existed during the Viking Age

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Trollfjorden is unbelievable. A 100m-wide entrance to a narrow fjord with near-vertical mountainous sides up to 1,100 m high, the passage slices through Austvågøya, on the edge of the Lofoten Islands. As the ship enters the fjord, the silence is only broken by the gentle sound of the ship's engines and the occasional cry of a white-tailed eagle soaring overhead. At the end of the fjord, the ship slowly spins, offering a final captivating view.

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The Arctic gateway, Tromso at 69 degrees north, is renowned for the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter. The Arctic Cathedral, with stained-glass windows, hosts midnight concerts. The Fjellheisen cable car offers panoramic views from Mount Storsteinen, while the historic centre features old wooden houses. The Polar Museum chronicles early polar explorations, and the thriving Alpine Botanic Garden adds to Tromso's charm.

This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

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Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m²(215ft²) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

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Oceanview M4

20 m²

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Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

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Balcony M5

25 m²

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Balcony D6

25 m²

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Suite

40 m²

Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and walk-in shower – and a 10m² (108ft²) private balcony.

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Premium Suite

47 m²

Premium Suites have a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – walk-in wardrobe, and a 12m² (129ft²) private balcony.