Arrive in Bergen and explore the historic Bryggen wharf area, a World Heritage site. (L,D)

Discover the Stone Age sites of Orkney: the standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar, the megalithic tomb of Maeshowe and the stone-slab village of Skara Brae—5,000 years old! Visit medieval St. Magnus Cathedral and stop for tea at Balfour Castle. (B,L,D)

Glide past the bird cliffs of Noss to view murres and kittiwakes. Pause to photograph Shetland ponies on our way to Jarlshof, a site inhabited for almost 4,000 years. At Mousa Island, see a fine example of an Iron Age broch (a fortified stone tower). (B,L,D)

The Faroe Islands are an autonomous archipelago within the Kingdom of Denmark. Our ship navigates between the cliffs of Streymoy and Vágar Islands. Explore Streymoy by boat, skirting dramatic sea stacks, or set out overland to visit the historic settlements. (B,L,D)

The Faroese are proud of their Viking legacy, reflected in their ancient language and love of the sea. Browse Viking artifacts at the museum, wander through 12th-century St. Olav’s Church, and discover the Kirkjubøur archaeological site. (B,L,D)

Zodiacs take us ashore on Mykines Island, known for its thousands of puffins. Stroll through the tiny village, passing whimsical turf roofed houses. (B,L,D)

Explore the vast Vatnajökull ice cap, the largest ice cap in the Europe. Take an optional boat ride through Jökulsárlón, a lagoon strewn with sculpted icebergs. (B,L,D)

Today is left open to explore Iceland’s rugged, unspoiled east coast by Zodiac and on foot. (B,L,D)

Watch for whales on our approach to Húsavík. Drive to Lake Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. Examine the bizarre boiling mud pools at Hverarönd and continue through Krafla Volcano’s geothermal area to the crater at Viti. End the day at Goðafoss, the “waterfall of the gods.” (B,L,D)

Discover the sights of Akureyri. Venture into the old town or go riding on an Icelandic horse. Sail north to the land of the midnight sun, taking Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grimsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. (B,L,D)

The town of Isafjörður lies on a tiny spit jutting out into the water, great for hiking. Meet a farmer for a tour of a working eiderdown farm and learn how feathers are collected. (B,L,D)

Sail past the Latrabjarg cliffs, home to a huge population of razorbills. Continue to Flatey Island for a walk or a Zodiac cruise around the charming hamlet. (B,L,D)

The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes some 10,000 years ago. Heimaey was threatened in 1973 by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey, which we’ll see from deck. (B,L,D)

Disembark in Reykjavík. Explore the old town and visit the Blue Lagoon before our flight home. (B,L)