14-night In the Wake of the Vikings Cruise

Step aboard your ship to begin your journey. Encircled by majestic mountains, fjords and glaciers, Bergen was home to Viking sagas. With your ship berthed next to Bryggen wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, easily stroll along its waterfront. This evening, mingle with the locals and dine ashore, as we will be spending the night in port.,

Awake in Bergen and further explore this Norwegian treasure. See the beautiful 18th-century wooden houses, and visit the Hanseatic Museum on your included tour. Or take an excursion to Troldhaugen, the home of Edvard Grieg, Norway's famous composer, or a trip to the top of Mt. Ulriken where you can savor an Ulriken bun, a cinnamon pastry, with a view that is equally as indulgent.,

Admire the rugged beauty of one of Scotland's remote island outposts today. You'll set out to explore the main island's southern reaches on an included tour. After a panoramic drive through charming Lerwick, the Shetlands' only burgh, stop at the limestone hamlet of Fladdabister, the crofting town of Aithsetter, and a 2,000-year-old castle. Or, visit the remarkable archaeological site of Jarlshof instead, stunning evidence of a thriving Viking presence.,

The Shetland Islands are Great Britain's most northerly islands, situated nearly fifty miles northeast of the Orkneys. Lerwick is the capital of the principal island of Mainland and is Britain's most northerly town. Founded on the fishing industry and with strong Viking connections, little now remains of the old village of Lerwick. Features of interest include the Cromwellian Fort Charlotte and annual Norse fire festival, Up-Helly-Aa, held every January. On the southern tip of the island is Jarlshof, site of ruins of several Stone Age and Bronze Age dwellings as well as wheel-houses from the Iron Age. Elsewhere on the island is Clichimin Broch, another prehistoric site containing a Bronze Age fort.

Explore the legacy of Vikings in the scenic Faroe Islands, located halfway between Norway and Iceland. Once home to the Viking Parliament, the island's capital of Tórshavn occupies the archipelago's most historic peninsula. During your visit, a scenic drive reveals the breathtaking fjords of Kaldbak and Kollafjørður, magnificent island vistas, and a rich salmon fishing culture... all infused with a welcoming Nordic spirit.,

Approximately one third of the 50,000 residents of the "Sheep Islands" live in Torshavn. The city has large fishing industries, a seat of a Lutheran bishop and boasts many museums and culture.

As you sail westward into the Atlantic, take advantage of the many amenities of your ship. You might attend an enriching onboard talk to learn about your upcoming ports. Lounge by the Main Pool with its retractable roof and enjoy a cocktail at the Aquavit Bar.,

Explore Reykjavík, one of the cleanest and most eco-friendly cities in the world. Vikings settled here in 870 AD, and today Reykjavík is home to endless charms, watched over by the majestic Esja mountain range. You will see the city's highlights up close, including the charming cathedral. And admire the cityscape from the Perlan, a hilltop, glass-domed landmark offering spectacular city views. Alternately, you may venture farther afield to take in the country's breathtaking natural beauty, from towering waterfalls and soaring mountains to blue thermal springs.,

Cruise coastal Greenland today, taking in the splendid views from your ship. During your day at sea, you might indulge in a massage or facial or take a sauna in The Spa. Find your inner calm with yoga on the Sports Deck. Tonight, try some food and wine pairings at The Chef's Table.,

Take in the natural beauty of Nanortalik. This "place of the polar bears", as its name translates, is spread over a small island in a splendid setting on the shores of the Labrador Sea. Like in much of Greenland, the lack of trees here lends a stark and pristine beauty. You will learn about the city's seafaring history, rich culture, and colorful customs during your stay, visiting the open air Nanortalik Museum to learn how Vikings were among the first, and the Inuit among the last, to settle here. Due to the remote nature of this destination, organized excursions will not be offered in Nanortalik.,

Nanortalik means 'place of bears'. It is Greenland's southernmost town, the district border extends all the way from the island Qeqertarsuaq, north west of Alluitsup Paa to the Cape Farewell area and to the 60 kilometers long Lindenow Fjord in East Greenland. The area is approx. 15,000 square kilometers. The most renowned feature in the area is the Nanortalik skyscrapers - the steep peaks and sheer mountain walls lining the Tasermiut Fjord, Pamiagdluk, Prins Christianssund and Lindenow Fjord. Names like Ketil Mountain and Ulamertorsuaq are well known to most rock and mountain climbers in the world. The mountains in this area are just as challenging as the Alps and only experienced climbers should give it a go. The sealhunters move to the outermost islands in the spring to hunt the big hooded seal, because the seals' migratory route passes through these islands along with the field ice. Here, the hunter culture remains unspoilt for many generations. The supply for summer and winter is prepared on the islands. The place got its name, Nanortalik, because the polar bears drift by on big ice floes in the field ice from East Greenland. Each year several polarbears are spotted in the area, but they are of no danger to the inhabitants. In the spring and in the late summer the waters surrounding the municipality are filled with whales, of which the most frequent is the minke whale.

Visit the small village of Qaqortoq today, located within its namesake fjord. This simple seaside town relies on fishing, fur production, and ship repair and also has a brisk local arts scene, as you will see in its 30 "Stone and Man" sculptures in town. Your self-guided walking tour leads you along inviting streets lined with Inuit stone-and-peat houses, the 1832 Old Church, and the Mindebrønden fountain. Due to the remote nature of this destination, organized excursions will not be offered in Qaqortoq.,

Qaqortoq means "The White Place", and the town is the educational and cultural center of Southern Greenland. The sheep farms give this part of Greenland special character. Qaqortoq has a sculpture park "Stone and Man" made by 18 Nordic sculptors. The result is 24 sculptures and reliefs spread all over town. Greenland's only public fountain is in the town square. The square is the historical part of town, with many buildings from colonial times and a museum concentrating on Greenlandic culture, the Norse period and the history of Qaqortoq. Close to the square is "Brædtet" market where local fishermen and hunters sell the days catch. There are 2 churches in town; "Frelserens" from 1832 and "Gertrud Raschs" from 1973. "Frelserens" hans the lifebuoy and memorial tablet with the names of those missing from M/S Hans Hedtoft, which went down in January 1959. "Gertrud Raschs" has one of Greenlands most beautiful altar pieces made by artist Maria Haagen-Müller.

Trace the route of Leif Eriksson today as you sail from Greenland to Canada. Perhaps you will swim in the Infinity Pool or mingle with newfound friends over tea in the Wintergarden. This evening, enjoy soft piano music in the Living Room or lively jazz in Torshavn.,

Step back 500 years before the days of Columbus, to the late 10th century, when Viking Leif Eriksson led the first European landing on American soil at L'Anse aux Meadows, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archaeological site's beautiful seaside setting on the northernmost tip of Newfoundland boasts millennium-old remains, including a Viking sod longhouse. You will explore village reconstruction or, if you prefer, follow Newfoundland's scenic coastline and view marine animals in their natural habitat.,

Today you will make your way toward the St. Lawrence River via the Gulf of St. Lawrence. As you sail, you might attend an illuminating enrichment lecture in the theater. This evening, enjoy cocktails in the Explorers' Lounge.,

Cruising

Discover the history of Saguenay today, a once-disparate region of boroughs established as one city only as recently as 2002. Built on a rich fur-trading and timber industry, it is a quintessential Quebecois town proud of its rural roots. You can witness the story of its growth during a lively stage show created specifically for English-speaking visitors, with privileged backstage access. Alternately, you can head into the countryside to visit two family businesses that embody the region's French heritage with their cheese and wine production.,

The Saguenay region of Quebec is most known for its distinctive geological features. Here you can visit Le Monde Enchante, a park with waterfalls, covered bridges and gazebos overlooking the Saguenay River. The fjords, mountains, waterfalls and the beautiful village of Petit-Saguenay attract visitors from all over. Visiting the New French Village, one can experience what life was like when this area was first settled by French explorers. Among museums in the area are the glass art factory, the Cheddar Cheese Museum and the Zoo Saint Felicien.

Visit the grand dame of Quebec province today, the venerable Quebec City, a European-style gem on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. As you explore its cobblestone streets, you will take in its decidedly regal air, crowned by the magnificent Château Frontenac. You will see the Place Royale, the Upper and Lower Old Towns lined with distinctive white stone buildings dating to the early 17th century, and the Parliament. Or, discover the province's natural beauty at Montmorency Falls and Canyon Sainte-Anne.,

Awake in Montreal this morning and bid your ship adieu. Explore the city on your own before returning home, or perhaps extend your stay here with Viking.,