14-night Fjords And Celtic Origins: Edinburgh Cruise

Ålesund Walking Tour – 3 Hours

Ålesund differs from most other Norwegian cities with its large concentration of buildings in the Jugend style of architecture. The explanation for this is simple; the town burned to the ground during the Great Fire of 1904. Rebuilding the city took a full three years, aided by numerous local contributions and large donations from the German Kaiser Wilhelm II.
The city planners agreed on consistently using the contemporary style of architecture, Jugend style (also known as Art Nouveau). It is a style characterized by artistic playfulness, fetching inspiration from organic forms and shapes in nature.
This combination of fjords, mountains and a town centre built in so-called art nouveau-style are some of the factors that resulted in Ålesund pinching first place in a survey by the Norwegian daily newspaper Dagbladet. Larger cities like Bergen (second place) and Trondheim (fourth place) – perhaps more famous for their beauty – were not considered to be as scenic as Ålesund when the Norwegians themselves cast their votes.
Walking tour through the winding old city streets, you will learn about the town's historic past. The tour takes in the Art Nouveau houses in the town itself, taking a stroll in the magnificent central district that displays beautiful houses with numerous and elaborate towers, spears and ornaments.
 

Ålesund City Tour – 4 Hours

Experience the splendid beauty and history of Ålesund during this picturesque 4 hour excursion through the city and its surroundings, via private vehicle, driver and local English Speaking Guide. Ålesund, a city built in an Art Nouveau style following a catastrophic fire in 1904. One of a few Art Nouveau towns in the world (Jugend style), Ålesund is home to an atmospheric distinct character that is warmly embraced by the locals.
Drive towards the Art Nouveau center of the town, marvel at the amazing decorations and colourful facades. A brief walking tour through the winding old city streets follows where you will learn about the town's historic past. A stop is made on route to the Art Nouveau Centre for a fascinating insight into Art Nouveau through authentic interiors and objects, as well as a captivating multimedia program called “From Ashes to Art Nouveau”. Here you can experience the devastating 1904 fire via film together with photographs and impressive sound and light effects.
Board your vehicle for the journey out of town towards Borgund, the largest trading centre in Sunnmøre during the Viking Era. Here you will view the picturesque Borgund Church followed by a visit to the inviting Sunnmøre Open Air Folk Museum, focusing on Norwegian coastal culture. Enjoy a stroll between the picturesque houses and the indoor exhibitions and get an insight into the cultural and architectural history of Sunnmøre and the Norwegian coastal culture. Heading back towards the city center, we detour with a drive up Mount Aksla. From this location, a panoramic view of the archipelago, the beautiful town center of Ålesund lying quietly below and the spectacular Sunnmøre Alps opens up in front of you. Return journey back to the city center.
 

Ålesund Kajak Tour – 2 hours

The prefect trip to explore Ålesund, and highly recommended for families. Stories about the area, why Ålesund is built in the Jugend style amongst much more is just some of the info you will get on this sea kayaking in Ålesund. The tour will start and end in Ålesund with about 7 km trip.  
During this trip we take several photo-stops where your able to get some great photos. You will get equipped with all the mandatory equipment and get a safety briefing before we head into our kayaks. The trip will be adapted to the weather conditions.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      2 hours Kayaking
Start / End:   City center.
Vehicle:        None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.   
Entrances:     None.
Meals: None.
Difficulty:    Grade Easy. Kayaking at leisure pace, walking required over uneven surfaces. No experience required, but you should be able to swim.
Notes:         Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. Kayaking equipment and life jackets will be provided. Please bring: Hat, Sun Cream, sunglasses, windproof – and waterproof clothes, spare clothes, swimming suit, towel and water bottle.

 

Akureyri - Lake Mývatn classic - Nature Baths- FD Tour

The tour starts by driving along the coast of Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjordur, from where you will get an excellent view of Akureyri and its surrounding mountains. After crossing Víkurskard-pass, view the Fnjoskadalur valley, where clear geological remains from glacial and post glacial times can be seen. The first stop is by Godafoss falls - one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland; the water of the river Skjalfandafljot falls from a height of 12 m over a width of 30 m. In 1000 A.D., at the meeting of the Althing, the Icelanders voted to adopt Christianity. The wooden idols of the Norse mythology were thrown into the falls in a symbolic gesture that swept away the old religion. Thus the Godafoss literally means the "Waterfall of the Gods”. From there you will drive directly to the Lake Myvatn area, stopping by the unique craters at Skutustadir before having lunch. After lunch you will visit the Dimmuborgir lava labyrinth, a paradise of towering lava castles, natural arches and countless unexplored grottos.

Next is a visit to the Myvatn Nature Baths. The Nature Baths offer bathers a completely natural experience - a relaxing dip amidst clouds of steam and a luxurious swim in a pool of geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 2.500 meters. The baths contain a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal micro-organisms. The warm, soothing waters are beneficial to skin and spirit alike, creating a sense of wellbeing and creating a lasting memory of your visit. Facilities include a reception area and cafeteria, changing rooms and showers for up to 120 guests, three natural steam baths accommodating up to 50 bathers at a time, and a 5000m2 outdoor geothermal bathing pool maintained at a constant temperature of 38-40ºC.

Due to its chemical composition, undesired bacteria and vegetation do not thrive in the lagoon making chlorine or any other disinfectant redundant. Following a relaxing bathe, you will then continue to the gurgling purple and yellow sulphur cauldrons at the high temperature thermal field of Namaskard, which are so hot that they actually boil. Following a short walk at Namaskard, enjoy a relaxed return drive to Akureyri.

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour can operate: Morning

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Included: Private car with driver-guide, entrance fee to Nature Baths. Pick up/drop off at the port. 

Not Included: Meals, swimsuit and towel (swimwear and towel can be rented at the Nature Baths)

Akureyri - Godafoss Waterfall & Laufas Turf Farm - HD Tour

Leaving Akureyri, cross the waters of the fjord and travel along the slopes of Vadlaheidi Mountain, via the Fnjoskadalur Valley to Vaglaskogur Forest - one of Iceland's rare woodlands which is part of an extensive soil and vegetation reclamation project. From Fnjoskadalur, you'll travel to historic Godafoss - waterfall of the heathen gods that figure prominently in Iceland's 12th century Book of Settlement. Legend has it that Thorgeir of Ljosavatn, a chieftain present at the Thingvellir in the year 1000, was given the authority to decide which religion was to be adopted by the Icelanders. He was a pagan himself, but after a period of profound thought, decided that Christianity was to be the religion of Iceland. Upon his return home, he took the statues of the pagan gods he used to worship and threw them unceremoniously into a waterfall near his homestead. From this time, the waterfall has been named Godafoss (Waterfall of the Gods). After enjoying some time at the falls, the tour continues. The areas geological past is clearly visible on the surrounding hillsides and suggests that a once large periglacial lake filled the valley. Onwards to Laufas a 19th-century farmhouse built in the traditional Icelandic style of stone and turf – now one of the last turf farms in the country.  Originally it was a manor farm and vicarage, the farmhouse itself dates back to 1866 and contains many interesting household and agricultural implements used by the gentry at around that time. The nearby church was built in 1865. Following a pleasant scenic drive back to Akureyri, a stop is made at the towns Botanical Gardens famed for its 2,000 species of local and foreign flowers which, incidentally, bloom outside thanks to Akureyri’s warm microclimate.
 

Tour Duration: 3-4 hours

Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

Included: Private car with driver-guide from Akureyri,  entrance fee to Laufás turf farm (open 15 May - 15 September. Pick up/drop off at the port. 

Not Included: Meals

Reykjavik - The Golden Circle - FD Tour

Not Included: Meals
 

Reykjavik - Bathing in the Blue Lagoon - HD Tour

Here guests can enjoy a relaxing bathe in the surreal milky waters of Iceland’s most famous of geothermal Spas – The Blue Lagoon. So what exactly IS the Blue Lagoon? Well, it is Iceland's most unique and popular attraction. Guests will enjoy bathing and relaxing in Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater, known for its positive effects on the skin. A visit to the spa promotes harmony between body, mind and spirit, and enables one to soak away the stresses of modern life. The spa's guests rekindle their relationship with nature, soak up the scenic beauty and enjoy breathing the clean, fresh air. In addition to bathing in the lagoon guests have access to a sauna with a view of the lagoon, a sauna with white walls that resemble silica mud and a cozy steam bath carved into a lava cave. Of course, guests bathing in the milky waters of the lagoon have easy access to the famous white silica mud, an essential part of this ultimate in spa experiences.

Tour Duration: 3-4 hours

Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Physical Activy Level: Easy

Included: Private car with driver-guide,  Blue Lagoon Comfort Experience (entrance fee, towel rental, Silica Mud Mask, choice of one drink at the Lagoon.) Pick up/drop off at the port. 

Not Included: Meals

Reykjavik - Langjökull Glacier & the Ice Tunnel

Not Included: Meals

Reykjavik Highlights - HD Tour

Reykjavík is the world's most northerly capital, with more than one third of Iceland’s population.  Today Reykjavík is a modern city with a variety of restaurants, museums, galleries and theatres.  Visit the most important sights of the city, including the  Old Town, the city cathedral, Hallgrimskirkja church and the “Pearl” (no entrance fees included in this tour).

Add ons:

• A visit to the open-air museum of Arbaer Travel back to Reykjavik’s past with a visit to a fascinating collection of town and farm buildings from the last few centuries.   
• A visit to the Pearl vantage point. The new Perlan is an exciting interactive exhibition about Iceland’s nature and geology.  Entrance includes the “Wonders of  Iceland Exhibit  (including Glaciers and Ice Cave) and the 360° Observation Deck.
• Hallgrimskirkja Church Climb the tower of this iconic church for a beautiful view over the city and sea.   (Tower access closed during church services and some events)
• A visit to the National museum The National Museum of Iceland’s permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation - Heritage and History in Iceland, provides insight into the history of the Icelandic nation from the Norse Settlement to the present day. The exhibition includes about 2.000 objects.

Tour Duration: 3-4 hours

Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: No - Arbaer museum is not accessible

Physical Activity Level: Easy

Included: Private car with driver-guide,  Pick up/drop off at the port. 

Not Included: Meals and entrance fees (optional)

Reykjavik Blue Lagoon experience with transfers – 4 Hours

In the southwest corner of Iceland is the Reykjanes peninsula, less than 1-hour drive from the capital or 20-minute drive from Keflavik International Airport.
There the Mid-Atlantic Ridge comes ashore. The nature is magnificent. Various volcanic formations are found on Reykjanes Peninsula, such as mountains and hills chiefly made of volcanic tuff, large and small lava flows plus different types of volcanoes and volcanic edifices. The Reykjanes peninsula volcanic zone is a direct continuance of the North Atlantic Ridge that surfaces from the ocean at Reykjanes, and it is home to many important geological formations, some of which are utterly unique, including numerous types of volcanoes, naturally carved pools, craters, and geothermal pools.
Few things are cozier than relaxing in a hot pool in the middle of nature. Iceland has an abundance of easily accessible natural pools, but it is perhaps the Blue Lagoon the most spectacular of them all.
The Blue Lagoon was founded in 1992. Its specialty is the geothermal sea, which is two thirds of salt water and one third of fresh water. It is found at a depth of up to 2000 meters and is led by a pipe from the source to the lagoon where guests can enjoy it and relax. It is rich in minerals, silica, and algae, which is the basis of all skin products in the Blue Lagoon.
National Geographic has chosen the Blue Lagoon as one of the 25 wonders of the world. The Blue Lagoon has developed into an experience company based on spas, research and development, skin care, hotels, and restaurants
Treat yourself and experience it during your stay in Reykjavik. Alternatively, this is the ultimate way to unwind and chill after or prior a long-haul flight when you arrive of depart to / from Iceland.
What to expect: Landmarks of natural wonders of the country, insight into geology, relaxation.  
Basis: Private tour.
 
Start / End:   City center Hotel or address or Keflavik International Airport.
Duration:      4 hours.
Vehicle:        01^st Class.
Guide: English-speaking driver guide. Other languages on request.     
Entrances:     Comfort entrance to Blue Lagoon with use of the towel, mud mask and first drink at your choice.
Meals: None.
Physical activity level:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Reykjavik Blue Lagoon & Reykjanes Peninsula – 8 Hours

In the southwest corner of Iceland is the Reykjanes peninsula, less than 1-hour drive from the capital or 20-minute drive from Keflavik International Airport.
Explore the Reykjanes peninsula and visit the Blue Lagoon. This geothermal area includes solfataras, fumaroles, mud pots and hot springs and sulphur was mined there early in the 18th century and then again in the 19th century. Gunnuhver is the largest mud geyser in Iceland, about 20 metres wide. Grindavik, the small fishing village with about 3000 inhabitants, has a long history, including when pirates from Morocco and Algeria arrived in the 17th century and took fifteen residents to sell as slaves. Additionally, we will take in the magnificent coastline and dramatic breaking waves by the Reykjanes lighthouse and “The Bridge Between the Continents” which connects the American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Few things are cozier than relaxing in a hot pool in the middle of nature. Iceland has an abundance of easily accessible natural pools, but it is perhaps the Blue Lagoon the most spectacular of them all.
Treat yourself and experience it during your stay in Reykjavik. Alternatively, this is the ultimate way to unwind and chill after or prior a long-haul flight when you arrive of depart to / from Iceland.
,
What to expect: Landmarks of natural wonders of the country, insight into local history and geology, relaxation. Coastal villages.
 
Basis: Private tour.
Start / End:   City center Hotel or address or Keflavik International Airport.
Duration:      8 hours.
Vehicle:        01^st Class.
Guide: English-speaking driver guide. Other languages on request.     
Entrances:     Comfort entrance to Blue Lagoon with use of the towel, mud mask and first drink at your choice.
Meals: None.
Physical activity level:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Reykjavik Golden Circle Classic – 8 Hours

Iceland’s main attraction is the Golden Circle, it combines most of what Iceland has to offer, beautiful landscape, powerful geysers and the most magnificent waterfall. The highlights of the tour are Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir area and the Gullfoss waterfall.
This tour is designed to let you explore the highlights of Golden Circle route. We will show you sights that are not marked on a map, and only the locals know about. We will start the tour by heading to Þingvellir, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Thingvellir, 50 km (31 miles) to the east of Reykjavík, is the national shrine of Iceland and its most historic site, and one of its most beautiful places. The oldest existing parliament in the world first met here in AD930. It has always been the focal point for the country, and whenever a major event is to be celebrated, thousands of people come here.
We continue the Golden Circle by heading to the famous Geysir geothermal area which is home to The Great Geysir and its active sidekick Strokkur! Although the original Geysir is not predictably active, its neighbour, Strokkur, will erupt every 5-7 minutes - so have your camera ready.
We then drive a few minutes down the road to the most famous part of the Golden Circle: Gullfoss, or “Golden Falls “. To stand at Gullfoss and bask in the beauty and the wonder of nature is an uplifting experience. One certainly feels energized after this tour and contact with stunning nature.
During the tour, a delicious lunch will be offered at the local geothermal tomato farm, a unique venue for a special lunch.
,What to expect: Stunning scenery, landmarks of the natural wonders of the country, insight into local history.
Basis: Private tour.
Start / End:   City center Hotel or address.
Duration:      8 hours.
Vehicle:        01^st Class.
Guide: English-speaking driver guide. Other languages on request.     
Entrances:     Greenhouse visit.
Meals: Lunch at Geothermal farm.
Physical activity level:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: no
Tour can operate: morning and afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
 

Reykjavik South Shore Adventure – 10 Hours

We take you along the south coast of Iceland, one of the country’s most scenic regions, as far as Vík, a charming village surrounded by high beautiful bird cliffs.
Among the stops on this tour are at the gorgeous Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the Reynisfjara black sand beach, Dyrhólaey and Vik..
Driving through Vatnajökull National Park, established in 2008 covers 14,1% of Iceland and ranks as Europe's second largest. The unique qualities of Vatnajökull National Park are primarily its great variety of landscape features, created by the combined forces of rivers, glacial ice, and volcanic and geothermal activity. Vatnajökull is Europe's largest glacier.
The south side of Vatnajökull is characterized by many high, majestic mountain ridges, with outlet glaciers descending between them onto the lowlands. Sheltered by the high ice, the vegetated oasis of Skaftafell overlooks the black sands deposited to its west by the river Skeiðará.
Dyrhólaey is a 120-metre high promontory, not far from Vík. The place got its name from the massive arch that the sea has eroded from the headland. (The name literally means "door-hole"). There are also amazing rock formations all along the Birdlife here is abundant, with puffins and eider ducks being the most common species in the area. The lighthouse on the top of the cliff stands impressive and stoic in this often very windy area.
What to expect: Stunning scenery, landmarks of the natural wonders of the country, insight into local history and geology. Coastal villages.
Basis: Private tour.
Start / End:   City center Hotel or address.
Duration:      10 hours.
Vehicle:        01^st Class.
Guide: English-speaking driver guide. Other languages on request.     
Entrances:     None.
Meals: None.
Physical activity level:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: no
Tour can operate: morning and afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.

Reykjavik Food tour – 3 hs

Experience the foodie side of the Icelandic capital!
On this food walking tour you will try the truly authentic food from Iceland and also get a nice orientation of Reykjavik city.
 
Some of the highlights of this tour are the visit of Reykjavik’s oldest restaurant, a stop at a gastropub, and of course, the possibility of trying a variety of local dishes. Among the specialties included in this tour, we can mention the special Lamb soup, the Unique Icelandic Lamb Hot dog, Lobster soup, and a Skyr Dessert.
You also get tips on what to eat, drink and where to have fun for the rest of your stay in Reykjavik.
 
Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      3 hours walking tour.
Start / End:   Ingólfur Square/City Center.
Vehicle:        None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.   
Entrances:     None.
Meals: Tastings. Icelandic Traditional food is based on meat, fish and dairy, but other options may be available.
Physical activity level:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. This tour is not offered on public holidays.
 

Reykjavik Walking tour – 3,5 hours

Reykjavík is a city of bold contrasts. The capital of Iceland is small but cosmopolitan and small-town; vibrant and sophisticated; young-at-heart and yet full of history. In this tour you will walk around the city and discover the main sights.
 
Together with your local guide, you will pass by the Hallgímskirkja church, the highest and probably most iconic building in town, as well as the Dome Church, which is Reykjavik’s Lutheran Cathedral and the bishop’s place in Iceland. The Dome Church is located downtown, next to the Alþingi, house of parliament.
 
You will see other emblematic sites like the “Sun Voyager” sculpture created by Icelandic sculptor Jon Gunnar Arnason. This gleaming steel sculpture is located on Reykjavik’s splendid waterfront and resembles a Viking long-ship, the ‘Solfar’ or ‘Sun Voyager.’ You will also see the modern building Harpa, a cultural and social centre in the heart of the city, and the Old Harbour.
 
Basis: Private tour.
Duration:      3,5 hours walking tour.
Start / End:   City.
Vehicle:        None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.   
Entrances:     None.
Meals: None.
Physical activity level:      Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.