Iceland, Norway & North Cape Discovery

Choose from a wide selection of cruise lines and set sail on your dream holiday with our handpicked range of cruises from Southampton.

The 70 or so Orkney Islands lie at the north west tip of Scotland, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the North Sea. Kirkwall, the capital of the archipelago, is a Viking town founded in 1035 by Earl Rognvald Brusason. You’ll find that the original ancient Norse town has been beautifully preserved and provides an intriguing place to while away your time.

Take a deep breath and savour that fresh sea air as you reach the untamed natural beauty of the Faroes, this group of islands offer steep mountains, idyllic villages and a unique light. Situated between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, with Iceland on one side and Norway on the other, Tórshavn, meaning 'Thor's Harbour', is the capital of the Faroe Islands and one of the smallest capital cities in the world. Its enchanting, centuries old harbourside village is largely preserved intact. One of the most distinguishing features here is the colourful individualism of its houses, with their mix of painted and grass roofs. The most famous of these is Nordic House, with contours that bland into the landscape, it is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Scandinavia. Warm, friendly people and an interesting culture make it a delight to explore. Its active music scene and traditional cuisine are some of the quirks you might sample.

A genuine ‘Midnight Sun' destination, Akureyi cruise port is a charming Icelandic town with a stunning location on the country's longest fjord - Eyjafjordur. There are several interesting museums and churches but the most amazing feature of Akureyi is its botanical garden - not surprisingly, the most northerly in the world. That this glorious display of flowers and plants thrives is a tribute to the local microclimate which is remarkably mild for somewhere so close to the Arctic Circle.

The Icelandic fishing port of Isafjordur is the perfect starting point for those who want to experience the magnificent natural beauty of the West Fjords, and its two valleys of Tungudalur and Engidalur lend themselves well to outdoor pursuits. Surrounded by steep sloping mountains you can indulge in a spot of skiing, golfing, or hiking - just some of the activities on offer. The town is also rich in art, culture and historical significance. Main points of interest include the Slunkariki Art Gallery and the West Fjords Folk Museum which houses a remarkable collection of traditional tools and relics. Nearby Neostikaupstaour consists of the oldest buildings in Iceland, including four from the 18th century, which belonged to Danish merchants. The town centre is interesting to walk around as it has a selection of old streets, small shops and a unique array of houses. Known for its quirky peculiarities don't be surprised to see the barber playing his accordion, the baker training for the marathon or see the goldsmith paddling around in his kayak!

Reykjavik is a city where resplendent nature meets cool cultural attractions. You’ll soon find that a visit to the Icelandic capital certainly won’t be a run of the mill city break

They call Honningsvaag the North Cape cruise port these days, as this busy fishing port town on Mageroya Island is the capital of Nordkapp, Norways most northerly municipality. Bounded by the Barents Sea, Nordkapp comprises Mageroya and the facing stretch of mainland, but the place everyone wants to visit is the North Cape Plateau about 20 miles from Honningsvaag.

Visit Tromsø in Norway for an Arctic cruise adventure you’ll be talking about for years to come. See the spectacular Northern Lights, go husky sledding in the snow and admire the stunning view from Mount Storsteinen.

Narvik is an incredible Arctic experience where you can enjoy the incredibly wild and dramatic flora and fauna. In the winter you might have the opportunity to experience the northern lights, and in the summer enjoy the wildlife as the snow melts away.

Enjoy the best of all possible worlds in Norways first-ever capital, which is still its third largest city and one of its most popular Fjordland cruise ports, Trondheim. Looking south along the picturesque Trondheim fjord, the most northerly in Norways west coast Fjordland region, are lush forests and valley but look north and you see the beginnings of the vast expanse of the Arctic Ocean. But, whichever way you are heading, there is much to enjoy in Trondheim before you set sail. Visit Stiftsgården, the King of Norways official residence, which also happens to be the oldest wooden building in northern Europe, while the Archbishops Palace is the oldest secular building in Scandinavia. Among the pick of several fascinating museums is one featuring the decorative arts with its collections of 16th century ceramics and Art Nouveau artefacts. For the best bars and restaurants, try the 18th century Bakklandet waterfront district.

Kristiansand in Norway has two boasts. First, it's at the head of one of the loveliest of fjords. Second, and more prosaically, it's a leading centre for dried-cod production

The enchanting port town of Ålesund offers a quintessentially Norwegian experience, with its rugged mountains, captivating fjords and welcoming fish restaurants.

Surrounded by steep hills with spectacular falls, Skjolden is located at the head of the longest navigable fjord in the world – Sognefjord. As well as being situated in a breathtaking location, the town itself is host to a number of activities and attractions. Once home to the Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951), he wrote some of his most important works here.

Choose from a wide selection of cruise lines and set sail on your dream holiday with our handpicked range of cruises from Southampton.