Northern Shores and Glacial Realms

Day 1 | Denmark | Jubilant Copenhagen | Departure: 20:00 | Embarkation closes at 17:00

Rejoice in one of the happiest and most vibrant capital cities in the world. Relax like a local alongside joyful Danes and varied culture; the Gefion Fountain, the Little Mermaid statue, Old Citadel, the Amalien Palace with four Rococo buildings, medieval history, charming fishing villages, leading examples of sustainable living and - of course - flaky Danish pastries. Cycling is the preferred way to shuttle across town and it’s well worth the pedal to enjoy the trendy, cosy neighbourhood of Norrebro, Christiansborg Palace and the waterfront home of Christian Andersen. Genuine, vibrant and welcoming... rather like the smiles of those that live here.

Day 2 | Denmark, Choose Aarhus – ‘Or-hoose’ | Arrival: 08:00 | Departure: 18:00

A historic Nordic hub that lives like a quaint neighbourhood, Aarhus is Denmark’s second-largest city where old-world charms mingle with vibrant modern marvels. See where art and engineering intersect at ARoS Art Museum, a free space for unequalled creativity that goes beyond traditional thinking. Travel into the past in Den Gamle By (The Old Town) which recreates Denmark’s long history or head to the architecturally dramatic Moesgaard Museum with a mummified bog body man and Iron Age artifacts. Hop a bike and pedal to picture-perfect places including cobbled Møllestien Street, The Dome Skyspace, or cosy Latin Quarter for cool Scan designs. Cap off the day with a stroll up high-street Strøget for rooftop cocktails at fashionable Salling. 

Day 3 | Sweden | Leeward Haven of Lysekil | Port: Lysekil(Gotaland) | Arrival: 08:00 | Departure: 20:00

Once a quasi-pirate lair, quaint Lysekil awaits nestled amongst a leeward network of inlets and fjords on Sweden’s wild western shore. Today, this fanciful fishing village begets a civilised sanctuary of sustainable culinary, wellness, and natural riches to explore. Set off on an oyster safari, wend through an organic vineyard, take a traditional “fika” break of coffee, tea and biscuits. Plunge into cold waters of Gullmaren then warm up in wood-fired sauna or climb red bohus granite formations at Stångehuvund Nature Reserve. Touch starfish and urchins at Havets Huts Saltwater Aquarium or stroll through its tunnel that teases with views of sharks and octopuses. Find peace beneath the rose window of the hand-honed granite Church or imagine yourself as a well-heeled Swedish socialite frequenting the burnt-orange Curman Villas.

Day 4 | Norway | Green Oslo | Arrival Method: dock | Arrival:08:00 | Departure: 23:55

Not many cities are greener – in habitat or sustainability - than Oslo. With over half Norway’s capital city being covered by forests and parks, it’s only natural that the fjord creeps into the city centre. Nature aside, there’s so much more to explore; music, museums, opera, the Vigeland Sculpture Park and one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. Learn about the works of Edvard Munch and the importance of climate change or attend a private aquavit tasting and the Royal Palace. Embark on an aquatic safari, boat jaunt or bike tour. Then consider concluding your day with a classic finish – plunge fjord deep in for some stimulating cold-water therapy. They say these organic city waters are as clean as they are unique.

Day 5 | At Sea

With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.

Day 6 | Germany | Transport Yourself in Hamburg | Arrival: 08:00 | Departure: 20:00

Known as the gateway to the world and bearing the most bridges, immerse yourself with Hamburgers to the sound of canals and cuisine, architecture and music. Prepare to be submerged in culture; from affluent villas to modest Almshouses, the last castle, an inner-city lake, a floating landing platform, the neo-Renaissance Town hall, an industrial underground tunnel and baroque masterpiece, St Nicholas Church. Wander to the solid brick warehouse district of UNESCO Hafen City; touch the shining wave of glass of the futuristic Elbphilharmonie, listen to crystal clear acoustics that pair with Sydney’s Opera House and enjoy views of the River Elbe. Hamburg offers unique, memorable entertainment - for all your senses.

Day 7 | At Sea

With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.

Day 8 | United-kingdom | Quay Shopping in Southampton | Port: Southampton | Arrival: 07:00 | Departure: 17:00

Sail into this vibrant quay with enough shops and entertainment to form its own village. Modern and lively, this coastal town bustles with waterfront restaurants, heritage charm, bars, cinemas and offers great access to other spots in the South of England. Sit back and drift through heavenly countryside to ancient Stonehenge, see if the King is at home in Windsor, learn secrets from the Bombay Sapphire gin distillery or slip up to London for some rich British culture. Then enjoy a cup of tea as you reflect on formal traditions, perfect your cockney accent and recall England’s green and pleasant lands.

Day 9 | At Sea 

With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.

Day 10 | Ireland | Eire Greencastle, (County Donegal) | Arrival: 08:00 | Departure: 19:00

The Eire Force is strong along the Wild Atlantic Way. Scout the filming sites of Star Wars movies on the rugged cape of Mailin Head. Taste the legends of Donegal County in gin and whiskey at Sliabh Liag Distillery. Take a swing at the two courses at Ballyliffin, which golfing superstar Rory McIIroy proclaims, “are must-play championship links”. Step back in time at Grianan of Aileach, a massive man-made stone ring fort and one of Gaelic Ireland’s royal sites. Go with the flow along the Lough Foyle to the bold Greencastle, built in 1305 by the Earl of Ulster. Or delver deeper into nearby Derry to see how its “Troubles” have eased into a vibrant and beautiful community. And never forget, “Go mbeidh an fórsa leat” or “May the force be with you”!

Day 11 |United-kingdom | Secret Lewis, Stornoway (Isle of Lewis) | Arrival: 10:00 | Departure: 18:00

Head to a far-off land in the Outer Hebrides, where unique culture awaits you at one of Britain’s best kept secrets. Spot seals and whales from breathtaking beaches and dramatic headlands that fringe miles of peat-covered moorland. Visit Lews Castle, the prehistoric Standing Stones at Callandish, learn the art of weaving or crofting and enjoy peat-smoked scallops or battered fish and chips. And as you admire your new hand-woven Harris tweed jacket, bid farewell to authentic Gaelic values, and the fabulously iconic long-haired cattle.

Day 12 | At Sea

With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.

Day 13 | Iceland | Step into Stunning Seyðisfjörður | Arrival Method: tender | Arrival: 09:00 | Departure:17:00

 A 'slow travel' sanctuary, Seyðisfjörður exudes small-town Icelandic charm where panoramas are big and population is pleasantly sparse. Considered the heart of the lesser-travelled Eastfjords, where a heady mix of magnificent mountains shelter a well-preserved village of timber houses. Follow the rainbow-painted road to a steeple-topped blue church then rub shoulders with locals in a café over coffee. Explore a wealth of wildlife in Skálanes Nature Centre where puffins patrol the craggy fjord cliffs. Gush over Gufufoss, where water streams over a stone escarpment, exploding into a vapor mist, giving rise to its Icelandic name. Hike Viking Trail or Waterfall Lane; kayak in the calm lagoon; angle for herring; and experience the unspoilt beauty of this remote region. 

Day 14 | Iceland | Akureyri Revitalised | Port: Akureyri | Arrival: 08:00 | Departure: 18:00

Quiet and unassuming, this charming town offers an abundance of authentic experiences. Located along one of the region’s largest fjords, discover museums, galleries, the northernmost botanical garden and nearly- northernmost golf course. Take to the skies for the ultimate view or watch the scenery unfold as you raft down a glacial canyon. Sink into a beer bath, ride Icelandic horses or visit the waterfall of Gods. Something of a bathing mecca, refresh in the town’s geothermal swimming pool, soak up hot spring minerals within My’vatn Nature Baths and encounter incredible views as you let the warm sea work miracles at the restorative GeoSea baths. Wellbeing personified.

Day 15 & Day 16 | Iceland | Magnetising Reykjavik | Arrival: 15:00 | Overnight | Disembarkation from 08:15 to 09:30

Feel the magnetic lure of adventure at the world’s northernmost capital. Mystical landscapes promise dramatic snow-capped volcanoes, ice fields and mountains for thrilling quests; explore by helicopter, ride Icelandic horses, zip through lava tunnels on super trucks and rocket across glaciers on snow scooters. Then slow down to visit a geothermal-fired bakery and greenhouse, soak in wellbeing springs, the blue lagoon or refresh at the nearby face mask bar. And as the nightlife beckons under the sun that barely sets, drink black death schnapps as a poetic reminder of Reykjavik’s exhilarating activities.