Itinerary
All participants will meet in the late afternoon for introductions and to attend an extensive briefing covering the general procedures of our journey as we prepare for tomorrow's departure.
Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner at the hotel.
We'll fly over the immense forests and numerous lakes of Labrador on our way to Kuujjuaq for a technical stop to refuel and have lunch.
Our flight then continues over southern Greenland's beautiful scenery before landing at Kangerlussuaq. Also known as Sonder Stroemfiord, Kangerlussuaq was an American airbase until September 1992. Almost all of the permanent structures in town were built during the American occupation of the site. Just outside the airport you'll find fascinating wildlife with chances of seeing musk ox, reindeers, arctic foxes, falcons, eagles and ravens.
Fly to Reykjavik.
The Hotel Borg overlooks the beautiful square of Austurvollur, in the heart of Reykjavik, across from Althingi, the Icelandic parliament and the cathedral.
Enjoy an incredible full day Super Jeep tour where you will witness Iceland’s most exciting natural attractions.
First we’ll visit Thingvellir National Park – a unique place of beauty with its interesting geology and history before heading eastbound on the mountain road to Lyngdalsheiði to view the lava fields on the hills above Laugarvatn.
At Haukadalur, you’ll see the famous Strokkur geyser erupting and spewing boiling water into the air. We’ll spend some time here observing the eruptions and exploring the hot springs before heading up to the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall cascading into the white Hvita River along with glacial water.
We’ll end the day with a swim in the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most unique and popular attraction. Communicating a world of healing power, wellness and beauty, the Blue Lagoon was founded on a unique source of geothermal seawater that originates in Iceland's extreme environment.
Fly to Edinburgh where we will transfer to the Balmoral Hotel.
Depart the hotel with our local guide for a private tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, once home of Mary, Queen of Scots. After viewing the Queen's official residence at the magnificent creations from the Royal Collection, we'll take a walking tour of the famous Royal Mile, strolling along the cobblestone streets, filled with unique shops, mysteries and tales of Scotland's great historic figures. After lunch our tour continues to Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scotish Crown Jewels. Enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Fly to San Sebastian. Upon arrival, we'll transfer to the hotel.
We'll explore Bilbao's quaint Old Town and Ensanche neighborhood, browse the stalls at the La Ribera market, and marvel at architectural wonders such as San Mames Stadium and Bilbao Cathedral.
After lunch, visit the Guggenheim Museum, whose collection spans from the mid-20th century to the present day, concentrating on postwar painting and sculpture in America and Europe.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Fly to Catania on the island of Sicily.
Upon arrival, we'll transfer to Taormina's seaside district on the Mediterranean Sea. Set on its own exclusive beach, beside one of the most beautiful coastlines in all of Italy, Villa Sant'Andrea overlooks the tranquil aquamarine sea. Built by an aristocratic family in 1830 among lush, subtropical gardens, this secluded retreat retains all the charm of a private residence.
Relax in a sun-dappled seat ot enjoy a short cable car ride to the center of Taormina with its many cultural attractions and sophisticated shopping scene.
We'll journey along Sicily's eastern coast, past varied landscapes, gardens and traditional villages including Fiumefreddo di Sicilia before heading inland for a visit to a local winery.
Rising in elevation, enjoy views of Mt Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site that dominates the Sicilian landscape.
Today is at leisure to relax at the resort or explore on your own.
Fly to Austria to discover one of the most beautiful cities in Europe - Vienna.
Home to some of the most beautiful Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo architecture in the world, here you will find the houses of Vienna's great composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Hayden, Brahms and Johann Strauss, all carefully preserved.
Meet our local guide for a walking tour of Old Town with its St. Stephen's Cathedral, Austria's most eminent Gothic edifice, housing a wealth of art treasures.
After lunch, we'll visit the grandiose 17th century Schloss Schoenbrunn Palace - a former imperial 1,441-room Rococo summer residence. The palace and gardens illustrate the tastes, interests, and aspirations of successive Habsburg monarchs.
Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Fly to Copenhagen. Transfer to the Hotel d'Angletterre - located in the heart of Copenhagen. For more than 250 years, the d'Angleterre has been located on Kongens Nytorv in the heart of Copenhagen. The hotel has been the site for legendary political, royal and national events throughout Denmark's history.
It was at the d'Angletterre that the Danish politician and theologian; Ditlev Gothard Monrad presented his draft of the new constitution to the lawmakers of the day on the 5th of June 1849. The hotel has served as headquarters for German generals and officers furing World War II as well as an asylum for war refugees on a number of occasions.
Depart the hotel with our local guide for a walking tour of the city. You'll learn about the city's interesting history and visit some of the highlights of the Danish capital and its famous landmarks wuch as the statue of the Little Mermaid inspired by Hans Christian Anderson's fairy tale, City Hall, Christiansborg Palace, the old City Center, and picturesque Nyhaven Harbour.
There will be time after lunch to relax or explore on your own.
After breakfast and an in-depth briefing, we will launch for our over-water crossing to Iceland. There will be a technical stop in Stavanger.
After an in-depth briefing, we will launch for our over-water crossing to Goose Bay, Canada. There will be a technical stop in Kangerlussuaq to refuel.