Duration: approx. 6 hours, incl. light lunch

On leaving the port of Akureyri, a comfortable coach will take you up along the scenic coastal road towards Iceland’s northernmost settlement, the small town of Siglufjörður, which was a boom-town for the herring industry in its mid-20^th-century heyday. On the way, you will stop in Dalvik to visit the Hvoll Heritage Museum, after which there will be a photo opportunity in the scenic setting provided by Hédinsfjörður. Continuing on via Ólafsjörður, you will then reach Siglufjörður for a delicious light lunch in a harbour-side restaurant. The award-winning “Herring Era Museum” is next for a chance to enjoy an entertaining and energetic demonstration of the ancient art of salting and packing herrings, as delivered by a team of highly dexterous “herring girls” under the watchful eye of the manager. Also on the itinerary is some enjoyable ring dancing to the lively sounds of accordion music, plus an opportunity to sample some traditional rye bread, local herring and a shot of authentic Icelandic schnapps. A short introduction to the history of the herring fishing industry will be followed by some time to explore the museum’s 3 buildings on your own. To cap off your tour, a stop will also be made at the island’s Folk Music Centre on your way back to Akureyri and your ship.

This tour will take you to see Alesund, a town that was founded in 1793 and is now one of the most important seaports in Norway. The town was devastated by a fire in 1904 which destroyed the city centre. However, the town literally rose up like a Phoenix from the ashes and was beautifully rebuilt in art nouveau style. Today, Alesund is one of the world’s few art nouveau towns that have succeeded in retaining their architectural integrity. You will be taken on an enjoyable sightseeing tour of the city, visiting an open-air museum and a unique local boat collection. A stop at the Aksla vantage point will be made before you return to port and your ship.

The tour begins with a short sightseeing tour of Alesund, a town that is famed for its beautiful art nouveau buildings. The excursion then continues by taking you through an underwater tunnel to reach Giske Island, a place of importance during the Viking era. The whole island covers an area of just 2.67 square kilometres and was populated by no more than 717 residents in 2010. You will visit Giske Church, a 12^th-century Roman marble church on the southern side of the island. Continue on to the island of Godøy and the charming fishing village of Alnes, whose pretty lighthouse safely guides sailors into its Atlantic shores. Your tour concludes with your return to the ship.