An 18th-century fortress originally built by Sweden to protect against a Russian invasion, it is home to several museums, serves as a vibrant artistic community, and home to around 1,000 full-time residents. We’ll visit the Suomenlinna and Military Museums, while giving you time to explore the island, which has extensive trails. Enjoy a lunch or…
A modern capital compared to others in Europe and the second-northernmost capital city in the world. Helsinki showcases a city that has embraced technology and progressive urban planning, while maintaining the charm seen in smaller cities. We’ll visit the Eduskunta (Finnish parliament), the National Museum, the City Museum, Mannerheim house, and Tamminiemi presidential museums.
As the traditional center of religion in Sweden, it was also home to Gustav Vasa, who established Sweden’s independence from Denmark in the 1500s. You will get to spend your free time exploring the city to visit Uppsala Cathedral (where kings of Sweden are coronated and home to several tombs of past kings), walk streets…
The program begins in beautiful Stockholm, which still has a wonderful medieval center surrounded by modern architecture outside Gamla Stan (Old Town). We’ll get to tour the Royal Palace, the Riksdag (Swedish Parliament), and Skansen (an open-air folk museum popular in Scandinavia).
We will explore Iceland’s vibrant urban scene as well as its historical sites, such as Hallgrimskirkja (Hallgrim’s Church).
This turf church with a traditional bell gate was built in the medieval era, although the foundations of an earlier, 12th century church are just under the floorboards.
Hólar was northern Iceland’s center of religion and learning for nearly seven centuries (1106-1798). Here was the final stronghold of Catholicism during Iceland’s Reformation, a contentious era that ended when Hólar’s bishop was beheaded at Skálholt Cathedral, in southern Iceland, which we also visit.
Banished from Iceland, Erick the Red founded the Viking settlements of Greenland, and was father to Leif Erickson, “discoverer” of the New World. We explore inside his reconstructed longhouse, as well as where excavations uncovered his original home.
We will explore inside a traditional turf farmstead from the 18th century when life in rural Iceland was particularly close to the land.
We will travel along north Iceland’s scenic Skajafjord, with spectacular views of Drangey Island, a volcanic remnant, and the last refuge of the famous saga-era outlaw Grettir.