Northern Europe Tours for Experienced Travelers 2025/2026
Elevate your travel experience in Northern Europe. Discover 100+ sophisticated travel experiences designed for seasoned adventurers who value comfort, quality, and authentic cultural immersion.
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure along Iceland’s southern coast, where every day reveals a new natural wonder. Perfect for experienced travelers seeking relaxed exploration, this 7-day self-guided tour package starts in Reykjavik, immersing you in the city’s rich culture and vibrant culinary scene.
Venture to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, famed for its dramatic cliffs, glacier tongues, and the photogenic Kirkjufell mountain, before chasing the Northern Lights across clear winter skies. In Borgarfjörður, marvel at Hraunfossar waterfall, Europe’s most powerful hot spring at Deildartunguhver, and delve into Icelandic sagas in Reykholt. Choose between unwinding in geothermal baths or visiting a local horse farm for a taste of rural life.
The journey continues with the legendary Golden Circle, featuring Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the erupting Strokkur geyser. Witness the awe of Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara’s black sand beach, and the dazzling icebergs at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Highlights also include a natural ice cave exploration and a final return past mossy lava fields and snow-capped peaks.
What sets this tour apart is its expertly curated blend of natural spectacles, cultural insights, and opportunities for relaxation—making it the ultimate Icelandic adventure for those who crave both discovery and comfort.
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
This itinerary is similar to the Realm of the Polar Bear, but with even more time dedicated to searching for the King of the Arctic. You will enjoy three additional days scoping the ice, oceans and tundra for polar bears, seeing plenty of glaciers and other arctic wildlife along the way. With the extra time, you may have the chance to circumnavigate the archipelago. You can really make the most of your Arctic adventure on this in-depth voyage.
Discover deep fjords - with icy blue glaciers & sculpted icebergs
Wildlife - enjoy spotting an array of sea birds, walrus, seals & polar bear
Regular Zodiac excursions - explore the rugged shoreline and elegant ice shapes
Arctic tundra - enjoy extensive walks, surrounded by beautiful glacial scenery
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The genesis for this adventure dates to November 24, 2003, the day Quark Expeditions became the first operator to successfully lead a total solar eclipse voyage in remote Antarctica.
On that day, we provided 100 people, from 17 different nations, the experience of becoming the first-ever humans to witness a total solar eclipse in Antarctica. Now we’ve decided to achieve a comparable feat in the Arctic. However, with innovation as our DNA, we set out to make it distinct from any other eclipse-viewing experience in the industry.
We’ve assembled a taskforce of eclipse experts, a meteorologist and members of our Expedition Team to research the geography, terrain, angles of the sun, and Arctic weather patterns to prepare for one of the rarest experiences on the planet – observing a total solar eclipse in the High Arctic.
In addition, you’ll discover the natural wonders of the Westfjords – the unsung wonder of West Iceland. Our journey also takes us into the immense Northeast Greenland National Park, where we cruise the 70mi (110km) King Oscar Fjord. You’ll also get to unleash your inner adventurer on thrilling heli-flightseeing adventures over remote Greenland on Ultramarine’s state-of-the-art helicopters.
Special Guests
David Baron: The veteran science journalist, broadcaster and umbraphile – who has witnessed nine total solar eclipses across the globe – is also the author of the award-winning American Eclipse: A Nation’s Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World. Baron has travelled to every continent and more than 50 countries for work and pleasure.
Michael Zeiler: The highly respected author, geographer and eclipse cartographer is a member of the International Astronomical Union Working Group on Solar Eclipses – with an asteroid named in his honour. Zeiler has been witnessing solar eclipses since 1991 and was among the first to develop eclipse maps online.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Reykjavik, Scoresbysund, Westfjo
Reykjavik, Scoresbysund, Westfjords, Northeast Greenland National Park, King Oscar Fjord
Opportunities to witness a total solar eclipse are rare. Your chances of experiencing one in the Arctic—from the deck of a polar ship—are even more rare considering the last total solar eclipse north of the Arctic Circle occurred in 2015. The next will take place on August 12, 2026.To satisfy the demand of eclipse-watchers, this longer voyage has been introduced on one of Quark's newest ships, Ocean Explorer. Covering 2,200 nautical miles in total—this expedition features your bucket-list eclipse adventure, time to explore Northeast and South Greenland, plus you get to check off two of the world’s northernmost capital cities: the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik (64°08′ north), where you’ll have time to explore, and Nuuk, Greenland (64°11′ north), where we disembark for our charter flight back to Reykjavik.
World-renown eclipse-cartographer Michael Zeiler will be onboard to deepen your understanding of eclipse-viewing, observational astronomy and celestial mechanics. Of course, you’ll also get to witness waterfalls, towering cliffs and remote fishing villages in the Westfjords, a hidden gem of Iceland, as well as icebergs, wilderness areas, glaciers, and the deep fjords of Greenland.
Special guest Michael Zeiler: The highly respected author, geographer and eclipse cartographer is a member of the International Astronomical Union Working Group on Solar Eclipses – with an asteroid named in his honour. Zeiler has been witnessing solar eclipses since 1991 and was among the first to develop eclipse maps online.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Reykjavik, Scoresbysund, Westfjo
Reykjavik, Scoresbysund, Westfjords, Denmark Strait, Northeast Greenland National Park
Copenhagen, Bergen, Oslo, and Stockholm headline the "Wonders of Scandinavia"—a relaxed, ten-day sightseeing tour package crafted for experienced travelers seeking to unravel the best of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Begin your journey in Copenhagen, where historic charm meets modern vibrancy. Explore the city's renowned sites at your leisure before a guided tour introduces you to landmarks like Amalienborg Palace and the iconic Little Mermaid statue.
Board a ferry to Aarhus to uncover Denmark’s second city, filled with historic treasures and lively culture. Next, a journey across the sea brings you to Norway: stroll through Stavanger’s picturesque old town, then continue to Bergen, famous for its bustling fish market and preserved Hanseatic quarter. Ascend the Floibanen funicular for panoramic city views—a true Scandinavian highlight.
The adventure continues as you traverse Norway’s breathtaking landscapes by train to Flam, where fjord cruises reveal the grandeur of Sognefjord, the 'king of Norway’s fjords.' Find tranquility in Balestrand before heading to Oslo, with stops at the medieval Borgund Church and serene Lake Tyrifjord. Your path then leads into Sweden, pausing in lakeside Karlstad before reaching the elegant streets of Stockholm. Here, a city tour and wander through the old town cap off your Scandinavian experience.
This relaxed tour is perfect for travelers who relish a balanced itinerary of guided exploration and free time. The unique selling point? A seamless combination of iconic city sightseeing, scenic train and ferry journeys, and the chance to marvel at the natural wonders and historic gems of Scandinavia—all with the comfort of included accommodation, transport, and meals. Discover the region’s rich culture and landscapes in one unforgettable trip.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Copenhagen, Stockholm, Aarhus, S
Copenhagen, Stockholm, Aarhus, Stavanger, Bergen, Balestrand, Oslo, Karlstad
Circle Iceland in style with the "Iceland Circumnavigation: Helicopters, Glaciers And Volcanoes" tour—a 12-day guided expedition for experienced travelers seeking to truly see it all. Starting and ending in Reykjavik, this journey takes you far beyond the typical tourist trails. Marvel at thunderous waterfalls, towering sea cliffs, erupting geysers, and shimmering glaciers, while visiting fishing villages and wild, remote coasts.
Travel by small polar ship, Zodiac, coach, kayak, and even helicopter, ensuring access to Iceland’s hidden gems and spectacular vistas unreachable by road. The trip’s unique selling point is its complete circumnavigation of Iceland—an immersive, innovative way to discover the country’s main attractions and secret corners alike. For those longing to experience the full spectrum of Iceland’s natural wonders, this tour is truly unmatched.
Step into the wild frontiers of the North with the "Iceland To Greenland: Mountains, Glaciers And The Westfjords" tour, a 15-day guided expedition ideal for experienced travelers drawn to untamed landscapes. Begin in Reykjavik and explore the Westfjords—one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets—where dramatic fjords, bird cliffs, and green hills await. Visit Vigur Island, a sanctuary bursting with birdlife, before venturing to East Greenland’s vast glaciers and remote communities.
Explore by ship, Zodiac, kayak, and on foot, delving into the longest fjords in Greenland and the vibrant capital of Nuuk. The tour’s unique feature is its access to rarely visited areas and immersive encounters with both Norse and modern Greenlandic cultures. For those eager to experience the raw beauty and rich traditions of the Arctic, this tour package promises adventure at every turn.
Circle the remote and enchanting Svalbard archipelago on the "Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage" cruise tour—a 14-day odyssey starting and ending in Helsinki. This journey is the ultimate exploration for Arctic enthusiasts, offering the rare opportunity to attempt a full circumnavigation of Spitsbergen, a feat considered a milestone for polar travelers.
Experience up-close encounters with iconic wildlife: walrus with their impressive tusks, herds of reindeer traversing the tundra, and polar bears roaming the pack ice. Marvel at 16th-century maritime landing sites and revel in birdwatcher’s paradises like the 14th of July Glacier and Alkefjellet. Zodiac excursions take you ashore to places so remote, few humans have ever visited.
This tour package’s standout feature is its depth—providing the most comprehensive Spitsbergen experience available. For travelers seeking the true spirit of Arctic adventure, this journey offers both unmatched wildlife viewing and a profound sense of exploration.
This valeu group tour will show you the most magnificent attractions and otherworldly beauty of Iceland. Travel along the Ring Road and discover breathtaking scenery showcasing dramatic landscapes. Begin your tour in Reykjavik, home to steaming hot springs, spectacular waterfalls, and astonishing views of the Northern Lights (seen during certain times of the year). Continue your journey to Akureyri and explore the magical capital of Northern Iceland. From there you will travel to Godafoss and uncover the natural wonders of Lake Myvatn, Kalfastrond, Skutustadir, Hverfjall, and Myvatn. Walk through the fascinating lava labyrinth in the dark castles of Dimmuborgir. Rejuvenate your mind and body with a visit to Namaskard and admire the dramatic fjords of Egilsstaoir. Bask in the beauty of Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe. Embark on a scenic drive towards the Skogafoss Waterfall and explore the Golden Circle Route. Finally, you will travel to Thingvellir National Park, an extraordinary World Heritage Site before you end your trip with a city tour of Reykjavik.
If there is such a thing as a “classic Arctic” expedition cruise, this is it. Get all the best of Spitsbergen by exploring the western edge of the island and venturing to some northern outlying areas home to Polar bears and walrus. Come across colonies of seabirds numbering into the thousands and watch for whales in the water. Packed with options for snowshoeing and sea-kayaking, this is the perfect expedition for exploring the “wildlife capital of the Arctic".
