12 Nights Arctic

Reykjavik is the beating heart of Iceland. The city was founded in 1786, but its also the site of Icelands first permanent settlement, dating back to 874 AD. Check out the Settlement Exhibition, a combination archaeological ruin and museum based around a 10th-century longhouse, where interactive technology and archaeology reveal historical Iceland. The church Hallgrimskirkja dominates the skyline ? admire its distinctive Expressionist-style architecture designed to mirror the nearby mountains and glaciers during your Iceland cruise. Need relaxation of the highest order? Take the sub-hour drive to the world-famous Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa surrounded by volcanic vistas

For a city of 18,000 residents, Akureyri packs a lively punch. Situated at the head of Eyjafjordur, Icelands longest fjord, the first thing youll notice is the backdrop of dramatic snow-covered mountains. Take a stroll through the Old Town and admire the 19th-century turf houses. Sample some authentic Icelandic cuisine, or warm up in the steaming Akureyri Thermal Pool. Around the corner, youll find Akureyris basalt church, Akureyrarkirkja, with its striking, futuristic facade. Iceland cruises give you access to stroll through Lystigardurinn, the northernmost botanical garden in the world, and breathe in the fresh air and the scent of wild arctic flowers.

Ísafjörður is a town in the Westfjords region of northwest Iceland. Its known for its dramatic landscapes. The old town has wooden houses with corrugated tin roofs built by fishing merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Westfjords Heritage Museum has exhibits on the town's maritime history, including a collection of old fishing boats. The old hospital, now a cultural center, contains archives and photography

Located only 150 miles south of the Arctic Circle, at the mouth of a group of fjords, Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is the perfect starting point for a whale-watching trip, a dog-sled ride, or glacier exploration. Daily flights bring visitors to a land that has been inhabited for over 4000 years. The National Museum and Archives exhibits collections of rare Norse and Inuit archaeological artifacts, while the Katuaq Cultural Centre provides a showcase for contemporary Greenlandic art and music.

Paamiut, formerly Frederikshåb, is a town in southwestern Greenland in the Sermersooq municipality.

An embattled town on Cape Breton Island in Canada with a coal-mining legacy, Sydney is a very old town that now leans on tourism. "The Steel City" maintains its role as a thriving port, and its host of heritage buildings is of considerable significance.

The capital of Nova Scotia is a bustling harbour town that is both outwardly urban and quietly rural. Fishing villages house a diverse mix of cultures, and sun-drenched beaches, historic sites, sparkling coves and sidewalk cafes intermingle and vie for visitors' attention.

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