Iconic Western Europe

A Viking Representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city on your own. This evening, enjoy a casual dinner with your fellow guests. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in London so you can make the most of your visit. (D)

Journey to Blenheim Palace, Churchill’s birthplace and the current home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family. After an insightful private talk by your host, see the Churchill Exhibition and enjoy free time to explore the palace on your own. A delicious light lunch will be served in a room overlooking the stunning gardens, or at a local restaurant. On the return journey to your hotel, stop in the village of Bladon at St. Martin’s Church—Churchill’s final resting place. (B, L)

Travel through scenic countryside to Chartwell, the family residence of the Churchills from 1922 until 1964. Discover Churchill’s life through an array of photographs, books and artifacts, and admire the house and kitchen gardens he designed. An accomplished artist later in life, he found that painting provided him with a needed escape from the world of politics. Step inside Churchill’s studio to view some of his most highly regarded pieces and enjoy lunch before returning to London. (B, L)

Travel to the home of the World War II code breakers, Bletchley Park. In 1938, under Churchill’s orders, this team of scientists—including the brilliant mathematician Alan Turing—played a vital role in the success of the Allied forces. The drama that unfolded here, depicted in the movie The Imitation Game, was classified as top secret—the highest level of security. Explore the Victorian estate and discover the instrumental role Turing played in breaking the German Enigma code. (B, L)

Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, the masterwork of Sir Christopher Wren. Discover the story behind Operation Hope Not, which outlined the plans for Churchill’s funeral arrangements, 12 years before he died. Your guide will share details from the cathedral’s archives of the day’s events. This evening, enjoy a Privileged Access visit to Churchill’s War Rooms. Walk through dimly lit corridors to the iconic Harmsworth Room and savor a three-course champagne dinner in this secret 1940s setting. (B, D)

Explore Churchill’s London in the heart of the City of Westminster. See the Cenotaph war memorial and gates to 10 Downing Street, head toward Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret’s Church, and see where Churchill passed away in Kensington. Later this afternoon, you will transfer to your ship to begin your cruise. (B)

Arrive in Reykjavík, where you will be met by a Viking Representative and depart on a scenic drive over the Hellisheiði mountain plateau to Grímsnes. After checking in to your hotel, you may spend the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in Iceland so you can make the most of your visit. (D)

View the lingering aftermath of the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano during a scenic drive through the Thórsmörk glacial valley. Learn about volcanoes from the interactive, high-tech educational exhibitions at the Lava Center. Enjoy lunch in the charming village of Vík, famous for its volcanic black-sand beaches, then see Reynisdrangar, a group of towering basalt sea stacks located in the water just off the coast. Return to your hotel for free time until dinner. (B, L, D)

Today, sample organically grown tomatoes at a greenhouse powered by geothermal and hydroelectric energy, which makes it possible to grow vegetables during Iceland’s long, dark winters. Admire the beauty of the famous Gullfoss (Golden Falls) and witness the hot springs and geysers of the Haukadalur geothermal area. Enjoy a picturesque walk through Thingvellir National Park, then travel to Reykjavík and check in to your hotel for an overnight stay. (B, L)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to your awaiting ship. (B)