Day 1: Touchdown in Iceland
“Landing in Iceland was surreal. As soon as we got off the plane, I could tell this place was something special – endless lava fields, rugged terrain, and that crisp, chilly air. Me and my borther were buzzing with excitement, and even though it was late, we decided to take a stroll nearby. It was like stepping into another world – a perfect start to our adventure.”
Day 2: Scenic Reykjavik, Sky Lagoon, and Downtown Walking Tour
“Today was our first real taste of Reykjavik! We drove around the city, taking in the stunning mountain views and colorful rooftops. The highlight? Definitely Sky Lagoon. It’s a thermal spa with infinity pools overlooking the Atlantic – a heated pool outside, surrounded by mountains. Floating there felt like we were part of Iceland’s landscape. Later, our downtown tour was packed with quirky Icelandic art, and we couldn’t miss Hallgrímskirkja – that church is massive and looks like it belongs in a Viking saga!”
Day 3: Iceland’s South Coast and the Mighty Gullfoss
“The South Coast tour was an all-day adventure filled with jaw-dropping views. Seljalandsfoss waterfall was my favorite – we even walked behind it and got drenched! We saw Reynisfjara’s black sand beach with its mysterious basalt columns, and it felt like being in a fantasy world. By the time we reached Gullfoss, Iceland’s ‘Golden Falls,’ we were completely blown away. This waterfall was so powerful; it’s like the earth was alive and roaring.”
Day 4: The Golden Circle Tour
“Today, we explored Iceland’s classic spots on the Golden Circle tour. Þingvellir National Park was incredible – this place is where the tectonic plates meet, and you can actually walk between the American and Eurasian plates! We saw Strokkur geyser erupt, sending a boiling jet of water into the sky, and wrapped up with one last look at Gullfoss. Each stop made me realize how different Iceland is from anywhere I’ve been.”
Day 5: Setting Sail from Copenhagen
“After days in Iceland, it was time to switch gears. We flew to Copenhagen and set sail on our Northern Europe cruise. Copenhagen was picturesque, with its colorful houses and canals, and we got to visit Nyhavn, which looked just like a postcard. As the ship sailed away, I knew this would be an epic part of our journey!”
Day 6: Exploring Warnemunde and Berlin, Germany
“Our first stop was Warnemunde, a charming port town in Germany with beautiful sandy beaches. But the real adventure was our day trip to Berlin. Walking through Berlin’s history was eye-opening – from the Brandenburg Gate to remnants of the Berlin Wall, it was powerful to learn about the city’s past. Germany surprised me with its vibe; it’s so different from anywhere else I’ve been!”
Day 7: The Polish Port of Gdynia and a Day in Gdańsk
“In Poland, we explored Gdynia’s lively waterfront and then took a quick trip to Gdańsk. Gdańsk has such a rich history, with its medieval buildings and fascinating architecture. I loved the old port and learning about Poland’s role in the Baltic region – it made me appreciate how much there is to know about Europe.”
Day 8: Klaipeda, Lithuania’s Hidden Gem
“Klaipeda was unique, with its cobblestone streets and curious sculptures scattered around town. We headed to the Curonian Spit, a narrow strip of land with huge sand dunes and scenic beaches. The landscape felt different from Iceland’s – it was lush, green, and filled with folklore and legends. Lithuania’s countryside has this peaceful vibe that’s hard to describe.”
Day 9: The Medieval Charm of Visby, Sweden
“Visby was like stepping back in time. It’s a medieval town on Gotland island, with ancient city walls, narrow alleys, and stone buildings. We walked along the cobblestone streets and explored old churches and rose gardens – it’s no wonder Visby is a UNESCO World Heritage site. My parents and I agreed that this was one of the most charming places we’d seen so far!”
Day 10: Stockholm’s Blend of Old and New
“Stockholm is where the past and present collide in the coolest way. We explored Gamla Stan, the Old Town, with its narrow streets and medieval architecture, and then checked out the Vasa Museum, where there’s a fully preserved 17th-century ship on display. My younger brother loved it! The city is spread over islands, so it feels like it’s floating. Stockholm really has something for everyone.”
Day 11:Relaxing at Sea
“After so many action-packed days, today was a much-needed break. We spent the day lounging on the ship, playing games, and soaking in the last bit of the cruise experience. It was a great chance to relive our favorite moments, from the powerful geysers of Iceland to the ancient streets of Visby.”
“This journey was everything I’d hoped for – nature, history, culture, and so many new places I’d never imagined seeing. Iceland and Northern Europe were both eye-opening in their own ways, and each day gave us a story to bring back home. I can’t wait for the next adventure!”
