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Cruise the Norwegian Fjords with Scottish Highlands
16 days, Tromsø to Edinburgh
Itinerary
Day 1Tromsø
Welcome to Tromsø, the capital of northern Norway, known as the "Gateway to the Arctic". Embark in the afternoon. Consider arriving early to explore Tromsø.
There will be a welcome desk set up to greet passengers on arrival day between 09:00 and 12:00 at the Clarion Hotel the Edge. We can assist with baggage drop-off and provide information on what to do in Tromsø for the morning.
Please make sure to be at the Clarion Hotel the Edge before 13:00 as luggage will be transferred at that time. Passengers will be transferred as a group to the ship at 16:00.
Arrival Day
Begin your adventure today. There are no planned activities so feel free to explore or rest up for the excitement ahead.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Embarkation of the Expedition
In the afternoon, join your fellow passengers to take your group transfer and begin your journey on the Expedition. Please refer to your welcome letter or the joining instructions posted in the lobby of the start hotel. Make sure you have your passport handy as you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 2Nordkapp
Explore one of the most northern points in Europe. A popular spot to watch the midnight sun during the summer months, as the sun never sets between the middle of May to late August, this cape is the location where the Atlantic and Arctic oceans meet. Explore the barren landscape, quaint fishing villages, and stop by the Northern Cape Plateau standing 307 m above the sea.
Nordkapp Excursion
Embark on a day trip to one of the most northern places in Europe, Nordkapp (North Cape). Travel across the arctic terrain of northern Norway, keeping a sharp eye for wild reindeer en route. Learn about the local Sami people en route to North Cape. Enjoy time visiting the North Cape Visitor Centre, opt to watch a film about Lapland's breathtaking scenery, or simply take in the views of the Arctic Ocean from viewpoints of up to 1000 feet above sea level.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 3At Sea
Enjoy a day at sea, taking in the stunning scenery of the Arctic. Keep a sharp eye while on deck to try and spot marine wildlife.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Arctic Lectures and Educational Programs
Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on anything from local wildlife to the history and exploration of the Arctic.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 4Trollfjord/Lofoten Islands
Spend the early morning at the short, yet dramatic Trollfjord. Try to spot the mythical creatures along the cliffs. Head ashore in Svolvaer to explore the Lofoten Islands by coach. Stop in Henningsvær for time to see local art or explore the quaint fishing village. After, visit Nusfjord, one of Norway's oldest and best-preserved fishing villages for lunch at a local restaurant, before visiting the Tørrfiskmuseum to learn about traditional work of the islands. End the day in the town of Å.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Å Village Visit
Enjoy a coach tour across the Lofoten Islands visiting the Tørrfiskmuseum (Stockfish Museum) and Svolvær. Stop for photos and other visits along the way including the Viking Museum at Bøstad.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 5Svartisen/Vikingen/Lovund
Visit Svartisen, Lovund and Vikingen, for beautiful glaciers and a globe sculpture which marks Vikingen as a point directly on the Arctic Circle.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Svartisen Land Excursion
Visit Svartisen, Norway’s second-largest glacier. Hike to one of the outlet glaciers of Svartisen, Engabreen, which ends at the lowest point of any glacier on the European mainland, at 90 meters above sea level (in 2018). The first 30 to 45 minutes of the hike are easy with no incline. The remaining hike is guided in small groups as it can be a challenging and complicated maze of rocky outcroppings leading to a close encounter with the ice. Everyone should reach a beautiful lookout over the lake. Opt to visit the café for waffles and coffee.
Vikingen Visit
Visit Vikingen Island, a small island that sits directly on the Arctic Circle. There’s a small statue of a globe on the island celebrating its position on one of the five major latitude circles.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 6Vega/Torghatten
The rugged coastline of central Norway features some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. Head to the quaint and picturesque Vega Island, a UNESCO site. Wander the fishing villages, go on a guided nature hike, and appreciate the slow pace of life. In the afternoon, hike up to the famous hole in the mountain, with fantastic views of the region. Keep an eye out for Norway's mythical trolls.
The mountain scenery and coastline offer breathtaking views. The goal is to visit Torghatten, one of the most bizarre rock formations in Norway and a significant local landmark.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Vega Island Visit
Access one of the small islands and picturesque fishing villages of Vega by Zodiac. Learn about life on the island from a local guide and hear how the unique farming techniques and elder down production gained the island UNESCO World Heritage site status.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Torghatten Excursion
Enjoy a short, but scenic, coach ride into the Treana archipelago. Our goal is to visit Torghatten, one of the most bizarre rock formations in Norway and a significant local landmark. We will also try to move towards the Treana archipelago that is comprised of over 1000 islands. Expedition guides will provide information on the local areas, and the ship's photography expert will be on hand to offer advice on how to capture the perfect shot.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 7Trondheim
Continue on to Trondheim. Choose between hiking in Bymarka Nature Reserve before visiting the Sverresborg Folk Museum, or enjoying a city tour including the Folk Museum and the elaborate Nidaros Cathedral, built between 1070 and 1300. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the area on your own.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Trondheim Visit
Trondheim is a modern city surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains, and is home to the remarkable Nidaros Cathedral. Built over the burial site of Saint Olav, the king of Norway in the 11th century, Nidaos Cathedral is the traditional location for the consecration of the King of Norway.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 8Geiranger
Sail deep into one of Norway's most beautiful, and most visited, fjords. Enjoy a coach tour to Dalsnibba, soaking in the views at this UNESCO World Heritage site. For the more adventurous, opt for a 10km mountain hike exploring the area and taking in amazing views of the fjord from above.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Geirangerfjord Visit
The fjord is one of Norway's most visited tourist sites and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fjord is 15 km (9.3 mi) long, surrounded by spectacular mountains, lush green trees, waterfalls, and several farms. Have a camera ready for some spectacular photo opportunities.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 9Olden
Cruise into the Olden Fjord before a short bus ride to the Birksdal area. Enjoy a moderate hike to Briksdalbreen glacier, or, for an easier option, take a trolley ride with a shorter walk to make it to the glacier lake.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Glacier Hike
Stretch out your legs on a hike from the Birksdal area to the nearby Briksdalbreen glacier in Jostedalsbreen National Park. For the first 20-30 mins the grade is uphill (moderate to strenuous), but the footing is easy. If you'd rather not make the trek, hop on the trolley to take you most of the way. As you approach, you'll need to walk the last quarter mile to reach the glacier lake. The views are worth the effort!
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 10Flåm
Hop on the Flåm Railway, travelling through valleys and mountain passes to reach the scenic fjord of the Flåm district.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Flåmsbana Railway
The Flåm Line is a 20km (12.4 mi) route between Myrdal and Flåm. The line is used most often as a tourist train as it passes through gorgeous landscapes. It also boasts an incredibly steep gradient, with an elevation different of 863m (2,831 ft).
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 11Shetland Islands
Continue southwards to the remote Shetland Islands. Opt to visit Jarlshof or join the Puffin Bus to focus on puffins and seabird photography at Sumbrugh Head (weather dependent). Enjoy additional time to explore Lerwick.
The Shetland archipelago is an engaging mix of Scotland and Scandinavia blessed with spectacular coastlines, varied and abundant birdlife and a number of archaeological sites that date back thousands of years.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Lerwick Visit
Visit Lerwick on the Shetland Islands and discover the unique mix of Scotland Scandinavian culture in the area. Opt to visit Jarlshof, a remarkable archaeological site where Neoloithic houses and several Norse longhouses were discovered after a violent storm uncovered the settlement. Another option for your time here is to join the Puffin Bus to focus on puffin and seabird photography at Sumbrugh head. Each tour option will allow a few hours to explore Lerwick after. With your free time, opt to enjoy the Shetland Museum or take a walk through the village.
Free Time
Take some free time to explore.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Shetland Museum visit
Visit the Shetland Museum to learn more about this fascinating area.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 12Orkney Islands
Visit historic and mystical sites by coach on this remote island. Explore the Standing Stones of Stenness, the intriguing Ring of Brodgar, and the village of Skara Brae.
There are few places in the world that offer as much as the Orkneys. Only six miles off the coast of Scotland, the islands are famous for their abundant marine bird life and dramatic coastal scenery. Enjoy an afternoon to explore the ancient history of the people of these Scottish Isles.
Orkney Islands Ancient Ruins Guided Tour
Take a guided coach tour of the many mystical historical sites on the island. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site the Ring of Brodgar, the standing stones of Stennes, and the 4500 year old village of Skara Brae.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 13Edinburgh
Cruise overnight to Edinburgh's Port of Leith, then disembark the G Expedition in the morning.
This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Edinburgh.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time this afternoon.
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
Edinburgh Food Tour
Tour the narrow streets of Edinburgh while sampling some of it's most famous dishes including Haggis, Neeps and Tatties. Learn about Scottish whisky and end the tour with a traditional afternoon tea and local Scottish cakes.
Ghost Tours of Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh's fascination with the underworld. Famous for witch burning, grave robbing and mysterious murders, this tour takes you down Edinburgh narrow alleyways and gruesome graveyards with plenty of stories to tell.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Edinburgh
Enjoy a walking tour of Edinburgh and a visit to the famous Edinburgh Castle. The afternoon is free to discover at your own pace.
Edinburgh Castle Visit
A historic fortress dominating the skyline of the city from its position on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is a must-see in the city. Explore the home of the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny and the National War Museum. Fee includes entrance to all attractions within Edinburgh Castle.
To ensure availability, we recommend purchasing entrance tickets in advance.
Edinburgh Walking Tour
Embark on a walking tour of Scotland's capital city.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time in Edinburgh.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 15Scottish Highlands
Enjoy a day trip to the Scottish Highlands. Explore Stirling on a guided tour of the old town including Stirling Castle. Continue to Wallace Monument and learn about the infamous battle of Bannockburn. Enjoy some free time in Stirling for lunch. After lunch visit Deanston Distillery and enjoy a tasting before returning to Edinburgh for the night.
Stirling Castle and Old Town Visit
Explore the fascinating history of Stirling on a guided tour of Stirling Castle and the Old Town. Once the Scottish capital, this city at the edge of the Highlands was home to the Stewart Kings and Queens, who held court and other grand celebrations at Stirling Castle.
National Wallace Monument Visit
Learn about Sir William Wallace and his legendary battle-sword at one of Scotland's national landmarks, built to commemorate the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Opt to climb to the monument's crown, where spectacular views of surrounding Loch Lomond, The Pentland Hills and The Firth of Forth await.
Deanston Distillery Visit
Journey to the town of Deanston for a taste of real single malt scotch whisky -- and discover how barley and water from the Scottish Highlands turn into the region's most famous export product.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 16Edinburgh
Depart at any time.