Sorry! There are no remaining departures for "Norwegian Arctic and Scottish Highlands Encompassed" (XCELNX), but here are some similar trips.
Norwegian Arctic and Scottish Highlands Encompassed
18 days, Edinburgh to Longyearbyen
Itinerary
Day 1Edinburgh
Arrive at any time.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Edinburgh
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 3Scottish 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 4Edinburgh
Enjoy a free morning in Edinburgh before boarding the G Expedition. Our ship departs in the late afternoon, sailing towards Kirkwall.
Board the ship this afternoon in the suburb Port of Leith, to embark on a voyage to the Arctic. The G Expedition departs in the evening through a lock which leads down to sea level, before heading out to sail down the Firth of Forth. While on deck, keep a lookout for common eiders and northern gannets.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time this morning.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Optional Activities - Day 4 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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Kirkwall/Orkney
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 6Shetland Islands
Continue northwards 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 6 HideShow
Shetland Museum visit
Visit the Shetland Museum to learn more about this fascinating area.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 7Olden
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.
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!
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
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 9Trondheim
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.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 10Torghatten/Vega
The rugged coastline of central Norway features some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. Hike up to the famous hole in the mountain, with fantastic views of the region. Keep an eye out for Norway's mythical trolls. In the afternoon, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 11Svartisen/Vikingen
Visit Svartisen, and Vikingen, to see beautiful glaciers and a globe sculpture which marks Vikingen as a point directly on the Arctic Circle.
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 12Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. Go ashore by Zodiac for a day trip of the area. Start by visiting the Tørrfiskmuseum to learn about traditional work of the islands before visiting Nusfjord, one of Norway's oldest and best-preserved fishing villages for lunch at a local restaurant. After, stop in Henningsvær for time to see local art or explore the quaint fishing village. In the evening, stay on deck as you cruise into one of Norway's most famous fjords, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord. Search the cliffs on your continuing quest to spot trolls.
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 13Tromsø
Tromsø, the capital of northern Norway, is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic" as it was the embarkation point for many Arctic expeditions. Learn about past Arctic expeditions and opt for some hiking or to explore the city on your own.
Tromsø Guided Tour
Spend the day exploring Norway's largest northern city. Choose between hiking on the mountain top overlooking Tromsø, or wandering the city's streets before taking a cable car to the mountain top. Enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional open faced sandwiches while gazing over the city. Everyone will have a chance to visit some of the major sites including the Polar and Tromsø Museums and (weather permitting) enjoy a stunning view from a cable car.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 14At Sea/Bjørnøya
Sail past mist-shrouded Bjørnøya (Bear Island) – a birdwatcher's paradise featuring spectacular views.
Sail past Bear Island. Weather permitting, there may be an opportunity to explore mist-shrouded Bjørnøya by Zodiac - the weather is temperamental, so this is a 50/50 chance. Bear island even from afar has spectacular views, thousands of species of birds like fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots and gulls.
Arctic Lectures and Educational Programs
Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on anything from local wildlife to the history and exploration of the Arctic.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 15Hornsund
Explore this archipelago of deep fjords, mountains and massive ice sheets. Keep your eyes open for walruses, seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes and, of course, polar bears.
Our flexible itinerary and experience here allow us to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. Each season we attempt to discover new landing sites to explore to enhance your expedition experience. Shore walks and Zodiac adventures bring us up close to mystical landscapes, icebergs, and wildlife.
Hornsund Shore Walks and Zodiac Adventures
Explore the natural beauty of Hornsund and take advantage of the spectacular photo opportunities. The Expedition team will select the best areas to explore by Zodiac depending on weather conditions.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 16Svalbard
Soak in the sights and sounds of Svalbard. Glaciers, nesting birds, sea mammals like polar bears, walruses and whales plus land mammals like the Arctic fox and reindeer all call this region home.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 17Svalbard/Longyearbyen
Continue exploring the icy wonderland of Svalbard.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Expedition
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 18Longyearbyen
Disembark the G Expedition in the morning.
Transfers to Longyearbyen Airport will be offered to all passengers with flights scheduled after disembarkation.
After disembarkation at approximately 8:00am, you will be transferred to either the airport or the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, depending on the time of your flight. Those transferred to the hotel will have an opportunity to explore the town centre on their own, and then be transferred to the airport later in the day as per flight schedules. Transfer times will be confirmed, and communicated onboard prior to departure. Luggage storage at the Raddison Blu Polar hotel will be available until time of departure.
We are pleased to offer an early morning disembarkation and transfer to the airport for those passengers with flights departing Longyearbyen around 2:30am (dependent on airline schedules).
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.