Cruise the Norwegian Fjords with Scottish Highlands
16 days
From
$ 5599
Duration16 days
Venture along icy cold waters through the gorgeous fjordscapes of Norway and Scotland's mysterious islands before sailing on to Edinburgh for a proper Scottish welcome. This 16-day expedition brings you to important sites of Norway’s ancient history, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the iconic landscapes of Scotland for some of the most incredible sights you'll ever lay eyes on whether by sea, air, or land. Your arrival in Edinburgh will give you a chance to embrace its charm before your wondrous journey comes to a close.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 16 days
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: 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.
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.
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.
Meals: D
Day 2: Nordkapp
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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: At 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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Trollfjord/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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Svartisen/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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Vega/Torghatten
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.
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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Trondheim
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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Eresfjord/Åndalsnes
Spend the morning exploring the town of Eresfjord or join an optional hike for amazing views. In the afternoon, board the Rauma Railway taking you into the dramatic scenes of the Romsdalen mountains.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Geirangerfjord
Sail deep into one of Norway's most beautiful, and most visited fjords, Geirangerfjord. 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. If possible, the Expedition ship will cruise around this scenic area.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Ålesund
Spend the morning exploring the beautiful Art Nouveau district of Ålesund, or take the 418 steps up to Fjellstua for the views of the city, islands and bay. Opt to visit the Ålesund Museum and learn about the culture and history of the town, including the fire which destroyed the city in 1904. If you are feeling more active, try one of the local hikes for unbeatable views.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Shetland Islands
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.
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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Orkney Islands
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.
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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 13: Orkney/Edinburgh
Cruise overnight to Edinburgh's Port of Leith, then disembark the G Expedition in the morning.
This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Edinburgh.
This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Edinburgh.
Meals: B
Day 14: Edinburgh
Enjoy a walking tour of Edinburgh and a visit to the famous Edinburgh Castle. The afternoon is free to discover at your own pace.
Meals: B
Day 15: Scottish 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.
Meals: B
Day 16: Edinburgh
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- 12 nts aboard the G Expedition
- Meeting point to ship transfer
- Zodiac and land excursions with our expert expedition team
- Lectures and educational programs
- Nordkapp excursion
- Local village visit (Lofoten Islands)
- Svartisen glacier excursion
- Vega Island visit
- Trondheim visit
- Rauma Railway excursion
- Geirangerfjord visit
- Shetland Islands visit
- Orkney Islands guided tour of ancient ruins
- Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
- Expedition parka
- Edinburgh city tour
- Edinburgh Castle visit
- Day trip to Scottish Highlands
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Transport
G Expedition, Zodiac, Local bus, Coach, Walking -
Accommodation
Aboard the G Expedition in quad-, Triple-, Twin-share cabins, Or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 12 nts) Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing Suites have one queen-size bed Hotels (3 nts)