Norwegian Arctic and Scottish Highlands Encompassed
18 days
From
$ 7499
Duration18 days
Scotland's bustling capital city and beautiful highlands kick-off this 18-day odyssey through the Norwegian fjords that will sweep you off your feet but help you find your sea legs. Cruise along the fjord coastline of Norway as you explore the glaciers that carved the stunning landscapes, visit arctic islands by Zodiac in search of wildlife, walk through history at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and so much more. This is a journey for all those keen to explore all ends of the earth.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 18 days
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: 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 3: 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 4: Edinburgh/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.
Enjoy a free morning in Edinburgh before boarding the G Expedition. Our ship departs in the late afternoon, sailing towards Kirkwall.
Meals: B
Day 5: Kirkwall/Orkney
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 6: 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 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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Ålesund
Cross the famous North Sea to reach Norway. Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful Art Nouveau district of Ålesund, or take the 418 steps up to Fjellstua for the best view 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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Åndalsnes
A full day to explore the town of Åndalsnes and the surrounding mountains. Board the Rauma Railway taking you into the dramatic scenes of the Romsdalen mountains, or explore on foot in "The Alp town by the fjord".
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: 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 10: Torghatten/Vega
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. 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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Svartisen/Vikingen
Visit Svartisen, and Vikingen, to see beautiful glaciers and a globe sculpture which marks Vikingen as a point directly on the Arctic Circle.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Lofoten 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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 13: Tromsø
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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 14: At Sea/Bjørnøya
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.
Sail past mist-shrouded Bjørnøya (Bear Island) – a birdwatcher's paradise featuring spectacular views.
End place: Hornsund
Meals: B, L, D
Day 15: Hornsund
Start place: Hornsund
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.
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.
End place: Hornsund
Meals: B, L, D
Day 16: Svalbard
Start place: Hornsund
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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 17: Svalbard/Longyearbyen
Continue exploring the icy wonderland of Svalbard.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 18: Longyearbyen
Transfers to Longyearbyen Airport will be offered to all passengers with flights scheduled after disembarkation.
Disembark the G Expedition in the morning.
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).
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).
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Edinburgh city tour
- Edinburgh Castle visit
- Day trip to Scottish Highlands
- 14 nts aboard the G Expedition
- Meeting point to ship transfer
- Zodiac and land excursions with our expert expedition team
- Lectures and educational programs
- Orkney Islands guided tour of ancient ruins
- Shetland Islands visit
- Rauma Railway Excursion
- Trondheim visit
- Vega Island visit
- Svartisen glacier excursion
- Local village visit (Lofoten Islands)
- Tromsø city tour
- Hornsund excursion
- Waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
- Expedition parka
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Transport
G Expedition, Zodiac, Local bus, Coach, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (3 nts) Aboard the G Expedition in quad-, Triple-, Twin-share cabins, Or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 14 nts) Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing Suites have one queen-size bed