Explore the Norwegian Fjords and Scottish Highlands
16 days
From
$ 6199
Duration16 days
Get a true taste of Scotland before sailing across the Norwegian Sea to the otherworldly fjords of Norway. Stroll the streets of Edinburgh and walk the paths of the Scottish Highlands before embarking on a voyage that takes you to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Standing Stones of Stennes and the mystical Ring of Brodgar. You'll also visit archaeological sites, witness the curious clash of cultures in the Shetland Islands, and take in the stunning beauty of the forests and waterfalls that line the fjords. This is a journey not to be missed, nor to be ever forgotten.
This tour is operated by
-
Duration: 16 days
-
Physical Grading: Light
-
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: Bergen
Cross the famous North Sea to reach Norway. Opt for a historical walking tour of the city, or enjoy a funicular ride for amazing views of Bergen, then explore on your own for the afternoon.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Flåm
Hop on the Flåm Railway, travelling through valleys and mountain passes to reach the scenic fjord of the Flåm district.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Olden (Fjord Cruise)
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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Geirangerfjord
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.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: 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 12: 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 13: Svartisen/Vikingen/Lovund
Visit Svartisen, Lovund, 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 14: Lofoten
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 15: 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 16: Tromsø
Transfers to the Clarion Hotel the Edge or Tromsø Airport will be offered to all passengers with flights scheduled after disembarkation.
Disembark the G Expedition in the morning.
After disembarkation you will be transferred to either the airport or the Clarion Hotel the Edge, 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 Clarion Hotel the Edge will be available until time of departure.
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 Clarion Hotel the Edge will be available until time of departure.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Edinburgh city tour
- Edinburgh Castle visit
- Day trip to Scottish Highlands
- 12 nts aboard the G Expedition
- Meeting point to ship transfer
- Zodiac and land excursions with our expert expedition team
- Lectures and educational programs
- Ancient ruins guided tour (Orkney Islands)
- Shetland Islands visit
- Bergen city tour
- Flåm Railway excursion
- Olden visit
- Geirangerfjord visit
- Trondheim excursion
- Vega Island visit
- Local village visit (Lofoten Islands)
- Tromsø city tour
- Insulated, waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
- Expedition parka
-
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, 12 nts) Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing Suites have one queen-size bed