Scottish Islands & Norwegian Fjords - Edinburgh to Tromsø
14 days
From
$ 8299
Duration14 days
Go deeper into the otherworldly fjords of Norway on this unique journey from Scotland, across the Norwegian Sea to the fjords of Norway. Discover wonderous UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Standing Stones of Stennes and the mystical Ring of Brodgar, visit archaeological sites, witness the curious clash of cultures in the Shetland Islands, and marvel at the stunning forests and waterfalls that line the fjords. Even after you come home, a part of you will remain here forever.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 14 days
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Starts in: EdinburghPhysical Grading: Light
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh/Kirkwall
The expedition begins near Scotland's incomparable capital city. 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.
The G Expedition departs in the late afternoon, sailing towards Kirkwall.
Please make sure to be at the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel before 13:00 as luggage will be transferred to the ship at that time. Meet back at the hotel no later than 15:00 for a group transfer to the Port of Leith at 16:00.
Meals: D
Day 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: Olden Fjord/Birksdal
Cruise into the Olden Fjord before a short bus ride to the Birksdal area. Enjoy a moderate walk 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 7: Geirangerfjord
Start place: Olden
Sail deep into one of Norway's most beautiful, and most visited, fjords. Enjoy a coach tour to Dalnibba, 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.
End place: Geiranger
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Trondheim
Start place: Geiranger
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.
End place: Torghatten
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Torghatten/Vega
Start place: 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. 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.
End place: Svartisen
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Svartisen/Lovund/Vikingen
Start place: Svartisen
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 11: 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 12: At Sea
Enjoy a day off the coast with Zodiac excursions to search out the local marine life, including sperm whales.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 13: Nordkapp
Head back to the coast and visit Nordkapp in the Finnmark region. Take a scenic drive of this high rugged, coastal plateau, keeping an eye out for wild reindeer. This will be the most northerly point of the trip at 71 º N.
End place: Nordkapp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 14: Tromsø
Transfers to the Clarion Hotel the Edge or Tromsø Airport will be offered to all passengers with flights scheduled after disembarkation.
Tromsø, the capital of northern Norway, is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic" as it was the embarkation point for many Arctic expeditions. Disembark in the morning. We recommend booking some extra time in Tromsø to explore.
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
- 13 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)
- Bergen city tour
- Flåm Railway excursion
- Olden visit
- Geirangerfjord visit
- Trondheim excursion
- Vega Island visit
- Local village visit (Lofoten Islands)
- Finnmark exploration
- Insulated, waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
- Expedition parka
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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, 13 nts) Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing Suites have one queen-size bed