Norwegian Fjords & Scottish Isles

Depart on an overnight flight to Edinburgh and tour the city before boarding the ship. (Day 2: L, D)

Start off the day with a panoramic drive through “the Granite City” before exploring Aberdeenshire’s countryside. Choose to visit both a local Highland cattle farm and a sustainable farm shop, where you will learn about its award-winning products and practices. Or, dive into Highland traditions with a visit to a local whiskey distillery followed by a visit to the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Transfer back to the ship later this afternoon and enjoy an evening at sea as we head to the Orkney Islands. (B,L,D) 

The Vikings held a strategic foothold in the Orkney Islands for centuries, and their Norse heritage is still evident throughout the archipelago. Here, we begin our exploration in true expedition style, discovering some of Orkney’s lesser-known islands on archaeology walks, birding hikes and zodiac or kayak excursions, conditions permitting. The following day, we will arrive in Kirkwall from which we will explore fascinating Stone Age sites, including the megaliths of the Ring of Brodgar and the 5,000-year-old stone-slab village of Skara Brae. We will also have the opportunity to visit the medieval St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, which was founded in 1137 by the Viking Earl Rognvald. (B,L,D)

Arrive at Unst, the northernmost island of the Shetlands which harbors sheltered inlets, golden beaches, and a large nature reserve. Take to the trails onshore to skirt towering cliffs and heather-covered hills. Weather permitting, paddle the scenic coastline by kayak or cruise in a Zodiac to the farthest northern lighthouse in the U.K. Or visit the Unst Heritage Centre, which features local artifacts including handspun knit and lace, fishing tools, and wooden boats. At sunset, cruise below the towering cliffs of Noss, a nature reserve which harbors thousands of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes. Arrive in Lerwick in the late evening. (B,L,D)

In the bustling seaport of Lerwick, choose from several options. Explore the town, strolling amid 18th-century sandstone warehouses; delve into local culture and history at the Shetland Museum & Archives; or embark on a birdwatching or a geology-focused excursion. Alternatively, discover the prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof—which reveals 4,000 years of near-continuous settlement—and examine Bronze Age ruins and Viking longhouses. Our voyage takes us across the North Sea to Norway overnight. (B,L,D)

Drop anchor at the island of Hidra, which boasts a rich history dating from the Viking era through World War II. Explore the picturesque village of Kirkehamn and learn about its long history of fishing and shipping. Hike to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Hidra and the surrounding islands, and see the remains of World War II Coastal batteries. (B,L,D)

Norway’s glacier-carved western coast boasts some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. Launch kayaks and Zodiacs to explore the sublime Hardangerfjorden, the second longest fjord in the country and the fourth longest in the world. Cruise beneath staggering cliffs and rushing waterfalls and venture ashore to hike against a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains, emerald valleys, and fruit orchards. (B,L,D)

Disembark our ship in Bergen, set on a lovely fjord, and transfer to the airport for homeward-bound flights. Or choose to explore the seaport town of Bergen or Norway’s stunning fjords on a post-voyage extension. (Note: a pre-voyage extension to discover the Scottish Highlands is also available.) (B)