Scottish Highlands to Norwegian Fjords and onto Svalbard - 18 Days - $6,121
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- Enjoy 15 days exploring Scotland (5), Norway (7) and Svalbard (3)
- Travel on a true expedition ship with hugely experienced guides
- Spend time on deck spotting a huge range of wildlife with a chance of polar bears when you reach Svalbard
- Marvel at the staggering Norwegian Fjord systems and visit the Lofoten Islands
- Just one departure each year
Start from Edinburgh and end at Longyearbyen
Landmarks potentially visited on Scottish Highlands to Norwegian Fjords and onto Svalbard
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh
Arrive at any time. Today's Welcome Meeting with the group includes a drink and light snack.
Day 2: Explore 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: Breakfast
Day 3: Scottish Highlands
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.
You'll then have some free time in Stirling for lunch. After lunch, visit Deanston Distillery and enjoy a tasting before returning to Edinburgh for the night.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Edinburgh/Kirkwall
Your morning in Edinburgh will be free to roam around the city before you board the expedition in the late afternoon, heading towards Kirkwall.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Kirkwall/Orkney
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: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Shetland Islands
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: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Ålesund
Cross the famous North Sea to reach Norway. Spend the afternoon seeing 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. Visit the Ålesund Museum and learn about the culture and history of the town, including the fire which destroyed the city in 1904.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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. You'll then have a free afternoon in the area.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10: Torghatten/Vega
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: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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 head out on a hike or explore the city on your own.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 14: At Sea/Bjørnøya
Sail past mist-shrouded Bjørnøya (Bear Island) – a birdwatcher's paradise featuring spectacular views.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 15: Hornsund
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.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 16: Svalbard
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: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 17: Svalbard/Longyearbyen
Continue exploring the icy wonderland of Svalbard.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 18: Longyearbyen
Disembark the expedition in the morning ready for your return travel.
Meals: Breakfast
NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.
About The Ship
Sea kayaking in Svalbard waters
Walruses on the Svalbard coast
- A 3-4* expedition vessel for 134 guests
- 360 degree Observation Deck
- 1B ice class rating
- Optional kayaking available
- Sauna and large heated mudroom
- Complimentary jacket & loan of rubber boots
Some ships just feel solid and capable and this definitely is one of them. I particularly love the atmosphere onboard that can only be created by a team that know each other so well.
Ben Rowley Arctic Consultant
Prices, Departures and Inclusions
Prices quoted below are per person based on 2 people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information on specific cabin availability.
Single Supplement And Child Policy
For those travelling solo and want their own cabin, the single supplement in a twin cabin is 1.7 times the cost of a single berth. However, there is no single supplement for passengers willing to share a cabin.
Child Policy: At date of embarkation, the minimum age restriction of 8 years and a minimum height and weight requirement of 64lbs or 29kg and 48" or 1.2 meters must be met.
Includes
- 1 night hotel stay at the start of the cruise
- All excursions and activities by zodiac
- Complimentary parka
- Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation during the voyage on full board basis
- All shore excursions and zodiac activities
- Educational lectures by expert onboard polar guides
- Access to an onboard doctor and basic medical services
- Loan of rubber boots for the voyage's duration
- Comprehensive pre-departure information
- Port taxes and any entry fees to historic landing sites
Excludes
- International flights to & from points of embarkation/disembarkation
- Any additional services before & after your voyage
- Transfers not specific to the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Optional adventure activities
- Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses
- Airport arrival or departure taxes
- Items of a personal nature: laundry, beverages, etc
- Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
- Additional onboard purchases (i.e. gift shop)
