Norwegian Fjords Aboard Expedition

Welcome to Tromsø, the capital of northern Norway, known as the “Gateway to the Arctic.” There will be a welcome desk set up to greet passengers between 09:00 and 12:00 at the Clarion Hotel the Edge, to assist with baggage drop-off and provide information on what to do in Tromsø for the morning. In the afternoon, join fellow passengers for a group transfer and begin your journey aboard the Expedition.

Please make sure to be at the Clarion Hotel the Edge before 1:00pm as luggage will be transferred at that time. Passengers will be transferred as a group to the ship at 4:00pm.

Explore Nordkapp (North Cape), one of the most northern points in Europe. A popular spot to watch the midnight sun during the summer months, as the sun never sets between the middle of May to late August, this cape is the location where the Atlantic and Arctic oceans meet. Travel across the arctic terrain of northern Norway, keeping a sharp eye for wild reindeer and learning about the local Sami people en route. Enjoy time visiting the North Cape Visitor Centre, opt to watch a film about Lapland’s breathtaking scenery, or simply take in the views of the Arctic Ocean from viewpoints of up to 1000 feet above sea level.

Enjoy a day at sea, taking in the stunning scenery of the Arctic. Keep a sharp eye while on deck to try and spot marine wildlife.

Spend the early morning at the short, yet dramatic Trollfjord. Try to spot the mythical creatures along the cliffs. Head ashore in Svolvaer to explore the Lofoten Islands by coach. Stop in Henningsvær for time to see local art or explore the quaint fishing village. After, visit Nusfjord, one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fishing villages for lunch at a local restaurant, before visiting the Tørrfiskmuseum to learn about traditional work of the islands. End the day in the town of Å.

Visit Svartisen, Lovund and Vikingen for beautiful glaciers and a globe sculpture which marks Vikingen as a point directly on the Arctic Circle. Svartisen is Norway’s second-largest glacier. Hike to one of the outlet glaciers of Svartisen, Engabreen, which ends at the lowest point of any glacier on the European mainland, at almost 300 feet above sea level (in 2018). The first 30 to 45 minutes of the hike are easy with no incline. The remaining hike is guided in small groups as it can be a challenging and complicated maze of rocky outcroppings leading to a close encounter with the ice. Everyone should reach a beautiful lookout over the lake. Opt to visit the café for waffles and coffee.

Then visit Vikingen Island, a small island that sits directly on the Arctic Circle. There’s a small statue of a globe on the island celebrating its position on one of the five major latitude circles.

Today, explore the rugged coastline of central Norway, which features some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. Access one of the small islands and picturesque fishing villages of Vega by Zodiac. Learn about life on the island from a local guide and hear how the unique farming techniques and elder down production gained the island UNESCO World Heritage site status.

This afternoon’s goal is to visit Torghatten, one of the most bizarre rock formations in Norway and a significant local landmark. Then move towards the Treana archipelago that is comprised of over 1000 islands. Expedition guides will provide information on the local areas, and the ship’s photography expert will be on hand to offer advice on how to capture the perfect shot.

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.

Trondheim is a modern city surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains, and is home to the remarkable Nidaros Cathedral. Built over the burial site of Saint Olav, the king of Norway in the 11th century, Nidaos Cathedral is the traditional location for the consecration of the King of Norway.

Spend the morning exploring the town of Eresfjord or join an optional hike for amazing views. In the afternoon, board the Rauma Railway into the dramatic scenes of the Romsdalen mountains. Known as one of Europe’s most beautiful train journeys, the Rauma Railway offers spectacular Norwegian scenery, past crystal blue fjords to snow-capped mountain peaks in about an hour. Board the train in Åndalsnes and settle in for a journey into the Romsdalen valley, surrounded by the staggering Romsdalshorn and Trolltidene mountains on either side. See the “Troll Wall,” a climbers’ favorite, and cross the majestic Kylling bru bridge over the Rauma River. Upon arrival at Bjorli station, transfer to a coach for the scenic drive back to town, with ample photo stops along the way.

Sail deep into one of Norway’s most beautiful, and most visited fjords, Geirangerfjord. Enjoy a coach tour to Dalsnibba, soaking in the views at this UNESCO World Heritage site. For the more adventurous, opt for a 6-mile mountain hike, exploring the area and taking in amazing views of the fjord from above. If possible, the Expedition ship will cruise around this scenic area.

Spend the morning exploring the beautiful Art Nouveau district of Ålesund, or take the 418 steps up to Fjellstua for the views 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. Those who are feeling more active may want to try one of the local hikes for unbeatable views.

Continue southwards 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. 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.

Visit Lerwick on the Shetland Islands and discover the unique mix of Scotland Scandinavian culture in the area. Opt to visit Jarlshof, a remarkable archaeological site where Neoloithic houses and several Norse longhouses were discovered after a violent storm uncovered the settlement. Another option is to join the Puffin Bus to focus on puffin and seabird photography at Sumbrugh head. Each tour option will allow a few hours to explore Lerwick after. Enjoy free time exploring the Shetland Museum or taking a walk through the village.

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 and explore the Standing Stones of Stenness, the intriguing Ring of Brodgar, and the village of Skara Brae.

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.

Cruise overnight to Edinburgh’s Port of Leith, then disembark in the morning. It’s highly recommended to book extra time to visit Edinburgh. After disembarkation, be transferred to either the airport or the end hotel, depending on the time of your flight. Those transferred to the hotel will have an opportunity to explore the town center 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 end hotel will be available until time of departure.

The ship departs in the late afternoon, sailing towards 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 ship 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.

Visit historic and mystical sites by coach on the remote island of Kirkwall. Explore the Standing Stones of Stenness, the intriguing Ring of Brodgar, and the village of Skara Brae. 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.

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. 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.

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.

Take a full day to explore the town of Åndalsnes and the surrounding mountains. Board the Rauma Railway taking and head into the dramatic scenes of the Romsdalen mountains, or explore on foot in “The Alp town by the fjord.” Known as one of Europe’s most beautiful train journeys, the Rauma Railway offers spectacular Norwegian scenery, past crystal blue fjords to snow-capped mountain peaks in about an hour. Board the train in Åndalsnes and settle in for a journey into the Romsdalen valley, surrounded by the staggering Romsdalshorn and Trolltidene mountains on either side. See the “Troll Wall,” a climbers’ favorite, and cross the majestic Kylling bru bridge over the Rauma River. Upon arrival at Bjorli station, transfer to a coach for the scenic drive back to town, with ample photo stops along the way.

Continue on to Trondheim. Trondheim is a modern city surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains, and is home to the remarkable Nidaros Cathedral. Built over the burial site of Saint Olav, the king of Norway in the 11th century, Nidaos Cathedral is the traditional location for the consecration of the King of Norway. 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.

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. 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. Also try to move towards the Treana archipelago that is comprised of over 1,000 islands. Expedition guides will provide information on the local areas, and the ship’s photography expert will be on hand to offer advice on how to capture the perfect shot.

Visit Svartisen and Vikingen to see beautiful glaciers and a globe sculpture which marks Vikingen as a point directly on the Arctic Circle. Svartisen is Norway’s second-largest glacier. Hike to one of the outlet glaciers of Svartisen, Engabreen, which ends at the lowest point of any glacier on the European mainland, at 295 feet above sea level (in 2018). The first 30 to 45 minutes of the hike are easy with no incline. The remaining hike is guided in small groups as it can be a challenging and complicated maze of rocky outcroppings leading to a close encounter with the ice. Everyone should reach a beautiful lookout over the lake. Opt to visit the café for waffles and coffee. Also visit Vikingen Island, a small island that sits directly on the Arctic Circle. There’s a small statue of a globe on the island celebrating its position on one of the five major latitude circles.

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. Enjoy a coach tour across the Lofoten Islands visiting the Tørrfiskmuseum (Stockfish Museum) and Svolvær. Stop for photos and other visits along the way including the Viking Museum at Bøstad. 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 while the ship cruises into one of Norway’s most famous fjords, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord. Search the cliffs on the continuing quest to spot trolls.

Tromsø, the capital of northern Norway, is known as the gateway to the Arctic as it was the embarkation point for many Arctic expeditions. Explore Norway’s largest northern city, choosing between hiking on the mountain top overlooking Tromsø, or wandering the city’s streets before taking a cable car to the mountain top. Enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional open-faced sandwiches while gazing over the city. Visit some of the major sites including the Polar and Tromsø Museums.

Sail past mist-shrouded Bjørnøya (Bear Island)–a birdwatcher’s paradise featuring spectacular views. 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. Attend lectures hosted throughout the day on anything from local wildlife to the history and exploration of the Arctic.

Explore this archipelago of deep fjords, mountains and massive ice sheets. Explore the natural beauty of Hornsund and take advantage of the spectacular photo opportunities. The Expedition team will select the best areas to explore by Zodiac depending on weather conditions. Keep eyes open for walruses, seals, reindeer, arctic foxes and, of course, polar bears. The flexible itinerary and experience here mean taking the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. Each season, attempts are made to discover new landing sites to explore to enhance the expedition experience. Shore walks and Zodiac adventures reveal mystical landscapes, icebergs and wildlife.

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.

Continue exploring the icy wonderland of Svalbard.

Disembark the ship at approximately 8:00am in the morning and transfer to Longyearbyen Airport or the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel. If transferring to the hotel, enjoy the opportunity to explore the town center on your own, and then be transferred to the airport later in the day as per flight schedules.

Welcome to Tromsø, the capital of northern Norway, known as the “Gateway to the Arctic.” There will be a welcome desk set up to greet passengers between 09:00 and 12:00 at the Clarion Hotel the Edge, to assist with baggage drop-off and provide information on what to do in Tromsø for the morning. In the afternoon, join fellow passengers for a group transfer and begin your journey aboard the Expedition.

Please make sure to be at the Clarion Hotel the Edge before 1:00pm as luggage will be transferred at that time. Passengers will be transferred as a group to the ship at 4:00pm.

Explore Nordkapp (North Cape), one of the most northern points in Europe. A popular spot to watch the midnight sun during the summer months, as the sun never sets between the middle of May to late August, this cape is the location where the Atlantic and Arctic oceans meet. Travel across the arctic terrain of northern Norway, keeping a sharp eye for wild reindeer and learning about the local Sami people en route. Enjoy time visiting the North Cape Visitor Centre, opt to watch a film about Lapland’s breathtaking scenery, or simply take in the views of the Arctic Ocean from viewpoints of up to 1000 feet above sea level.

Enjoy a day at sea, taking in the stunning scenery of the Arctic. Keep a sharp eye while on deck to try and spot marine wildlife.

Spend the early morning at the short, yet dramatic Trollfjord. Try to spot the mythical creatures along the cliffs. Head ashore in Svolvaer to explore the Lofoten Islands by coach. Stop in Henningsvær for time to see local art or explore the quaint fishing village. After, visit Nusfjord, one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fishing villages for lunch at a local restaurant, before visiting the Tørrfiskmuseum to learn about traditional work of the islands. End the day in the town of Å.

Visit Svartisen, Lovund and Vikingen for beautiful glaciers and a globe sculpture which marks Vikingen as a point directly on the Arctic Circle. Svartisen is Norway’s second-largest glacier. Hike to one of the outlet glaciers of Svartisen, Engabreen, which ends at the lowest point of any glacier on the European mainland, at almost 300 feet above sea level (in 2018). The first 30 to 45 minutes of the hike are easy with no incline. The remaining hike is guided in small groups as it can be a challenging and complicated maze of rocky outcroppings leading to a close encounter with the ice. Everyone should reach a beautiful lookout over the lake. Opt to visit the café for waffles and coffee.

Then visit Vikingen Island, a small island that sits directly on the Arctic Circle. There’s a small statue of a globe on the island celebrating its position on one of the five major latitude circles.

Today, explore the rugged coastline of central Norway, which features some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. Access one of the small islands and picturesque fishing villages of Vega by Zodiac. Learn about life on the island from a local guide and hear how the unique farming techniques and elder down production gained the island UNESCO World Heritage site status.

This afternoon’s goal is to visit Torghatten, one of the most bizarre rock formations in Norway and a significant local landmark. Then move towards the Treana archipelago that is comprised of over 1000 islands. Expedition guides will provide information on the local areas, and the ship’s photography expert will be on hand to offer advice on how to capture the perfect shot.

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.

Trondheim is a modern city surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains, and is home to the remarkable Nidaros Cathedral. Built over the burial site of Saint Olav, the king of Norway in the 11th century, Nidaos Cathedral is the traditional location for the consecration of the King of Norway.

Spend the morning exploring the town of Eresfjord or join an optional hike for amazing views. In the afternoon, board the Rauma Railway into the dramatic scenes of the Romsdalen mountains. Known as one of Europe’s most beautiful train journeys, the Rauma Railway offers spectacular Norwegian scenery, past crystal blue fjords to snow-capped mountain peaks in about an hour. Board the train in Åndalsnes and settle in for a journey into the Romsdalen valley, surrounded by the staggering Romsdalshorn and Trolltidene mountains on either side. See the “Troll Wall,” a climbers’ favorite, and cross the majestic Kylling bru bridge over the Rauma River. Upon arrival at Bjorli station, transfer to a coach for the scenic drive back to town, with ample photo stops along the way.

Sail deep into one of Norway’s most beautiful, and most visited fjords, Geirangerfjord. Enjoy a coach tour to Dalsnibba, soaking in the views at this UNESCO World Heritage site. For the more adventurous, opt for a 6-mile mountain hike, exploring the area and taking in amazing views of the fjord from above. If possible, the Expedition ship will cruise around this scenic area.

Spend the morning exploring the beautiful Art Nouveau district of Ålesund, or take the 418 steps up to Fjellstua for the views 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. Those who are feeling more active may want to try one of the local hikes for unbeatable views.

Continue southwards 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. 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.

Visit Lerwick on the Shetland Islands and discover the unique mix of Scotland Scandinavian culture in the area. Opt to visit Jarlshof, a remarkable archaeological site where Neoloithic houses and several Norse longhouses were discovered after a violent storm uncovered the settlement. Another option is to join the Puffin Bus to focus on puffin and seabird photography at Sumbrugh head. Each tour option will allow a few hours to explore Lerwick after. Enjoy free time exploring the Shetland Museum or taking a walk through the village.

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 and explore the Standing Stones of Stenness, the intriguing Ring of Brodgar, and the village of Skara Brae.

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.

Cruise overnight to Edinburgh’s Port of Leith, then disembark in the morning. Spend the day at leisure or enjoy one of the following optional activities: At the Edinburgh Gin Distillery, discover the city’s rich history of gin production and heritage while exploring a working distillery. Learn about the history of gin, taking in Edinburgh’s distilling past in an exhibition area. Experience up close how gin is made today using two working copper stills. During the Edinburgh Food Tour, walk the city’s narrow streets while sampling some of its most famous dishes including Haggis, Neeps and Tatties. Learn about Scottish whiskey and end the tour with a traditional afternoon tea and local Scottish cakes. On the Ghosts of Edinburgh Tour, indulge in Edinburgh’s fascination with the underworld. Famous for witch burning, grave robbing and mysterious murders, Edinburgh is full of narrow alleyways and gruesome graveyards with plenty of stories to tell.

Enjoy a walking tour of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, and visit the famous Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress dominating the skyline of the city from its position on Castle Rock. Explore the home of the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny and the National War Museum. Fee includes entrance to all attractions within Edinburgh Castle.

Enjoy a day trip to the Scottish Highlands. Explore the fascinating history of Stirling on a guided tour of Stirling Castle and the Old Town. Once the Scottish capital, this city at the edge of the Highlands was home to the Stewart Kings and Queens, who held court and other grand celebrations at Stirling Castle.

Continue to Wallace Monument and learn about the infamous battle of Bannockburn. Learn about Sir William Wallace and his legendary battle-sword at one of Scotland’s national landmarks, built to commemorate the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Opt to climb to the monument’s crown, where spectacular views of surrounding Loch Lomond, The Pentland Hills and The Firth of Forth await.

After lunch, enjoy some free time in Stirling and a tasting at the Deanston Distillery before returning to Edinburgh for the night.

Depart at any time.