On a voyage aboard the new National Geographic Endurance, sail across the North Sea in the wake of legendary explorers and seafarers, traveling from Norway’s breathtaking fjords and snow-dusted mountains to Scotland’s rolling green hills and ancient ruins. Glide beneath the dramatic cliffs of the second largest fjord in Norway, explore the rich traditions and evocative seascapes of the Shetland Islands, and travel back in time amid the Stone Age sites of the Orkney Islands. With our knowledgeable expedition team, encounter an interwoven tapestry of histories and cultures as we explore on foot, by kayak, and by Zodiac.
Highlights
Visit the nature reserve in Shetland Islands where you can find thousand of seabirds
Stroll amid the white wooden houses of the Dutch Quarter
Board the Zodiacs to explore the sublime Hardangerfjorden
Explore the fascinating Stone Age sites in Orkney Islands
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Depart on an overnight flight to the coastal city of Bergen, the gateway to the fjords. Discover the city’s maritime history on a tour of Bryggen—the colorful old wharf and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, embark the ship.
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. Then venture ashore to hike or bike against a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains, emerald valleys, and fruit orchards.
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 by Zodiac or kayak, gliding along shores dotted with quaint, red-roofed buildings. Or venture to the town of Flekkefjord, located at the head of a vast fjord. Stroll amid the white wooden houses of the Dutch Quarter, a trading hub during the 16th and 17th centuries. Then visit the local museum which dates from around 1720 and houses a variety of exhibitions featuring traditional Norwegian interiors and textiles.
Day 4: Shetland Islands, Scotland | Isle Of Noss | Lerwick
Your voyage takes you across the North Sea to the Shetland Islands, where Norse and Gaelic culture intermingle in fascinating ways. Cruise below the towering cliffs of Noss, a nature reserve which harbors thousands of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes. Later, 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.
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
The Vikings held a strategic foothold in the Orkney Islands for centuries, and their Norse heritage is still evident. 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. Visit the medieval St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, which was founded in 1137 by the Viking Earl Rognvald.
Day 8: Disembark |Edinburgh
1 Breakfast
Disembark in Edinburgh and tour the city before transferring to the airport for your flight home.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Category 1
Located on the Fore Deck. 183 square ft room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 2
Located on the Fore Deck. 205 square ft. room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers.
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Category 3
Located on the Main Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 4
Located on the Lounge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 5
Located on the Bridge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 6
Located on the Bridge Deck. 344 square ft suite with large balcony, sofa bed, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 7
Located on the Bridge Deck. 430 square ft. suite with large balcony, sofa bed, bathtub, walk-in closet, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category A Solo
Located on the Main Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category B Solo
Located on the Lounge Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
Services of the expert expedition team and guest speakers
Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at guests’ discretion)
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Additional Hotel Nights
Private Transfers
Expedition Extensions
Laundry
Air transportation (except when indicated in the itinerary, as included)
Passport, visa, and immigration fees
Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
Items of personal nature
Phone and Internet Service
Gratuity for ship’s crew, at guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 141 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 141 reviews on
2 hours ago
Erin made things easier than I thought possible. So good at answering questions in a timely manner and explaining all. I feel she looks out for me.
Fran Folkman
2 hours ago
Very personable and knowledgeable! Able to answer questions and provide advice based on personal experiences.
Robert Thompson
3 hours ago
Erin is a seasoned travel planner and is very personable. She is a good listener and uses our questions and concerns to make the trip just as we want it. She is very good at moving the booking process along and meticulous with the details.
This is why we came back to have her plan this trip for us.
Lynn Oveson
19 hours ago
Erin C. was incredibly helpful and thorough. I had answers immediately or within the same day.
Marilyn Snook
1 day ago
Great follow through and help in what needed to be done to have a safe successful trip !