Copenhagen to Edinburgh: A Viking Saga

Welcome to Denmark. Upon arrival at Copenhagen Airport, proceed to the arrivals hall to meet the representative for your transfer to the group hotel. At the hotel, please visit the hospitality desk in the lobby to meet the team, who will provide important details on pre-embarkation procedures and your stay in Copenhagen. You also receive cabin luggage tags, which should be clearly labeled with your name and cabin number.

This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome gathering with drinks and light snacks.

Accommodation: Copenhagen Hotel (or similar)

Note: To avoid missing the welcome reception, please ensure your flight arrives in Copenhagen no later than 2:00 pm.

Copenhagen is where Scandinavian tradition meets modern Nordic innovation. Home to three royal palaces and nearly a quarter of Denmark’s population, this laid-back capital balances centuries of regal heritage with a progressive, design-driven outlook. Consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities, it is admired for clean, people-focused design and its seamless blend of historic architecture with sustainable suburbs. The transformation of its harborfront best reflects this spirit—once industrial, now a vibrant public space with swimming zones, promenades, and a lively café culture. It’s a model of how the Danes design for both function and joy.

Your ‘Copenhagen by Design’ tour begins with a short drive past key landmarks and a stop at the Little Mermaid statue, followed by a guided visit to Amalienborg Palace, the official residence of the Danish royal family.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time at Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s colorful 17th-century marina lined with cafés and sailboats, or stroll Strøget, Europe’s first pedestrian shopping street, filled with boutiques, galleries, and performers. Whether sampling Danish cuisine at a waterfront restaurant or enjoying a bit of Scandinavian-style shopping, Copenhagen is the perfect place to relax.

In the late afternoon, board the Douglas Mawson and gather for a welcome dinner, meeting your onboard team as the journey ahead begins.

Welcome to Gothenburg, Sweden's vibrant west coast gem. Founded in 1621 by King Gustav II Adolf, this lively maritime city blends rich history with modern charm. Once a strategic hub for North Sea trade — and echoing with the legacy of Viking routes — Gothenburg today is a city of grand boulevards, bustling squares, and leafy canals. As you explore, you can find a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, where old-world architecture meets innovative culture and cuisine. Whether you're drawn to its history, harbor views, or Swedish fika culture, Gothenburg offers an unforgettable taste of Scandinavia at every turn.

Personalize your exploration with the included 'Your Choice' experiences.

Option 1 – Morning experience: A Tram ride with a Twist

Step back into Gothenburg's rich history as you board a specially chartered, fully restored heritage tram from Spårvägssällskapet Ringlinien. This nostalgic ride will take you through the city center and past some of Gothenburg's most beloved sights, including Liseberg, the iconic amusement park that has been thrilling visitors since 1923. You can also see the Scandinavium arena, home to the city's hockey team, the prestigious Chalmers University of Technology, and the charming district of Linnéstaden, known for its turn-of-the-century architecture.

The tram will bring you to Haga, one of Gothenburg's oldest neighborhoods. During your free time here, you can soak up the wonderfully laid-back atmosphere along Haga Nygata, a pedestrian street lined with antique shops, chocolatiers, and fashionable boutiques — a perfect place to experience the city's timeless charm. (Note: route may vary due to tram schedules on the tracks)

Option 2 – Morning experience: Getting to know Gothenburg

Winding through the heart of Gothenburg, this combination of driving and walking tour brings the city's layered past vividly to life. As you visit its historic streets, stories unfold—from Viking traders who once navigated the nearby rivers to the ambitions of King Gustav II Adolf, who founded the city in 1621 as a gateway to the west. From the heights near Masthugg Church, the harbor sprawls beneath you, a reminder of Gothenburg's long maritime tradition. Down in the old quarter, the timbered charm of the Haga district offers a glimpse into everyday life centuries ago. The rhythm of the city pulses through public squares where locals gather just as merchants once did. Along broad boulevards, culture and commerce meet, and landmarks like the Poseidon statue stand not just as monuments, but as symbols of a city shaped by water, trade, and Viking resilience.

Option 3 – Morning experience: Sweden's small-town spirit

It's time to escape the city and immerse yourself in the true spirit of Sweden's west coast, where fjords, islands, and fishing villages tell stories of a rich maritime heritage. As you travel north from Gothenburg, you cross impressive bridges spanning shimmering waters, where you can feel the connection between mainland and island life as you explore the lush landscapes of Tjörn and Orust. In the charming fishing village of Klädesholmen, herring fishing isn't just history — it's a living tradition that shaped the community and still influences life here today. A gentle walk reveals the village's intimate connection to the sea, before you continue to the relaxed, picturesque harbor of Skärhamn, where you can soak up the atmosphere of a real Swedish coastal town. This is an authentic journey into Sweden's coastal heart, far from the tourist trails.

Welcome to Kristiansand, a charming coastal city in southern Norway, where seaside beauty meets Scandinavian charm. Known for its white wooden houses, sheltered harbor, and vibrant cultural life, Kristiansand offers a perfect blend of history and nature. Founded in 1641 by King Christian IV, the city has long been a key maritime hub. Whether you're exploring its picturesque old town or cruising through the surrounding archipelago, Kristiansand captures the relaxed elegance of Norway's southern coast.

The 'Your Choice' experiences invite you to discover the treasures surrounding Kristiansand this morning, followed by a leisurely afternoon to explore the city on foot at your own pace. As you dock right at the city's doorstep, you can have ample time to wander Kristiansand's charming, walkable streets at your own pace and soak in its unique coastal atmosphere.

Option 1 – Morning experience: Sailing the island-dotted bay of Kristiansand

As you step aboard a smaller vessel and set off into the island-dotted waters around Kristiansand, the landscape begins to tell its own quiet story. For the next two hours, you weave through a maze of narrow straits and sheltered inlets, where life seems to unfold at the gentle rhythm of the sea. Along the way, you can see how closely people live with the water here, with bright-white houses perched right at the water's edge, as if they've grown from the rock itself, their docks and boats an everyday part of life.

The narrow passages of Stokksundet and Skippergada offer an intimate look at this unique coastal way of living. As you glide past, laundry flutters in the sea breeze, kayaks rest lazily on private jetties, and families gather on sun-drenched porches just feet from the tide. Out toward the lighthouses at Grønningen and Oksøy, the landscape opens to a wilder stretch of sea, where the sky feels larger and the air saltier. This is Norway in its purest form, simple, beautiful, and entirely at ease with the elements.

Option 2 – Morning experience: The storybook town of Lillesand

Enjoy a scenic drive through the stunning coastal landscapes of southern Norway on this panoramic exploration of Kristiansand and the storybook town of Lillesand. Your journey begins with a drive past some of Kristiansand's most notable sights, including the round stone walls of Christianholm Fortress and the charming Posebyen district, with its narrow lanes and white wooden houses. The route winds through graceful residential neighborhoods and along the coastline, where views of the Skagerrak strait reveal rocky islets, quiet coves, and seabirds in flight — offering a sense of the region's deep maritime heritage. As you head inland, the scenery shifts to shimmering lakes, fertile valleys, and rugged tunnels carved through mountains. Upon arriving in Lillesand, you can have free time to explore this picture-perfect town at your leisure, browse its quaint shops, enjoy a coffee by the harbor, or wander its peaceful streets before returning to Kristiansand.

Arriving in the city of Sandnes,  head to one of southern Norway's breathtaking fjords. You're in for a treat today as you join a smaller vessel affording close encounters with Lysefjord's towering cliffs, whispering waterfalls, and rocky beaches on an intimate cruise through one of Norway's most iconic and geologically striking fjords.

This isn't just a scenic journey; it's one layered with history. As you make your way through these emerald-green waters, you are following routes once travelled by Viking longships. This is real Viking Saga country. The surrounding region was home to early Norse settlements, with traces of ancient farms still found near the mouth of the fjord.

It's easy to imagine those early seafarers navigating between these same cliffs, navigating the dramatic landscape as a map.

As you cruise deeper into the fjord, the cliffs rise steeply on either side, creating a narrow, almost cathedral-like passage. Then, without warning, Pulpit Rock comes into view. This iconic ledge soars nearly 610 meters (2,000 feet) above the water. Along the way, you might spot sea lions basking on rocks or mountain goats picking their way down the slopes, hoping for a treat from passing boats. On your return journey, pause at Helleren Beach for coffee and freshly made Norwegian waffles—a true Norwegian treat, before returning to Stavanger and transferring to Sandnes for lunch onboard the Douglas Mawson. Sail mid-afternoon through Norway's southern fjord system towards the spectacular Hardangerfjord.

Surrounded by soaring cliffs, emerald forests, and waterfalls tumbling from mountain heights, Hardangerfjord offers a front-row seat to one of Norway's most breathtaking natural wonders. Stretching over 177 kilometers (110 miles) from the North Sea into the heart of the country, Norway's second-longest fjord has long captivated visitors with its dramatic beauty and rich cultural landscape. Primarily carved by glaciers during the last ice age, Hardangerfjord is a U-shaped valley flooded by the sea upon the glaciers' retreat. As Douglas Mawson sails slowly into this fjord system, the scenery becomes more striking with every hour. Sheer rock walls rise straight from the water, and quiet hamlets appear nestled in impossibly scenic settings. During the sailing, your master storyteller entertains you with local fables, long-held legends, and fascinating facts about the region.

Early evening, depart southern Norway's fjords and head towards the sea as you travel to Norway's most stunning city – Bergen.

Nestled between seven dramatic mountains and the deep blue waters of Norway's west coast, Bergen is a city of stunning natural beauty. Founded over 900 years ago by Vikings, it quickly grew into a vital trading hub thanks to its strategic location along important sea routes. Bergen's heritage was later shaped by the Hanseatic League, a powerful trading network that dominated Northern Europe from the 14th to the 16th centuries. The city's historic wharf, Bryggen, with its colorful wooden buildings, stands as a living reminder of this prosperous era. Today, Bergen beautifully blends its Viking roots and Hanseatic past with vibrant culture and breathtaking fjord landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for enthusiasts of the Viking Saga.

The 'Your Choice' experiences let you explore Bergen from three unique perspectives, at street level, from the surrounding mountains, and high above the city, so you can choose the view that inspires you most. This afternoon, you can have plenty of free time to wander Bergen's charming streets and soak up its vibrant atmosphere at your own pace. Later, set sail westward, following in the footsteps of the Vikings as you journey toward the rugged beauty of the Shetland Islands.

Personalize your exploration with the included 'Your Choice' experiences.

Option 1 – Morning experience: Bergen & Fløyen Panorama Tour

Board your coach for a scenic drive through Sandviken and Eidsvåg. These two charming neighborhoods reveal the quieter, more traditional side of city life, where Bergen's seafaring roots still run deep, before hopping aboard the Fløibanen funicular, one of Bergen's most iconic attractions and a cherished symbol of the city. Open since 1918, it whisks you up the steep slope of Mount Fløyen, offering ever-expanding views of the city and surrounding fjords. At the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama that captures the true beauty of Bergen. (Note: sequence may vary)

Option 2 – Morning experience: Bryggen Harbor

This morning, met your local guide for a stroll through Bryggen, the city's historic harbor and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once the heart of Bergen's role in the Hanseatic trading empire, Bryggen's narrow alleys and timber buildings tell a story that goes back to the 14th century. Though fires, most recently in 1955, have damaged the area over time, 62 wooden structures still stand, lovingly rebuilt using traditional methods. As you wander through Bryggen, you can find artisan shops, cosy cafés, and museums tucked into centuries-old buildings. This photogenic corner of Bergen captures the essence of what you imagine a quintessential Norwegian town to be. Charming, orderly, and steeped in character. Its colorful wooden houses, cobbled lanes, and scenic waterfront reflect the timeless beauty and quiet pride of Norway's coastal heritage.

Option 3 – Morning experience: Bergen from above

Take in the ultimate view of Bergen as you ride the cable car up and down Mount Ulriken, the tallest of the seven mountains encircling the city. Rising to 643 meters (2,110 feet), Ulriken offers an unmatched vantage point over Bergen and the surrounding fjords. The mountain takes its name from the Old Norse word "Ulrikr," possibly meaning 'the towering one', reflecting its dominant presence on the skyline.

At the summit, breathtaking views await, stretching across the city, sea, and rugged landscape. After descending, your journey continues with a visit to a faithful reconstruction of the Fantoft Stave Church, originally built in 1170. This medieval wooden church was destroyed by arson in 1992, and rebuilding it was a significant challenge. Stave churches, with their steep roofs and intricate wooden design, were originally constructed in the Middle Ages using advanced techniques that are now mostly forgotten. Instead of nails, they were assembled with wooden dowels and supported by tall vertical posts known as staves. The replica was built using traditional methods and wood from 400-year-old pine trees, all sourced and crafted on-site, making it remarkably true to the original.

As you sail onward along the old Norse Sea routes, follow the path of the Vikings, who braved these waters for centuries. Life aboard may be more comfortable now, but it's easy to imagine the harsh conditions they endured. Open decks, freezing winds, and uncertain seas challenging them on every wave. Your host will bring this history vividly to life with engaging presentations on the Viking Sagas and the legendary strongholds still to come.

From the Shetlands to the Orkneys and onward to mainland Scotland, trace the very waters they once travelled, discovering the lasting imprint of their bold, sea-faring spirit.

Many might wonder why people choose to live on remote islands in cold, windswept places, but one look at the raw beauty of the Shetlands, with their dramatic sea cliffs, hidden beaches, and rolling moorlands, makes it clear. There's something deeply compelling about life here, something that makes the harshness feel not only worthwhile but almost addictive. The sea is a constant presence, shaping the landscape and the lives of those who call these islands home.

The 'Your Choice' experiences offer an insight into the Shetland way of life this morning, before there's time to explore Lerwick at your own pace, before you sail to the Shetland's neighboring islands, the Orkneys, late afternoon.

Personalize your exploration with the included 'Your Choice' experiences.

Option 1 – Morning experience: Scenic Shetlands

This panoramic drive offers a glimpse into the Shetlands' unique way of life. You can pass towering sea cliffs coveted by seabirds, heather-covered hills, and secluded farms where the distinctive black and brown Shetland sheep graze in fields bordered by neat stone walls. From here, continue to the former capital, Scalloway, where you visit the Scalloway Museum, which offers a snapshot of Shetland's lifestyle throughout the ages and a section devoted to the secret WWII operation called 'The Shetland Bus', which operated into the harbor of Scalloway from occupied Norway. Nearby, the imposing ruins of Scalloway Castle stand watch over a bustling fishing port. Built in 1600 by the notorious Patrick Stewart, Earl of Orkney and Shetland, the castle stands as a stark reminder of his brutal and oppressive rule. Abandoned after his downfall, it now offers a hauntingly photogenic glimpse into Shetland's turbulent past. The drive concludes across the peaceful Tingwall Valley, a stretch of uninterrupted farmland dotted with lochs, streams, and the occasional stone church, a fitting end to a journey through a place that is as tough as it is beautiful.

Option 2 – Morning experience: A Crofter's Life

Traveling south from Lerwick through Shetland's open landscapes, encounter rolling moorland and scattered farms, heading toward the fertile district of Dunrossness. Along the way, keep an eye out for Shetland ponies grazing in the fields. Small, sturdy, and iconic, they've long been a part of life on the islands.

Your destination is the Croft House Museum, a well-preserved 19th-century thatched croft that offers a glimpse into Shetland's past. Crofting, a traditional way of life centered on small-scale farming, has shaped Shetland's identity for generations. Though the methods have evolved, crofting remains an integral part of the islands' culture and economy. Your knowledgeable custodians will share stories of daily life in a crofthouse, from raising livestock and growing food to the resilience needed to thrive in such a remote and windswept place. Set in a peaceful coastal location, the house has been carefully restored to reflect what life would have been like here in the 1870s. Step inside to the warmth of a peat fire, see traditional box beds, and even try setting a classic Shetland mouse trap. The croft also features a well-tended garden, typical of those used to grow vegetables and herbs to support the household.

After time to explore, return to Lerwick, passing through the beautiful southern countryside that continues to support this enduring way of life.

Arrive at the Orkney Islands, a rugged archipelago of around 70 islands, 20 of which are inhabited by a close-knit population of around 22,000. Though most Orcadians proudly trace their heritage back to the Vikings, they have consistently voted to remain part of the United Kingdom. This small but strategic group of islands has played an outsized role in world history, from ancient neolithic settlements that predate the Egyptian pyramids to pivotal naval events during both World Wars. Orkney's rich heritage and resilient community continue to shape Scotland's story today.

The capital, Kirkwall, welcomes you today with two iconic 'Your Choice' experiences to enjoy this morning, followed by some free time to explore its charming streets, shops, or historic sites at your leisure. In the mid-afternoon, set sail southward toward the Scottish Isle of Lewis.

Personalize your exploration with the included 'Your Choice' experiences.

Option 1 – Morning experience: Scapa Flow at War

As you journey through Orkney's rugged landscape, uncover the hidden story of Scapa Flow, a vast natural harbor that became the strategic heart of the British naval fleet during both World Wars. This remote stretch of water off Scotland's northern coast was a fortress of naval power, where thousands of sailors were based and crucial battles were planned. In particular, the island group's most dramatic chapter unfolded after World War I, when 74 German warships were held captive here, waiting for their fate under the Treaty of Versailles. In 1919, unaware of a last-minute treaty extension, German Rear Admiral Ludwig von Reuter ordered the entire fleet scuttled to avoid capture, after secretly preparing for this act during months of internment.

Your tour winds along the southern coast, crossing the iconic Churchill Barriers, which allow you to reach the south island of Lamb Holm, home of the poignant Italian Chapel, hand-crafted by WWII prisoners of war. Then visit the tranquil village of St. Margaret's Hope on South Ronaldsay, where charming stone cottages and local craft shops tell stories of a community shaped by resilience and history, before returning to Kirkwall.

Option 2 – Morning experience: The ancient lands of the Orkneys

Venture into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed heartland of Orkney, where layers of history — Neolithic, Norse, and medieval — are scattered across a hauntingly beautiful landscape like chess pieces discarded during a forgotten game. From Kirkwall, journey across the Mainland Island into the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney, home to ancient stone circles and remarkably preserved settlements.

Pass the dramatic Standing Stones of Stenness before stopping to admire the vast Ring of Brodgar, a ceremonial stone circle dating back nearly 5,000 years. Continue to Skara Brae, a remarkably preserved Neolithic village exposed by a storm just 150 years ago. At the visitor center, explore its fascinating history before walking 200 meters to Skaill House, Orkney's finest manor. Built in 1620 by Bishop George Graham on a Norse-era farmstead, the house has remained in the hands of twelve interconnected Lairds, each leaving their mark. Inside, discover an impressive collection of heirlooms and artifacts that speak to 400 years of local heritage. This tour offers a seamless blend of Orkney's ancient and more recent past — each site visited by coach, with time to explore at your own pace.

Disembarking at the North Sea' oil town' of Aberdeen, drive south for a 'right royal visit', when your journey from Aberdeen to Edinburgh offers a rewarding detour to Scone Palace. Centuries of Scottish history, and a touch of Viking drama, come vividly to life on your self-guided tour. Set along the River Tay, Scone was once a strategic and symbolic site. In 904, a fierce battle took place nearby between King Constantine II of Scotland and Viking invaders who had sailed inland along the river.

But Scone's legacy is always connected to the story of Scotland. After the fall of the Picts in 839, Kenneth MacAlpin brought the legendary Stone of Destiny here to crown himself the first King of Scots. From that point on, Scone became the ceremonial heart of the kingdom, with 42 Scottish kings crowned atop the sacred Moot Hill.

Today, explore the palace, taking in its elegant interiors and soaking up the atmosphere of a place once central to Scotland's royal story. There's time to linger in the impressive gardens, or enjoy a scone in the Scone Tea Rooms, where history comes with a side of jam and cream.

Continuing south, have a brief stop in the historic city of Perth, which sits on the banks of the River Tay, before arriving in Edinburgh mid-afternoon. Your evening is at leisure to soak up some of Scotland's capital city's Gaelic atmosphere.

Accommodation: Edinburgh Hotel (or similar)

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is more than just a city of castles and royal connections; it's a place where the stories of saints and heroes who saved Scotland echo through its ancient streets. Perched dramatically on volcanic hills and dominated by the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the city has been a strategic stronghold for centuries. Renowned for its connections to Scottish heroes like Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots, who took up residence at Holyrood Palace as a widow at 18 years of age, and St Giles, the patron saint of Edinburgh, the city holds secrets, including hidden underground tunnels beneath the Royal Mile, and tales of ghostly apparitions that haunt the ancient closes and wynds.

Beyond its imposing fortifications, Edinburgh was a center of political intrigue, and a gathering place where clan leaders negotiated, celebrated, and sometimes clashed, leading to dangerous liaisons and hidden nooks and crannies scattered throughout the city. Today, visitors are encouraged to explore Edinburgh's royal residences, museums, and galleries to uncover these stories and witness firsthand the secrets that have shaped its unique identity. Edinburgh stands as a living testament to Scotland's resilience and spirit, where the legacies of saints and national heroes merge with the city's enduring royal heritage in a puzzle of history and legend.

Your experiences this morning showcase a myriad of classic sites, with a free afternoon to enjoy the city independently, before you gather this evening for a Farewell reception.

Personalize your exploration with the included 'Your Choice' experiences.

Option 1 – Morning experience: Introducing Edinburgh

Scotland's capital invites you to hear stories of its iconic inhabitants, past and present, on this locally guided driving tour. As you travel through the city's historic heart and elegant Georgian avenues, tales unfold of kings and queens in their royal residences, religious upheaval at ancient cathedrals, and fierce rebellions echoing from the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle. The route takes you around Arthur's Seat and the Crags, where you pause to take in sweeping views of the city's dramatic skyline. Throughout the journey, your guide brings Edinburgh's rich past to life with engaging stories of monarchs, poets, rebels, and reformers. Whether you're drawn to the architecture, the legends, or the landscape, this morning tour offers a vivid and memorable introduction to the city. Pair it with an afternoon to explore at your own pace, and you have the perfect day in Edinburgh.

Option 2 – Morning experience: The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle

Scotland's most famous mile awaits you this morning, promising a fascinating journey as your guide shares quirky tales and local gems. Immerse yourself in the rich Scottish history woven into the medieval labyrinth of cobblestone alleyways and tenements. Along the Royal Mile, discover the captivating St. Giles' Cathedral, the historical Parliament Square, and the storied John Knox House. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is brimming with secrets and unforgettable stories, offering an experience you won't want to miss.

At the pinnacle of the Royal Mile, follow in the footsteps of kings, queens, soldiers, and prisoners as you explore the historical Edinburgh Castle. This former royal residence is brimming with fascinating stories from its past. Perched high on a volcanic rock, the castle had a strategic advantage over invaders and had witnessed many sieges, often switching hands between Britain and Scotland. An iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh Castle holds many historical treasures, including the Honors of Scotland – the oldest Crown jewels in Britain. Created during the reigns of James IV and James V, these jewels were first used together for the coronation of Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1543. During World War II, the Crown of Scotland was cleverly hidden in a medieval latrine closet in David's Tower! Your audio tour of the castle is stacked with fascinating facts about this stoic fortress, making it both factual and enjoyable.

Option 3 – Morning experience: Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia

A Royal residence for over 40 years, the HMY Britannia enchants you with an audio tour of her decks, apartments, bridge, and engine room. Launched on 16 April 1953 from the John Brown & Company shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland, the Royal Yacht HMY Britannia served the royal family for over 44 years. It sailed more than a million nautical miles, becoming one of the world's most famous ships. To Queen Elizabeth II, HMY Britannia was the ideal royal residence for state visits, official receptions, royal honeymoons, and family holidays. For Great Britain, it was a symbol of the Commonwealth and a proud ambassador, generating billions in trade deals. For the royal family and its 220 dedicated crew members, HMY Britannia was a cherished home. When she was decommissioned in 1997, it marked the end of a long tradition of British royal yachts dating back to 1660 and the reign of Charles II.

Accommodation: Edinburgh Hotel (or similar)

After breakfast, bid farewell to Scotland and make your way to Edinburgh airport, sharing the journey with your fellow travelers.