This 15-day voyage is an unparalleled exploration from the northernmost reaches of Scandinavia to the remote outposts of Scotland’s Shetland and Orkney Islands. Cruise spectacular fjords along the fabled Norwegian coast, and enjoy an overnight in the former Hanseatic League city of Bergen. Visit Edinburgh, where medieval glory mingles with classic beauty, and experience the regal splendor of London.
Highlights
Explore Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s most magnificent natural treasures
Cruise the magnificent Inside Passage and admire its snow-capped mountains
Take in the medieval and neoclassical beauty of Scotland’s capital
Enjoy London with visits to the Buckingham Palace & St. Paul’s Cathedral
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arriving in Bergen, encircled by majestic mountains, fjords, and glaciers, you can understand how its setting inspired the Viking sagas. With your ship berthed next to Bryggen wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can easily stroll along its waterfront once you’ve settled in to your cabin. This evening mingle with the locals and dine ashore.
Take in more of Bergen’s Norwegian charms today. In the city’s Old Town, explore narrow cobblestone lanes and peer into shop windows. This Hanseatic haven is a walker’s delight. You might also spend time on the ship today, perhaps indulging in a treatment at The Spa or settling in with a good book in the Explorers’ Lounge.
Cruise into the tiny village of Geiranger via the Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords. If you like magnificent bird’s-eye views of this magical setting, join an included tour to Eagle’s Bend, perched 2,000 feet above the village. It’s a thrilling drive marked by 11 hairpin turns and incredible panoramas. You can learn about local natural history at the Norwegian Fjord Center, then return to the village and its octagonal church, a white wooden gem.
Take time to explore Molde today, a city that charms with its natural beauty. Known as the “City of Roses” for its well-tended flower gardens, Molde is surrounded by over 200 partially snowcapped mountains. You may choose to visit the fascinating open-air Romsdal Museum, which offers 40 examples of old Norwegian architecture, from log houses to a small chapel.
Today cruise the magnificent Inside Passage; its waters are glass smooth and there is spectacular scenery all around. The ship’s small size allows navigation of this pristine region of coastal Norway. You can also take advantage of onboard amenities: an enrichment lecture and Nordic-inspired treatments at The Spa. Tonight, cruise under the tranquil light of the midnight sun.
Enjoy the lovely setting of Tromsø’s historic center, spread over a scenic island. On an included tour, admire its blend of wooden structures and neoclassical buildings. Visit the stunning Arctic Cathedral with its striking triangular shape, the city’s most recognizable symbol. Then stroll the pathways of the world’s northernmost botanical garden, a rare collection of alpine and arctic plants. You might also tour the Polaria Museum and Husky Center to learn about arctic exploration and dogsledding.
Pay a rare visit to the remote port of Honningsvåg. From this tiny outpost town on the island of Magerøya, journey to the top of North Cape, or Nordkapp, on an included tour. This dramatic rocky plateau looks over the Barents Sea from a height of 1,000 feet. If you prefer, take an invigorating hike up the plateau with a guide. Alternately, you might visit a fishing village on the island.
Experience the distinctive beauty of the Lofoten Islands today, where the sculpting power of nature comes into sharp focus. Soaring, jagged peaks overlook sheltered bays in this remarkable archipelago of six main islands. Traditional rorbus, charming fishing cottages, seem to hover over the waters on stilts, and the streets of its capital, Svolvær, are stunning and scenic, a delight to explore.
As you cruise to your next port, spend the day savoring the amenities of your elegant ship. Indulge in Nordic-inspired treatments at The Spa or find your inner calm with some yoga on the Sports Deck. Tonight, dine on thoughtfully prepared cuisine that connects you to the flavors of Scandinavia and watch a movie beneath the stars at the Main Pool.
Admire the rugged beauty of one of Scotland’s remote island outposts today. Set out to explore the main island’s southern reaches on an included tour. After a panoramic drive through charming Lerwick, the Shetlands’ only burgh, stop at the limestone hamlet of Fladdabister, the crofting town of Aithsetter and a 2,000-year-old castle. Or, visit the remarkable archaeological site of Jarlshof instead, stunning evidence of a thriving Viking presence.
Today, immerse yourself in the rich history of the Orkney Islands, ruled by the Vikings from the 9th to 13th century. Explore recent history on an included Kirkwall walking tour of 17th- and 18th-century houses, the Bishop’s Palace, the French Renaissance Earl’s Palace, and St. Magnus Cathedral. Or, opt to explore “Scottish Pompeii,” a remarkable Neolithic site.
Today, take in the medieval and neoclassical beauty of Scotland’s capital, gracefully set among rocky hills and gracious green ribbons of park. On an included tour, browse the National Museum of Scotland and drive the Royal Mile, the famed avenue connecting the hilltop Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. You might elect to explore Edinburgh Castle more closely, including a visit to the Crown Jewels. Or, venture to medieval St. Andrews, birthplace of golf.
Enjoy another day on board as you cruise the North Sea. Attend an illuminating enrichment lecture on board. Take in the sea views from the Explorers’ Lounge. Tonight, dine at your choice of venues, perhaps pairing sommelier-selected wines with a carefully prepared tasting menu at The Chef’s Table.
Discover the celebrated Royal Borough of Greenwich—part of which, Maritime Greenwich, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. London is just a short drive away, so you can take in the regal city and all its splendor. See the Tower of London, Parliament, and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Or venture into the countryside to visit Windsor Castle, one of the royal residences. Alternately, step off the ship to tour Greenwich, its excellent National Maritime Museum, and the Royal Observatory from where the world’s clocks are set.
Day 15: London, England | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark your ship this morning as your journey comes to a close, or extend your stay in London.
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$12,998
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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
