Embark on a 14-day cruise aboard the SH Diana that traces the path of the legendary Vikings. Begin in Tromso, an Arctic city in Norway, passing through the mythical Trollfjorden and experiencing the charm of Leknes in the Lofoten Islands. Enjoy the coastal beauty of Bronnoysund and Molde before the cruise continues across the North Sea from Geiranger's majestic fjords to reach the United Kingdom. Explore Kirkwall's ancient heritage, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Aberdeen and Edinburgh in Scotland, and discover the historical charm of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Highlights
Explore Tromso, the Arctic gateway, and experience the soft glow of the midnight sun
Discover the unbelievable Trollfjorden with its near-vertical mountainous sides and white-tailed eagles soaring overhead
Experience the otherworldly beauty of Leknes, the main town in the Lofoten Islands
Marvel at the granite dome of Torghatten in Bronnoysund and walk through the famous hole in the mountain
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
In the morning, join the group transfer to the port and set sail on the SH Diana for your exciting adventure.
The Arctic Gateway, Tromso, at 69 degrees north, is renowned for the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter. The Arctic Cathedral, with stained-glass windows, hosts midnight concerts. The Fjellheisen cable car offers panoramic views from Mount Storsteinen, while the historic center features old wooden houses. The Polar Museum chronicles early polar explorations, and the thriving Alpine Botanic Garden adds to Tromso's charm.
Trollfjorden is unbelievable—a 100-m-wide entrance to a narrow fjord with near-vertical mountainous sides up to 1,100 m high. The passage slices through Austvagoya, on the edge of the Lofoten Islands, and there’s no way in other than by boat or a dizzying hike. Appreciate the silence while you cruise gently onward as white-tailed eagles soar overhead and marvel as the ship slowly spins around to leave.
Explore the Lofoten Islands, an archipelago just above the Arctic Circle. Leknes, the islands’ main town, on Vestvagoya, sits on the bay-like Buksnesfjorden. The scenery is otherworldly: little red-painted houses against a backdrop of craggy, mountainous isles. In the height of summer, the white sand beaches look almost like the South Seas, and this is the Land of the Midnight Sun for almost two months each year. Tours take in the mountainous interior, and there are also whale-watching excursions.
Included Excursion
ANORAMIC LOFOTEN
Enjoy remarkable views of Leknes, your ship and distant mountains from Einangen
Take a coastal route along the Storfjorden, passing isolated homes and sheltered inlets
Admire your surroundings as waves from the Norwegian Sea lap against the shore
LOFOTEN VIKING EXPERIENCE
Travel 1000 years back in time an experience the Viking age by visiting the Lofotr Viking Museum
See the world's longest reconstructed longhouse and discover how people used to live in the Viking Age
Admire the magnificient Northern Norwegian Nature around and take pictures of the different livestock that existed during the Viking Age
A pretty town on a narrow peninsula amid a world of islands halfway up the Norwegian coast nearby, Torghatten, a granite dome of a mountain on the isle of Torget, is famed for the hole through the middle, which you can walk right through. Boat trips head to the Vega Archipelago UNESCO site, with shallow waters, fishing docks, and nesting spots for down-rich eider ducks. The Norwegian Aquaculture Centre gives guests a taste of salmon farming with aquariums, underwater cameras, and a restaurant.
Included Excursion
SHUTTLE BUS TO THE NORWEGIAN AQUACULTURE CENTRE
Witness the sustainable practices and innovative systems that contribute to Norway's renowned salmon industry
Enjoy an interesting on-site tour that covers every aspect of aquaculture, from hatcheries to fish pens, offering a comprehensive understanding of the industry's processes
Explore an interesting exhibition with aquariums and geology from the area
As Romdalsfjord nears the open sea, it’s a very different place—bigger and even more placid, yet still wild. From the town of Molde, it’s reckoned that you can see 222 peaks. From here, the Atlantic Road darts across bridges and islands on its extraordinary journey, and a replica Viking ship departs for Haholmen Island, an 18th-century fishing port. Another boat takes you into the spine-tingling caves of Bergtatt, where marble has been mined for a significant number of years.
Included Excursion
ATLANTIC OCEAN ROAD AND VARDEN VIEWPOINT
Enjoy a panoramic tour that will bring you to the great Atlantic Ocean Road—a series of bridges and causeways zigzagging from island to island, right out to where the mainland ends and the great ocean begins
Stop at the Varden viewpoint for a wonderful view over the Romsdalfjord and its many islands
Visit Bud, a charming fishing village facing the open ocean
Geirangerfjord is a truly magnificent fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its staggering mix of snow-capped peaks and clear blue waters, lush greenery, and the magnificent Seven Sisters waterfalls. See the falls from a tiny boat, or take a bus along hair-raising roads to the 1,500-meter Mount Dalsnibba Skywalk viewpoint and learn about your surroundings at the Norwegian Fjord Center. The village of Geiranger, at the head of the fjord, is well over 100 kilometers from the sea.
Included Excursion
MOUNT DALSNIBBA & NORWEGIAN FJORD CENTRE
Visit the Flydal viewpoint for pictures of the classical Geiranger motif of the fjord
Enjoy the remarkable views as your coach pulls you up the winding mountain roads
Visit the interesting Geiranger Fjord Centre and learn about the challenges locals had to face in this isolated area
Nearer Norway than the Scottish mainland, the solid, stone-built town of Lerwick is the capital and only town of the Shetland Islands, a subarctic Scottish archipelago with Viking roots. The port has a Dutch flair with 17th-century Fort Charlotte. In the island's south, Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement reveals an exceptional archaeological site spanning 5,000 years of history. Around 1,500 tiny Shetland ponies roam freely on the islands.
Included Excursion
ARLSHOF AND SUMBURGH HEAD BIRD CLIFFS
Your friendly guide will point out St Ninian's Isle where the famous Pictish silver horde was discovered in 1958
Spend time at the RSPB Reserve at Sumburgh Head where you’ll find Shetland's first lighthouse built in 1821 by Robert Stevenson
Get a close look at the local seabirds including puffins, guillemots, shags, fulmars and offshore gannets
Ships dock in Leith, Edinburgh’s port, a mix of old and new with waterfront restaurants and pubs and the Royal Yacht Britannia. In Edinburgh's Royal Mile, attractions run from the King’s official residence in Scotland, Palace of Holyroodhouse, to Edinburgh Castle, sitting on Castle Rock, a volcanic hill. Nearby is the Scottish Parliament building, while the National Museum of Scotland, presents a detailed history of the country.
Included Excursion
PANORAMIC EDINBURGH & CALTON HILL
Enjoy an excellent panorama tour of this scenic and historic Capital City
Pass by iconic landmarks like the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse
Discover spectacular views of the city from Calton Hill
Known as the "Granite City" for its grey buildings, Aberdeen is a compact Scottish city awash with cobbled streets and strong North Sea ties. Aberdeen also has a long golden beach and harbour where dolphins sometimes play. It offers access to Scotland's castle and whisky trails, including nearby distilleries like Glenfiddich and Glen Grant, as well as Aberdeenshire's dramatic Dunnottar Castle and numerous other castles.
Included Excursion
ABERDEEN HIGHLIGHTS
Stroll through Duthie Park, Scotland's third most visited gardens and explore the David Welch Winter Gardens which is one of the largest indoor gardens in Europe
Discover St Machar's Cathedral which is part of the Church of Scotland and dates back to 12th century, featuring a mesmerising and unique heraldic ceiling and fortified west front
Marvel at the beautiful architecture of the Kings College Chapel which is at the heart of Kings College University Campus. Visit a mostly stone fishing village near the harbor that dates to medieval times.
Newcastle upon Tyne in northeast England sits on the River Tyne's north bank, spanned by the magnificent Tyne Bridge. Gothic Newcastle Cathedral overlooks the city. Below the streets, The Victoria Tunnel is a remarkable feat of Victorian engineering, used for coal transport and air raid shelters. Beyond the city, Hadrian's Wall, the largest archaeological feature in Britain at 73 miles (117.5 km), guarded the Roman Empire's northern frontier.
Included Excursion
ICONIC NEWCASTLE & THE ANGEL OF THE NORTH
This half-day tour of Newcastle will show you how much the city has to offer in terms of culture and historic places of interest, taking you to some of the sites that give Newcastle its unique appeal
Visit the Cathedral Church of St Nicholas, a magnificent building dating from the 13th and 14th centuries housing a superb collection of ancient treasures
Stop at Gateshead Quays and see the resident colony of Kittiwakes. This unique wildlife spectacle of around 1700 pairs of breeding Kittiwakes have established their habitat in the buildings along the quayside since the 1960s and are considered part of the local and natural heritage
Scheveningen, a lively district in The Hague, Netherlands, exudes urban-seaside vibes with 11 km of North Sea beaches and the De Pier amusement park, including a Ferris wheel. The Hague is renowned for the Gothic-style Binnenhof complex, the seat of the Dutch parliament, and the King's working palace, Noordeinde Palace, surrounded by charming boutiques and galleries. It also hosts the U.N.'s International Court of Justice.
Day 14: Amsterdam | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Amsterdam is a gorgeous Dutch city where a boat cruise along the canals reaches the heart of things. Yet, the magic also unfolds while strolling through narrow streets and crossing hundreds of bridges. It houses a treasure trove of fabulous art museums, including the Rijksmuseum, adorned with Dutch Masters, conveniently located near the Van Gogh Museum. To the south, picturesque stretches of countryside with windmills line the canals.
On this day, make your farewell to your fellow travelers and crew. Head to the airport via the group transfer provided and catch your flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$12,9652-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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Oceanview D4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Oceanview M4
Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
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Balcony D5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
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Balcony M5
Located on decks 5, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
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Balcony D6
Located on decks 6, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or a double bed, distinct bedroom and living room areas, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6 sq. m balcony.
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Junior Suite
SH Diana’s Junior Suites features a Super King Size bed, separate living room area with homely flame-effect fireplace, private kitchen, luxurious en-suite bathroom and a 7 sq. m private balcony.
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Suite
Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.
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Premium Suite
SH Diana’s Premium Suites feature a Super King Size bed, separate living room with homely flame-effect fireplace, luxurious en-suite bathroom, spacious walk-in wardrobe and a 12 sq. m private balcony.
Initial deposit is 20% (30% for Suite bookings), and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
13 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
13 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Room Service
Wifi
Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day
Lecture programs by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation where applicable)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or onboard
One selected shore excursion/expedition activities per port of call (Kayak not included, bookable for a fee on board)
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
We recommend every traveler to take out a travel cancellation insurance, travel interruption insurance and a travel health insurance policy with an assumption of the return transport costs of repatriation
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
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Aug
Sep
Oct
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Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days 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
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
