Sail through the heart of fjord country and experience the unforgettable beauty of western Norway’s stark cliffs and the windswept isles of Scotland on this 8-day voyage. Kayak below emerald mountains in the dramatic Sognefjorden, and step ashore at Undredal to explore its 12th-century stave church. Cross the North Sea to encounter rich marine life, as well as the fascinating intermingling of Nordic and Celtic cultures. Visit a Shetland pony farm, a Fair Isle seabird research station, the marvelous Stone Age megaliths of the Orkneys, and the sacred Christian sites of Iona. Perhaps dive the historic wrecks of Sapa Flow or hike to the lighthouse on Sumburgh Head, and discover the unique heritage of the Inner Hebrides archipelago on your way to beautiful Dublin.
Highlights
Kayak the mirror-like waters of Norway’s Sognefjorden
See Viking longhouses, Stone Age megaliths, and Iron Age fortifications
Get up close to spectacular wildlife—Shetland Ponies, puffins, and more!
Hike to the lighthouse at Sumburgh Head and explore the gardens at Loch Ewe
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Bergen, perched on a fjord and ringed by seven hills. After an overview of this beautiful city, embark National Geographic Orion in time for lunch and set sail into the heart of Norway's fjord country.
Norway's glacier-carved western coast boasts some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. Cruise deep into the sublime Sognefjorden, the third longest in the world, and launch kayaks and Zodiacs to explore its mirror-like waterways. In the picturesque village of Undredal, take a hike up the mountain for an amazing fjord view, see the town's 12th-century stave church, and sample its famous brown goat cheese, Brunost.
Day 3: Isle of Noss and Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland
Sail across the North Sea and glide past the cliffs of Noss to view nesting seabirds before arriving in Scotland's Shetland Islands, a rugged archipelago of about 100 islands and islets. Explore Lerwick, a town where Norse and Gaelic cultures intermingle, and see the countryside dotted with Shetland ponies. Then examine Bronze Age ruins and Viking longhouses at the extraordinary prehistoric settlements of Jarlshof and nearby Old Scatness—UNESCO candidates which are part of "The Crucible of Iron Age Shetland." Later, take in a cacophony of puffins, guillemots, and razorbills as you walk to the lighthouse at Sumburgh Head. Learn Shetland dancing, or watch your fellow guests learn! A local dance troupe performs for you in Lerwick.
Zodiac in to the uninhabited isle of Mousa, a UNESCO World Heritage candidate and the third element in "The Crucible of Iron Age Shetland." Hike to an Iron Age broch, or stone tower, built circa 100 BC, looking for storm petrels along the way. The next landing is tiny and remote Fair Isle, situated between the Shetland and Orkney Islands. Visit the island's bird research station, and spot some of the roughly 250 species of flowering plants that grow here. Browse local handicrafts including intricately patterned Fair Isle knitwear, which is renowned worldwide.
The Vikings held a strategic foothold in the Orkney Islands for hundreds of years, and their Norse heritage is apparent in local legends and traditions that endure today. Explore a treasure trove of Stone Age sites, including the megaliths of the Ring of Brodgar and the 5,000-year-old stone-slab village of Skara Brae. Step inside the medieval St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, which took nearly 300 years to complete. This evening a musical event features Julie Fowlis, whose Gaelic voice is recognizable from the soundtrack of Disney Pixar's "Brave." For experienced scuba divers, join a fantastic dive in Scapa Flow (an added cost).
Along the wild, western coast of Scotland lies the Isle of Lewis, steeped in history and legend. Visit to marvel at the massive neolithic Standing Stones of Callanish, which rival Stonehenge in the majesty of their setting. "There’s a saying in these isles that if you scratch the surface, it bleeds archaeology."
Sail through the Sea of the Hebrides to the isle of Iona, the site of Scotland's first Christian settlement. Venture into an ancient nunnery and a 13th-century abbey. Explore St. Oran's Chapel and its royal burial grounds, where Celtic high crosses mark the graves of generations of Scottish kings. Then dock at Staffa, famed for its geometric basalt columns and deep-sea caves. A special treat is a Zodiac ride to the awe-inspiring Fingal's Cave for a close-up look at the place that inspired Felix Mendelssohn to write his "Hebrides Overture."
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Really enjoyed Thatch Caye. The staff was great. Really liked our guide Raffi. And snorkeling at night was wonderful.
Cheryl Brenton
4 days ago
The persons I spoke with knew the material. I wont know until I actually take the trip if it was all correct but at this point they were helpful in finding a trip that met my criteria
SS
1 week ago
Creating a checklist was very beneficial and meeting objectives on certain dates helped as well (to keep my trip organized). The Adventure Travel personnel helped keep me on track which is why my trip was so successful. Communication from both travel agencies (AT/MT) was vital.
Iziah Carthens
1 week ago
This is an amazing company to work with. I generally do not use tour companies as I am more of an independent traveller so I was slightly reticent. They were fantastic from the start - 10/10 - from lining up a phone call to discuss requirements, then their ongoing communication in the lead up to the tour and during it (thank you, Franny and Phen). They also explored cost-effective options (eg group transfers). The tour was in Patagonia so Adventure Life organised a pickup from the El Calafate airport to the El Chalten accommodation, two day hikes with a private guide and then to the El Calafate accommodation. A tour coordinator came to the hotel to explain, using the maps, what was involved in each day tour and what should be expected, and patiently answered all questions. The tour guide Marcos was excellent - very professional, knowledgable, communicative and at all times felt very safe with his navigational skills (important in the Patagonian wilderness). On the second day I forgot to take hiking poles so Marcos kindly gave me his. I honestly wouldn't have changed a thing and would happily recommend and book through them again.
Petrina Sta
1 week ago
Adventure Life has been great throughout my planning process for our up and coming Galapagos cruise. Kevin Moore, in particular, was very helpful in assisting me in making choices and providing me with options. He was also very patient, as I worked through figuring out what I really wanted in this vacation.
