Day 1 Arrive Edinburgh, Leith (D)
Ship departs in the evening.
Day 2 Kirkwall (B,L,D)
Visit historic and mystical sites by coach on this
remote island—the standing stones of Stennes, the intriguing Ring of
Brodgar and the village of Skara Brae.
Day 3 Lerwick (B,L,D)
The Shetlands are a engaging mix of Scotland and
Scandinavia, with spectacular coastlines, varied and abundant bird life
and a number of archaeological sites that date back thousands of years.
Day 4 Nordfjorden (B,L,D)
We may stop in Olden for a short bus ride to the
Birksdal area and a walk to a glacier. A trolly-like car is available
for people who are unable to walk the full distance.
Day 5 Geiranger (B,L,D)
Sail deep into one of Norway's most beautiful fjords,
deep towards the mainland. The fjord is one of Norway's most visited
tourist sites and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 6 Monks Island and Austratt (B,L,D)
Today you will sail towards Monks Island which is
just off the shore of Trondheim. The Benedictine monks built a monastery
in the 11th century. Today it is a recreational area. Later we visit
Austratt, which has been a residence for many noblemen and noblewomen
who played a significant role in Norway's development.
Day 7 Torghatten & Alstahaug (B,L,D)
The rugged coastline of central Norway features some
of the world’s most beautiful nature. The mountain scenery and coastline
offer breathtaking scenery and our Captain will negotiate with local
Norwegian pilots to determine our best Zodiac shore landing options. Our
goal is to visit Torghatten one of the most bizarre rock formations in
Norway and a significant local landmark. We will also try to move
towards the Treana archipelago that is comprised of over 1000 islands.
Day 8 Svartisen & Vikingen (B,L,D)
Svartisen has a beautiful walk to a glacier with the
chance of an easy walk along a road. It also has a more demanding walk
all the way around a lake below the glacier. Vikingen has the globe
marking the Arctic Circle.
Day 9 Lofoten Islands, Svolvaer & Trollfjord (B,L,D)
The Lofoten Archipelago is an enchanting area of
picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. Today we go
ashore via coach on the island of Aa, where cod fishing is still a major
part of the economy. In the evening be sure to be on deck as we cruise
into one of the most famous fjords in Norway, the short yet dramatic
Trollfjord, and search the cliffs for Norway's mythical beings: trolls.
Day 10 Tromso (B,L,D)
Explore this northern haven and be sure to visit the
Arctic Cathedral, whose unique architecture is evocative of snow and
icebergs.
Day 11 at sea (B,L,D)
Sail past Bear Island, Explore mist-shrouded Bjørnøya—a birdwatcher's paradise featuring spectacular views.
Days 12-13 Hornsund and Bellsund (2B,2L,2D)
Explore this archipelago of deep fjords, mountains
and massive ice sheets. Keep your eyes open for walruses, seals,
reindeers, Arctic foxes, and of course polar bears.
Day 14 Isfjord - Festningen and Alkhornet (B,L,D)
The highlight of Festningen (the fortress) is an
impressive dike of rock that runs along the top of a small cliff where
fossilized footprints of dinosaurs have been found.
Alkhornet features a towering horn of rock which is the nesting site
for thousands of Guillemots and Kittiwakes, while foxes and reindeer
take advantage of the lush tundra vegetation below the cliffs.
Day 15 Depart Longyearbyen (B)
Morning disembarkation.
