Wild Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords

Having made your way to Aberdeen airport, you will be met by a ship representative and transferred to the group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with the ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket.

Should you already be in Aberdeen, make your way to the pre-voyage hotel, Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel, St Andrew St, Aberdeen. Check-in is from 3:00pm. Today there’s free time to enjoy Aberdeen at your leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

After breakfast, check-out and bring your luggage to the foyer. Please place any items required today in your hand luggage, as your main bag will be placed in the bays of the coach. After breakfast, check-out and bring your luggage to the foyer.

Today, explore ‘The Granite City,’ visiting some of Aberdeen’s most famous landmarks including the magnificent Kings College Chapel which is a fantastic example of gothic architecture and the St Machar Cathedral, a 12th century church with its beautiful stained-glass windows.

Depart for Glen Garioch Distillery, a 200-year-old distillery situated in the sheltered heart of the Valley of the Garioch. Blessed as it is with the northeast’s mild climate, plentiful sunshine and not too much rain, the Valley has long been renowned as the finest barley growing area in the country. Once home to no fewer than six distilleries, today the Valley cradles just one-this established distillery has changed hands several times and the current owners have had the distillery in their family since 1886. You will be taken on a tour of this award-winning distillery where you will see their time-honored skills at work and see what goes into making this unique spirit. Complete your distillery journey with a taste of two whiskies from their core range and for those who wish, there will be an opportunity to visit their onsite shop.

Afterwards, enjoy a scenic drive to the Huntly Falconry Center. This center was established in 1991 and is one of the first falconry centers in Scotland. The Huntly Falconry Center holds birds of prey falconry demonstrations throughout the season, where owls, hawks, falcons and eagles can be seen flying every day. Marvel at the full range of bird skills during the flying demonstration before your drive returns you to Aberdeen to board the ship in the late afternoon.

You will have time to settle into your cabin before important briefings. Set sail for Papa Westray in the evening and meet your expedition team and crew at the welcome dinner.

At the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray lies the earliest known house in Northern Europe, occupied by Neolithic farmers over 5,000 years ago. Here you are welcomed by the friendly locals. Enjoy the lively Scottish dance and folk ensemble Poor Man’s Corner, hailing from Papa Westray, set to grace the local pub with their spirited tunes. Mingle and enjoy a few drinks, while listening to the captivating melodies and infectious rhythms.

Midway between Orkney and Shetland, Fair Isle houses a major European ornithological research station and is also famous for knitwear and historic shipwrecks. About 3 miles x 2 miles (5km x 3km) in area, it is surrounded by impressive cliffs. The 70 or so islanders mainly live in traditional crofts on the more fertile low-lying southern part of the island.

A bird watchers’ paradise, Fair Isle lies on the intersection of major flight paths from Scandinavia, Iceland and Faroe. In summer, the cliffs teem with breeding fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, gannets, shags and puffins. The Isle is an excellent place to view seabirds, especially puffins at close range. Fair Isle also has over 250 species of flowering plants, including wetland flowers, rare orchids, alpine species and common wildflowers. You’ll be welcomed by the hospitable villagers and may take a hike or visit the museum. Grey and common seals inhabit these waters around Fair Isle, while sharp eyes may spot harbor porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, killer whales (orcas) and minke whales.

Britain’s most northerly islands lie almost 100 miles (160km) north of the Scottish mainland, at a similar latitude to the southern tip of Greenland, or Bergen in Norway. Kept relatively warm by the Gulf Stream, Shetland’s 100 islands experience almost 24 hours of daylight in summer. They abound with nature reserves and archaeological sites and offer a taste of traditional island life.

Mousa Broch, on the small uninhabited island of Mousa, is the best preserved of Scotland’s 570 brochs (fortified Iron Age towers). Storm petrels nest among its stones, which can be seen when visiting the broch at night. In daylight, a large colony of common and grey seals basks on its shores, and you may spot otter (Dratsi, in Shetland dialect).

Jarlshof is one of Shetland’s best preserved and most complex archaeological sites. It was exposed by storms in the late 19th century. The Old House of Sumburgh, built here in the 17th century, was named ‘Jarlshof’ by Sir Walter Scott in his novel The Pirate. The record of human occupation dates from around 3,200 BCE. Jarlshof’s main Bronze Age site is the house of a bronzesmith working around 800 BC. Clay molds into which molten bronze was poured revealed that he was casting axe heads and short swords. It seems that Shetland suited early Norse settlers, for they quickly settled here and left their mark on Shetland’s history for ages to come.

Hermaness National Nature Reserve is close to Britain’s most northerly point. The cliffs rise 558 feet (170m) above the Atlantic. During summer they are alive with the cacophony and raw guano smell of over 100,000 breeding seabirds: kittiwakes, shags, snipe, dunlin, golden plover and arctic skua, making this one of Europe’s most diverse colonies. The grasslands, moors and cliff tops are a tapestry of colorful wildflowers–gentians, heather, orchids and thrift are a few of the species here.

Nordfjordeid is a small town nestled at the end of the Eidsfjord, a branch of the larger Nordfjord in western Norway. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and rich farmland, the area has a strong Viking heritage—it’s home to one of the largest Viking longship burial sites ever discovered in Norway, with the remains of the Myklebust ship unearthed nearby. Today, the town offers a blend of striking natural scenery and deep-rooted history, giving you a chance to connect with Norway’s past while enjoying the quiet charm of a fjord-side community. Depending on the day’s conditions, a range of activities will be offered during your visit.

Runde is a rugged gem off Norway’s west coast, famous for its dramatic cliffs and thriving seabird colonies. With just 150 year-round residents, the island becomes a bustling bird haven in summer, when over 100,000 seabirds arrive to nest. Atlantic puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and great skuas are among the highlights, with around 80 species breeding here regularly.

You’ll reach Runde by ferry and coach, offering sweeping views of the fjords and coastline enroute. At the Runde Environmental Center, gain insight into the island’s fragile ecosystem and see artifacts from the Dutch ship Akerendam, wrecked nearby in 1725 and rediscovered centuries later with its treasure still aboard.

Keen walkers can hike up to the sea cliffs for close-up encounters with nesting birds and unforgettable photo opportunities. For those preferring a gentler experience, the center and shoreline paths offer excellent vantage points and a rich sense of place.

Located off the coast of central Norway, the islands of Hitra and Frøya are two of Trøndelag’s best-kept secrets, where dramatic coastlines, rich wildlife, and deep cultural roots come together to offer unforgettable experiences. Hitra, Norway’s seventh-largest island, is known for its rugged landscapes, abundant wildlife, and strong fishing traditions. Sea eagles soar above rocky outcrops, red deer roam the forests, and the surrounding waters teem with marine life. Its long history as a centre for trade and industry is still visible in preserved buildings and traditional maritime culture.

Neighbouring Frøya offers a contrasting beauty, low-lying and windswept, with a network of small islets and sheltered coves. Here, life revolves around the sea. Frøya has embraced modern aquaculture while preserving the traditions and stories of a proud fishing community. It’s also home to a vibrant food scene, including local breweries and seafood producers.

You can choose from a selection of shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Sea Eagle Safari & the Hopsjø’s Old Trading Center excursion, cruise the breathtaking coastline of Hitra and Frøya on a traditional wooden sailboat, searching for the majestic birds, followed by a walking tour and visit to one of Norway’s oldest country stores plus the Whale Hunting Museum. Choose The World’s First Offshore Fish Farm for a rigid inflatable boat tour to Ocean Farm 1, the world’s first offshore fish farm, with an en route visit to a picturesque island known for its traditional fishing village. Or select the Beer & Food Tasting at Frøya Brewery for an insider tour and tasting (with local snacks) hosted by the brewmaster.

Sailing north of the Arctic Circle, explore the Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. Renowned for its birdlife, Vega Island is especially famous for its eider ducks, which have long been raised here for their valuable down, once contributing up to a third of the islanders’ income. The local community continues the centuries-old tradition of building nesting shelters for the ducks who, in return, leave behind soft down after they and their chicks head back to sea. This remarkable symbiosis reflects a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for over 1,500 years. A visit to Vega offers a unique glimpse into this enduring heritage and the art of eider tending. To help protect the island’s fragile environment, you will explore its natural beauty through a choice of small group guided walks.

You can choose from a selection of shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Guided Hike to Holandsosen Nature Reserve, wander limestone bedrock and wetlands full of birds. The Guided Hike to Guristraumen offers rich birdlife and springtime orchid blooms along gentle, winding paths with sweeping views. The Guided Hike to Kjellerhaugvatnet Nature Reserve explores one of Vega’s most valuable wetland areas for birds and possible elk, hares and roe deer, on a mellow trail. The Guided Hike in the Old Fishing Villages of Kirkøy/Nes/Holand moves along quiet roads through Vega’s charming old fishing villages for excellent photo opportunities. And the Guided Tour of the Vega World Heritage Center is a non-hike option for those wishing to learn about the unique life of the islanders.

Today, explore Svartisen, Norway’s second-largest glacier, accessed via a scenic Zodiac landing at Brestua. Towering above Holandsfjord, Svartisen spans over 142 square miles (370 sq km), with the Engabreen tongue descending dramatically to just 65 feet (20m) above sea level–one of the lowest terminating glaciers in mainland Europe. This makes it both visually striking and relatively accessible. From Brestua, active guests may join a guided hike towards the Engabreen front, passing through rugged terrain with stunning views of icefalls and moraine fields. For those preferring a gentler pace, the lakeside café offers a relaxing setting to enjoy the glacier’s beauty or simply soak in the serene atmosphere.

Make your way to the stunning Lofoten–meaning puma’s foot–Islands. This is a land scoured by ice and legend, the towering crags with their sharp edges standing in silent protection of the villages below.

You can choose from a selection of shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Guided Hike Towards Tjeldbergtind, take an adventurous route to a mountain top for panoramic views. The Taste of Lofoten excursion stops to see fish racks and do one tasting before ending at a venue featuring various delicacies to try: dried arctic cod, salmon, Lofoten lamb, cloudberries, local yogurt and roe/caviar of arctic cod. Or choose the Lofoten Fishing Village tour for a cultural walk of Svolvaer with a local guide, including a tasting of Stockfish.

Embark on a leisurely amble through the quaint village of Torsken, where breathtaking natural beauty provides a captivating backdrop. As you meander along Torsken’s narrow lanes, immerse yourself in the village’s fascinating history, a rich tapestry woven from centuries of fishing traditions and the enduring spirit of its community. Admire the scenic splendor that surrounds you, with the majestic Senja mountains creating a stunning panorama and the tranquil streets lined with colorful houses, each possessing its own unique character. En route, you will have the opportunity to visit Torsken Church, a cherished local landmark dating back to the 18th century. Before your exploration concludes, indulge your palate with a selection of local delicacies, not only distinctive to this region but also emblematic of Norwegian culinary heritage.

You can choose from a selection of shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). Take The Norwegian Scenic Route for a drive through Norway’s second-largest island, Senja, and its charming village of Bergsbotn with its platform overlooking the Bergsfjord and surrounding peaks, followed by a stroll through Tungenes and a white-sand beach visit at Ersfjord Beach. On the Trek to Ravnfløy, take an adventurous hike to a dramatic summit, with a midway break for a bonfire and local snacks. Or, on the Hike to Mdtertinden, challenge yourself on a strenuous hike through the heart of the park, with breathtaking panoramic views as your reward.

Disembark in the early morning and bid a fond farewell to fellow travelers before a transfer to the airport to continue your journey.