Wild Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords

14 Days

Overview

On this expedition, combine two unique worlds on one unforgettable journey. From Stone Age villages to Iron Age forts, the Orkney and Shetland Islands reveal a proud Scottish heritage, while Vikings, fjords, and fishing folk feature along the sublime Norwegian coastline, which includes a visit to the famous Lofoten Islands. Crossing the Arctic Circle towards Tromsø, discover a landscape of towering cliffs alive with breeding birds and a wonderland of gleaming glaciers where nature reigns supreme. Immerse yourself in the region’s rich maritime history, explore remote fishing villages and experience the midnight sun casting an ethereal glow over breathtaking seascapes.

Having made your way to Aberdeen airport, you will be met and transferred to our group hotel. Speak with the ground operations team, who may have information to share with you. The rest of your day is free to enjoy Aberdeen at your leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

On Day 2, explore ‘The Granite City’ and visit some of Aberdeen’s most famous landmarks including the magnificent Kings College Chapel and the St Machar Cathedral. Depart for Glen Garioch Distillery, a 200-year-old distillery situated in the sheltered heart of the Valley of the Garioch and enjoy a tour of this award-winning distillery. Complete your distillery journey with a taste of two whiskies from their core range.

Afterwards, enjoy a scenic drive to the Huntly Falconry Centre established in 1991. The Centre hold birds of prey falconry demonstrations throughout the season, where owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles can be seen flying every day.

Return to Aberdeen to board the ship in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin before the important briefings. Set sail and meet your expedition team and crew at the Welcome Dinner.

Papa Westray was occupied by Neolithic farmers over 5,000 years ago. You will be welcomed by the friendly locals and can enjoy the lively Scottish dance and folk ensemble in the local pub.

Midway between Orkney and Shetland, Fair Isle houses a major European ornithological research station and is also famous for knitwear, historic shipwrecks, and incredible birdlife. 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. It 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.

Britain’s most northerly islands lie almost 160 kilometres north of the Scottish mainland. 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). You may spot storm petrels, common and grey seals, and otters.

Jarlshof is one of Shetland’s best preserved and most complex archaeological sites. 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.

Hermaness National Nature Reserve is close to Britain’s most northerly point. The cliffs rise 170 metres above the Atlantic. During summer they are alive with 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 colourful 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.

Reach Runde by ferry and coach, offering sweeping views of the fjords and coastline enroute. At the Runde Environmental Centre, gain insight into the island’s fragile ecosystem and see artefacts 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 centre 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.

Choose one of the three following optional experiences to enjoy during your visit:

1. Sea Eagle Safari & the Hopsjø’s Old Trading Centre
2. Tour of the World’s First Offshore Fish Farm
3. Beer & Food Tasting at Frøya Brewery

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. 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.

Choose one of the five following experiences to enjoy during your visit:

1. Guided hike to Holandsosen Nature Reserve
2. Guided hike to Guristraumen
3. Guided hike to Kjellerhaugvatnet Nature Reserve
4. Guided hike in the old fishing villages of Kirkøy/Nes/Holand
5. Guided tour of the Vega World Heritage Centre

Today, explore Svartisen, Norway’s second-largest glacier, accessed via a scenic Zodiac landing at Brestua. Towering above Holandsfjord, Svartisen spans over 370 square kilometres, with the Engabreen tongue descending dramatically to just 20 metres 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.

Choose one of the three following experiences to enjoy during your visit:

1. Guided hike towards Tjeldbergtind
2. Taste of Lofoten
3. Lofoten Fishing Village

Embark on a leisurely amble through the quaint village of Torsken. 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 splendour that surrounds you, with the majestic Senja mountains creating a stunning panorama and the tranquil streets lined with colourful houses.Visit Torsken Church, a cherished local landmark dating back to the 18th century. Indulge in a selection of local delicacies, not only distinctive to this region but also emblematic of Norwegian culinary heritage.

Choose one of the three following experiences to enjoy during your visit:

1. Norwegian Scenic Route
2. Trek to Ravnfløy
3. Hike to Midtertinden

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