Day 1 Edinburgh, Leith

Our expedition begins in Scotland's incomparable capital city. The royal capital of Scotland since the 11th century Edinburgh is home to an extraordinary range of architectural contrast. From dark, medieval 16th century block towers to classical Georgian and Victorian masterpieces. A Wold Heritage Site Edinburgh is home to over 16 thousand buildings that are listed as being historically or architecturally important. We board the expedition ship this afternoon in the suburb of Leith, to embark on our voyage to the Arctic.

Day 2 The Orkneys

There are few places in the world that offer as much as the Orkneys. Only 6 miles off the coast of Scotland the islands are famous for their abundant marine bird life and dramatic coastal scenery. Our excursions today will focus not only on this but also on many of the mystical historical sites of the area. These excursions will includes visits to the Ring of Brodgar, the 4500 year old village or Skara Brae and a 5,000 year old tomb of Maes Howe.

Day 3 Shetland Islands

We continue northwards to the remote Shetland Islands. The islands were under Norse rule until 1469, when they were given to Scotland as part of a Danish princesses dowry. 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. We will stop at the ancient sites of Jarlshof and Scatness while being entertained but a plethora of seabirds such as: puffins, kittiwakes, razorbill and guillemots. In the afternoon we will enjoy a guided coach tour of the largest town on Mainland Shetland, Lerwick.

Day 4 Bergen, Norway

Beautiful Bergen is set on a fjord and known as the city of seven hills. Once an important Hanseatic town, its maritime history is still evident at the exceptional Bryggens Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bergen was the capital of Norway during the 12th and 13th centuries and served as the trading hub of Scandinavia. We will explore the city by coach and by foot spending time around the wharf, in one of the cities fascinating museums and exploring the ancient architecture of the cities old quarter.

Day 5 Runde & Alesund

Moving northwards we have the opportunity to explore the spectacular scenery of the Norwegian coastline. Runde island and the area surrounding it offers us some fantastic zodiac explorations, where seabirds are plentiful. These are regular nesting grounds for Puffin, Gannet, Petrel, Kittiwake and many more, over 230 species call thes island home! In Alesund, a guided excursion will take us to the Atlantic Ocean Park and help us explore the Art Nouveau inspired architecture of the town, a stark contrast to the Hanseatic house we experienced in Bergen.

Day 6 Trondheim

We arrive into Norway's third largest city this morning for a full day of exploration. The city rose to prominence during the 10th century becoming Norway's first capital. Its medieval history is most evident when we visit the ominous Niadros Cathedral, erected in the the 11th Century (1070) and is the largest medieval building Scandinavia. Today the city is one of Norway's most vibrant with a large student population and wide streets and a partly pedestrianized center. With the permissions pending we hope to visit the nearby Monk Island that has served as the site for a Benedictine monastery, a prison and a German gun emplacement.

Day 7 Exploring the Fjords of Norway

The rugged coastline of Central Norway features some of the world’s most famous fjords. The mountain scenery and steep fjords offer breathtaking scenery and our captain will negotiate with local Norwegians pilots to determine our best shore landing options. Zodiac along vertical rock faces, in a deep fjord surrounded by cascading waterfalls, or venture ashore for a hike with our naturalist staff. Our goal is to visit Torghatten one of the most bizarre rock formations in Norway and a significant local landmark. We will also move towards the Treana archipelago that is comprised of over 1000 different islands. Weather permitting we will attempt a landing at Kirkehelleren Cave.

Day 8 Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. By Zodiac, we view nesting seabirds: Atlantic puffins, razorbills and guillemots. Later, we go ashore on the island of Aa, where cod fishing is still a major part of the economy, and we plan to stop at a local Viking museum and Blacksmith workshop. 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 9 Andoya Island

Cruising north we will make a stop at Andoya Island that is very well know for whale watching. The cold water around the island is over 1000 meters deep and attracts large amounts of squid, the favorite food of the sperm whale. A number of other whale species inhabit these waters so keep your eyes out for minke, pilot and humpback whales. We will also do a landing in Andenes, the islands biggest town where you will have some time to stretch your legs and take in some of the rich fishing history that this area has to offer.

Day 10 Tromso

Tromso, the capital of northern Norway, is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic" since so many arctic expeditions originated here. We will spend the whole day learning about the history of past expeditions and exploring Norway's second largest city. We will enjoy a coach tour to some of the major sites including the Polar and Tromso Museums and weather permitting the stunning view from the cable car. We will also visit the Arctic Cathedral, whose unique architecture is evocative of snow and icebergs. Its stained glass windows are among the largest in Europe.

Day 11 Nordkapp

Nordkapp boasts to be the most northerly point in Europe at 71 degrees north. Boarding the zodiacs we will go looking for the wildlife that inhabits this area. We will go for a walk across the tundra enjoying the silence before heading north to the Arctic.

Day 12 Bear Island

Zodiac cruises take us around mist-shrouded Bear Island, populated by thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemost and gulls; this is a birdwatcher's paradise and the views are spectacular. We also plan a landing to see take in the vegetation and views from shore.

Days 13-14 Exploring Svalbard

Svalbard is an archipelago of deep fjords, mountains and massive ice sheets. Our focus during our days here is searching for walruses, seals, reindeer, arctic foxes and, of course this is the land of the polar bear. Our flexible itinerary and experience here allow us to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. Each season we discover new landing sites to explore, giving meaning to being on an expedition. Shore walks and Zodiac adventures bring us up close to mystical landscapes and passing icebergs.

Day 15 Longyearbyen

Disembarkation will take place after breakfast. A transfer will take you into the center of the town where you are free to enjoy a walk around town. Longyearbyen boasts an outstanding Arctic museum, an art gallery and a number of other cultural attractions for you to enjoy. We recommend you booking a flight out in the late morning or afternoon.