Step off in Edinburgh, where three days among the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle set the stage before you set sail north. Chase Norse history across Orkney, Shetland, and the Faroe Islands, landing by Zodiac on shores no large ship can reach. Skara Brae's 5,000-year-old stones, Jarlshof's layered ruins, and clifftops thick with seabirds bring Viking history and wild landscapes to life in equal measure.
◆Arrive to Edinburgh and enjoy an included transfer to your hotel.
◆Walk up the historic Royal Mile, navigating narrow cobblestone alleys and passing medieval landmarks like St Giles' Cathedral. The guided stroll concludes at the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Step inside for a comprehensive tour to explore the sprawling fortress, the Scottish Crown Jewels, and panoramic views of the city. Later, enjoy a free evening on your own.
◆Enjoy a relaxed, independent morning in Edinburgh. Sip coffee in a cozy café, stroll through the lush Princes Street Gardens, or shop for last-minute souvenirs. This afternoon, join your included transfer to the nearby port of Leith to board your expedition ship and begin your North Atlantic voyage.
◆
Sail north to the Orkney Islands, known for their unique blend of rich history, gorgeous natural landscapes, and some of the oldest, best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe. Visit Kirkwall, the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ where a group of 5,000-year-old sites reside. Enjoy time to explore here and see places like Skara Brae and Maeshowe. Make sure to also search for a diverse array of wildlife. You will also be able to discover other important sites like, Scapa Flow and Ring of Brodgar.
◆Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes, deep Viking and Scottish heritage, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural traditions await. Over the course of the next two days the ship will visit different parts of the islands like Lerwic and Hermaness National Nature Reserve. Search for wildlife and see ancient Viking settlement sites like Jarlshof and Old Scatness, where you can walk among the ruins and imagine how communities lived during the Viking Age. Enjoy time on your own and choose to visit the Shetland Museum which has an incredible display of the human history of these islands. On the ship cruise in Hermaness look to spot gannets and basking sharks.
◆Travel farther north to the mystical atmosphere of the Faroe Islands where steep cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush green hills await. Encounter traditional Faroese homes with grass roofs and close-knit communities with a strong emphasis on fishing and art. Over the next few days, spend time getting to know this stunning destination. Visit Suðuroy, the southernmost island with its own rich history and legends. Head ashore near the community of Vágur. Pass through other small communities and enjoy the landscape. Visit Thorshavn, the largest town on the islands, where you will be able to explore important historical sites on your own like Magnus Cathedral. And finally travel to Streymnes on the island of Streymoy and go by vehicle to Saksun, a small community to the Northwest where you will visit a heritage farm and admire the beautiful scenery. Spend a full day at sea when travelling between the Faroe Islands and Norway.
◆Spend a few days cruising along the southern coast of Norway between the Faroe Islands and Trondheim. The Norwegian coast is renowned for its stunning fjords and charming fishing villages. Enjoy time off the ship in Fosnavåg, and Trondheim. Choose to hike, see puffins, or ride a cable car. There are plenty of opportunities to make your time here as active or relaxing as you choose. From museums to trails through Norwegian forests to small mountain lakes, these next few days will be full of adventure.
◆Continue north along the coast of Norway. Visit the island of Lovund and walk through a small Norwegian village out to their puffin colony. Learn more about the salmon industry here. Then, visit the Lofoten Islands that stretch dramatically out into the Norwegian Sea. See the Viking Museum here and learn about the area’s history and importance to the Viking Age. Enjoy an after-dinner ship cruise into Troll Fjord. Take advantage of a day to enjoy Tromsø, where you can hike, hop on a bus tour, or tour museums if you choose.
◆Shortly after breakfast, disembark at the Port of Tromsø. From here, you will need to transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
At a glance
Duration
18 days
Route
Edinburgh → Tromsø
Countries
Norway, United Kingdom
Activity level
moderate
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, National Parks & Wilderness, Sailing & Marine, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Max 128
International flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Norway & United Kingdom
Showing Days 1-7
18-day itinerary
Day 1Arrive to Edinburgh and enjoy an included transfer to your hotel
Edinburgh
Arrive to Edinburgh and enjoy an included transfer to your hotel.
Day 2Walk up the historic Royal MileEdinburgh
Edinburgh
Walk up the historic Royal Mile, navigating narrow cobblestone alleys and passing medieval landmarks like St Giles' Cathedral. The guided stroll concludes at the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Step inside for a comprehensive tour to explore the sprawling fortress, the Scottish Crown Jewels, and panoramic views of the city. Later, enjoy a free evening on your own.
Day 3Enjoy a relaxedEdinburgh
Edinburgh
Enjoy a relaxed, independent morning in Edinburgh. Sip coffee in a cozy café, stroll through the lush Princes Street Gardens, or shop for last-minute souvenirs. This afternoon, join your included transfer to the nearby port of Leith to board your expedition ship and begin your North Atlantic voyage.
Day 4Sail north to the Orkney Islands
Sail north to the Orkney Islands, known for their unique blend of rich history, gorgeous natural landscapes, and some of the oldest, best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe. Visit Kirkwall, the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ where a group of 5,000-year-old sites reside. Enjoy time to explore here and see places like Skara Brae and Maeshowe. Make sure to also search for a diverse array of wildlife. You will also be able to discover other important sites like, Scapa Flow and Ring of Brodgar.
Day 5Sail north to the Orkney Islands
Sail north to the Orkney Islands, known for their unique blend of rich history, gorgeous natural landscapes, and some of the oldest, best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe. Visit Kirkwall, the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ where a group of 5,000-year-old sites reside. Enjoy time to explore here and see places like Skara Brae and Maeshowe. Make sure to also search for a diverse array of wildlife. You will also be able to discover other important sites like, Scapa Flow and Ring of Brodgar.
Day 6Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes
Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes, deep Viking and Scottish heritage, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural traditions await. Over the course of the next two days the ship will visit different parts of the islands like Lerwic and Hermaness National Nature Reserve. Search for wildlife and see ancient Viking settlement sites like Jarlshof and Old Scatness, where you can walk among the ruins and imagine how communities lived during the Viking Age. Enjoy time on your own and choose to visit the Shetland Museum which has an incredible display of the human history of these islands. On the ship cruise in Hermaness look to spot gannets and basking sharks.
Day 7Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes
Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes, deep Viking and Scottish heritage, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural traditions await. Over the course of the next two days the ship will visit different parts of the islands like Lerwic and Hermaness National Nature Reserve. Search for wildlife and see ancient Viking settlement sites like Jarlshof and Old Scatness, where you can walk among the ruins and imagine how communities lived during the Viking Age. Enjoy time on your own and choose to visit the Shetland Museum which has an incredible display of the human history of these islands. On the ship cruise in Hermaness look to spot gannets and basking sharks.
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What's included
Included
✓Arrival transfer
✓2 nts in Edinburgh hotel
✓Guided walking tour and visit to Edinburgh Castle
✓15 nts aboard the Expedition
✓Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
✓Lectures and educational programs
✓Insulated, waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
✓Expedition parka
Where you'll stay & how you'll travel
Accommodation
Two nights in hotels, Aboard the Expedition in triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 15 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed
Meals
17 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 15 dinners
Transport
Expedition, Zodiac, private vehicle, walking
A closer look at the trip
Photos supplied by G Adventures. Check the itinerary for the experiences included on your departure.
Discover Norway
General destination photography, separate from the operator’s trip photos.
Upcoming departures
10% off Select Arctic Departures · ends 2026-12-04
TripFinder compares the available catalog facts and Brandi Leanna can handle the booking — and you pay the same as booking G Adventures direct, never more, because the operator pays our commission. You travel under the operator's terms; final price and availability are confirmed before purchase.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh
