Norway and Scotland: Fjordlands to the Inner Hebrides

8 days
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews  
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Small Group Tour
Join us aboard the National Geographic Orion for an unforgettable voyage from the fjord-carved coast of western Norway to the windswept isles of Scotland. Kayak below emerald mountains in the dramatic Sognefjorden, and step ashore at Undredal to explore its stave church and traditional Nordic culture. Then sail across the North Sea to encounter the stunning s...
From$7,990
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Kayak the mirror-like waters of Norway’s Sognefjorden, and discover hidden inlets by Zodiac.
    • Spot puffins, guillemots, and razorbills along the cliffs of Noss, and visit a renowned seabird research station on Fair Isle—located on the migration flyway.
    • Hike to the lighthouse at Sumburgh Head, explore splendid gardens at Loch Ewe, and dive the historic wrecks of Scapa Flow.
    • Discover an archaeological treasure trove: Viking longhouses in the Shetlands, Stone Age megaliths in the Orkneys, and the sacred Christian sites of Iona.

What's this trip about?

    Join us aboard the National Geographic Orion for an unforgettable voyage from the fjord-carved coast of western Norway to the windswept isles of Scotland. Kayak below emerald mountains in the dramatic Sognefjorden, and step ashore at Undredal to explore its stave church and traditional Nordic culture. Then sail across the North Sea to encounter the stunning seascapes, ancient ruins, and rich marine life of Scotland’s evocative islands. Follow the Viking trail from the Shetlands to the Orkneys, and discover the unique heritage of the Inner Hebrides on our way to cosmopolitan Glasgow.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBergen
End CityGlasgow

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Small Ship Cruise
  • Sailing

Destinations

  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • Scotland
  • Norway

Attractions

  • Bergen
  • Glasgow
  • Orkney Islands

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Bird watching
  • Culture
  • Kayaking
  • Ruins & Archaeology
  • Short Cruise

Trip includes

    • Accommodations
    • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
    • Pre-departure information
    • Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary
    • Ground transportation during the expedition
    • Transfers to and from group flights where applicable
    • Services of an adventure consultant, guides and any other staff, and on designated “Photography” departures, a National Geographic Photographer
    • Taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges
    • Itineraries that include camping, camp and cook staffs, tents, kitchen and dining tents and necessary Trip equipment (e.g., sea kayaks, rafts, personal floatation devices, etc.) Are provided
    • Internal airfare is included on some international expeditions as indicated in itinerary

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Itinerary

Day 1: Bergen, Norway

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Arrive in Bergen, Norway. Embark the National Geographic Orion in time for lunch and set sail into the heart of Norway’s fjord country.

Day 2: Sognefjorden

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Norway’s glacier-carved western coast boasts some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. Cruise deep into the sublime Sognefjorden, and launch kayaks and Zodiacs to explore its serene waterways. In the picturesque village of Undredal, see the town’s 12th-century stave church and sample its famous brown goat cheese, or gjetost.

Day 3: Isle of Noss, Shetland Islands, Scotland/Lerwick/Sumburgh Head

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sail across the North Sea to Scotland’s Shetland Islands, a rugged archipelago of about 100 islands and islets. Glide past the cliffs of Noss to view nesting seabirds before docking at Lerwick. Explore this town where Norse and G...

Day 4: Mousa/Fair Isle

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On the uninhabited isle of Mousa, hike to an Iron Age broch, or stone tower, looking for storm petrels along the way. Our next landing is tiny and remote Fair Isle, situated between the Shetland and Orkney Islands. Visit the isla...

Day 5: Orkney Islands

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Vikings held a strategic foothold in the Orkney Islands for hundreds of years, and their Norse heritage is apparent in local legends and traditions that endure today. Explore a treasure trove of Stone Age sites, including the...

Day 6: Inverewe Gardens

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Anchor in Loch Ewe, and bring your camera along as we stroll the winding paths of Inverewe Gardens. Tempered by the warm Gulf Stream, these splendid gardens are home to hundreds of exotic plant species.

Day 7: Iona and Staffa, Inner Hebrides

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sail through the Sea of the Hebrides to the isle of Ionia, the site of Scotland’s first Christian settlement. Venture into an ancient nunnery and a 13th-century abbey. Explore St. Oran’s Chapel and its royal burial grounds, where...

Day 8: Glasgow, Scotland

Meals: Breakfast

Disembark this morning in the historic seaport of Glasgow, and transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay in Glasgow.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,990
Price per day$999
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with National Geographic Expeditions.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

National Geographic Expeditions Reviews & Ratings

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Nov 2022

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TOO MUCH TOO FAST

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National Geographic Expeditions span the globe and are designed to reflect our travelers' broad spectrum of interests, from small-ship expeditions and classic train journeys to photography workshops and family adventures. When you travel with us, you'll enjoy boundless opportunities to be surrounded by natural wonders and exotic wildlife, to explore celebrated archaeological sites, to learn about different cultures and share in local traditions. A National Geographic expert or expert team accompanies each expedition, sharing their knowledge and passion for a region and making each experience enriching and unforgettable.

An Extraordinary Legacy of Exploration

National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the National Geographic Society, was founded on the same belief in the importance of exploration that distinguishes the Society's 125-year history. Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions now operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 60 destinations.

Since its founding in 1888, the Society has developed incredible resources—from its network of experts, contacts, and Society-sponsored researchers all over the globe, to the top-tier editorial staff of National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines, and the books, maps, and film and television divisions. National Geographic Expeditions taps these resources to create unique and authentic expeditions to fascinating parts of the world.

As part of the National Geographic Travel group, National Geographic Expeditions aims to fulfill the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research.

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National Geographic Adventures are unique, active itineraries for intrepid travelers that feature spectacular places, cultural interaction, and physical challenge: the perfect mix for an unforgettable adventure. Trek through some of the world's most legendary mountain ranges and veer far off the beaten path, discovering wild landscapes by foot, kayak, horseback, or camel. Each adventure has a designated activity level—from Easy to Ultimate Challenge, and you'll have the option to take it easy or push your limits on a harder hike throughout most trips. Your group will never be larger than 16 travelers, and you'll explore in the company of top guides, enjoying adventures that are both physically active and culturally rewarding.

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National Geographic Student Expeditions offer active summer travel experiences for high school students in some of the world's most amazing places. With the guidance of dynamic trip leaders and top National Geographic experts, students explore their interests, build new skills, and experience new landscapes and cultures firsthand. Each type of program—expedition, field workshop, community service trip, and photo workshop—is designed to educate and inspire, combining adventure, discovery, and cultural immersion. Photo workshops are led by a National Geographic photographer and include instruction and daily photo shoots. Students in our community service programs live in a village and work with community members on a variety of service projects. On each expedition and field workshop, students get involved in a unique, hands-on project that allows them to delve deeper into a specific topic—such as photography, wildlife and conservation, filmmaking, or archaeology—and further engage with the places they visit.

National Geographic Difference

Travel that’s tailored to your interests: Whether you're a budding photographer, a natural history enthusiast, a parent looking for a great family trip, or a traveler seeking an active adventure, you'll find an array of opportunities that fit your passions and interests.

The beauty of happenstance: Some of the best moments in travel occur when you least expect them. So that you can savor these instances and enjoy each place in a way that’s meaningful to you, we offer options and build free time into our itineraries wherever we can.

Travel in good company: Lasting friendships often begin on National Geographic Expeditions. Your traveling companions are Society members like you: active, engaged, and curious about the world.

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We'll take care of the details: Leave the legwork to us. We take care of the logistics and details so you can relax, enjoy, and immerse yourself in the places you are exploring.

Exceptional resources at your fingertips: To help prepare for your trip, we’ll send you detailed information specific to your trip, including National Geographic books, articles, or maps relating to your destination. You’ll also receive a 20-percent discount on your next purchase* from our gift catalog or online store—shopng.com—as well as a free one-year subscription to a National Geographic magazine of your choice.

We’ve explored the world for 125 years. Now, let us take you with us!

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International airfare
    • Optional gratuities
    • Personal items
    • The “Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner” notations apply to the period during the expedition only and do not include any meals on flights to/from the Trip

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

7 breakfasts, 7 Lunches and 7 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
nation-norandnat

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