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8 Night Norwegian Fjords and Scottish Isles Cruise from Edinburgh

Ship: National Geographic Explorer

Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions

Sailed: Monday, Jun 24, 2024 from Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Ended: Tuesday, Jul 2, 2024

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Monday, Jun 24, 2024 departure of the National Geographic Explorer. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Monday - Jun 24, 2024

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Depart on an overnight flight to Edinburgh and tour the city before boarding the ship. Lunch and dinner are served on Day 2.

Day 2 - Tuesday - Jun 25, 2024

Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Start off the day with a panoramic drive through "the Granite City" before exploring Aberdeenshire's countryside. Choose to visit a local Highland cattle farm, where you will learn about its award-winning products and practices. Or, dive into Highland traditions with a visit to the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Transfer back to the ship later this afternoon and enjoy an evening at sea as we head to the Orkney Islands.

Day 3 - Wednesday - Jun 26, 2024

Orkney Islands, Scotland, United Kingdom

Day 4 - Thursday - Jun 27, 2024

Kirkwall, Scotland

Bus Travel

Ring of Brodgar

Bus Travel

Skara Brae

Bus Travel

Kirkwall, Scotland

The Vikings held a strategic foothold in the Orkney Islands for centuries, and their Norse heritage is still evident throughout the archipelago. Here, we begin our exploration in true expedition style, discovering some of Orkney's lesser-known islands on archaeology walks, birding hikes, and Zodiac or kayak excursions, conditions permitting. The following day, we arrive in Kirkwall, from which we explore fascinating Stone Age sites, including the megaliths of the Ring of Brodgar and the 5,000-year-old stone-slab village of Skara Brae. We also have the opportunity to visit the medieval St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, which was founded in 1137 by the Viking Earl Rognvald.

Day 5 - Friday - Jun 28, 2024

Unst, United Kingdom

Isle of Noss, United Kingdom

Lerwick, United Kingdom

Arrive at Unst, the northernmost island of the Shetlands, which harbors sheltered inlets, golden beaches, and a large nature reserve. Take to the trails onshore to skirt towering cliffs and heather-covered hills. Weather permitting, paddle the scenic coastline by kayak, or cruise in a Zodiac to the farthest northern lighthouse in the UK. Or, visit the Unst Heritage Centre, which features local artifacts including handspun knit and lace, fishing tools, and wooden boats. At sunset, cruise below the towering cliffs of Noss, a nature reserve that harbors thousands of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes. Arrive in Lerwick in the late evening.

Day 6 - Saturday - Jun 29, 2024

Lerwick, United Kingdom

At Sea

In the bustling seaport of Lerwick, choose from several options. Explore the town, strolling amid 18th-century sandstone warehouses; delve into local culture and history at the Shetland Museum and Archives; or embark on a bird-watching or a geology-focused excursion. Alternatively, discover the prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof-which reveals 4,000 years of near-continuous settlement-and examine Bronze Age ruins and Viking longhouses. Our voyage takes us across the North Sea to Norway overnight.

Day 7 - Sunday - Jun 30, 2024

Hidra, Norway

We drop anchor at the island of Hidra, which boasts a rich history dating from the Viking era through World War II. Explore the picturesque village of Kirkehamn and learn about its long history of fishing and shipping. Hike to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Hidra and the surrounding islands, and see the remains of World War II coastal batteries.

Day 8 - Monday - Jul 1, 2024

Hardangerfjord, Norway

Norway's glacier-carved western coast boasts some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. Launch kayaks and Zodiacs to explore the sublime Hardangerfjord, the second-longest fjord in the country and the fourth-longest in the world. Cruise beneath staggering cliffs and rushing waterfalls and venture ashore to hike against a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains, emerald valleys, and fruit orchards.

Day 9 - Tuesday - Jul 2, 2024

Bergen, Norway

Disembark our ship in Bergen, set on a lovely fjord, and transfer to the airport for homeward-bound flights.