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8 Night Norwegian Fjords and Scottish Isles Cruise from Edinburgh

Ship: National Geographic Resolution

Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions

Sailed: Wednesday, May 3, 2023 from Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Ended: Thursday, May 11, 2023

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Wednesday, May 3, 2023 departure of the National Geographic Resolution. 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 - Wednesday - May 3, 2023

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Arrive in Edinburgh and take a tour of the city before boarding the ship. (L, D)

Day 2 - Thursday - May 4, 2023

Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Start off the day with a panoramic drive through the "Granite City" before exploring Aberdeenshire's countryside. Choose to visit both a local Highland cattle farm and a sustainable farm shop, where you will learn about its award-winning products and practices. Or, dive into Highland traditions with a visit to a local whiskey distillery followed by 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. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - Friday - May 5, 2023

Orkney Islands, 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 will arrive in Kirkwall from which we will 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 will also have the opportunity to visit the medieval St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, which was founded in 1137 by the Viking Earl Rognvald. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Saturday - May 6, 2023

Orkney Islands, Scotland

Day 5 - Sunday - May 7, 2023

Unst, Shetland Islands, Scotland, 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 U.K. 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 which harbors thousands of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes. Arrive in Lerwick in the late evening. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Monday - May 8, 2023

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 & Archives; or embark on a birdwatching 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. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Tuesday - May 9, 2023

Hidra, Norway

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. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Wednesday - May 10, 2023

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 Hardangerfjorden, the second-longest fjord in the country and the fourth-longest in the world. Cruise beneath staggering cliffs and rushing waterfalls. Then venture ashore to hike against a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains, emerald valleys, and fruit orchards. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Thursday - May 11, 2023

Bergen, Norway

Disembark our ship in Bergen, set on a lovely fjord, and transfer to the airport for homeward-bound flights. Or choose to explore the seaport town of Bergen or Norway's stunning fjords on a post-voyage extension. (Note: a pre-voyage extension to discover the Scottish Highlands is also available.) (B)