Compare Norway and Scotland: Fjordlands to the Inner Hebrides by National Geographic Expeditions vs Norway in 7 days - Vision of the Fjords - Charm by Exoticca
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| Trip |
3.5 | Average
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 7,990 | $ 1,799 |
| Price Per Day | $ 999 | $ 257 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included |
7 breakfasts, 7 Lunches and 7 Dinners |
6 breakfasts, 2 dinners. |
| Description |
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. |
Discover the capital city of Oslo and its cultural delights. Spend your nights on the shores of Norway's most beautiful fjords in Oppland and Sogn og Fjordane. Discover the city of Bergen, and it's historic Bryggen neighbourhood, surrounded by the characteristic landscape of towering mountains and crystal-clear fjords and cross the glistening Hardangerfjord, the 4th largest in the world. |
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 Gaelic cultures intermingle, and visit a Shetland pony farm. Then discover the extraordinary prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof, examining Bronze Age ruins and Viking longhouses. Later, take in a cacophony of puffins, guillemots, and razorbills as we walk to the lighthouse at Sumburgh Head.
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 island’s bird research station, and spot some of the roughly 250 species of flowering plants that grow here. Peruse local handicrafts including intricately-patterned Fair Isle knitwear, which is renowned worldwide.
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 megaliths of the Ring of Brodgar and the 5,000-year-old stone-slab village of Skara Brae. Step inside the medieval St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, which took nearly 300 years to complete. For scuba enthusiasts, we have planned a fantastic dive in Scapa Flow.
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 Celtic high crosses mark the graves of generations of Scottish kings. Then dock at Staffa, famed for its geometric basalt columns and deep-sea caves. Explore the awe-inspiring Fingal’s Cave, where Felix Mendelssohn was inspired to write his "Hebrides Overture."
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.
Day 1: US - Night on board
Ready to discover the spectacular landscapes and scenic fjords of Norway? Arrive at your departure airport to catch a flight to Oslo.* Night on board. * Important: If your outbound flight leaves at dawn (before 04:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the selected departure day.
Day 2: Oslo
Arrive at Gardermoen airport and transfer to the hotel.* Oslo is the capital of Norway and a great place to discover the local culture and cuisine. The city is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, its green spaces and its numerous museums, many of which are dedicated to the country's Viking heritage. Overnight stay in Oslo. * Transfers are provided by a regular Flybuss Service.
Day 3: Oslo - Oppland
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning enjoy a fascinating panoramic tour of Oslo including Frogner Park which houses the Sculptural Ensemble of Vigeland, the Town Hall, the Royal Palace, and the Modern Opera House. Afterwards, set off for Lillehammer, the city famous for the Olympics of '94, which is situated on the shores of Lake Mjøsa. Admire its tiny picturesque streets. Here you have the option to visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.* Continue through the Oppland region and check-in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Oppland. * Optional Maihaugen Open-Air Museum: Maihaugen is Norway’s largest open-air museum outside of Oslo. The museum offers more than 200 buildings from different eras, superb cultural experiences and numerous exhibitions. You may find a cheaper price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.
Day 4: Oppland - Briksdal Glacier - Sogn og Fjordane
Breakfast at the hotel. An exciting day awaits as you set off for Briksdal Glacier. On the way, stop for a brief visit to the beautiful Lom Church.* Located inside the Jostedalsbreen National Park, the Briksdal Glacier is set within the breathtaking Briksdalen Valley, rising to a height of 1200 metres. Enjoy some free time in Briksdal to admire the unbelievable views, take photos, explore the valley and have lunch (at your own expense). Afterwards, head to the Førde region, to check in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Sogn og Fjordane. * Optional Entrance to Lom Church: Enjoy entrance to Lom Stave Church where you can admire the beautiful Romanesque architecture of this 12th-century site, one of the largest churches in Norway.Please note: You may find a cheaper entrance ticket price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.
Day 5: Sogn og Fjordane - Sognefjord - Bergen
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off into the landscapes of the land of fjords, and enjoy a panoramic cruise through the beautiful Sognefjord, one of the most famous and beautiful in the whole of Norway. Admire the Nærøy Fjord and the Sognefjord with its high mountains, waterfalls and breathtaking landscape, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Afterwards, continue to Gudvangen to enjoy some free time in this quaint village, nestled at the base of the Angosto Fjord. We recommend taking an optional excursion to the fascinating Viking Museum here.* Afterwards, continue to Voss where you can explore at your leisure until finally arriving in Bergen the 'capital of the fjords'. Transfer to the hotel and get settled in. Overnight stay in Bergen. * Optional Viking Museum Visit: Visit Gudvangen's Viking Museum to learn more about this important period in Norwegian history. The Viking Museum is home to impressive Viking-style buildings, re-enactments and brilliant insights into Norway's Viking heritage.
Day 6: Bergen
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a fascinating panoramic tour of Bergen for an overview of its sights and history. Visit the Fish Market, famous for its busy atmosphere and excellent produce, and the Hanseatic Neighbourhood or Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with traditional buildings, museums, restaurants and cafes. The afternoon is free at your leisure. We recommend an optional Funicular Ride to Mount Floyen.* Overnight stay in Bergen. * Optional Mount Floyen Funicular Ride: Ride to the top of Mount Floyen for exceptional views of Bergen and the surrounding fjord-lands. You may find a cheaper price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.
Day 7: Bergen - Hardangerfjord - Oslo
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early towards Oslo and on the way travel across the mighty Hardangerfjord. On the shores of this fjord you can watch the various different farming communities, many of them dedicated to fish farming. After admiring the glistening fjord, head to the Hardangervidda Plateau, home to large herds of wild reindeer. Continue to Olso and watch the changing landscapes and natural beauty of the Buskerud region pass by. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Oslo.
Day 8: Oslo - US
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to Gardermoen airport for your return flight back to the US.* Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Transfers are provided by a regular Flybuss Service.
