Compare Norway and Scotland: Fjordlands to the Inner Hebrides by National Geographic Expeditions vs Highlights of Scotland by Intrepid Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
3.5 | Average
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 7,990 | $ 3,660 |
| Price Per Day | $ 999 | $ 458 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| Meals Included |
7 breakfasts, 7 Lunches and 7 Dinners |
N/A |
| 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. |
Picture yourself standing before ancient castles that guard misty lochs and on stunning cliffs with waterfalls cascading down — this is Scotland. From the brightly coloured murals on the bustling streets of Glasgow, to Fort William, an adventurer's playground, you’ll spend eight days exploring cobblestone streets and grassy landscapes. Explore the mystical Isle of Skye and mythological Loch Ness, where the murky depths hide a Scottish legend. See Inverness, vibrant and historic and learn tales of battles and folklore. End your journey in Edinburgh, a city of contrasts, where the old and new coexist, where nature and culture and where every corner holds a piece of history. With the right balance of small-group adventure and free time to explore, this trip will allow Scotland's unique magic to captivate your heart. |
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 Glasgow
Welcome to Scotland! Glasgow is one of Europe's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities and this is where your adventure begins. It boasts world famous art collections, and is famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture. The city has some of the best shopping in the UK outside of London, first-class sports and leisure facilities, as well as a vast array of restaurants, bars and exciting nightlife. You’ll have a welcome meeting att 6 pm to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not take a stroll along the River Clyde, once at the heart of the city’s ship building industry. After the meeting, become acquainted at a nearby restaurant or grab a ‘fish supper’ in the lively Merchant City. Known for its pedestrianised areas, outdoor eating, trendy designer shops and ever-changing developments, the Merchant City is Glasgow with style, and one of the most popular areas to visit for tourists and locals alike.
Day 2 Fort William
After a short walk to the train station this morning, catch the early morning train, the world-famous West Highland Line, where your adventure really begins. The West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William is a captivating railway journey that takes you through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes. Arriving in Fort William early afternoon gives the group time to explore this famous town. Fort William is world famous for the huge variety of outdoor activities available and of course is home to the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis. The afternoon is free, so why not take a short walk into the countryside with your new friends or do some shopping in the town. Maybe jump in a taxi to the Nevis Range Gondola, which offers incredible elevated views of this wild region.
Day 3 Glenfinnan / Isle of Skye
This morning, complete your train journey on the West Highland Line, as the train departs from Fort William, passengers are immediately greeted by the imposing beauty of Ben Nevis, standing tall against the sky. The route then winds through the enchanting Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films, and clings to the coastline before reaching the charming fishing village of Mallaig. Here, hop off the train and onto a ferry, which takes you over the sea to Skye. The Isle of Skye is the largest and northernmost of the major islands is the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The landscape of Skye is a captivating mix of dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines and undulating moorland. It's a place where the elements have shaped the terrain into awe-inspiring natural wonders, some of which you’ll explore tomorrow. When you arrive, you’ll hop in a private transfer to your accommodation. Enjoy some free time to relax and take in the surroundings. Later in the evening you can join the group leader to maybe even sample a dram or two!
Day 4 Isle of Skye
Join your guide for a short morning hike and take in the beautiful scenery. If luck is on your side, you might even have the opportunity to catch sight of some of Skye's native wildlife, such as otters or seals. After the hike, you’ll take a private bus tour to explore some of Skye’s most famous and most recognisable landscapes as you circumnavigate the Trotternish Peninsula. The Trotternish Peninsula is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including the Quiraing with its unique geological formations, that will leave you in awe. The towering pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, a dramatic sea cliff with a cascade of spectacular waterfalls. Your bus tour will take you along winding coastal roads and offer stops at these remarkable sights, as well as time to explore a local gallery or museum along the way. If time permits, you may visit Dunvegan Castle (entrance fees not included) before returning to your accommodation late afternoon.
Day 5 Loch Ness / Highlands / Inverness
This morning, bid farewell to the enchanting Isle of Skye on a private bus, travelling over the iconic Skye Bridge and back to the mainland. Your journey continues through picturesque landscapes, until you reach the charming village of Fort Augustus, cradled at the southern edge of the legendary Loch Ness. Here, you'll be treated to a scenic boat cruise on these mysterious waters (see if you can spot the elusive monster deep below the tranquil waters!). After your boat excursion, head north to Inverness, the vibrant capital of the Highlands, known for its rich history and lively local culture. This is where you'll stay for the next two nights.
Day 6 Inverness
Start the day by hopping on a local bus to nearby Culloden Battlefield, located on the outskirts of Inverness. It was here, in April 1746, that Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rebellion came to a bloody end. The battlefield is fascinating to walk around, and exudes a sombreness even today. Back in the city centre, take a walk alongside the River Ness. This local’s favorite follows a trail which weaves over some small islands in the river, before crossing a graceful pedestrian suspension bridge to complete the loop, finishing close to a local arts centre, looking up at Inverness Castle. The rest of the day is free to explore. Maybe visit the castle or a local whisky store, catch a gig, do some souvenir shopping, or if you are looking for a hidden delight,, then Leakey’s bookshop in Inverness is a must-see.
Day 7 Edinburgh
A morning train from Inverness takes you to Edinburgh today. Edinburgh is famous for its literary heritage, historic cobbled streets and striking architecture. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995, in recognition of the striking quality and contrast in architecture and streetscape between the Medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. Want to know more about ‘Auld Reekie’, the capital city of Scotland? After dropping bags at the accommodation, you’ll take an insightful tour of the city, led by someone who has previously been homeless. The rest of the day is yours to explore the winding streets and bars, visit some of the famous attractions or hit the designer stores of the city centre.
Day 8 Edinburgh
With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave any time after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in enigmatic Edinburgh, we don’t blame you – there’s so much to see and do – just speak to your booking agent.
