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Summer in Norway – A Voyage from Aberdeen to the Norwegian Coast

Summer in Norway – A Voyage from Aberdeen to the Norwegian Coast

From GBP £7,695

Description

Norway is, by anyone’s standards, one of Europe’s most beautiful and awe-inspiring countries. Its unhampered landscape and pristine wilderness promises to delight those with a love for the natural world and its stunning coastline offers the traveller scenery on an epic scale. Join us for our no-fly cruise to Norway as we voyage along the western coast of this remarkable country, punctuated by seemingly endless beaches, bustling coastal towns, fjords of cinematic grandeur and thriving fishing communities.
Our roundtrip voyage sails from the port of Aberdeen on the east coast of Scotland and after a relaxing day at sea cruising north we catch our first glimpse of Norway. Here our days will be spent on guided excursions with local guides, on walks with our naturalists and on deck of the MS Hebridean Sky as we cruise amongst the fjords. This itinerary uniquely combines the wonders of the natural world with the historical and cultural highlights of the area and our visits will include Haugesund to learn of Norway’s Viking heritage, Alesund to marvel at the Art Nouveau architecture and the charming town of Vikoyri on the Sogne Fjord with its rich cultural life and beautiful Hopperstad Stave Church. We will also spend time exploring Hardangerfjord with its magnificent Langfoss waterfall, visiting the small island of Hitra where we hope to spot white-tailed eagles and witnessing the prolific birdlife at Runde, home to more than 240 species of birds..
There is no better way to explore this endlessly fascinating region than aboard the 118-passenger MS Hebridean Sky and joining you on board will be an expert team who have been selected for their enthusiasm, professionalism and specialist knowledge of the natural world. With our small ship we are able to access some of the more remote harbours which are just not accessible to the larger cruise ships and ferries and we will be able to get up close to see nature at its rawest, cruise rugged coastlines, witness vibrant colours and admire the prolific birdlife of this wonderful region.

Trip Name
Summer in Norway - A Voyage from Aberdeen to the Norwegian Coast
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 90.6 metres Passenger Capacity: 118 Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2016 The MS Hebridean Sky is a beautifully appointed small ship, designed to offer an atmosphere of refined elegance and intimate comfort. With just 59 spacious suites, many featuring private balconies, she provides all guests with an outside view and a sense of relaxed luxury. Suites are finished in warm wood panelling and brass, with thoughtful details such as rainfall showers, dressing gowns, Noble Isle toiletries and flexible bed configurations. The public areas are equally welcoming, from the bright dining room and convivial Club bar to the well-stocked library and panoramic observation deck. A clinic with doctor, hairdressing facilities, a lift serving all decks and complimentary Wi-Fi ensure that every journey is made in comfort and ease. Life on board the MS Hebridean Sky is calm, sociable, and tailored to those who value discovery and relaxation over large-scale entertainment. Dining is a highlight, with talented chefs crafting exquisite à la carte menus often enhanced by fresh local produce, complemented by fine wines included with meals. Guests may enjoy al fresco meals on the Lido Deck, afternoon tea, or informal evenings with music in the lounge. Enrichment comes through fascinating lectures, daily briefings, and the company of like-minded travellers, while the warm and attentive service creates the feel of a private yacht or country house hotel. With her understated elegance, exceptional service, and focus on exploration, the Hebridean Sky offers a truly memorable and distinguished cruising experience.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Aberdeen, Scotland.
Embark the MS Hebridean Sky this afternoon. Transfers will be provided from Aberdeen Airport and Railway Station at a fixed time. Sail this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 At Sea.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we cross to Norway.
Day 3 - Day 3 Haugesund, Norway.
At breakfast we arrive in Haugesund where, a thousand years ago, King Harald Fairhair united Norway into a single kingdom, and it was from this area that the Viking Kings ruled Norway for more than 500 years. The region has laid claim to the title of Norway’s Birthplace and Homeland of the Viking Kings. This morning we will visit the 13th century St Olav’s church before learning about the Viking Age at the Nordvegen Heritage Centre. This afternoon is free to explore at your own pace or maybe join us as we visit the charming old town of Skudeneshavn which consists of 130 white wooden houses originating from the 1800s, when herring fishing was at its peak. We will stroll through the streets and our guide will share stories about the locals who lived here before we visit the Maelandsgarden Museum which highlights the development of the town.
Day 4 - Day 4 Dalsfjord & Bygstad.
Dalsfjord lies at the heart of Western Norway with its starkly contrasting fjord scenery, halfway between Bergen and Alesund. This little-known fjord arm has a gentler landscape where powerful and diverse watercourses have left their impression on the scenery and settlements. Today’s tour will take us through this beautiful environment and over to Sunnfjord with its magnificent waterfalls and mountains. We will visit Sunnfjord Museum, which provides an insight into how life was in local settlements in the mid 1800s, before taking a scenic drive to the region known as ‘the waterfall country’. Here we will stop at the Huldefossen and Likholefossen waterfalls before returning via the Hestadfjord where we find the 19th century Hestad Church located in idyllic surroundings.
Day 5 - Day 5 Hitra.
We will spend a morning at sea before we enjoy the benefits of our small ship as we visit Hitra, one of the smaller islands along the coast. From our berth in Sandstad we will visit Hopsjo, one of the region’s largest trading centres in the 18th and 19th centuries. Here we find the old general store, the whaling station and a number of restored wooden boats once used for herring fishing. If conditions permit our onboard team will lead some walks through the landscapes. These islands also have the densest population of white-tailed eagles in the world which we hope to spot whilst ashore.
Day 6 - Day 6 Trondheim.
Founded in AD 997 by Viking King Olav Tryggvason, Trondheim was Norway’s first capital city and we will discover its historical treasures today. We will drive past the old wooden buildings and visit the 11th century Nidaros Cathedral built over the grave of St Olav and richly Trondheim Stavanger Lighthouse, Runde ornamented in stone with stunning stained-glass windows. We continue to Ringve Manor, a typical manor house of the Trondelag district and home to Norway’s only musical instrument museum, before returning to the MS Hebridean Sky.
Day 7 - Day 7 Runde & Alesund.
In the mid-morning we will cruise by the bird cliffs at Runde, one of the largest nesting cliffs in Norway and home to half a million birds. More than 240 different species have been observed here including puffins, gannets, razorbills and northern fulmar. Continue to Alesund, one of the most beautiful towns in Norway. It is a great place to spend an afternoon as we explore the streets with their Art Nouveau buildings. Those feeling active can take a walk up Mount Aksla taking the 418 steps for magnificent views of the town, islands and Sunnmore Alps.
Day 8 - Day 8 Loen, Nordfjord.
Today we leave the charming village of Loen and take a drive to the Kjenndal valley where we board a small boat to experience the lovely Loen Lake, passing through tall mountains covered by protruding glacier arms. We finally end up at the Kjenndalsbre Fjellstove where we enjoy a short break with homemade Norwegian waffles. We continue our visit to the Kjenndalsbre glacier viewpoint, an arm of the mighty Jostedals Glacier, the largest in mainland Europe. After lunch on board enjoy some free time in Loen, maybe take a trip on the cable car which rises 1,100 metres and offers wonderful views over the fjord below. Sail in the early evening to enjoy the scenery of Nordfjord.
Day 9 - Day 9 Vikoyri.
Awake this morning at the small village of Vikoyri located in Sognefjord. A local walk will include the richly decorated Hopperstad Stave Church which was built in 1130 and is the oldest stave church in existence. We also see the 12th century Hove stone church and the nearby Mohaugane burial mounds which originate from 200-400 AD. Try the local cheese delicacy of “gamal ost”. The recipe originated from the Vikings and it is still in production at the dairy in Vikoyri. Return to the ship via the picturesque homes and boathouses. We sail in the early afternoon for a scenic sail in the fjords.
Day 10 - Day 10 Rosendal.
Sail this morning into Hardangerfjord, the third largest fjord in the world. We will anchor and use our Zodiacs to land at Rosendal from where we drive along the fjord towards the small part of the Hardangerfjord called Maurangerfjord, experiencing the idyllic scenery and farms along the way and viewing the magnificent Langfoss waterfall. When we arrive at the small village of Sunndal we will walk to Bondhus Lake which is surrounded by a fascinating landscape of fjords and mountains. After lunch on board we have free time to explore the town, maybe visit the 12th century Kvinnherad Church, the Stone Park or see the gardens at Barony Rosendal.
Day 11 - Day 11 Lysefjord & Stavanger.
Awake today in picturesque Lysefjord which measures 23 miles end to end. Spend the morning cruising past Preikestolen (Priest Rock) and Kjerag Mountain which both tower above the fjord. Afterwards we sail to Stavanger and have the chance to stroll in the small harbour with its multi-coloured traditional wooden buildings. Old Stavanger is a cluster of 173 small white wooden houses built in the 19th century which house craft shops, galleries and museums. We sail late tonight for anyone wishing to enjoy a final evening ashore in Norway.
Day 12 - Day 12 At Sea.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we return to Scotland.
Day 13 - Day 13 Aberdeen, Scotland.
Disembark after breakfast. Transfers will be provided to Aberdeen Airport and Railway Station at a fixed time.
Day 14 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-07-202602-08-2026GBP £7,695Amundsen Deck Standard Suite
21-07-202602-08-2026GBP £7,895Byrd Deck Superior Suite
21-07-202602-08-2026GBP £8,295Mawson Deck Premium Suite
21-07-202602-08-2026GBP £8,795Mawson Deck Corner Suite
21-07-202602-08-2026GBP £9,595Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
21-07-202602-08-2026GBP £9,695Amundsen Deck Standard Sole
21-07-202602-08-2026GBP £9,895Byrd Deck Superior Sole
21-07-202602-08-2026GBP £9,995Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
21-07-202602-08-2026GBP £10,295Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite

Inclusions

    • Visit Norway's Viking heritage in Haugesund and explore charming Skudeneshavn.
    • Cruise through stunning fjords, including Hardangerfjord and Lysefjord, with breathtaking waterfalls and glaciers.
    • Discover Trondheim's historic Nidaros Cathedral and Alesund's Art Nouveau architecture.

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