Norwegian Coastal Odyssey - A Summer Voyage from Aberdeen to the Norwegian Coast

Description

Join us aboard the MS Hebridean Sky for our summer voyage to Norway, one of Europe’s most beautiful and awe-inspiring countries. Our roundtrip sailing departs from Aberdeen and on our way north we will call into the remote Shetland Islands to learn of the many legends that have shaped this mystical place. Continuing to Norway we begin our navigation of its stunning coastline with its unhampered landscape and pristine wilderness promising to delight those with a love for the natural world.
We will spend seven days exploring Norway and our itinerary combines the wonders of the natural world with the historical and cultural highlights of the area. Of historical interest will be our time spent in the old town of Stavanger where we will see the traditional 19th century wooden buildings and whilst in Vikoyri, location of the oldest stave church in existence, we will see the nearby Moahaugane burial mounds which originate from 200-400 AD. In addition, we explore Haugesund, the region which has laid claim to the title of Norway’s Birthplace and Homeland of the Viking Kings.
Amongst the many opportunities to witness Norway’s epic scenery will be our exploration of the stunningly beautiful Hardangerfjord with its magnificent Langfoss waterfall, a cruise on the lovely Loen Lake surrounded by majestic mountains and our time spent in Dalsfjord, a little known fjord arm from where we travel to the spectacular landscape of Sunnfjord and ‘waterfall country’. We also cruise by the bird cliffs at Runde, one of the largest nesting cliffs in Norway and 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. The region is simply perfect for exploration by small ship and with over 30 years of experience in operating cruises in Norway, we believe we have the perfectly balanced itinerary featuring as it does a combination of majestic fjords, small towns, cultural history and wildlife. 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.

Trip Name

Norwegian Coastal Odyssey - A Summer Voyage from Aberdeen to the Norwegian Coast

Days

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 Lerwick, Shetland Islands.

After a morning at sea we arrive in the Shetland capital from where we have a choice of options. Maybe visit the remarkable archaeological site of Jarlshof which was uncovered by a violent storm in the winter of 1896/7, revealing an extraordinary settlement site embracing at least 5000 years of human history. The site contains a remarkable sequence of stone structures – late Neolithic houses, a Bronze-Age village, an Iron-Age broch and wheelhouses, several Norse longhouse, a Medieval farmstead, and the 16th century laird’s house. Alternatively join a walking tour of the historic port. Explore the narrow stone lanes before visiting the excellent Shetland Museum which features artefacts from shipwrecks and the whaling era.

Day 3 - Day 3 Stavanger, Norway.

Spend the morning at sea as we cross to Norway arriving into Stavanger at lunchtime. This afternoon we 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 this evening for anyone wishing to enjoy an evening ashore.

Day 4 - Day 4 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 5 - Day 5 Vikoyri.

Cruise this morning through the scenic Sognefjord towards the small village of Vikoyri. An afternoon 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 Moahaugane burial mounds which originate from 200-400 AD. There will also be the opportunity to try the local cheese delicacy of “gamal ost”, the recipe for which originated from the Vikings and it is still in production at the dairy in Vikoyri. Return to the MS Hebridean Sky via the picturesque homes and boathouses.

Day 6 - Day 6 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 majestic mountains covered by protruding glacier arms. Upon reaching Kjenndalsbre Fjellstove we will enjoy a short break with homemade Norwegian waffles. We continue 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 1100 metres and offers wonderful views over the fjord below. Sail in the early evening to enjoy the scenery of Nordfjord.

Day 7 - Day 7 Alesund & Runde.

Spend the morning in Alesund, one of the most beautiful towns in Norway. We will explore the streets with their Art Nouveau buildings and those feeling active can take a walk up Mount Aksla, climbing the 418 steps for magnificent views of the town, islands and Sunnmore Alps. In the late afternoon 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.

Day 8 - Day 8 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 ‘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 9 - Day 9 Haugesund.

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 you can choose to explore further at your own pace or join the guided visit to 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 that lived here before we visit the Maelandsgarden Museum which highlights the development of the town.

Day 10 - Day 10 At Sea.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we return to Scotland.

Day 11 - Day 11 Aberdeen, Scotland.

Disembark after breakfast. Transfers will be provided to Aberdeen Airport and Railway Station at a fixed time.

Day 12 - Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Jarlshof’s Ancient Layers, Shetland Islands: Uncover 5,000 years of history at this remarkable archaeological site, featuring Neolithic houses, a Bronze-Age village, and Norse longhouses.
Hardangerfjord’s Scenic Beauty, Rosendal: Cruise Norway’s third-largest fjord and walk to Bondhus Lake, surrounded by stunning fjords, mountains, and the Langfoss waterfall.
Runde’s Bird Cliffs, Alesund: Sail past one of Norway’s largest nesting cliffs, home to half a million birds, including puffins and gannets, amidst Alesund’s Art Nouveau charm.