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Peregrine Travel Centre

Norwegian Fjords and Scottish Isles with National Geographic

Norwegian Fjords and Scottish Isles with National Geographic

From AUD $12,750

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Description

Sail across the North Sea in the wake of legendary explorers and seafarers, traveling between Scotland’s rolling green hills and ancient ruins and Norway’s breathtaking fjords and snow-dusted mountains. Discover an array of remote, ancient sites—Bronze Age ruins on the Shetland Islands, the Viking tombs of Orkney, and the 5,000-year-old settlement of Skara Brae. With our knowledgeable expedition team, explore a rich tapestry of histories and cultures on foot, by kayak, and by Zodiac.

Trip Name
Norwegian Fjords and Scottish Isles with National Geographic
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 108 meters Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins) Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008 National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world. Public areas: Bistro Bar; Chart Room; Restaurant; Global Gallery; Library, Lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; Mud Room with lockers for expedition gear, and Observation Lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair. Cabins: A New Look for National Geographic Explorer Suites National Geographic Explorer recently debuted updated suites, enhanced with the sleek, Scandinavian design that has become the hallmark of our polar fleet. Each of these elegant cabins now holds a Command Center, which allows guests to continue to explore from the comfort of their suites with a set of tools that includes a barometer, a National Geographic Atlas, a television that broadcasts entertainment and ship navigation, a coffee maker, and multiple USB and universal electric ports for cameras and other devices. 81 outside cabins All feature windows or portholes, private facilities, climate controls, hair dryers, and TV, plus Ethernet, Wi-Fi connections, and USB ports for mobile devices. Some cabins have balconies. Single cabins in Category SA and Category SB are located on the main deck and upper deck.  Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, Crow’s Nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear. Special Features: A full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, LEX Photo Specialist and Video Chronicler, Internet Cafe and laundry. Wellness: The vessel is staffed by two Wellness Specialists and features a glass enclosed Fitness Center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and Sauna.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Edinburgh, Scotland / Embark Ship
Arrive in Edinburgh and tour the city before boarding the ship.
Day 2 - DAY 2 Aberdeen
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 where you will learn about its award-winning products and practices. Or, dive into Highland traditions with 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.
Day 3 - DAYS 3-4 Orkney Islands
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 arrive in Kirkwall from which we 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 also have the opportunity to visit the medieval St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, which was founded in 1137 by the Viking Earl Rognvald.
Day 4 - DAY 5 Unst, Shetland Islands / Isle Of Noss / Lerwick
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.
Day 5 - DAY 6 Lerwick / 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 and Archives; or embark on a bird-watching 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.
Day 6 - DAY 7 Hidra, Norway
We 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.
Day 7 - DAY 8 Hardangerfjord
Norway’s glacier-carved western coast boasts some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. Launch kayaks and Zodiacs to explore the sublime Hardangerfjord, the second longest fjord in the country and the fourth longest in the world. Cruise beneath staggering cliffs and rushing waterfalls and venture ashore to hike against a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains, emerald valleys, and fruit orchards.
Day 8 - DAY 9 Bergen, Norway / Disembark Ship
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.)
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
15-06-202424-06-2024AUD $12,750Category 1
15-06-202424-06-2024AUD $14,170Category 2
15-06-202424-06-2024AUD $15,140Category 3
15-06-202424-06-2024AUD $16,240Category 4
15-06-202424-06-2024AUD $16,680Category SA (solo)
15-06-202424-06-2024AUD $17,370Category 5
15-06-202424-06-2024AUD $17,720Category SB (solo)
15-06-202424-06-2024AUD $20,030Category 6
15-06-202424-06-2024AUD $22,780Category 7
23-06-202402-07-2024AUD $14,170Category 2
23-06-202402-07-2024AUD $15,140Category 3
23-06-202402-07-2024AUD $16,240Category 4
23-06-202402-07-2024AUD $16,680Category SA (solo)
23-06-202402-07-2024AUD $17,370Category 5
23-06-202402-07-2024AUD $17,720Category SB (solo)
23-06-202402-07-2024AUD $20,030Category 6
23-06-202402-07-2024AUD $22,780Category 7
23-06-202402-07-2024AUD $12,750Category 1

Inclusions

    • Discover fascinating histories, ancient ruins, and coastal wonders from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Bergen, Norway
    • See the U.K.’s northernmost lighthouse, Muckle Flugga, at Unst, and glide beneath the dramatic cliffs of the second-largest fjord in Norway, Hardangerfjord
    • Explore the towering cliffs of Noss, a nature reserve that harbors thousands of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes
    • Venture to the Aberdeenshire countryside to learn about Scottish Highland traditions, including a visit to a Highland cattle farm
    • Capture images of timeless coastal villages and scenic landscapes with the guidance of a National Geographic Photography Expert
    • Extend your voyage: choose to discover the Scottish Highlands on a pre-voyage extension; or, on a post-voyage extension in Norway, discover the seaport town of Bergen or Norway’s stunning fjords

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