Scortish Islands, Norwegian Fjords & Arctic Discovery

• Day 1 - Edinburgh / Kirkwall; Embarkation Day

  The G Expedition departs in the late afternoon, sailing towards Kirkwall.

  The expedition begins near Scotland's incomparable capital city. Board the ship this afternoon in the suburb Port of Leith, to embark on a voyage to the Arctic. The G Expedition departs in the evening through a lock which leads down to sea level, before heading out to sail down the Firth of Forth. While on deck, keep a lookout for common eiders and northern gannets.

  IMPORTANT: Please ensure you are at the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel before 13:00 as luggage will be transferred to the ship at that time. Meet back at the hotel no later than 15:00 for a group transfer to the Port of Leith at 16:00.

• Day 2 - Orkney Islands

  Visit historic and mystical sites by coach on this remote island. Explore the Standing Stones of Stenness, the intriguing Ring of Brodgar, and the village of Skara Brae.

• Day 3 - Shetland Islands

  Continue northwards to the remote Shetland Islands. Opt to visit Jarlshof or join the Puffin Bus to focus on puffins and seabird photography at Sumbrugh Head. Enjoy additional time to explore Lerwick.

  The Shetland archipelago is an engaging mix of Scotland and Scandinavia blessed with spectacular coastlines, varied and abundant birdlife and a number of archaeological sites that date back thousands of years.

  Lerwick Visit
  Visit Lerwick on the Shetland Islands and discover the unique mix of Scotland Scandinavian culture in the area. Opt to visit Jarlshof, a remarkable archaeological site where Neoloithic houses and several Norse longhouses were discovered after a violent storm uncovered the settlement. Another option for your time here is to join the Puffin Bus to focus on puffin and seabird photography at Sumbrugh head. Each tour option will allow a few hours to explore Lerwick after. With your free time, opt to enjoy the Shetland Museum or talk a walk through the village.

• Day 4 - Ålesund

  Cross the famous North Sea to reach Norway. Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful Art Nouveau district of Ålesund, or take the 418 steps up to Fjellstua for the best view of the city, islands and bay. Opt to visit the Ålesund Museum and learn about the culture and history of the town, including the fire which destroyed the city in 1904.

• Day 5 - Åndalsnes

  A full day to explore the town of Åndalsnes and the surrounding mountains. Board the Rauma Railway taking you into the dramatic scenes of the Romsdalen mountains, or explore on foot in "The Alp town by the fjord".

• Day 6 - Trondheim

  Continue on to Trondheim. Choose between hiking in Bymarka Nature Reserve before visiting the Sverresborg Folk Museum, or enjoying a city tour including the Folk Museum and the elaborate Nidaros Cathedral, built between 1070 and 1300. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the area on your own.

• Day 7 - Torghatten/Vega

  The rugged coastline of central Norway features some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. Hike up to the famous hole in the mountain, with fantastic views of the region. Keep an eye out for Norway's mythical trolls. In the afternoon, head to the quaint and picturesque Vega Island, a UNESCO site. Wander the fishing villages, go on a guided nature hike, and appreciate the slow pace of life.

• Day 8 - Svartisen/Vikingen

  Visit Svartisen, and Vikingen, to see beautiful glaciers and a globe sculpture which marks Vikingen as a point directly on the Arctic Circle.

• Day 9 - Lofoten

  The Lofoten archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. Go ashore by Zodiac to the village of Å. Visit Nusfjord, one of Norway's oldest and best-preserved fishing villages for lunch at a local restaurant. In the evening, stay on deck as you cruise into one of Norway's most famous fjords, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord. Search the cliffs on your continuing quest to spot trolls.

  Å Village Visit Lofoten
  Enjoy a coach tour across the Lofoten Islands visiting the Tørrfiskmuseum (Stockfish Museum) and Svolvær. Stop for photos and other visits along the way including the Viking Museum at Bøstad.

• Day 10 - Tromsø; Disembarkation

  Tromsø, the capital of northern Norway, is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic" as it was the embarkation point for many Arctic expeditions. Disembark in the morning. We recommend booking some extra time in Tromsø to explore.

  Transfers to the Clarion Hotel the Edge or Tromsø Airport will be offered to all passengers with flights scheduled after disembarkation.

  After disembarkation you will be transferred to either the airport or the Clarion Hotel the Edge, depending on the time of your flight.

  Those transferred to the hotel will have an opportunity to explore the town centre on their own, and then be transferred to the airport later in the day as per flight schedules. Transfer times will be confirmed, and communicated onboard prior to departure.Luggage storage at the Clarion Hotel the Edge will be available until time of departure.

  IMPORTANT: Please do not book a flight departing Tromso earlier than 11AM.

• Day 11 - Tromsø / Hornsund

  Sail past mist-shrouded Bjørnøya (Bear Island) – a birdwatcher's paradise featuring spectacular views.

  Sail past Bear Island. Weather permitting, there may be an opportunity to explore mist-shrouded Bjørnøya by Zodiac - the weather is temperamental, so this is a 50/50 chance. Bear island even from afar has spectacular views, thousands of species of birds like fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots and gulls.

• Day 12 - Hornsund

  Explore this archipelago of deep fjords, mountains and massive ice sheets. Keep your eyes open for walruses, seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes and, of course, polar bears.

  Our flexible itinerary and experience here allow us to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. Each season we attempt to discover new landing sites to explore to enhance your expedition experience. Shore walks and Zodiac adventures bring us up close to mystical landscapes, icebergs, and wildlife.

  Hornsund Shore Walks and Zodiac Adventures
  Explore the natural beauty of Hornsund and take advantage of the spectacular photo opportunities. The Expedition team will select the best areas to explore by Zodiac depending on weather conditions.

• Day 13 - Hornsund / Bellsund

  Soak in the sights and sounds of Svalbard. Glaciers, nesting birds, sea mammals like polar bears, walruses and whales plus land mammals like the arctic fox and reindeer all call this region home.

• Day 14 - Bellsund / Longyearbyen

  Continue exploring the icy wonderland of Svalbard.

• Day 15 - Svalbard: Disembarkation day

  Disembark the G Expedition in the morning in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.

Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.