smithsonian tour of scotland

Small ship with blue hull & white upper decks cruises through calm Norwegian fjords with fall colors on hillside & waterfall.

Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords

Glasgow>Bergen
Bergen>Glasgow
Rates & Dates

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On this exceptional 8-day cruise, discover the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Isles and the beauty of the Norwegian fjords. These Ponant voyages in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys uniquely include transfers to and from the ship on embarkation and disembarkation days, talks and discussions aboard ship by world-class experts from Smithsonian Journeys, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of the local environment and culture.

The voyage begins in Glasgow, Scotland or Bergen, Norway. Northbound, begin in Scotland’s cultural capital with a rich artistic and architectural heritage. Sail to Fort William for a cruise of fabled Loch Ness or a tour of a local distillery. From Kyle of Lochalsh, enjoy the unparalleled Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan, one of the most recognizable castles in the world. Next sail to either Kirkwall or Stromness, Orkney, for numerous seabirds and the Standing Stones of Stenness, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Lerwick, the main port in the Shetland Islands. Nearby is the Jarlshof prehistoric and Norse settlement, where Neolithic people first settled more than 4,000 years ago.

Cross the North Sea for the small and charming village of Olden, near to one of the last ice caps in Europe, the Briksdal Glacier. Discover Flåm with a beautiful train journey high into the mountains of western Norway. View stunning rivers, waterfalls and cultural landscapes around every corner. The voyage ends in Bergen, famous for its Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site which still carries traces of the rich historic past of the city founded by the Vikings.

A selection of identical 184-guest luxury French vessels operates this Norway cruise: Le Champlain , Le Bellot and Le Laperouse . Enjoy refined and attentive service, a plethora of onboard activities and unrivaled elegance. Appreciate understated sophistication, an international feel and top-notch guides aboard this ship. Le Champlain features 100% private balconies or terraces, innovative equipment, elegantly designed guest accommodations, welcoming lounge areas that open to the outside and the Blue Eye underwater lounge–a multi-sensory space in the ship’s hull featuring hydrophones, expansive underwater views and other amenities that create the feeling of being underwater beside the marine life that the ship is sailing past. On both ships, a variety of onboard activities engage guests while underway.

Read on for details about this cruise, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s small ship cruises in Northern Europe and Northern European tours .

Glasgow>Bergen Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords Voyage Itinerary

The Glasgow>Bergen Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords Voyage operates from Glasgow, Scotland to Bergen, Norway.

Route map of reverse Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords Voyage with Smithsonian Journeys from Glasgow, Scotland to Bergen, Norway with visits to Norway's Olden & Flam & Scotland's Lerwick, Kirkwall, Kyle of Lochalsh & Fort William.

In the heart of the Clyde Valley, the bustling city of Glasgow contrasts starkly with the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. Scotland’s biggest city overflows with landmarks from its extensive artistic heritage and outstanding architectural tradition. The city’s chequerboard layout makes walking through the major pedestrian thoroughfares easy: go with the flow and let the lively street atmosphere take you past the many Victorian monuments. Don’t miss the collections on display in the numerous museums and art galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an outstanding example.

Le Champlain, Le Bellot, Le Laperouse

A port town on the eastern shore of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is sometimes described as the Outdoor Capital of the UK. Because it sits at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, and is in close proximity to the dramatic landscape of Glencoe, it is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers. For those looking for a less adventurous experience, the nearby Ben Nevis Distillery offers tours and tastings, and Old Fort and Old Inverlochy Castle are interesting historical sites.

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Kyle of Lochalsh (“Straits of the Alsh Inlet”) is a small port town at the foot of the bridge connecting the mainland to the Isle of Skye. It is set amidst extraordinary natural beauty and serves as a gateway to the Scottish Highlands and to several castles that preserve the history and traditions of the clans who once ruled here. Eilean Donan Castle, on a tiny island overlooking the confluence of three lochs, is one of the most picturesque and most-filmed castles in Scotland. Armadale Castle and Gardens, historic residence of Clan Donald, is also within easy reach of the town.

The Isle of Skye is the largest in the Inner Hebrides archipelago. Nicknamed the island of the mist, its romantic and magical landscapes have inspired the greatest authors and filmmakers, such as the poet Walter Scott or Virginia Woolf. The almost deserted interior of the island and its coast are a concentration of the most emblematic beauty of the Scottish Highlands: rocky outcrops, basalt columns, hills and wide vales covered in peat bog and heather, lakes, waterfalls, fine sandy coves and cliffs. You may be lucky enough to see a sea eagle perched on their summits, watching the waves beneath which otters, sea lions, seals, dolphins and whales may be hiding.

The stone houses stand proudly facing the sea in the charming town of Stromness, the second most populous town in Scotland’s Orkney Islands. Long ago called Hamnavoe–meaning safe harbor–because of the safety it provided to Viking travelers, sailors and merchants sailing around Great Britain, the town has retained its gentle way of life. Strolling along its picturesque streets will immerse you in the history of the fishermen and whale hunters, but also allow you to discover a lively town with a living culture.

The small and charming capital of the Shetland Islands, with its sea front of old houses and narrow streets, offers travelers its old districts and a warm port atmosphere. Geopark Shetland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located to the north. Incredibly well-preserved archaeological sites and ruins prove that the islands’ occupation dates back to the first Neolithic colonies. The Shetland Museum and Archives recounts the Shetlands’ history of heritage and culture: Lerwick’s abundant waters were even fished by the Dutch in the past.

With its two wooden churches, one red and the other white, plus its breathtaking view of the mouth of the river Oldeelva, Olden looks just like a picture post card. Located a few kilometres from the Jostedalsbreen park, home to one of the last glacier polar icecaps, this little village is a definite must for exploring the blue languages of the Briksdal or Kjennalen glaciers. Be sure to visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum. Absolutely amazing. Another gem is Lake Lovatn and its turquoise waters inviting quiet contemplation.

Nestled in the heart of the fjord country, less than 125 miles from Bergen, the picturesque village of Flåm — pronounced Flôm — offers an experience of authentic Norway. Mosey around the brightly colored streets and admire the majestic contours of the surrounding mountains. The town is also the departure point for the mythical train route Flamsbana, 12.5 miles long, whose journey offers a superb view of the scenery, as sublime as it is pristine. This attraction makes Flåm one of the country’s main tourist destinations.

Located at the end of Byfjord, Bergen was the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th Centuries and has preserved some very beautiful monuments from the time when it was home to royalty. Wandering through Bergen’s streets means going back in time, in search of the hidden treasures that have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. A veritable open-air museum, Bergen is home to a thriving artistic community of painters, potters and jewelers. The Bergen cable car offers a splendid panorama over the port and the surrounding fjords. Do not miss the visit to the old quarter with its narrow streets, a testimony of the power of the Hanseatic League that controlled trade in Northern Europe at the end of the Middle Ages.

All meals while on board the ship; captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner; “open bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands); evening entertainment and events; room service; highly qualified bilingual French/English expedition team; lectures presented by the expedition team; Zodiac and shore excursions; park entry fees into protected areas; complimentary unlimited Wifi on board; port fees and taxes (except for child passengers–see Families & Children); gratuities.

Optional add-on excursions or packages; ground services before or after the cruise; visa expenses; possible immigration reciprocity taxes; luggage handling; beverages beyond those in Inclusions; laundry, hair salon, spa treatments, onboard medical consultations and other personal charges; cancellation, luggage, assistance, repatriation, medical and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations beyond 14 days after booking confirmation are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure: 365 days or more – $250 364 to 211 days – 10% of total trip cost 210 to 91 days – 100% of deposit 90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions . Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Glasgow>Bergen Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords Voyage begins in Glasgow, Scotland (GLA) and ends in Bergen, Norway (BGO). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Recommended flight arrival and departure times are specific to each voyage; consult your Adventure Specialist for guidelines relating to your departure. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Included activities on your Glasgow>Bergen Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords Voyage are onboard lectures and discussions with subject matter experts from Smithsonian Journeys, the travel component of the Smithsonian Institution. Also included is an excursion in every port of call such as Zodiac cruising; hiking; and guided explorations of cities, museums, monuments, and archeological sites. You will have the opportunity to choose your included excursions prior to departure. Onboard your ship a multitude of onboard activities keep guests engaged, including live music, dance and theater; optional spa treatments; exercise and stretching classes; specialty food, wine and cocktail tastings; organized games; and more.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. This supplement may vary depending on cabin category and remaining capacity per departure. A willing-to-share program is not available. Triple and quadruple rates may be available in select cabin categories; contact AdventureSmith for details.

Families & Children

Children 1 year and older at time of travel are welcomed on this cruise. Children under 18 years old at time of travel may receive special discounts when sharing a cabin with two full-fare adults. A child sharing a cabin with a single adult is considered to be a paying adult. Contact AdventureSmith for details.

Travel Insurance

A medical form for all travelers is required for every departure. Travelers are also highly encouraged to have full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance  or  get a free quote .

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Bergen>Glasgow Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords Voyage Itinerary

The Bergen>Glasgow Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords Voyage operates from Bergen, Norway to Glasgow, Scotland.

Route map of Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords Voyage with Smithsonian Journeys from Bergen, Norway to Glasgow, Scotland with visits to Norway's Olden & Flam & Scotland's Lerwick, Kirkwall, Kyle of Lochalsh & Fort William.

Le Champlain, Le Bellot

Capital of the Orkney archipelago, Kirkwall, which means “church bay,” is an ideal stopover before continuing on to the Northern Isles. Sheltered in a wide bay, the lively town welcomes the visitor with its charming paved alleyways edged by old houses and craft shops. Tankerness House, the oldest homestead in the town, is a must-see landmark. But the true architectural treasure of the aptly named Kirkwall is none other than its remarkable red and gold stone cathedral. And because whisky is inseparable from Scotland’s identity, stop at the Highland Park Distillery for a highly instructive visit.

The Bergen>Glasgow Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords Voyage begins in Bergen, Norway (BGO) and ends in Glasgow, Scotland (GLA). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Recommended flight arrival and departure times are specific to each voyage; consult your Adventure Specialist for guidelines relating to your departure. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Included activities on your Bergen>Glasgow Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords Voyage are onboard lectures and discussions with subject matter experts from Smithsonian Journeys, the travel component of the Smithsonian Institution. Also included is an excursion in every port of call such as Zodiac cruising; hiking; and guided explorations of cities, museums, monuments, and archeological sites. You will have the opportunity to choose your included excursions prior to departure. Onboard your ship a multitude of onboard activities keep guests engaged, including live music, dance and theater; optional spa treatments; exercise and stretching classes; specialty food, wine and cocktail tastings; organized games; and more.

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Learn About The Luxury Small Ships On Your Itinerary

The 184-guest Le Champlain is a refined, luxury expedition ship cruising the Caribbean. Enjoy her ethnic-yet-chic ambiance, luxury service, engaging educational program and active excursions.

The 184-guest Le Bellot is a modern, luxury expedition ship cruising the Arctic and Caribbean. She offers an upscale onboard ambiance, impressive service, and an engaging expedition program of both onboard lectures and off-ship excursions.

The 184-guest Le Laperouse expedition ship pairs luxury with adventure cruising. Come aboard for upscale service, unique amenities, elegant accommodations and experienced multi-lingual guides.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

Board a luxury French ship to voyage along Spitsbergen's west coast in comfort and style. For 8 days, cruise to the heart of the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, in the company of specialist teams, to discover the exceptional flora and fauna that lives in these extreme conditions.

On this cruise to Iceland and Greenland, retrace Erik the Red's historic voyage and explore his family's settlements. From sister ships 126-guest Nat Geo Endurance and Resolution, hike waterfalls; kayak beside icebergs and tidewater glaciers; and take in local culture through village visits, folk performances and tasting tours.

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Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage – with Smithsonian Journeys Glasgow, Scotland - Bergen

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Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage – with Smithsonian Journeys

Glasgow, scotland - bergen, dates: 15/06/2024 to 22/06/2024.

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Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

Join PONANT aboard Le Champlain for an 8-day cruise on an exceptional itinerary to discover the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Isles and the beauty of the Norwegian fjords .

Begin your voyage in Glasgow , Scotland's cultural capital with a rich artistic and architectural heritage.

Your ship will first sail to Fort William , from where you can immerse yourself in local lore during a cruise of fabled Loch Ness or take a tour of some of the Highlands’ best scenery.

From Kyle of Lochalsh , spend a day including the unparalleled Isle of Skye. Not to be missed on the mainland is Eilean Donan , one of the most recognizable castles in the world and an iconic symbol of Scotland.

Your ship sails next towards Stromness , Orkney , where numerous seabirds, such as dunters and ringed plovers, take residence. The Standing Stones of Stenness , built around 5,400 years ago, are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

Le Champlain then sails for Lerwick , the main port in the Shetland Islands. Nearby is the Jarlshof prehistoric and Norse settlement, where Neolithic people first settled more than 4,000 years ago – it is one of the most spectacular excavated sites in the British Isles.

Next cross the North Sea and sail towards Olden . From this small and charming village, located a few miles from Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to one of the last ice caps in Europe, admire the magnificent Briksdal Glacier .

End your voyage in Flåm where you will board the Flåm Railway to take a beautiful train journey high into the mountains of western Norway. View stunning rivers, waterfalls, and cultural landscapes around every corner.

You will disembark in Bergen , famous for its Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site which still carries traces of the rich historic past of the city founded by the Vikings.

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A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, ethnomusicologist Jonathan Øverby and geologist Wayne Ranney. Transfers before and after your cruise, and an...

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Ports of Call & Excursions

15 June 2024 - Glasgow, Scotland

Embarkation 15/06/2024 from 15:30 to 16:30 Departure 15/06/2024 at 17:30

In the heart of the Clyde Valley , the bustling city of Glasgow contrasts starkly with the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. Scotland's biggest city overflows with landmarks from its extensive artistic heritage and outstanding architectural tradition. The city's chequerboard layout makes walking through the major pedestrian thoroughfares easy: go with the flow and let the lively street atmosphere take you past the many Victorian monuments. Don't miss the collections on display in the numerous museums and art galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an outstanding example.

16 June 2024 - Fort William

Arrival 16/06/2024 mid morning Departure 16/06/2024 evening

A port town on the eastern shore of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is sometimes described as the "Outdoor Capital of the UK." Because it sits at the base of Ben Nevis , the highest peak in the British Isles, and is in close proximity to the dramatic landscape of Glencoe , it is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers. For those looking for a less adventurous experience, the nearby Ben Nevis Distillery offers tours and tastings, and Old Fort and Old Inverlochy Castle are interesting historical sites.

17 June 2024 - Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland

Arrival 17/06/2024 early morning Departure 17/06/2024 late afternoon

Kyle of Lochalsh ("Straits of the Alsh Inlet") is a small port town at the foot of the bridge connecting the mainland to the Isle of Skye . It is set amidst extraordinary natural beauty and serves as a gateway to the Scottish Highlands and to several castles that preserve the history and traditions of the clans who once ruled here. Eilean Donan Castle, on a tiny island overlooking the confluence of three lochs, is one of the most picturesque and most-filmed castles in Scotland . Armadale Castle and Gardens , historic residence of Clan Donald, is also within easy reach of the town.

18 June 2024 - Stromness, Orkney

Arrival 18/06/2024 midday Departure 18/06/2024 early evening

The stone houses stand proudly facing the sea in the charming town of Stromness , the second most populous town in Scotland’s Orkney Islands . Long ago called Hamnavoe – meaning “safe harbour” – because of the safety it provided to Viking travellers, sailors and merchants sailing around Great Britain, the town has retained its gentle way of life. Strolling along its picturesque streets will immerse you in the history of the fishermen and whale hunters, but also allow you to discover a lively town with a living culture.

19 June 2024 - Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Arrival 19/06/2024 early morning Departure 19/06/2024 early afternoon

The small and charming capital of the Shetland Islands , with its sea front of old houses and narrow streets, offering travellers its old districts and a warm port atmosphere. Geopark Shetland , a UNESCO World Heritage Site , is located to the north. Incredibly well-preserved archaeological sites and ruins prove that the islands’ occupation dates back to the first Neolithic colonies. The Shetland Museum and Archives recounts the Shetlands’ history of heritage and culture: Lerwick’s abundant waters were even fished by the Dutch in the past.

20 June 2024 - Olden

Arrival 20/06/2024 midday Departure 20/06/2024 late afternoon

With its two wooden churches, one red and the other white, plus its breathtaking view of the mouth of the river Oldeelva, Olden looks just like a picture post card. Located a few kilometres from the Jostedalsbreen park, home to one of the last glacier polar icecaps , this little village is a definite must for exploring the blue languages of the Briksdal or Kjennalen glaciers . Make sure you find some time to visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum. Absolutely amazing. Another gem is lake Lovatn and its turquoise waters inviting you to quiet contemplation.

21 June 2024 - Flam

Arrival 21/06/2024 mid morning Departure 21/06/2024 early evening

Nestled in the heart of the fjord country, less than 200 kilometres from Bergen, the picturesque village of Flåm – pronounced Flôm – offers you an experience of authentic Norway . You can mosey around the brightly coloured streets and admire the majestic contours of the surrounding mountains. The town is also the departure point for the mythical train route Flamsbana , 20 kilometres long, whose journey offers a superb view of the scenery, as sublime as it is pristine. This attraction makes Flåm one of the country’s main tourist destinations.

22 June 2024 - Bergen

Arrival 22/06/2024 early morning Disembarkation 22/06/2024 at 08:00

Located at the end of Byfjord , Bergen was the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th Centuries and has preserved some very beautiful monuments from the time when it was home to royalty. Wandering through Bergen’s streets means going back in time, in search of the hidden treasures that have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO . A veritable openair museum, Bergen is home to a thriving artistic community of painters, potters, jewellers. The Bergen cable car offers you a splendid panorama over the port and the surrounding fjords. Do not miss the visit to the old quarter with its narrow streets, a testimony of the power of the hanseatic League that controlled trade in Northern Europe at the end of the Middle Ages.

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Fort Augustus & Loch Ness

At the pier in Fort William board your motorcoach for a wonderfully scenic drive through Scotland's Great Glen along the shores of Loch Lochy and Loch Oich. Your drive will pass by Ben Nevis , the highest mountain in the British Isles, and by the Commando Memorial , dedicated to the men of the British Commando Forces whose training depot the memorial overlooks.

As you drive through the splendor of the Highlands, you follow the route of the Caledonian Canal , built in the early 19th-century to connect Scotland's east and west coasts, ending your journey at the small town of Fort Augustus, situated at the midpoint of the canal, on the southern tip of legendary Loch Ness .

In Fort Augustus, board the Spirit of Loch Ness, a purpose-built vessel, for a 50-minute cruise on Scotland’s most famous loch. You will cruise past Cherry Island, the loch’s only island, as you take in the legendary beauty of the loch, including a striking view of Fort Augustus Abbey from the water. Enjoy a spot of tea or coffee and a cake bite while your crew points out sights of interest. A glimpse of Nessie is not guaranteed, but cannot be ruled out.

Back in Fort Augustus, enjoy some time at leisure to wander through this lovely little hamlet. You can watch as boats navigate the locks of the canal, or you may wish to browse the village's lovely shops.

Rejoin your coach for the journey back to Fort William and your awaiting ship.

This is an easy excursion with very little walking. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing, including a jacket in case of inclement weather.

Glenfinnan & a Tasting of Smoked Salmon

Following a brief overview of Fort William, a short drive along the shore of Loch Eil, brings you to the village of Glenfinnan . Best known for the stunning railway viaduct featured in a Harry Potter movie, Glenfinnan is on the West Highland Line, which connects Fort William and Mallaig. The West Highland Line itself is famous for the Jacobite Steam Train, now frequently referred to as the “Hogwarts Express Line." Pausing here, you may wish to climb the hill behind the Visitor Center for a better view of the viaduct.

Rejoining your coach, travel to the charming small village of Glenuig . In the local pub, the Glenuig Inn, you will be greeted by an experienced salmon smoker from Ardshealach Fine Foods, who will explain the smoking process, from curing the fish to hand slicing the finished product.

A tasting will follow, with generous portions of smoked salmon, roast smoked salmon pate, smoked duck breast, and a special Lochaber smoked cheese—all served on oatcakes and accompanied by wine and a dram of whisky.

Participation is limited to 24 guests.

Highlands Highlights & Historic Glenfinnan

Fort William is your gateway to the Highlands, and this tour is an introduction to some of the best scenery Scotland has to offer.

Your first stop is Glenfinnan, best known for the stunning railway viaduct featured in a Harry Potter movie. Glenfinnan is on the West Highland Line, which connects Fort William and Mallaig. The West Highland Line itself is famous for the Jacobite Steam Train, now frequently referred to as the “Hogwarts Express Line." Pausing here, you may wish to climb the hill behind the Visitor Center for a better view of the viaduct, or you may walk to the nearby Glenfinnan Monument , honoring the Jacobite clansmen who fought and died in the cause of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The next stop is at Banavie, where you visit Neptune's Staircase , a series of eight locks that raise boats 20 meters from sea level to join the Caledonian Canal . Constructed in the early 19th century by Scottish engineer Thomas Telford, the Canal connects the Scottish east coast at Inverness with the west coast at nearby Corpach.

A short drive brings you to the Highland Soap Company Visitor Center , where you can have some tea or coffee with pastries as you enjoy views of the River Lochy before strolling around the ruins of the 13th-century Inverlochy Castle . Following this refreshment, return to Fort William and your ship.

This is an easy excursion. The amount of walking is at your discretion and is over mostly level and paved terrain. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing, including a jacket in case of inclement weather.

A Day on Skye

This full day excursion offers a panoramic tour of the Island of Skye , combining dramatic coastline vistas with an exploration of the island's fascinating history and traditions.

From the pier, your coach travels north through Portree and onto the Trotternish Peninsula, where your first stop is at Kilt Rock — a 200-foot-high cliff marked in an almost tartan-like pattern by the rock strata, with a waterfall tumbling down the cliff to the pebbled shore below.

Continuing north along the coast, you pass through the lovely township of Staffin and then around the northern tip of the island, as your guide relates some of the myths and legends of Skye. Arriving in Kilmuir, you visit the fascinating Skye Museum of Island Life , an open-air museum consisting of seven traditional thatched cottages and recreating a sense of what life was like in the 19th century. Learn about the peculiar Scottish system of tenant farming known as 'crofting', and perhaps visit the grave of Flora MacDonald, who famously disguised Bonnie Prince Charlie as a maid and smuggled him to safety during the Jacobite uprising.

After this visit, a drive brings you to Portree where you will enjoy a refreshing lunch, followed by time at leisure to explore this charming port and its colorful waterfront.

Head across the island to the west coast and Dunvegan Castle , seat of the Clan MacLeod chiefs since the 13th century and one of the most celebrated of the Hebridean clan strongholds. It is the only one to have been continuously occupied by the same family over a period now spanning eight centuries. Within the castle are priceless heirlooms, some of which have come down through the hands of the Chiefs of MacLeod since medieval times.

Return to Kyle of Lochalsh and your ship.

This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 2.5 miles of walking over mixed terrain with some steps. We recommend good walking shoes and warm, waterproof layered clothing. Also note that this excursion includes over 4.5 hours of driving via coach.

Hebridean Traditions: Clans and Whiskey

Your excursion begins with a breathtaking scenic drive along the Cuillin Mountain Range and the southern coast of Skye to the small hamlet of Armadale, where you will discover Armadale Castle , one of the many strongholds of Clan Donald that once stretched from Ulster in the north of Ireland across the Hebrides.

The castle has been an important part of the life of the Isle of Skye since the early 18th century, when the chiefs of Clan Donald, Lords of the Isle, made it their residence. As you tour the castle, you will have the opportunity to learn a great deal about the importance of kinship clans in Gaelic society and in particular about the long history of Clan Donald, which remains the largest and most powerful clan in Scotland. You will also want to spend some time exploring Armadale's extensive gardens replete with woodland trails adorned with flowering shrubs, perfect for a leisurely stroll on a summer's afternoon.

On the way back to Kyle of Lochalsh, visit the Torabhaig Distillery , which produced its first single malt in 2021. Torabhaig produces whisky in the traditional way, and your guides will explain the process from malting the barley and mashing the peat through aging the spirits in oak casks. No visit to a distillery is complete, of course, without a tasting, and you will be invited to sample the end product of this process before returning to the ship.

This is a moderate excursion. The total amount of walking is entirely at your discretion during the visit to Armadale. The tour of the distillery involves stairs. Sturdy walking shoes and a jacket are recommended. Participation is limited.

The Castles of Skye

From the small port of Kyle of Lochalsh, a 15-minute drive along the shore of the Loch brings you to Eilean Donan , a small tidal island at the confluence of Loch Alsh and two others. The Castle that dominates the island is perhaps the most recognizable in Scotland; it has been featured in no fewer than ten films, including James Bond's The World is Not Enough , in which the castle served as the Scottish headquarters of MI6.

The Castle is named for the 6th-century Irish saint who established a community here in an effort to bring Christianity to the Picts. There has been a fortified castle on this site since the 13th century, when it was built as a defense against raiding Vikings. You are free to explore the castle and its grounds on your own to learn about its rich history and take in the views that make it such a favorite among film producers.

Armadale Castle has been an important part of the life of the Isle of Skye since the early 18th century, when the chiefs of Clan Donald, Lords of the Isle, made it their residence. The castle fell into disrepair in the early 20th century, and is now in process of being restored by the Clan Donald Trust. But the ruins, and especially the magnificent gardens that surround them, remain a site well worth experiencing.

Sheltered by their location and enjoying a mild climate created by the Gulf Stream, the Gardens are a floral paradise. Magnificent trees tower over carpets of bluebells, orchids, and wildflowers throughout spring and summer, providing a tranquil place to sit or stroll. You may also wish to spend time in the award-winning Museum of the Isles , where exhibits trace 1,500 years of the history and culture of the area once known as the Kingdom of the Isles. Whatever you choose, a local guide will be on hand to answer any questions.

This moderate excursion involves some walking, but the extent is at the guest's discretion. There are many steps across the Eilean Donan Castle's three levels. Walking at Armadale is on level and gently sloping terrain. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.

Orkney Treasures & St. Magnus Cathedral

This is an excursion into the distant past of the Neolithic Orkney Islands, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its wealth of pre-historic ruins.

Your exploration of this remarkable area begins with a drive into the west of Mainland, Orkney’s largest island to Skara Brae , the best-preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe. The remains of this 5,000-year-old settlement are beautifully preserved and interpreted in a modern visitor center. Lying beside the sandy crescent of the Bay of Skaill, the site was completely buried for thousands of years until suddenly revealed during a fierce storm in 1850. Among the fascinating relics found here are tools, beads, pottery, and whalebone artifacts, spanning a period of approximately 600 years of occupation. Skara Brae provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the resilience and resourcefulness of our ancestors who lived here, eking out an existence among unforgiving conditions.

The hardship of life in Skara Brae is in stark contrast to the genteel lives lived at Orkney's finest manor house, Skaill House , located nearby and the next stop of your journey. Skaill was built by Bishop George Graham in 1620 on the site of a farmstead thought to date to the Norse period.

You continue on through rich farmland, rolling hills and moors fringed by magnificent cliffs, on the way to the Ring of Brodgar , a grand circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years.

Depart for Kirkwall, passing the great ceremonial Standing Stones of Stenness . On arrival in Kirkwall, view the exterior of St. Magnus Cathedral and explore the town before returning to Stromness and your ship.

Walking on this tour totals approximately 1.5 miles over some uneven terrain at Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar and some steps throughout. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.

Orkney Past and Present

Your introduction to the Orkney Islands begins with a visit of the charming fishing village of Stromness on the main island. After a brief orientation, enjoy time at leisure to explore the picturesque harbor and stroll along the quirky flag-stoned streets. Visit the beautifully refurbished Pier Arts Centre with exhibitions by both local and international artists, relax with a hot beverage in a café, or explore the craft shops selling local knitwear, pottery, and artwork.

Drive to Kirkwall via historic Scapa Flow , a sheltered body of water that has played an important role in both trade and warfare, serving, for example, as the United Kingdom's chief naval base during both World Wars. It is perhaps most famous as the site of the scuttling of the German Fleet in 1919.

On arrival in Kirkwall, visit St. Magnus Cathedral . This magnificent red sandstone building was constructed by the Norsemen when they ruled Orkney around 900 years ago. Explore the cathedral with your guide before returning to the ship.

Drive through rich farmland, rolling hills, and moors fringed by magnificent cliffs. You will pass by the Neolithic Standing Stones of Stenness and stop briefly at the Ring of Brodgar , a grand circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years, for a glimpse of the Stone Age ruins that have earned this area recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The amount of walking on this excursion is at your discretion. The distance from the parking area to the Ring of Brodgar is about 300 yards and the ground is uneven; the terrain in Stromness is flat with no steps and some cobbled pavement. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.

Jarlshof Settlement & Sumburgh Head

Your tour begins with a brief survey of Lerwick, the most northerly town in the British Isles. A site with strong Viking connections, there is little left of the old village — although in the center near the harbor, some evidence remains of the town's rugged origins.

Driving south along the coastal road, you will pass through several small settlements, pausing briefly along the way for a view of the Island of Mousa, site of the best-preserved broch (ancient fortification) in all of Scotland.

Continue south to reach the remarkable archaeological site of the Jarlshof Settlement , on the southern tip of the mainland. The settlement was uncovered by a violent storm in the winter of 1897, revealing an extraordinary site encompassing at least 5,000 years of human history. It exhibits a remarkable layering of stone structures from a succession of historical eras – late Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, several Norse longhouses, a medieval farmstead, and the 16th-century laird’s house.

From Jarlshof make your way along the coast to the Sumburgh Head, site of Shetland's first lighthouse (1821) and of a colony of about 5,000 birds, including puffins, guillemots, shags and fulmars. Gannets are regularly seen offshore, as well. Your visit is during the seabird breeding season, when each species has its special nesting place in the grassy banks and cliffs leading up to the lighthouse. The seas here are home to a variety of marine life, and you may be lucky enough to see harbor porpoises, white beaked dolphins, or whales – killer, minke and even humpback whales are sometimes seen.

For this excursion, we recommend you wear waterproof clothes and comfortable walking shoes. Walking on this tour totals 1 – 2 miles, with uneven paths at Jarlshof and a steep slope up to the lighthouse at Sumburgh.

Hiking Mousa Island

The Island of Mousa , less than a mile off the southeastern coast of Mainland, is probably best known for the Mousa Broch. But it is also a wildlife preserve and a wonderful destination for a bracing walk.

From Lerwick, drive about half an hour south to board a small ferry for the short crossing to Mousa, 1.5 miles long and 1 mile wide, uninhabited since the 19th century. A guided walk around the island will provide opportunities to observe the abundant wildlife that is protected by both NatureScot and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds . Mousa is known for grey and common seals, black guillemots, Arctic terns, and especially for storm-petrels, whose nearly 7,000 breeding pairs on the island constitute 3% of the world population.

In addition to the abundant wildlife, you will also visit Mousa Broch , a 2,000-year-old tower that is the best-preserved Iron Age fortress in the British Isles.

The walking on this excursion totals about 3 miles on rugged, uneven terrain and presents little difficulty for guests with good mobility. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.

Lerwick Walking Tour & Shetland Museum

This excursion is designed to introduce you to the history of Lerwick, capital of the Shetland Islands since the early 18th-century, a major center of the fishing industry, and more recently a support town for the North Sea oil industry.

Starting from Victoria Pier in the heart of the Old Town you pass by the Old Tolbooth (built in 1770) and continue on to the Lodberries — houses and warehouses erected on individual piers so that goods could be loaded and unloaded directly to and from the boats. In the 18th-century, when Lerwick was the premier herring town in Northern Europe, these structures would have lined the waterfront from end to end. You will have an opportunity to see one of few remaining, with its thick sea-battered walls, a slipway, and a fish-drying shed.

Continue your walk through the town’s narrow lanes (or ‘closses’) which run down to the waterfront to visit Lerwick Town Hall . The Hall was built in 1883 and features beautiful stained-glass windows that present a pictorial narrative of Shetland’s history from the time of the Vikings. Conclude your tour at the fascinating Shetland Museum and Archives, which you can visit on your own to learn more about Shetland’s heritage and culture. This award-winning museum has over 3,000 artifacts on two floors, a wealth of easily accessible archive material, a temporary exhibition area, Boat Hall and Sheds. The exhibits are masterfully displayed and clearly interpreted.

At the conclusion of the guided tour, you may return directly to the pier with your guide, or you may choose to remain in the Old Town to browse the local craft and knitwear shops at your leisure before making your way back to the pier.

This is a moderate to strenuous walking tour with some steep streets and stairs. You will be on your feet for approximately 2 hours. We recommend warm, waterproof layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

Briksdal Glacier with Troll Cars

Briksdal Glacier lies at the end of the enchanting Oldedalen Valley and is a part of the Jostedal glacier ice field, which is the largest glacier on the European mainland. The wild glacier is a fantastic work of nature. Its slope plunges from a height of 3,937 feet (1,200 m) down to the lush, narrow Briksdal Valley. Board your coach in Olden. The drive through Oldedalen Valley to Briksdal Glacier is an amazing symphony of scenic splendors – from wildflowers to awe-inspiring mountains that are reflected in crystal clear lake waters and to great waterfalls that cascade from vertical mountainsides.

Your coach will stop at a mountain lodge, where you will board electric “ troll cars ” (7 seats in each) for a ride from the lodge up to a parking lot to reach the glacier. The troll cars are the only motorized vehicles allowed on this gravel road. En route, you will travel along a river, past a waterfall, and through serpentine bends. From the parking lot, the walk to the face of the Briksdal Glacier is about 0.4 miles and takes about 10 minutes to reach.

Glacial ice only reflects blue light, so the Glacier provides an impressive site. It might be hard to imagine that the ice is in constant motion – and the arms of a glacier can grow or shrink several hundred yards in only a few years, depending on the amount of snow that fell in years past. Sometimes the glacier calves, and huge chunks of ice fall off the edge. Therefore, guests are urged to respect the warning signs that stand near the Glacier for the sake of their security.

Return by foot to the troll cars that will take you back to the lodge. At the lodge, enjoy a snack including coffee, tea, and pastries, and some time at leisure to browse for souvenirs. Re-board your coach for the drive back to the ship.

This tour includes about 1 mile of walking over gravel paths that are sometimes uneven and include uphill/downhill sections. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, a sunhat and sunglasses, a warm jacket, and a waterproof layer. The drive to and from the lodge will go through tunnels, the longest of which is about 0.5 miles long.

From Fjord to Sky by Cable Car

From the pier, drive down the winding road along the fjord to Stryn Lake , your first stop. Take a stroll and view the calming waters of this glacial lake.

Walk back to the coach and drive back towards Loen. Leaving the buses, board the new cable car (inaugurated in 2017) which takes you up to Mount Hoven , 3300 feet above sea level and around 650 feet above the tree line in this part of Norway. Here, enjoy a coffee break and spectacular views of the fjord and villages below, as well as of the surrounding mountain scenery. While at Mount Hoven, you have the opportunity to enjoy a short walk to soak up the scenery around you.

After some time at leisure, return by cable car to Loen where your coach will be waiting to bring you back to the pier in Olden.

This tour will operate in nearly all weather conditions, even if there isn’t a good view from the top station and/or it is raining. In case of strong wind, the cable car may be closed on short notice. Walking on this tour is minimal and totals less than ¼ mile. Flat comfortable shoes and a warm, windproof jacket are recommended.

The Flåm Railway

The village of Flåm is nestled at the end of beautiful Aurlandsfjord, where you will walk from the pier to board the famed Flåm Railway , named by Lonely Planet Traveler “the world’s best train ride.” It is one of the most interesting stretches of railroad engineering in the world — only 12 miles long, it runs from Flåm, at sea level, to Myrdal Station, at an altitude of 2,850 feet, featuring tunnels and switchbacks and ever-changing views of waterfalls, the valley below, and snow-capped mountains

From the station, you travel along the Flåm River, one of the best salmon-rivers in the West Country. Landmarks you pass include the Rjoande Waterfall , with a sheer drop of 460 feet, and the impressive peak of Vibmesnosi , rising to just over 4,000 feet. After passing through the railway's longest tunnel at Naali, you are able to look back and see three of the four levels of the train bed that have brought you this far. You will also be able to see the old navy road that was constructed in 1895-96 to support the building of the Bergen-Oslo Railroad, opened in 1909. The road climbs the steep hills in 21 narrow hairpin bends next to a waterfall.

The train will make a brief stop at Kjosfossen Waterfall , where all passengers disembark in order to photograph this spectacular 300-foot-high waterfall. When the train reaches Myrdal, remain on board for the equally spectacular journey back to Flåm.

This light excursion involves at most a half mile of walking over flat paved and gravel surfaces. There are limited spaces for wheel chairs on board the train; these must be reserved in advance. Layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and protection from sun and rain are recommended.

Le Champlain

Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship . To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.

Find out more about Le Champlain

PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.

Included Features:

A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, ethnomusicologist Jonathan Øverby and geologist Wayne Ranney
Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Glasgow to the ship on the day of embarkation
Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Champlain , with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
Transfer from the ship to the airport in Bergen at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation

Not included:

Independent meals and beverages ashore
Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
This voyage is offered on a space available basis
Program is subject to change without notice

Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.

Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands

13/06/2024 - HISTORIC CITIES OF SCOTLAND (2 NIGHTS)

22/06/2024 - HISTORIC BERGEN (1 NIGHT)

HISTORIC CITIES OF SCOTLAND (2 NIGHTS)

Situated on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh has served as Scotland’s capital since the 12th century. This special program is designed to introduce you to this great city, which is the political, religious, and cultural focus of Scottish pride.

Day 1 – Glasgow | Edinburgh

Disembark after breakfast and board your motorcoach for a short drive to Ardgowan House, a private estate still owned by the direct descendants of King Robert III. Tour the 18th century manor house and learn about its history and intrigues. Attend a bagpipe lesson and demonstration, followed by a high tea at the estate. Continue to Glasgow for a panoramic tour of this once booming industrial and shipbuilding port. You will be introduced to some of Glasgow's highlights, including the 13th-century Cathedral and the impressive façade of the University of Glasgow. In late afternoon, set off on a 90-minute drive across Scotland to Edinburgh, where you will check-in to the InterContinental Edinburgh The George, your home for the next two nights. Dinner is independent and at your leisure.

Day 2 – Edinburgh

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a panoramic tour of Edinburgh, beginning with New Town and the characteristic Georgian architecture along Princes Street. Continue to the Royal Mile for a walking tour of this medieval pathway between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. At Holyrood, enjoy a guided tour of this home of Scottish royalty since the early 16th-century. It has witnessed more than its share of historical drama, famously hosting ill-fated members of the family including Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Today, Holyrood is King Charles’ official residence when he is in Scotland. Your afternoon is at leisure, with independent lunch and dinner, so that you are free to discover other parts of this great city at your own pace.

Day 3 – Edinburgh

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.

Your hotel: The InterContinental Edinburgh The George has been welcoming guests since 1881 and is comprised of five Georgian townhouses originally built in 1775 for some of the town’s most prosperous residents. The hotel hosted famous literary figures such as iconic poet Robert Burns and author Sir Walter Scott, and one of the townhouses was originally home to Scottish novelist Susan Ferrier. With 240 rooms, the InterContinental Edinburgh The George offers a luxurious and historic stay in the heart of New Town Edinburgh.

Your program includes:

2 nights at the InterContinental Edinburgh The George (or similar)
Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on Day 1
Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3
Lunch on Day 1
Breakfast on Days 2 and 3
Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
Local English-speaking guide
Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
Late check-out is available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please contact reservations or your travel advisor for further details.
The official currency is the British pound. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
Program is offered on a space available basis.
Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information: InterContinental Edinburgh The George 19 - 21 George Street Edinburgh, EH2 2PB United Kingdom Telephone: +44.131.225.1251

Total : 1.460 €

HISTORIC BERGEN (1 NIGHT)

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Located at the end of Byfjord, Bergen was the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th centuries and has preserved much of its past. A veritable open-air museum, Bergen is also a vibrant cosmopolitan city, known for its artist colony of painters, potters, and jewelers.

Day 1 – Bergen, Norway | Disembark

After breakfast aboard, disembark for a tour of Bergen and the surrounding area. Begin with a visit to the Fantoft Stave Church, originally built in 1150 and reconstructed after a fire in 1992 exactly as it was in the 12th century. You will also tour Troldhaugen, once the summer home of composer Edvard Grieg and now a museum and concert venue. Following lunch at a restaurant back in Bergen, enjoy a guided walking tour of Bryggen, the old waterfront wharf, a reminder of the town’s importance as part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire from the 14th to the mid-16th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner is independent this evening.

Day 2 – Bergen | Homeward

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Bergen Flesland Airport for flights home.

Your hotel: Hotel Norge, first opened in 1885, was completely renovated in 2018. Located in the center of the city, it is within walking distance of the Festplassen and several nearby restaurants. It has a modern, informal, and international atmosphere. The hotel has 415 rooms that boast floor-to-ceiling windows, and it features a lobby bar, a café, and a fine-dining restaurant.

1 night at the Hotel Norge by Scandic (or similar)
Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day
Breakfast on Day 2
Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
The official currency is the Norwegian krone. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.

Hotel contact information: Hotel Norge by Scandic Nedre Ole Bullsplass 4 5012 Bergen Telephone: +47 55 55 40 00 Email: [email protected]

Total : 700 €

Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage - with Smithsonian Journeys

Get inspired by the possibilities.
Build your ideal trip.
Explore Bergen for its Hanseatic port, Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Experience a spectacular journey on the famed Flåm Railway
Visit Lerwick, the primary harbor in the Shetland Islands
Experience a Loch Ness cruise or tour while sampling Scotch whisky
Land & Sea Exploration
Village Visits
Small Ship Cruises
Scandinavia
United Kingdom
Shetland Islands

Full Itinerary

Day 1: glasgow, scotland | embark, day 2: fort william.

1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: Portree, Isle of Skye

Day 4: kirkwall, orkney, day 5: lerwick, shetland islands, day 6: nordfjordeid, day 7: flam, day 8: bergen.

1 Breakfast

Dates & Prices

My preferred start date.

Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx

See our general terms and conditions:

Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

Ponant Special Terms & Condition - Ponant

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Gratuities to Onboard Crew
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
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Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses

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Great Houses of Scotland and Their Treasures

All-day seminar, full day lecture/seminar, select your tickets.

The architecture and interiors of Scotland’s finest historic houses uniquely reflect the country’s heritage and culture. Spend a day exploring more than 400 years of splendor, from fortified 16th-century tower houses and palaces of baroque extravagance to elegant 18th-century residences and exuberant revival styles of the Victorian period.

Learn why so many of these residences, including three important Scottish palaces, were fashionably updated over the centuries. Admire Sir Walter’s Scott’s Abbotsford, which promoted a growing passion for medieval Scotland; examine Robert Adam masterpieces; and complete the journey in a wonderful art nouveau music room and an Edwardian kitchen.

9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Renaissance Inspiration and Soaring Tower Houses

Traquair House one of Scotland’s oldest inhabited homes; Crathes, renowned for rare wall paintings, an impressive long gallery, and a royal treasure; Craigevar, a soaring residence in a lovely setting; the great hall of Castle Fraser; Falkland Palace, once a residence of the Stuart kings.

11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Baroque Theatricality, Georgian Splendor, and Classical Harmony

Skaill House, Orkney; 17th-century illusion in Argyll House, Stirling; Hopetoun House near Edinburgh with a lovely carved staircase, 18th century furnishings, and rococo delights; Traquair’s library; the exquisite rooms at the House of Dun; Leith Hall, set in splendid gardens.

12:15 to 1:30 p.m. Lunch (participants provide their own)

1:30 to 2:45 p.m. Late-Georgian Elegance and Early 19th-Century Fashions

Pollok House near Glasgow, reflecting Chinoiserie style; lovely Mellerstain House, completed by the renowned Scottish architect Robert Adam, and his masterpieces at Culzean Castle and in Edinburgh; gothic revival at Scone Palace, featuring Queen Victoria’s bedroom.

3 to 4:15 p.m. From Victorian Exuberance to Art Nouveau

Medieval revival and treasures at Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford; the Victorian rooms at magnificent Haddo House; Gosford House near Edinburgh; the House for an Art Lover by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, with its remarkable art nouveau music room; the Edwardian kitchens of Pollok House.

Presenter Lorella Brocklesby is an adjunct professor of humanities at New York University, a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and a life member of the National Trust for Scotland.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit

Scotland's Treasures 12-Day Trip

Multiple departure dates throughout 2015 : Discover Scotland's Highlands, the legacy of its clans, and the historic treasures of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Buy tickets>>

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Take a Virtual Tour of a Mysterious Pictish Cave in Scotland

Archaeologists have created a 3D model of the fascinating, but hard-to-access Sculptor’s Cave

Brigit Katz

Correspondent

On the northern coast of Scotland stands an isolated cave that has fascinated and confounded archaeologists for decades. A rich deposit of material objects dating as far back as the Late Bronze age have been found there, as have hundreds of human bones . But the cave is perhaps best known for the Pictish symbols that were carved into its entrance, leading the site to be dubbed “Sculptor’s Cave.”

As Tom Metcalfe reports for Live Science , Sculptor’s Cave, which is nestled into an inlet known as Moray Firth, can only be safely visited during low tide. This in turn makes it difficult for experts and the general public to access the site. So archaeologists at the University of Bradford in the U.K. have created the first-ever 3D model of Sculptor’s Cave. You can take a Youtube tour of the 3D animation now. Researchers plan to give the interactive animation of the model to the Elgin Museum in Moray for use in its exhibitions and on its website, according to Will Peakin of FutureScot.com .

Archaeologists Ian Armit and Lindsey Büster have been studying Sculptor’s Cave since 2013. Accessing the site with ropes and ladders, they used 3D laser-scanning equipment to create their map of the cave. More specifically, Metcalfe of Live Science explains, they relied on “a terrestrial laser scanner to map the cave's main chamber and twin entrance passageways and higher-resolution techniques such as structured light scanning to capture features in detail, such as the Pictish symbols."

The resulting model replicates the cave in intricate detail, illuminating the ripples of its stones, its narrow passageways and its mysterious carvings.

“This walk-through animation allows us to study the carvings in detail, and to present this inaccessible site to the public through online and museum displays,” Armit says, according to a University of Bradford statement . “It also ensures that we can preserve the cave and the carvings digitally for future generations to study.”

Since the late 1920s, archaeologists have been exploring the long and rather macabre history of Sculptor’s Cave. Starting in about 1000 B.C., the site appears to have been used as a repository for precious objects, according to the National Record of the Historic Environment . Coins, rings, pins, bracelets and other valuable goods have been discovered there, dating from the Late Bronze Age to the Roman Iron Age. Archaeologists have also unearthed vast quantities of human bones, many of them belonging to children.

Researchers believe that Sculptor’s Cave was a mortuary site where bodies were left to decay naturally. Kathryn Krakowka of Current Archaeology reports that at least one bone showed signs of “deliberate defleshing,” which may indicate that mortuary rituals took place at the cave. “[W]e've got evidence of cutting and polishing on some of the bones," Armit tells Metcalfe of Live Science . "So we think people went back and visited these bones."

The stone carvings date to around 400 A.D. and were made by the Picts, a loose confederation of tribes in northern Scotland who are perhaps best known for their clashes with the Romans. The Picts left behind hundreds of stone carvings adorned with elaborate symbols that researchers do not fully understand . At Sculptor’s Cave, the carvings include a fish, a “V” shape and a crescent. Archaeologists have speculated that these symbols represent personal or tribal names. It is also possible that they were inscribed to mark the closure of Sculptor’s Cave, which was abandoned in the early 5th century.

Before the cave fell out of use, it was the site of a bloody killing. Cut-marks on one group of bones indicate that at least six people were decapitated at Sculptor’s Cave—whether as part of an execution or a human sacrificial ritual researchers do not know.

Much of the history of Sculptor’s Cave remains obscure. But with the new 3D model, researchers and amateur historians can take a virtual tour through the caverns and passageways where the dead—and perhaps the murdered—once lay.

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Brigit Katz | | READ MORE

Brigit Katz is a freelance writer based in Toronto. Her work has appeared in a number of publications, including NYmag.com, Flavorwire and Tina Brown Media's Women in the World.

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Inspiring Travel – The best way to discover Scotland

Book your dream holiday to Scotland with Inspiring Travel – the best way to discover and connect with Scotland. Take a look at our range of incredible tours or tell us what you want from your trip and we will create your very own Customised Scottish tour !

Inspiring Travel went above and beyond to plan our vacation, and it was perfect! Everything went smoothly, including our pick-up/drop-off at the airport, amazing hotels, and a wonderful tour guide. Will definitely be looking to Inspiring Travel for our next trip!

Inspiring Travel had everything that I envisioned. I think you are doing a great job.

The Scotland trip organised by Inspiring Travel was outstanding. Our expectations were exceeded from day one. I am so thankful I clicked on the Inspiring Travel Scotland link months ago. Trip of a lifetime! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

The trip you planned has been wonderful, all of the hotels we’ve stayed at and places we’ve visited have exceeded all expectations.

Thank you very much! We enjoyed the tour and Alexander our guide was incredible at his job. I would like to thank him again. He exceeded all our expectations and created very pleasant and friendly atmosphere.

Inspiring Travel Scotland planned a personalized, customized trip around Scotland for us based on our interests and preferences. I’m happy to report the trip went perfectly. Highly recommend!

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Small Group Tour of Scotland: A Perfect 7-Day Itinerary 2024

This tour of Scotland is an activity level 4. Click here for terms, conditions, and cancelation policies.

*Subject to change. Updated January 9, 2024.

October 21, Monday Day 1:

Welcome to Edinburgh and the start of your Small Group Tour of Scotland! I’ll pick you up at the airport and take you to our hotel. Your room will be ready when you get there if you wanna take a nap or freshen up. The rest of the day is all yours.

Meet in the hotel lobby to walk over to The Devil’s Advocate for our Welcome Dinner! Dinner and a drink are on me!

October 22, Tuesday Day 2:

After breakfast (which is included all week), we’ll be heading to the Royal Mile.

Starting at the top, we’ll spend our morning at Edinburgh Castle . Everyone will get an audio guide and I will set you all free to tour at your own speed. We’ll meet back up for Afternoon Tea (included) in the castle restaurant.

Heading down the hill to the bottom of the Royal Mile, next up is Holyrood House Palace. Everyone will have an audio guide again to take in the Palace at their own speed.

The rest of the day is free for your own plans. Personalized suggestions can be made for what to do with your time.

October 23, Wednesday Day 3:

An optional early morning hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat for sunrise is available for anyone interested. We’ll meet up in the lobby later to head out for sightseeing and an Instagram-worthy photo tour of Edinburgh.

Lunch is at your own expense but I can make several suggestions. The evening will be at your leisure.

Add on Excursion: Consider adding on an exceptional evening at The Scotch Whisky Experience. We’ll be heading over to the Scotch Whisky Experience for a whisky pairing dinner after taking their tour of how whisky is made. This will be a very fun night!

October 24, Thursday Day 4:

We’ll be heading out early for a full day on a private tour with Rabbie’s (my favorite tour company…ever).

From their website:

“You leave the cobbled streets of Edinburgh and travel past Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle.

This region is soaked in history, so sit back and relax as your driver-guide entertains you with the tales of Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, and Scottish folklore.

If you keep a lookout, you can catch a glimpse of the Kelpies. These 30-metre tall horse head sculptures need to be seen to be believed.

Your driver-guide takes you to their favourite stop within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park where you can grab coffee and enjoy the views.

After this stop, it’s time to get your camera ready. Because as you travel north into the Highlands, the landscapes suddenly become more provocative.

Shimmering lochs, rugged mountains, forest filled glens: it’s all so beautiful that it’s easy to forget these were once battlegrounds for fiercely territorial Highland clans.

You stop in Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. This beautiful area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. Your driver-guide may reveal to you the tragic tale that’s haunted this valley for over 300 years.

You then enter the glacial valley known as the Great Glen and pass under the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain.

After this visual feast of mighty inclines, you arrive in Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness. At 23 miles long and over 700ft deep, Loch Ness is the largest loch by volume in Scotland.

You have around one hour and a half here. You can search for the infamous monster on a relaxing boat cruise,* wander around the shores of the loch at your own pace, and grab a bite to eat.

Meals will be at your own expense at various stops throughout the day.

October 25, Friday Day 5:

Another fabulous day out on a private tour with Rabbie’s…this time we will focus on Outlander filming locations. Rest assured though, if you aren’t an Outlander fan…you’re still going to LOVE this tour. I’ve never seen an episode of the show but I’ve been on this tour three times and its incredible!!

“You leave Edinburgh and begin following the trail of film locations featured in the Outlander TV Series. First, we travel to the place that needs no introduction: Midhope Castle, known as Jamie’s lovely home Lallybroch.

We then journey through the charming countryside to Blackness Castle. It’s an impressive fortress that’s known as the ‘ship that never sailed’ because it resembles a giant stone boat. You have time to walk along the ramparts and explore the fictional headquarters of Jack Randall.

The next stop is Linlithgow Palace, otherwise known as Wentworth Prison.

Unfortunately, the palace is undergoing some refurbishment and you can’t explore the interior. But you’re still able to admire the structure and enjoy the surrounding settings.

Heading north, we journey past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument to Doune Castle, or as it’s called in Outlander, Castle Leoch. This formidable building represents home to Colum Mackenzie and his clan in the 18th-century episodes.

Travel back in time once more as your driver guide takes you to Culross. This virtually unchanged 16th-century village overlooks the sea and poses as the fictional town of Cranesmuir.

From there, we head back to Edinburgh, where we arrive in the late afternoon.”

Lunch will be at your own expense at various stops throughout the day.

After our day trip, we’ll go to the Old Chain Pier Restaurant for our Farewell Dinner, where we can exchange stories and pictures from our epic stay in Edinburgh! Dinner and a drink are included with my gratitude to you for letting me show you one of my favorite cities in the world.

October 26, Saturday Day 6:

This morning, we’ll be packing up and heading out of Edinburgh. We’ll be making our way to Waverley Station to start our journey north. We’ll then settle in on the train for a four hour long journey watching the gorgeous countryside go by as we head into the Highlands.

Upon arrival, we’ll drop our luggage off at the hotel and I’ll take you on a walking tour of Inverness before giving you the rest of the evening with plenty of recommendations for dinner and things to do.

October 27, Sunday Day 7:

Today, we’ll be going over the sea to Skye (sorry I couldn’t help myself with another epic tour with Rabbies.)

“After an early start, you leave the city and travel along the Great Glen Fault Line toward Loch Ness. You’ll continue through dramatic Highland scenery to the west coast and Eilean Donan Castle.

The moment you’ve been waiting for, because it’s over the sea and onto the Isle of Skye. You travel up the island’s east coast through the stunning Red Cuillin Mountains to Sligachan, where you stop for a photo of the clear mountain waters.

You’ll explore some of the most famous scenery of the island at the Trotternish

Peninsula. The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing are all unforgettably beautiful.

You venture to Kyleakin for a chance to view the dramatic ruin of Castle Moil or the Skye Bridge and Eilean Ban. Traveling over the bridge, you journey back to Inverness. The route you take back is different from the morning, so you get even more opportunities to enjoy the Highland scenery.

This will be a long but PHENOMENAL day. Meals will be at your own expense at various stops throughout the day.

October 28, Monday Day 8:

Sadly, we will all go our separate ways today (unless you’re coming with me to Ireland ! ) but I can point you in the right direction if you’re going to the airport or back to the train station to go back to Edinburgh and beyond.

Slàinte Mhath (cheers) and safe travels as you head home! Until we meet again!

Included in your small group tour of Scotland

Airport transfers
Seven nights in a Premier Inn
7 hot breakfasts at the hotel
1 entree, a side, and one alcoholic beverage or dessert
Sharing platters for the table at both restaurants
1 afternoon tea
Edinburgh Castle
Holyroodhouse Palace
Any entry tickets needed on day trips
Loch Ness and Glencoe
Outlander Filming Locations
Isle of Skye
Walking photo tour of Edinburgh
Walking tour of Inverness
Hike up to the top of Arthur’s Seat for Sunrise
Cab back to the hotel after Farewell dinner
One guide who is a text away if you need her (that’s me!)
Brighter Things Amenity Kit mailed to you before the trip to make your flight more comfortable
For example: flying internationally if this is your first time.
A swag bag waiting for you in your hotel room full of fun stuff.

NOT Included in your small group tour of Scotland:

Public transportation or cabs used during free time Meals not included:
Any meal not listed above
Meals and snacks during day trips
Meals and snacks purchased at M&S for the train ride
Entry tickets to places suggested for free time
Train ticket back to Edinburgh if you choose round trip flights instead of multi-city.

*Subject to change. Updated January 9, 2024

This tour is an activity level 4. Click here for terms, conditions, and cancelation policies.

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Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage – with Smithsonian Journeys Glasgow, Scotland - Bergen

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Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage – with Smithsonian Journeys

Glasgow, scotland - bergen, dates: 6/15/2024 to 6/22/2024.

Guest Speaker

Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

Join PONANT aboard Le Champlain for an 8-day cruise on an exceptional itinerary to discover the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Isles and the beauty of the Norwegian fjords .

Begin your voyage in Glasgow , Scotland's cultural capital with a rich artistic and architectural heritage.

Your ship will first sail to Fort William , from where you can immerse yourself in local lore during a cruise of fabled Loch Ness or take a tour of some of the Highlands’ best scenery.

You will disembark in Bergen , famous for its Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site which still carries traces of the rich historic past of the city founded by the Vikings.

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Jonathan Øverby

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Included in your cruise For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.

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Additional services For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.

Additional services

Ports of Call & Excursions

June 15, 2024 - Glasgow, Scotland

Embarkation 6/15/2024 from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM Departure 6/15/2024 at 5:30 PM

June 16, 2024 - Fort William

Arrival 6/16/2024 mid morning Departure 6/16/2024 evening

June 17, 2024 - Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland

Arrival 6/17/2024 early morning Departure 6/17/2024 late afternoon

June 18, 2024 - Stromness, Orkney

Arrival 6/18/2024 midday Departure 6/18/2024 early evening

June 19, 2024 - Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Arrival 6/19/2024 early morning Departure 6/19/2024 early afternoon

June 20, 2024 - Olden

Arrival 6/20/2024 midday Departure 6/20/2024 late afternoon

With its two wooden churches, one red and the other white, plus its breathtaking view of the mouth of the river Oldeelva, Olden looks just like a picture post card. Located a few kilometres from the Jostedalsbreen park, home to one of the last glacier polar icecaps , this little village is a definite must for exploring the blue languages of the Briksdal or Kjennalen glaciers . Make sure you find some time to visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum. Absolutely amazing. Another gem is lake Lovatn and its turquoise waters inviting you to quiet contemplation.

June 21, 2024 - Flam

Arrival 6/21/2024 mid morning Departure 6/21/2024 early evening

June 22, 2024 - Bergen

Arrival 6/22/2024 early morning Disembarkation 6/22/2024 at 8:00 AM

Located at the end of Byfjord , Bergen was the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th Centuries and has preserved some very beautiful monuments from the time when it was home to royalty. Wandering through Bergen’s streets means going back in time, in search of the hidden treasures that have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO . A veritable openair museum, Bergen is home to a thriving artistic community of painters, potters, jewellers. The Bergen cable car offers you a splendid panorama over the port and the surrounding fjords. Do not miss the visit to the old quarter with its narrow streets, a testimony of the power of the hanseatic League that controlled trade in Northern Europe at the end of the Middle Ages.

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Fort Augustus & Loch Ness

Rejoin your coach for the journey back to Fort William and your awaiting ship.

This is an easy excursion with very little walking. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing, including a jacket in case of inclement weather.

Glenfinnan & a Tasting of Smoked Salmon

Participation is limited to 24 guests.

Highlands Highlights & Historic Glenfinnan

Fort William is your gateway to the Highlands, and this tour is an introduction to some of the best scenery Scotland has to offer.

This is an easy excursion. The amount of walking is at your discretion and is over mostly level and paved terrain. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing, including a jacket in case of inclement weather.

A Day on Skye

This full day excursion offers a panoramic tour of the Island of Skye , combining dramatic coastline vistas with an exploration of the island's fascinating history and traditions.

After this visit, a drive brings you to Portree where you will enjoy a refreshing lunch, followed by time at leisure to explore this charming port and its colorful waterfront.

Return to Kyle of Lochalsh and your ship.

This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 2.5 miles of walking over mixed terrain with some steps. We recommend good walking shoes and warm, waterproof layered clothing. Also note that this excursion includes over 4.5 hours of driving via coach.

Hebridean Traditions: Clans and Whiskey

This is a moderate excursion. The total amount of walking is entirely at your discretion during the visit to Armadale. The tour of the distillery involves stairs. Sturdy walking shoes and a jacket are recommended. Participation is limited.

The Castles of Skye

This moderate excursion involves some walking, but the extent is at the guest's discretion. There are many steps across the Eilean Donan Castle's three levels. Walking at Armadale is on level and gently sloping terrain. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.

Orkney Treasures & St. Magnus Cathedral

This is an excursion into the distant past of the Neolithic Orkney Islands, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its wealth of pre-historic ruins.

You continue on through rich farmland, rolling hills and moors fringed by magnificent cliffs, on the way to the Ring of Brodgar , a grand circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years.

Walking on this tour totals approximately 1.5 miles over some uneven terrain at Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar and some steps throughout. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.

Orkney Past and Present

The amount of walking on this excursion is at your discretion. The distance from the parking area to the Ring of Brodgar is about 300 yards and the ground is uneven; the terrain in Stromness is flat with no steps and some cobbled pavement. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.

Jarlshof Settlement & Sumburgh Head

For this excursion, we recommend you wear waterproof clothes and comfortable walking shoes. Walking on this tour totals 1 – 2 miles, with uneven paths at Jarlshof and a steep slope up to the lighthouse at Sumburgh.

Hiking Mousa Island

In addition to the abundant wildlife, you will also visit Mousa Broch , a 2,000-year-old tower that is the best-preserved Iron Age fortress in the British Isles.

The walking on this excursion totals about 3 miles on rugged, uneven terrain and presents little difficulty for guests with good mobility. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.

Lerwick Walking Tour & Shetland Museum

This is a moderate to strenuous walking tour with some steep streets and stairs. You will be on your feet for approximately 2 hours. We recommend warm, waterproof layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

Briksdal Glacier with Troll Cars

This tour includes about 1 mile of walking over gravel paths that are sometimes uneven and include uphill/downhill sections. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, a sunhat and sunglasses, a warm jacket, and a waterproof layer. The drive to and from the lodge will go through tunnels, the longest of which is about 0.5 miles long.

From Fjord to Sky by Cable Car

From the pier, drive down the winding road along the fjord to Stryn Lake , your first stop. Take a stroll and view the calming waters of this glacial lake.

After some time at leisure, return by cable car to Loen where your coach will be waiting to bring you back to the pier in Olden.

This tour will operate in nearly all weather conditions, even if there isn’t a good view from the top station and/or it is raining. In case of strong wind, the cable car may be closed on short notice. Walking on this tour is minimal and totals less than ¼ mile. Flat comfortable shoes and a warm, windproof jacket are recommended.

The Flåm Railway

This light excursion involves at most a half mile of walking over flat paved and gravel surfaces. There are limited spaces for wheel chairs on board the train; these must be reserved in advance. Layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and protection from sun and rain are recommended.

Le Champlain

Find out more about Le Champlain

PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.

Included Features:

A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, ethnomusicologist Jonathan Øverby and geologist Wayne Ranney
Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Glasgow to the ship on the day of embarkation
Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Champlain , with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
Transfer from the ship to the airport in Bergen at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation

Not included:

Independent meals and beverages ashore
Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
This voyage is offered on a space available basis
Program is subject to change without notice

Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands

6/13/2024 - HISTORIC CITIES OF SCOTLAND (2 NIGHTS)

6/22/2024 - HISTORIC BERGEN (1 NIGHT)

HISTORIC CITIES OF SCOTLAND (2 NIGHTS)

Day 1 – Glasgow | Edinburgh

Day 2 – Edinburgh

Day 3 – Edinburgh

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.

Your program includes:

2 nights at the InterContinental Edinburgh The George (or similar)
Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on Day 1
Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3
Lunch on Day 1
Breakfast on Days 2 and 3
Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
Local English-speaking guide
Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
Late check-out is available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please contact reservations or your travel advisor for further details.
The official currency is the British pound. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
Program is offered on a space available basis.
Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information: InterContinental Edinburgh The George 19 - 21 George Street Edinburgh, EH2 2PB United Kingdom Telephone: +44.131.225.1251

Total : $1,760

HISTORIC BERGEN (1 NIGHT)

Day 1 – Bergen, Norway | Disembark

Day 2 – Bergen | Homeward

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Bergen Flesland Airport for flights home.

1 night at the Hotel Norge by Scandic (or similar)
Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day
Breakfast on Day 2
Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
The official currency is the Norwegian krone. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.

Hotel contact information: Hotel Norge by Scandic Nedre Ole Bullsplass 4 5012 Bergen Telephone: +47 55 55 40 00 Email: [email protected]

Total : $840

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Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage – with Smithsonian Journeys Bergen - Glasgow, Scotland

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Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage – with Smithsonian Journeys

Bergen - glasgow, scotland, dates: 8/6/2024 to 15/6/2024.

Guest Speaker

Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

Join PONANT aboard Le Champlain for an 8-day cruise on an exceptional itinerary to discover the beauty of the Norwegian fjords and the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Isles .

Begin your voyage in Bergen , famous for its Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site which still carries traces of the rich historic past of the city founded by the Vikings.

Your ship will first sail to Flåm where you will board the Flåm Railway to take a beautiful train journey high into the mountains of western Norway. View stunning rivers, waterfalls, and cultural landscapes around every corner.

Continue to Olden . From this small and charming village, located a few miles from Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to one of the last ice caps in Europe, you are able to admire the magnificent Briksdal Glacier .

Your ship sails next towards Kirkwall , capital of Orkney , where numerous seabirds, such as gannets and European shags, take residence. The Standing Stones of Stenness , built around 5,400 years ago, are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

From Portree , spend a day including the unparalleled Isle of Skye. Not to be missed on the mainland is Eilean Donan , one of the most recognizable castles in the world and an iconic symbol of Scotland. You may recognize the castle as the Scottish headquarters of MI6 in the James Bond film, The World is Not Enough .

End your voyage in Fort William , from where you are able to immerse yourself in local lore during a cruise of fabled Loch Ness or take a tour of some of the Highlands’ best scenery.

You will disembark in Glasgow , Scotland's warm cultural capital with a rich artistic and architectural heritage.

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A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, including Viking Age historian Colleen Batey and geologist and geophysicist Carola Stearns. Transfers before and...

Your trip in detail

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Important trip details

1300 737 178 (or contact your travel agent)

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Colleen Batey

Carola Stearns

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Included in your cruise To make sure things run smoothly, PONANT has included certain elements before and after your cruise as part of the price.

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Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.

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Ports of Call & Excursions

8 June 2024 - Bergen

Embarkation 8/6/2024 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm Departure 8/6/2024 at 8:00 pm

Located at the end of Byfjord , Bergen was the capital of Norway in the 12th and 13th Centuries and has preserved some very beautiful monuments from the time when it was home to royalty. Wandering through Bergen’s streets means going back in time, in search of the hidden treasures that have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO . A veritable openair museum, Bergen is home to a thriving artistic community of painters, potters, jewellers. The Bergen cable car offers you a splendid panorama over the port and the surrounding fjords. Do not miss the visit to the old quarter with its narrow streets, a testimony of the power of the hanseatic League that controlled trade in Northern Europe at the end of the Middle Ages.

9 June 2024 - Flam

Arrival 9/6/2024 early morning Departure 9/6/2024 midday

10 June 2024 - Olden

Arrival 10/6/2024 early morning Departure 10/6/2024 early afternoon

With its two wooden churches, one red and the other white, plus its breathtaking view of the mouth of the river Oldeelva, Olden looks just like a picture post card. Located a few kilometres from the Jostedalsbreen park, home to one of the last glacier polar icecaps , this little village is a definite must for exploring the blue languages of the Briksdal or Kjennalen glaciers . Make sure you find some time to visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum. Absolutely amazing. Another gem is lake Lovatn and its turquoise waters inviting you to quiet contemplation.

11 June 2024 - Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Arrival 11/6/2024 midday Departure 11/6/2024 early evening

12 June 2024 - Kirkwall, Orkney

Arrival 12/6/2024 early morning Departure 12/6/2024 early afternoon

Capital of the Orkney archipelago, Kirkwall, which means “church bay”, is an ideal stopover before continuing on to the Northern Isles. Sheltered in a wide bay, the lively town welcomes the visitor with its charming paved alleyways edged by old houses and craft shops. Tankerness House, the oldest homestead in the town, is a must-see landmark. But the true architectural treasure of the aptly named Kirkwall is none other than its remarkable red and gold stone cathedral. And because whisky is inseparable from Scotland’s identity, stop at the Highland Park Distillery for a highly instructive visit.

13 June 2024 - Portree, Isle of Skye

Arrival 13/6/2024 early morning Departure 13/6/2024 late afternoon

Nestling in the crux of a gorgeous bay, Portree reflects the magnificence of the grandiose Isle of Skye as well as being its main town. Apart from the charm of its colourful houses, the town’s outstanding location on the banks of a loch makes it a very pleasant place to be. From its colourful harbour bustling with local craftsmen’s shops, you can take in a stunning view of the surrounding hills. Before trekking through the wilderness and drinking in the natural beauty of the Isle of Skye, check out some of the beautiful images in the Aros Centre.

14 June 2024 - Fort William

Arrival 14/6/2024 early morning Departure 14/6/2024 early afternoon

15 June 2024 - Glasgow, Scotland

Arrival 15/6/2024 early morning Disembarkation 15/6/2024 at 8:00 am

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The Flåm Railway

This light excursion involves at most a half mile of walking over flat paved and gravel surfaces. There are limited spaces for wheel chairs on board the train; these must be reserved in advance. Layered clothing, comfortable shoes, and protection from sun and rain are recommended.

Briksdal Glacier with Troll Cars

This tour includes about 1 mile of walking over gravel paths that are sometimes uneven and include uphill/downhill sections. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, a sunhat and sunglasses, a warm jacket, and a waterproof layer. The drive to and from the lodge will go through tunnels, the longest of which is about 0.5 miles long.

From Fjord to Sky by Cable Car

From the pier, drive down the winding road along the fjord to Stryn Lake , your first stop. Take a stroll and view the calming waters of this glacial lake.

After some time at leisure, return by cable car to Loen where your coach will be waiting to bring you back to the pier in Olden.

This tour will operate in nearly all weather conditions, even if there isn’t a good view from the top station and/or it is raining. In case of strong wind, the cable car may be closed on short notice. Walking on this tour is minimal and totals less than ¼ mile. Flat comfortable shoes and a warm, windproof jacket are recommended.

Jarlshof Settlement & Sumburgh Head

For this excursion, we recommend you wear waterproof clothes and comfortable walking shoes. Walking on this tour totals 1 – 2 miles, with uneven paths at Jarlshof and a steep slope up to the lighthouse at Sumburgh.

Hiking Mousa Island

In addition to the abundant wildlife, you will also visit Mousa Broch , a 2,000-year-old tower that is the best-preserved Iron Age fortress in the British Isles.

The walking on this excursion totals about 3 miles on rugged, uneven terrain and presents little difficulty for guests with good mobility. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended.

Lerwick Walking Tour & Shetland Museum

This is a moderate to strenuous walking tour with some steep streets and stairs. You will be on your feet for approximately 2 hours. We recommend warm, waterproof layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

Orkney Treasures & St Magnus Cathedral

This is an excursion into the distant past of the Neolithic Orkney Islands, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its wealth of pre-historic ruins.

Your exploration of this remarkable area begins with a drive through rich farmland, rolling hills and moors fringed by magnificent cliffs, on the way to the great ceremonial Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar , a grand circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years.

You continue on to Skara Brae , the best-preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe. The remains of this 5,000-year-old settlement are beautifully preserved and interpreted in a modern visitor center. Lying beside the sandy crescent of the Bay of Skaill, the site was completely buried for thousands of years until suddenly revealed during a fierce storm in 1850. Among the fascinating relics found here are tools, beads, pottery, and whalebone artifacts, spanning a period of approximately 600 years of occupation. Skara Brae provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the resilience and resourcefulness of our ancestors who lived here, eking out an existence among unforgiving conditions.

Return to Kirkwall via historic Scapa Flow , a sheltered body of water that has played an important role in trade and warfare, serving, for example, as the United Kingdom's chief naval base during both World Wars. It is perhaps most famous as the site of the scuttling of the German Fleet in 1919.

On arrival in Kirkwall, visit St Magnus Cathedral . This magnificent red sandstone building was constructed by the Norsemen when they ruled Orkney around 900 years ago. Explore the cathedral with your guide before returning to the ship.

Walking on this tour totals approximately 1.5 miles over some uneven terrain at Skara Brae and with steps at Skaill. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.

Orkney Past and Present

Your introduction to the Orkney Islands begins with a drive through rich farmland, rolling hills, and moors fringed by magnificent cliffs. You will pass by the Neolithic Standing Stones of Stenness and stop briefly at the Ring of Brodgar , a grand circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years, for a glimpse of the Stone Age ruins that have earned this area recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Continue across the main island to the charming fishing village of Stromness . After a brief orientation, enjoy time at leisure to explore the picturesque harbor and stroll along the quirky flag-stoned streets. Visit the beautifully refurbished Pier Arts Centre with exhibitions by both local and international artists, relax with a hot beverage in a café, or explore the craft shops selling local knitwear, pottery, and artwork.

Return to Kirkwall via historic Scapa Flow , a sheltered body of water that has played an important role in both trade and warfare, serving, for example, as the United Kingdom's chief naval base during both World Wars. It is perhaps most famous as the site of the scuttling of the German Fleet in 1919.

The amount of walking on this excursion is at your discretion. The distance from the parking area to the Ring of Brodgar is about 300 yards; the terrain in Stromness is flat with no steps and some cobbled pavement. Warm, waterproof clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.

A Day on Skye

This full day excursion offers a panoramic tour of the Island of Skye , combining dramatic coastline vistas with an exploration of the island's fascinating history and traditions.

From Portree, your coach travels north onto the Trotternish Peninsula, where your first stop is at Kilt Rock — a 200-foot-high cliff marked in an almost tartan-like pattern by the rock strata, with a waterfall tumbling down the cliff to the pebbled shore below.

After this visit, head across the island to the west coast and Dunvegan Castle , seat of the Clan MacLeod chiefs since the 13th century and one of the most celebrated of the Hebridean clan strongholds. It is the only one to have been continuously occupied by the same family over a period now spanning eight centuries. Within the castle are priceless heirlooms, some of which have come down through the hands of the Chiefs of MacLeod since medieval times.

Return to the outskirts of Portree where you will enjoy a refreshing lunch, followed by time at leisure to explore this charming port and its colorful waterfront.

This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 2.5 miles of walking over mixed terrain with some steps. We recommend good walking shoes and warm, waterproof layered clothing. Also note that this excursion includes over 2.5 hours of driving via coach.

Eilean Donan Castle and Cuillin Mountains

From the small port of Portree, travel south past the majestic and rugged Cuillin Mountains and cross the iconic Skye Bridge to the Scottish mainland. Continue along the shore to Eilean Donan , a small tidal island at the confluence of Loch Alsh and two other lochs. The Castle that dominates the island is perhaps the most recognizable in Scotland; it has been featured in no fewer than ten films, including James Bond's The World is Not Enough , in which the castle served as the Scottish headquarters of MI6.

Return to Portree and your ship.

This moderate excursion involves some walking, but the extent is at the guest's discretion. There are many steps across the Eilean Donan Castle's three levels. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. This excursion includes 2.5 hours of driving via coach.

Hebridean Whisky Traditions

Your excursion begins with a scenic drive south along the sea with glimpses of the Scottish mainland, as well as the Isle of Raasay, birthplace of the Gaelic poet, Sorely MacLean. On a clear day, enjoy views of the Cuillin Mountain Range in the distance. Pass lochs, moorland, and rivers and keep an eye out for passing wildlife. Continue through several of Skye’s villages and towns and learn about life in Skye.

Arrive on the Sleat Peninsula, often known as the “Garden of Skye” for its lush vegetation. Visit the Torabhaig Distillery , which produced its first single malt in 2021. Torabhaig produces whisky in the traditional way, and your guides will explain the process from malting the barley and mashing the peat through aging the spirits in oak casks. No visit to a distillery is complete, of course, without a tasting, and you will be invited to sample the end product of this process before returning to the ship.

This is a moderately easy excursion. The tour of the distillery involves stairs. Sturdy walking shoes and a jacket are recommended. Participation is limited. This excursion includes a total of 2 hours of driving via coach.

Fort Augustus & Loch Ness

Rejoin your coach for the journey back to Fort William and your awaiting ship.

This is an easy excursion with very little walking. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing, including a jacket in case of inclement weather.

Glenfinnan & a Tasting of Smoked Salmon

Participation is limited to 24 guests.

Highlands Highlights & Historic Glenfinnan

Fort William is your gateway to the Highlands, and this tour is an introduction to some of the best scenery Scotland has to offer.

This is an easy excursion. The amount of walking is at your discretion and is over mostly level and paved terrain. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing, including a jacket in case of inclement weather.

Le Champlain

Find out more about Le Champlain

PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.

Included Features:

A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including Viking Age historian Colleen Batey and geologist and geophysicist Carola Stearns
Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Bergen to the ship on the day of embarkation
Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Champlain , with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
Transfer from the ship to the airport in Glasgow at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation

Not included:

Independent meals and beverages ashore
Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
This voyage is offered on a space available basis
Program is subject to change without notice

Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands

7/6/2024 - HISTORIC BERGEN (1 NIGHT)

15/6/2024 - HISTORIC CITIES OF SCOTLAND (2 NIGHTS)

HISTORIC BERGEN (1 NIGHT)

Day 1 – Bergen, Norway

Arrive at Bergen’s Flesland Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Norge by Scandic. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception this evening. Dinner is independent and at your leisure. Day 2 – Bergen | Embarkation

After breakfast at the hotel, join a morning excursion that includes a visit to the Fantoft Stave Church, originally built in 1150 and reconstructed after a fire in 1992 exactly as it was in the 12th century. You will also tour Troldhaugen, once the summer home of composer Edvard Grieg and now a museum and concert venue. Following lunch at a restaurant back in Bergen, enjoy a guided walking tour of Bryggen, the old waterfront wharf, a reminder of the town’s importance as part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire from the 14th to the mid-16th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will have some free time to browse the shops before transferring to the pier to embark Le Champlain in late afternoon.

Your program includes:

1 night at the Hotel Norge by Scandic (or similar)
Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on Day 1
Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day
Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1
Breakfast and lunch on Day 2
Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
Local English-speaking guide
Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
The official currency is the Norwegian krone. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
Program is offered on a space available basis.
Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information: Hotel Norge by Scandic Nedre Ole Bullsplass 4 5012 Bergen Telephone: +47 55 55 40 00 Email: [email protected]

Total : AU$1,360

HISTORIC CITIES OF SCOTLAND (2 NIGHTS)

Day 1 – Glasgow | Edinburgh

Day 2 – Edinburgh

Day 3 – Edinburgh

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.

2 nights at the InterContinental Edinburgh The George (or similar)
Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on Day 1
Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3
Lunch on Day 1
Breakfast on Days 2 and 3
Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
Late check-out is available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please contact reservations or your travel advisor for further details.
The official currency is the British pound. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information: InterContinental Edinburgh The George 19 - 21 George Street Edinburgh, EH2 2PB United Kingdom Telephone: +44.131.225.1251

Total : AU$2,000

IMAGES

Scotland's Treasures
Splendors of Scotland
The Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland
Smithsonian at St Andrews, Scotland
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland
Smithsonian at St Andrews, Scotland

COMMENTS

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Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords

Glasgow>Bergen Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords Voyage Itinerary

Bergen>Glasgow Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords Voyage Itinerary

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Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage – with Smithsonian Journeys

Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included

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Ports of Call & Excursions

15 June 2024 - Glasgow, Scotland

16 June 2024 - Fort William

17 June 2024 - Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland

18 June 2024 - Stromness, Orkney

19 June 2024 - Lerwick, Shetland Islands

20 June 2024 - Olden

21 June 2024 - Flam

22 June 2024 - Bergen

Fort Augustus & Loch Ness

Glenfinnan & a Tasting of Smoked Salmon

Highlands Highlights & Historic Glenfinnan

A Day on Skye

Hebridean Traditions: Clans and Whiskey

The Castles of Skye

Orkney Treasures & St. Magnus Cathedral

Orkney Past and Present

Jarlshof Settlement & Sumburgh Head

Hiking Mousa Island

Lerwick Walking Tour & Shetland Museum

Briksdal Glacier with Troll Cars

From Fjord to Sky by Cable Car

The Flåm Railway

HISTORIC CITIES OF SCOTLAND (2 NIGHTS)

HISTORIC BERGEN (1 NIGHT)

Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage - with Smithsonian Journeys

Full Itinerary

Day 3: Portree, Isle of Skye

Dates & Prices

We Love to Talk Travel

Great Houses of Scotland and Their Treasures

Take a Virtual Tour of a Mysterious Pictish Cave in Scotland

Inspiring Travel – The best way to discover Scotland

Inspiring Travel

Small Group Tour of Scotland: A Perfect 7-Day Itinerary 2024

October 21, Monday Day 1:

October 22, Tuesday Day 2:

October 23, Wednesday Day 3:

October 24, Thursday Day 4:

October 25, Friday Day 5:

October 26, Saturday Day 6:

October 27, Sunday Day 7:

October 28, Monday Day 8:

Included in your small group tour of Scotland

NOT Included in your small group tour of Scotland:

Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage – with Smithsonian Journeys

Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included

Your itinerary

Your trip in detail

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Ports of Call & Excursions

June 15, 2024 - Glasgow, Scotland

June 16, 2024 - Fort William

June 17, 2024 - Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland

June 18, 2024 - Stromness, Orkney

June 19, 2024 - Lerwick, Shetland Islands

June 20, 2024 - Olden

June 21, 2024 - Flam

June 22, 2024 - Bergen