7-NIGHT SCOTTISH ISLES & NORWEGIAN FJORDS CRUISE

Day 1 Jul 02, 2026 - Bergen

With its spectacular setting among seven hills, Bergen is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable cities in Norway. Most sites are within an easy walk from the harbor. From fine surviving medieval buildings to a series of good museums such as Fishery Museum and Old Bergen open-air museum, Bergen offers a wide variety of attractions. Its scenic beauty can best be appreciated from Mt. Floyen and is captivating. Enjoy this lovely city by taking a stroll to the old part of town, passing impressive 12th-century Bergenhus fortress. Old Hanseatic Wharf, called Bryggen, is where reconstructed gabled buildings house workshops, boutiques and restaurants. St. Mary's Church is Bergen’s oldest building and one of the finest Norman churches in Norway. Rasmus Meyers Collection is a rambling townhouse featuring one of the best collections of Norwegian art, including an upper floor devoted almost entirely to Munch. Bergen boasts numerous historic buildings dating from medieval times: Bergenhus Fortress; Rosenkrantz Tower; Haakon’s Hall.

Day 2 Jul 03, 2026 - Flam

Flåm­ is the destination of the 12-mile branch line of the train from Myrdal, a 50-minute ride that plummets nearly 3,000 feet into Flåm­ Valley. The tiny village lies at the end of the Aurlandsfjord, amid meadows and orchards, surrounded by towering mountains. A trip on famous Flåm­ Railway is a thrilling experience. Its track took four years to complete and leads through breathtaking mountain scenery, past cascading waterfalls and through hand-dug tunnels. At one point the train travels through a reverse tunnel in order to negotiate a gradient of nearly a thousand feet, making it one of the steepest anywhere in the world. It operates year-round - a great tourist attraction during the summer and a local lifeline during deep winter. Strolling around the few souvenir shops or walking in the picturesque Aurland Valley are popular pastimes. Guests interested in exploring on their own would enjoy a hike in the countryside. The picturesque setting among orchards and meadows draws visitors to this serene and peaceful place.

Day 3 Jul 04, 2026 - Eidfjord

The village of Eidfjord in Norway stands at the top of the fjord of the same name on sandy ground at the mouth of the Eio River. Behind the village are strange gravel and sand terraces, left some 9,000 years ago when the inland ice melted and flowed away. The charming church bears the inscription 'Ragna Asulfsdatter built this church - she died on Christmas Eve'. Folklore has it that the lady built the church in the 12th century as an atonement for killing her husband!

Day 4 Jul 05, 2026 - At Sea

Day 5 Jul 06, 2026 - Kirkwall (Orkney Islands)

The Orkney Islands are different from mainland Britain and reflect the original 9th century Viking settlement. In addition to Norse heritage are remains of prehistoric monuments such as Stenness Standing Stones at Finstown. Steep-roofed stone houses line streets winding around medieval St. Magnus Cathedral. A museum featuring Orkney artifacts is housed in 16th-century Tankerness House. Other attractions include Maes Howe, Britain's best-preserved megalithic tomb, and the stone-age village Skara Brae. Rock circles, cairns, standing stones, ancient tombs and prehistoric villages are scattered about, gaining these islands international recognition. Only the walls and tower of the 12-century residence, Bishop's Palace, stand. The top of the tower affords a great view of the cathedral and across Kirkwall rooftops. Earl's Palace dates from 1600. Its style blends medieval fierceness with elements of French Renaissance architecture - featuring dungeons, massive fireplaces and magnificent central hall. A good mile south of town is Highland Park - the "most northerly legal distillery in Scotland."

Day 6 Jul 07, 2026 - Stornoway

The name Stornoway comes from the Norse for "Steering Bay", an indication of the early origins of the town. As the best natural harbor in the Western Isles it was a focus for development, and Stornoway Castle was built as early as 1100 by the MacNicol family. Today's Stornoway is a busy, attractive town and the largest settlement in the Western Isles. The shape of the town is defined by the harbour, which partially surrounds it. Visit an interesting range of shops pleasantly different from the usual outlets colonising most UK High Streets. Visitors to Stornoway should be aware that Sunday observance is strong here. Most transport links to Lewis and Harris, and within them, do not operate on a Sunday. Most shops, petrol stations, cafes, pubs, visitor attractions are closed on Sundays, as are at least some public toilets.

Day 7 Jul 08, 2026 - Fort William

At the southern end of the Great Glen, this area's main town is Fort William, a major and well-resourced touring and route centre for the West Highlands. The area also takes in the Highland landscapes between Loch Linnhe, the major sea-loch at the south of the Great Glen, and the western seaboard itself. These include the lands of Ardnamurchan, Ardgour, Morvern and Moidart - rugged landscapes notable for their soft and mild Atlantic climate, and - in places - their lush growth of mossy, fern-rich woodlands.

Day 8 Jul 08, 2026 - Loch Linnhe

Flowering trees and shrubs support a rich variety of wildlife in this idyllic setting of peace and relaxation. Linnhe has every facility you might need for your holiday in the Highlands of Scotland. Visitora can also visit Shuna Island, an island in Loch Linnhe, offshore from Appin. The island is characterised by a table topped hill at its southern end, and a small tower-house. The wild and dramatic mountain scenery surrounding the loch is simply breathtaking.