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Edinburgh’s imposing profile of black rock hills and rugged medieval fortifications stands in stark contrast to its cultured, quirky, and playful spirit. Since you’ll be passing through, why not add more time to experience the U.K.’s second-most popular destination after London? Revisit Scotland’s dramatic history at Edinburgh Castle. Wander the tangle of medieval Old Town, and the neoclassical district of New Town, which jointly form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia and see the fabled fairways of St. Andrews. Dart into the quaint shops, inviting pubs, and fascinating museums that line the Royal Mile. Our perfect mix of included touring and leisure time allows you to discover the best Edinburgh has to offer.
As futuristic as it is cultured, Oslo is known as one of the greenest cities in the world, even as its skyline dazzles with sleek new architectural masterpieces. Discover Norway’s capital on this 3-night extension that includes a city tour and a visit to the Norwegian Folk Museum. Plus, you’ll enjoy ample free time to explore this romantic, nature-loving city on your own.
Fly to Edinburgh, Scotland
Today you’ll board an overnight flight to Edinburgh, Scotland. Or, depart earlier for your optional pre-trip extension.
Arrive in Edinburgh
Welcome to Scotland! If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, a Vantage representative will meet you at the airport to assist with transfers to your centrally located hotel. You’ll have time to settle in before joining your fellow travelers for a Welcome Briefing, followed by dinner and a traditional bagpipe performance.
Included meals:
Discover Edinburgh and come aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia
The unforgettable city of Edinburgh unfolds before you as we set out on a guided panoramic tour. Highlights of the Old Town include Edinburgh Castle, set high above the city on Castle Rock, and St. Margaret’s Chapel. Built around AD 1130, it is the oldest surviving building in town. Fast-forward to the 18th-century as you explore the New Town, with its elegant neoclassical and Georgian architecture. Both districts are jointly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip set sail to visit their far-flung dominion, they did so aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. You'll come aboard to inspect this elegant vessel, which still features the furnishings and décor favored by the Queen when the ship was launched in 1953.
Included Feature:
Cultural Discovery:
Transfer to Aberdeen and embark the Ocean Odyssey
Following breakfast this morning, you’ll check out of your hotel and transfer to Aberdeen, Scotland, where you will board the Ocean Odyssey. Take time to settle into your sumptuous stateroom and acquaint yourself with your elegant 5-star vessel before joining your fellow travelers for your first dinner on board tonight.
Delight in your ship’s amenities during a day at sea
One of the true pleasures of a luxurious, small ship cruise is the onboard experience as you sail from one incredible destination to another. You’ll find everything you need to feel relaxed, pampered, and entertained today.
Onboard Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional onboard experience. Enhance your time on board with an expert-led whiskey tasting and sample delicious, full-bodied whiskeys from all over the world. Learn More
Join our onboard expert as they guide you on a journey for the palate as you sample delicious, full-bodied whiskeys from all over the world. Taste the intricate barrel-aged flavors of your favorite small-batch Kentucky bourbon, try a classic 25-year-old Scotch, and enjoy local whiskeys from many of the regions we cruise to, all hand-selected from our private collection.
The optional activity is available on board your vessel.
Due to high call volume, we recommend you visit MyPortfolio to book this Destination Enhancement. Don’t wait — these optional experiences are limited to a select number of guests and are selling out fast!
Beautiful Bergen awaits you today
Today we’ll set out to discover the colorful, centuries-old city of Bergen, including its vibrant waterfront. Although it’s Norway’s second-largest city, with its abundance of traditional wooden homes, narrow lanes, and cozy cafés, Bergen has a lovely small-town feel and welcoming atmosphere. Built after the Great Fire of 1702, the traditional wooden houses and unusual street patterns inspired UNESCO to declare the city a World Heritage Site in 1979. You’ll have free time to explore more of the city on your own after your tour.
Please note: For the 6/20/24 departure, Day 6 will be in Stavanger, Norway, and will include a highlights tour.
Cruise through spectacularly scenic Nordfjord
Scenic cruising through Nordfjord, the sixth largest fjord in Norway, is just one of the many highlights of this incredible journey. This fjord spans a length of over 60 miles, and features stunning glaciers, mammoth waterfalls, and imposing snow-capped mountains. Your maritime adventure through this spectacular waterway is further enhanced by commentary from your expert Resident Lecturer.
Enjoy Ålesund’s Art Nouveau architecture
Renowned for its distinctive architecture comprising of turrets, spires, and other whimsical Art Nouveau touches, Ålesund is the cultural center of the Sunnmøre region. Explore the distinctive character of this unique city for yourself during an included walking tour. You’ll have leisure time following your tour to continue your discoveries on your own. Pop into the Art Nouveau Centre & the Art Museum KUBE to learn more about Ålesund’s history and its incredible architecture; get up close to marine life at Atlanterhavsparken, Northern Europe's largest saltwater aquarium and marine science center; or simply sample some tasty traditional seafood at one of the city’s many cafés and restaurants.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Join us today for a half-day, guided panoramic tour of Ålesund that includes a visit to the Mount Aksla viewpoint. Learn More
Ålesund is one of the most unique cities in the world. Built on only islands, the city is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture and its fishing harbor — one of the most important in Norway. This panoramic tour offers an opportunity to discover the incredible architecture, nature, and history of this one-of-a-kind city, and caps off with a visit to Mount Aksla Viewpoint, from which you’ll be able to take in spectacular, panoramic views of the city and the surrounding islands, including the islands of Giske and Godøy.
Tour Kristiansund’s highlights on foot today
Spread across four idyllic islands, the oceanside city of Kristiansund is known for its cultural events, from its annual opera festival to a traditional celebration of the Northern Lights. You’ll head out on a walking tour of this delightful city today, stopping at several of its many highlights. There will be leisure time for you to further explore on your own following your tour.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Join an excursion along the Atlantic Road, voted Norway's “Engineering Feat of the Century” and considered the world's most beautiful drive. Learn More
Take a thrilling ride down the Atlantic Road, known as “the world’s most beautiful drive.” This awesome feat of engineering stretches across the lush coastal landscapes of several islets and islands, and the vistas of the surrounding ocean are simply jaw-dropping. Along the way, we’ll stop for an authentic Nordic dining experience.
Explore Trondheim’s rich medieval heritage
We’ll spend the morning exploring the small city of Trondheim. As the historic and religious capital of Norway, Trondheim has long been considered an important pilgrimage site, as evident by St. Olav Ways. This 3,000-kilometer pilgrimage route ends at the shrine of St. Olav, an 11th-century Viking king who is credited with bringing Christianity to Scandinavia. During our explorations today, we’ll follow the city’s ancient narrow alleys, past its markets and historic warehouses, and visit the legendary Nidaros Cathedral. The afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Get to know Trondheim on a half-day cultural tour that includes visits to two local museums. Learn More
Travel back in time with a visit to the Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum in Trondheim. Situated among the picturesque surroundings around the ruins of King Sverre’s Castle — the oldest medieval castle in Norway, dating back to AD 1183 — this living history museum provides an opportunity to learn the fascinating story of the king’s rise to power. You’ll also experience traditional 18th-century life in Trondheim when you stroll through the old town and rural sections of the museum, comprised of several original buildings, including a grocery store, post office, and schoolhouse.
Relax on board with a day at sea
Enjoy another full day at sea to relax and revel in the luxurious amenities aboard the Ocean Odyssey. Pamper your body with a relaxing massage, a facial, or a soothing soak in the hot tub after an onboard lecture about your experiences so far.
Onboard Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional onboard experience. Enhance your time on board with an expert-led wine tasting, savoring rich varietals that span the best wine regions on earth. Learn More
Our onboard wine tastings are a guest favorite while sailing and have become a staple of both our ocean journeys and river cruises. Savor rich global flavors from varietals that span the best wine regions on earth, as our onboard expert explains the notes and flavors of each one. Whether you are a connoisseur or a novice, wine tastings offer the perfect balance of indulgence and fun, and are a fantastic way to expand your palate.
Uncover the assorted delights of Bodø
A lively small city located just above the Arctic Circle, Bodø is a mini-metropolis where you’ll find an ideal mix of eclectic shops, interesting cultural events, and delicious dining. Today’s discoveries include a tour of this charismatic city, plus a visit to the National Norwegian Aviation Museum, where you will find engaging exhibits chronicling several decades of Norway’s military and civil aviation history.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Visit Kjerringøy Old Trading Post, situated in the idyllic Nordland Country village of Kjerringøy. Learn More
Kjerringøy Trading Post is an open-air, living history museum, and Norway’s most well-preserved old fish and jekt-trade site. Located just a short drive north of the town of Bodø, this historical landmark provides a glimpse into Norway’s coastal heritage. Consisting of 15 authentic buildings still in their original state, this is one of Norway’s most important collections of 19th-century buildings. Not only will you get a sense of the past; you’ll also take part in the daily life of a traditional northern coastal community.
Set your sights on Reine, Å, and Moskenes
When it comes to gorgeous scenery and photogenic destinations, few places can rival Reine, Norway. This quaint seaside village, with its red fishermen’s cottages and mountainous backdrop, is one of the most photographed locations in Europe. You’ll get to experience the village’s charms for yourself during an included sightseeing tour this morning. Continuing on to the cape that stretches into the sea of Vestfjorden, you’ll visit the village of Å, a fascinating end-point on the southern tip of the Lofoten Islands. Your sightseeing tour also includes the dramatic landscapes of Moskenes, on the southern part of the island of Moskenesøya. This is one day when you’ll definitely want to have your camera on hand. Following your sightseeing tour, you’ll have leisure time to continue exploring at your own pace.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Set off for a guided exploration of the breathtaking Lofoten Islands. Learn More
There is so much more to Lofoten than its dramatic mountains and picturesque fishing villages. Here you'll find quiet bays, white sandy beaches, sheltered fjords, and expansive, green agricultural areas. It is said that the light in Lofoten is unlike anywhere else in the world, which is why artists from Norway and abroad have always come here for inspiration. We will explore the highlights of this inspiring, picturesque location, with opportunities for you to fully take in the stunning scenery.
Uncover the charms of Narvik
Located in northern Norway, and surrounded by majestic mountains and deep fjords, the seaside city of Narvik offers visitors some of the most spectacular views in the Arctic Circle. There is an incredible mix of both cultural and natural wonders to be found here, plus limitless outdoor activities for active travelers. Today, you’ll enjoy a tour of the city’s highlights, after which you will have leisure time to continue your discoveries on your own.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. View Narvik’s stunning scenery from aboard the Arctic Train and visit the Narvik War Museum to learn more about Norway’s military history. Learn More
Come along for an unforgettable journey on Norway’s northernmost railway. Stretching between Narvik and Abisko, the Arctic Train makes its way through beautiful Nordic landscapes, with majestic mountain peaks and dramatic fjords serving as a backdrop. This excursion includes a visit to the Narvik War Museum. Using innovative design, photography, film, sound, and technology, the Narvik War Museum’s exhibits tell the story of Norway’s involvement in World War II.
Disembark the Ocean Odyssey and enjoy a tour of Tromsø
Following breakfast this morning, you’ll bid farewell to the Ocean Odyssey and head to your hotel in Tromsø. Along the way, you’ll be treated to a panoramic tour of Tromsø’s popular highlights, including a visit to the Tromsdalen Arctic Cathedral. Designed by architect Jan Inge Hovig, this modern concrete and metal is one of the most notable churches in Norway and features an impressive floor-to-ceiling, stained glass mosaic. Your tour concludes at your hotel, with the remainder of the day at leisure.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Head out for an afternoon hiking excursion in the company of Alaskan huskies. Learn More
The two greatest loves of the people of Northern Norway are huskies and outdoor activities, so experiencing nature with a faithful four-legged friend is the best combination of both. Get active and explore Norway’s natural beauty firsthand, with a furry companion by your side, on this fun-filled — and frankly adorable — optional hiking excursion.
Explore Tromsø on your own today
Tromsø is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic." Amidst other things, this lively city is known for its distinctive architecture and endless supply of cultural events. With more pubs per capita than any other town in Norway, Tromsø also hosts the hallowed Mack Brewery, especially famous for its Arctic Ale. You’ll have a full day at leisure to explore this charming city at your own pace.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Head out for an exploration of scenic Kvaløya Island or explore the great outdoors in the company of Alaskan huskies on an afternoon hiking excursion. Learn More
Located a short drive from Tromsø, Kvaløya Island rewards its visitors with majestic mountain peaks, crystal blue waters, and white sand beaches. This small, vibrant coastal community keeps its Sommarøy traditions alive and is home to one of the oldest lighthouses in northern Norway, in addition to rich birdlife and a variety of nature. You’ll have an opportunity to explore this enjoyable destination for yourself on this exclusive, guided excursion.
Return home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Or, head to Oslo for your optional post-trip extension!
As futuristic as it is cultured, Oslo is known as one of the greenest cities in the world, even as its skyline dazzles with sleek new architectural masterpieces. Discover Norway’s capital on this 3-night extension that includes a historic tour of the city. Plus, enjoy ample free time to explore this romantic, nature-loving city, visiting its museums and wandering its charming boroughs.
Edinburgh’s imposing profile of black rock hills and rugged medieval fortifications stands in stark contrast to its cultured, quirky, and playful spirit. Why not add extra time to delve deeper into the U.K.’s second-most popular destination after London? Revisit Scotland’s dramatic history at Edinburgh Castle. Wander the tangle of medieval Old Town and the neoclassical district of New Town, which together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dart into the quaint shops, inviting pubs, and fascinating museums that line the Royal Mile. A highlight will be your included excursion to the fabled fairways of St. Andrews, the home of golf. Our perfect mix of included touring and leisure time allows you to discover the best Edinburgh has to offer.
Please note: Ocean-cruising is not the same experience as river cruising; as such, you may experience fluctuating tides and weather patterns that may involve some rocking of your vessel. Itineraries will include all activities as planned except in extreme cases that can’t be controlled by your shipboard crew. Day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Cruise Director or regional expert.
