Day 1: Edinburgh
Arrive at any time in to Edinburgh today.
You will have an opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Edingburgh
Enjoy a walking tour of Edinburgh and a visit to the famous Edinburgh Castle. The afternoon is free to discover at your own pace.
A historic fortress dominating the skyline of the city from its position on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is a must-see in the city. Explore the home of the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny and the National War Museum. Fee includes entrance to all attractions within Edinburgh Castle.
Day 3: Scottish Highlands
Enjoy a day trip to the Scottish Highlands. Explore Stirling on a guided tour of the old town including Stirling Castle. Continue to Wallace Monument and learn about the infamous battle of Bannockburn. Enjoy some free time in Stirling for lunch. After lunch visit Deanston Distillery and enjoy a tasting before returning to Edinburgh for the night.
Day 4: Edinburgh/Kirkwall
Enjoy a free morning in Edinburgh before boarding the G Expedition. Our ship departs in the late afternoon, sailing towards Kirkwall.
Board the ship this afternoon in the suburb Port of Leith, to embark on a voyage to the Arctic. The G Expedition departs in the evening through a lock which leads down to sea level, before heading out to sail down the Firth of Forth. While on deck, keep a lookout for common eiders and northern gannets.
Day 5: Kirkwall/Orkney
Visit historic and mystical sites by coach on this remote island. Explore the Standing Stones of Stenness, the intriguing Ring of Brodgar, and the village of Skara Brae.
There are few places in the world that offer as much as the Orkneys. Only six miles off the coast of Scotland, the islands are famous for their abundant marine bird life and dramatic coastal scenery. Enjoy an afternoon to explore the ancient history of the people of these Scottish Isles.
Day 6: Shetland Islands
Continue northwards to the remote Shetland Islands. Opt to visit Jarlshof or join the Puffin Bus to focus on puffins and seabird photography at Sumbrugh Head (weather dependent). Enjoy additional time to explore Lerwick.
The Shetland archipelago is an engaging mix of Scotland and Scandinavia blessed with spectacular coastlines, varied and abundant birdlife and a number of archaeological sites that date back thousands of years.
Day 7: Alesund
Cross the famous North Sea to reach Norway. Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful Art Nouveau district of Ålesund, or take the 418 steps up to Fjellstua for the best view of the city, islands and bay. Opt to visit the Ålesund Museum and learn about the culture and history of the town, including the fire which destroyed the city in 1904.
Day 8: Andalsnes
A full day to explore the town of Åndalsnes and the surrounding mountains. Board the Rauma Railway taking you into the dramatic scenes of the Romsdalen mountains, or explore on foot in "The Alp town by the fjord".
Day 9: Trondheim
Continue on to Trondheim. Choose between hiking in Bymarka Nature Reserve before visiting the Sverresborg Folk Museum, or enjoying a city tour including the Folk Museum and the elaborate Nidaros Cathedral, built between 1070 and 1300. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the area on your own.
Day 10: Torghatten/Vega
The rugged coastline of central Norway features some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. Hike up to the famous hole in the mountain, with fantastic views of the region. Keep an eye out for Norway's mythical trolls. In the afternoon, head to the quaint and picturesque Vega Island, a UNESCO site. Wander the fishing villages, go on a guided nature hike, and appreciate the slow pace of life.
The mountain scenery and coastline offer breathtaking views. The goal is to visit Torghatten, one of the most bizarre rock formations in Norway and a significant local landmark.
Day 11: Svartisen/Vikingen
Visit Svartisen, Norway’s second-largest glacier. Hike to one of the outlet glaciers of Svartisen, Engabreen, which ends at the lowest point of any glacier on the European mainland, at 90 meters above sea level (in 2018). The first 30 to 45 minutes of the hike are easy with no incline. The remaining hike is guided in small groups as it can be a challenging and complicated maze of rocky outcroppings leading to a close encounter with the ice. Everyone should reach a beautiful lookout over the lake. Opt to visit the café for waffles and coffee.
Visit Vikingen Island, a small island that sits directly on the Arctic Circle. There’s a small statue of a globe on the island celebrating its position on one of the five major latitude circles.
Day 12: Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten archipelago is an enchanting area of picturesque villages by the sea backed with jagged peaks. Go ashore by Zodiac for a day trip of the area. Start by visiting the Tørrfiskmuseum to learn about traditional work of the islands before visiting Nusfjord, one of Norway's oldest and best-preserved fishing villages for lunch at a local restaurant. After, stop in Henningsvær for time to see local art or explore the quaint fishing village. In the evening, stay on deck as you cruise into one of Norway's most famous fjords, the short yet dramatic Trollfjord. Search the cliffs on your continuing quest to spot trolls.
Day 13: Tromso
Tromsø, the capital of northern Norway, is known as the "Gateway to the Arctic" as it was the embarkation point for many Arctic expeditions. Learn about past Arctic expeditions and opt for some hiking or to explore the city on your own.
Day 14: At Sea/Bjornoya
Sail past Bear Island. Weather permitting, there may be an opportunity to explore mist-shrouded Bjørnøya by Zodiac - the weather is temperamental, so this is a 50/50 chance. Bear island even from afar has spectacular views, thousands of species of birds like fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots and gulls.
Day 15: Hornsund
Our flexible itinerary and experience here allow us to take the best advantage of ice and weather conditions. Each season we attempt to discover new landing sites to explore to enhance your expedition experience. Shore walks and Zodiac adventures bring us up close to mystical landscapes, icebergs, and wildlife.
Day 16: Svalbard
Soak in the sights and sounds of Svalbard. Glaciers, nesting birds, sea mammals like polar bears, walruses and whales plus land mammals like the Arctic fox and reindeer all call this region home.
Day 17: Svalbard
Continue exploring the icy wonderland of Svalbard.
Day 18: Longyearbyen
Disembark the G Expedition in the morning.
Transfers to Longyearbyen Airport will be offered to all passengers with flights scheduled after disembarkation.
After disembarkation at approximately 8:00am, you will be transferred to either the airport or the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, depending on the time of your flight. Those transferred to the hotel will have an opportunity to explore the town centre on their own, and then be transferred to the airport later in the day as per flight schedules. Transfer times will be confirmed, and communicated onboard prior to departure. Luggage storage at the Raddison Blu Polar hotel will be available until time of departure.
We are pleased to offer an early morning disembarkation and transfer to the airport for those passengers with flights departing Longyearbyen around 2:30am (dependent on airline schedules).
