Nordic Navigator – From Norway’s Wilds to Scotland’s Isles

Discover the gateway to the Arctic

Tromsø was the base for many historic Arctic expeditions, including those of Roald Amundsen, and its situation 250 miles north of the Polar Circle has led to it being called the ‘Gateway to the Arctic'. Just like the legendary explorers, now it is your turn to set a course for the High Arctic.

If you arrive early in Tromsø, take the opportunity to ride the Fjellheisen cable car for wide views over this city, located some 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Stroll past the modernist Arctic Cathedral, duck into cosy cafés glowing with festive lights, and keep one eye on the water: whales are sometimes spotted offshore.

Discover Norway in miniature

Senja is Norway's second-largest island, sometimes called Norway in miniature. With its rugged mountains, sandy beaches, dark forests, and idyllic fishing villages, it's easy to see how it earned the name. Keep an eye out for reindeer wandering the landscape as you go.

We plan to visit a local community and experience some warm Scandinavian hospitality, learning about ancient Viking culture and what modern life looks like in these remote villages during the winter months.

Later, a real treat. Inspired by Norway'sfriluftsliv, a deep love for the great outdoors, we'll gather on the beach for our Day to Dusk – Flames and Flavours experience. With a bonfire crackling, hot drinks in hand, and Norwegian treats cooked by our onboard chefs, you'll feel completely connected to the landscape. If we're lucky, the Northern Lights will put on a display overhead.

Enjoy an exclusive adventure

As we sail towards Vesterålen, the Expedition Team will seek out the best place for a nature landing, perhaps at one of the many fine beaches likely covered in pristine snow. We may head out in Zodiacs to explore between remote islands or get out the kayaks.

In Stokmarknes, you'll enjoy the bespoke experience:Into the Night, An Evening at the Museum. The Hurtigruten Museum opens exclusively for our group, where you'll see the preserved MS Finnmarken, a 1956 coastal express ship, and historical exhibitions tracing Hurtigruten's heritage along Norway's coast.

Svolvær and a polar plunge

Anticipation builds as we reach the Lofoten Islands, a winter wonderland of snowcapped peaks rising straight from the sea, narrow fjords, and picturesque fishing villages tucked along them. This iconic coastline is best explored with small ships like MS Spitsbergen.

As we navigate these waters, you'll learn aboutLofotfisket, the local fisheries that have sustained these communities for centuries, meeting the people who still make their living from the Arctic sea.

In Svolvær, Lofoten's harbour town, another bespoke experience awaits: a Nordic Sauna and Polar Plunge. Embrace this revitalising Norwegian tradition as you warm up in a waterside sauna before plunging into the icy Arctic waters of Vestfjorden.

Discover Norway's second-largest glacier

Today we sail into Holandsfjord, off the rugged Helgeland coast, making our way towards the Svartisen glacier, which straddles the Arctic Circle. Raise a glass to commemorate the crossing, then head ashore with the Expedition Team. From a jetty landing, they'll lead you on a hike that culminates in a panoramic view of this extraordinary ice field.

Covering around 370 square kilometres with 60 glacier 'tongues', Svartisen is Norway's second-largest glacier. Its name means 'black ice', and it's made up of two separate glaciers, Vestisen and Østisen, divided by the Vesterdalen valley. Look closely: the ice ranges from turquoise to dark blue, but never quite as black as the name suggests.

Relax at sea

As we make our way south through the sheltered fjords, the soul-stirring scenery continues. Passing through the inner waters, see how the soft winter sun casts its magical spell across the snow-dusted landscape and soaring mountains.

Take some time to relax and enjoy the facilities of your expedition ship. Soak up the scenery out on deck, warm up in the sauna, or join your Expedition Team for fascinating talks and demonstrations in the Science Centre.

As we get closer to Scotland's Northern Isles, we'll enter the waters of the North Sea.

Discover Scotland's most northerly inhabited isles

Today we reach the most northern outpost of the British Isles, docking the capital of Scotland's Shetland Islands, Lerwick. These islands have a rich heritage, and local people are justifiably proud of it. You'll see references to monuments and times past wherever you go.

After our crossing of the Norwegian Sea, find your land legs again walking around this friendly Victorian-influenced fishing town. Wander around the town's narrow lanes and discover little shops selling locally made products such as whiskies, woollen sweaters and fudge. By the old waterfront you'll find the Shetland Museum, charting the area's rich history. Nearby you can see Fort Charlotte and the regal-looking Town Hall.

Learn about Kirkwall's Norse heritage

Today we arrive at the Orkney Islands' largest town, Kirkwall. Explore this vibrant, Viking-influenced island capital, which is still compact enough to cover on foot.

Visit the regal St Magnus Cathedral, made from distinctive local red sandstone, and the adjacent Earl's Palace to see the stone ruins of this once-grand Renaissance building. The famous Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae is also only a bus ride away.

Whisky aficionados will enjoy Kirkwall's Highland Park and Scapa distilleries for their unique single malts. Or if you fancy something a bit different, Orkney Distillery produces gin made from local Orcadian botanicals.

Relax and recap en route to Glasgow

As your journey edges closer to its end, we sail south past the Hebridean Islands towards Glasgow.

Take this day at sea to indulge in your ship's facilities one final time. Relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar with newfound friends and recap the experiences you've had, or soak in the hot tubs and take in the last of the sea views. There's also still time to visit the Science Centre and find out more about the things you've seen, or edit the images you've captured with tips from the onboard photographer.

End your voyage in Scotland's second city

Today, our expedition comes to an end in Fairlie, Scotland. It's been a week and a half of striking scenery, from the snow-covered landscapes of Arctic Norway to the wild islands of Scotland.

Wander the small community of Fairlie before making your way back to vibrant Glasgow as the final stop of your island-hopping odyssey. Its impressive fishing and shipping heritage is manifest in the Victorian architecture of the west end of town. It's well worth exploring this area some more if you have time before you head home.