Scandinavian & Arctic Circle Discovery

Welcome to Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. Your wondrous journey begins with a two night Special Stay. From its humble origins as a fishing village, to its heyday as the glittering capital of the Danish Empire, to its current position as one of the world’s premier design capitals, the stories and characters of Copenhagen’s history can be discovered in its sumptuous palaces, copper-roofed town houses and atmospheric cobbled squares. Soak up the atmosphere of this modern and diverse city.

This morning, tour the wonderful Rosenborg Castle, an elegant Renaissance castle built as a country summerhouse in 1606. Rosenborg Castle features 400 years of magnificence, royal art treasures, the Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia. You will also get to see the delightful courtyard of Amalienborg Palace, home to Princess Mary and the Danish Royal Family. Freechoice: Take an iconic cruise and see the city’s many attractions including Christiansborg Palace, the impressive Black Diamond Library and the Little Mermaid, while gliding along the canals. Alternatively, visit the Tivoli Gardens. This evening you will savour every morsel at your welcome dinner at one of Copenhagen’s finest restaurants. (B/D)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the trendy Swedish capital, Stockholm. Built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges and looking proudly out onto the Baltic Sea, Stockholm is said to be one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world. The graceful architecture, the greenery, the fresh air and the proximity to the water are distinctive traits of this city. Spend the next two nights at your Special Stay hotel. (B)

Your local guide will unveil the city’s most treasured hotspots during a city tour. You will discover the City Hall with its spire featuring the golden Three Crowns, one of Sweden’s most famous buildings; you will also see the Riddarholm Church and the Royal Palace. Then, visit the Vasa Ship Museum located on the island of Djurgården, where the 17th century warship ‘Vasa’ is now housed after it tragically capsized and sank on its inaugural voyage in 1628. This evening enjoy a highlight dinner at Fem Sma Hus, a mixture of Swedish cuisine with a French touch, in a stunning historical setting. (B/D)

Take a short flight to Oslo, the capital of Norway. A metropolitan capital with forests and fjords, Oslo is a modern and diverse city. Check into your hotel for your two-night Special Stay. Enrich: Immerse yourself in the architecture, stage technology, opera and ballet at Oslo’s Opera House on a private backstage tour with a specialist guide. Breathe in the beautiful views from the rooftop while enjoying a glass of wine. (B/D)

From the 8th to the 11th century, the Vikings started their journey across Europe, looking for land and trade. Discover their amazing history during your visit to the Bygdoy Peninsula, home to three famous museums honouring the rich nautical heritage of the Norse race and its warrior ancestors. Wander the Viking Ship Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum and the Fram polar ship. Fram is the strongest wooden ship ever built and still holds the records for sailing farthest north and farthest south. At the museum you will be able to step on board the ship and see how the crew managed to survive in the coldest and most dangerous places on earth – the Arctic and the Antarctic.

Enrich: Enhance your art knowledge with an art specialist at the Munch Museum. Explore one of the most comprehensive one-man museums in the world, home to over half of Munch’s paintings, including ‘The Scream’. (B)

Drive through the majestic Hardangervidda, Europe’s highest mountain plateau, and home to Norway’s largest herd of wild reindeer, before reaching Lofthus. Lofthus is known as the orchard of Hardanger region, due to its unique position overlooking the majestic Folgefonna glacier. Your overnight Special Stay is complete with fjord views. (B/D)

Journey to Norway’s second largest city, the Hanseatic fishing port of Bergen, surrounded by seven hills. One of the prettiest cities in Norway, Bergen dates back to the 12th century. Admire the many pretty multi-coloured wooden buildings, a short way from your Special Stay residence for the next two nights. (B)

During the Middle Ages, Bergen was Norway’s major seaport, as well as its capital, a legacy that can still be seen today. You will have the opportunity to discover Bergen and drive to Troldhaugen, the former home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s most celebrated composer and pianist. Enrich: Enjoy a private piano concert at Edvard Grieg’s concert hall, Troldsalen. Enrich: Journey 320 metres up the funicular railway to Mount Fløyen for a spectacular view of the city and fjord. Alternatively, take the tram to Fantoft to explore the Fantoft Stave Church. The old church burned down in 1992, but it has since been painstakingly reconstructed to reflect a style of construction that is unique to Norway. (B/D)

You’ll be warmly greeted on board Scenic Eclipse. Meet the captain, crew and your Discovery Team before setting off on your expedition voyage. (B/D)

Cruise along Sognefjord, the largest fjord in Norway and you will soon see why it deserves the nickname of ‘King of the Fjords’. At its deepest, Sognefjord plunges more than 1,300 metres while the spectacular mountains rise on either side. You’ll pass through the village of Vikøyri before making your way to the village of Flåm in the heart of the fjord. Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion. Freechoice: Ride the world-famous Flåm Railway for a day of stunning scenery. Alternatively, explore an authentic Viking Village. Discovery: Hike to the Brekkefossen waterfall with a local guide sharing their knowledge and history of the area. (B/L/D)

Situated in the inner Geirangerfjord, Geiranger is one of Norway’s most beautiful sights surrounded by steep mountains on either side of the fjord. It’s listed as one of the most beautiful fjords in the world and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Take in the magnificent surroundings bedecked with cliffs, mountains and tranquil lakes. (B/L/D)

Cruise towards the granite mountain of Torghatten. One of Norway’s best known mountain formations, it’s distinctive natural tunnel through the centre is the subject of several Nordland legend and fairy tales. Discovery: Set out on a Scenic Discovery excursion by Zodiac, or, if the weather is permitting, explore by Zodiac. (B/L/D)

Cruise along the LofotenIslands, with dramatic peaks, sheltered coves and pristine beaches. The archipelago is a visual feast to explore and discover. This rare wilderness offers breath-takingscenery surrounded by majestic mountains, deep fjords,seabird colonies and picturesque fishing villages. Have your morning coffee outside in the Panorama Bar and watch as your expert Captain maneuvers the ship past massive walls of mountains rising from sea. Explore Reine, an authentic Norwegian fishing village with an estimated population of about 300. One of the most photographed landscapes in Norway, with granite peaks backdrop and quaint fisherman huts lining the shores of glassy waters. (B/L/D)

Continue your journey around the Lofoten Islands towards Gradval while you enjoy the unique scenery around you. Nestled between jagged peaks and indigo waters with colourful wooden buildings, Gradval is the epitome of traditional picture-perfect Norway. Take a journey back through time with a visit to the Lofotr Viking Museum, a museum based on the reconstruction and archaeological excavation of a Viking chieftain’s village. (B/L/D)

Known as the cultural hub of the Arctic, Tromsø sits 400km above the Arctic Circle in the land of the Midnight Sun. Surprisingly cosmopolitan for its remote location, during the summer Tromsø is full of locals basking in the sunlight, tucking into fresh seafood on the docks, enjoying a drink at the world’s most northern brewery or taking a dip in the refreshing waters of the local beach. The starting point for many Arctic expeditions, you will love discovering the unique history of Tromsø.

Today choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery excursion. Freechoice: Experience Tromsø’s highlights before seeing the best view from the top the cable car or choose to visit the Polar Museum, documenting the history of polar exploration and life in the Arctic. Discovery: Venture out on an e-bike tour, discovering the highlights while enjoying the stunning Arctic views. Enrich: As the candlelight's flicker, the elegant Arctic Cathedral is filled with the sounds of the most beautiful Norwegian folk songs, as well as some wonderfully powerful classical and sacred selections. (B/L/D)

Relax on board your Discovery Yacht. Choose one of the daily activities, join an entertaining discussion in the theatre or relax in the Senses Spa as you cruise beyond the Arctic Circle to Norway’s Nordkapp (North Cape), the northernmost point of Europe’s mainland. (B/L/D)

The remote wilderness of Svalbard is known as a polar desert, surrounded by rugged glaciers, frozen tundra and craggy mountain peaks. Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, the cruising and expedition schedules are flexible. Your experienced Captain and Discovery Leader will use their expertise to design this section of your voyage from day to day, making the most of the long daylight hours, weather and ice conditions to give you the best experience possible in this extraordinary part of the world.

Your Scenic Eclipse voyage cruises at prime time for wildlife spotting, and there will be opportunities to spot the dominant predators of the region including the polar bear. Marine species in the area include the carefully protected walrus with its characteristic tusks and several species of whales. Once hunted almost to extinction in a region now transformed into a dedicated conservation area, your encounters with these giants of the sea will be a memory to treasure. In addition, the surprisingly mild climate makes it the perfect Arctic location for a large variety of wildlife, including seabirds, seals, the Arctic fox, and reindeer. S remember to take your binoculars with you.

Some of the possible landing sights that you may visit include Ny Ålesund, home to the northernmost post office in the world and full of history, the North East Svalbard Nature Reserve with the highest population of polar bears and walrus, and the North West Spitsbergen National Park, where you will explore magnificent fjords and the enormous Monaco Glacier. Discovery: Partake in daily Scenic Discovery excursions by Zodiac, kayak and on nature walks, and discover majestic Arctic scenery, tundra landscapes, the wildlife and marine life. (B/L/D)

Cruise Svalbard Archipelago. Due to the extraordinary nature of the region, the cruising and expedition schedules are flexible. Your experienced Captain and Discovery Leader will use their expertise to design this section of your voyage from day to day. Keep your eyes out for the incredible wildlife such as the Svalbard reindeer, the Arctic fox, sea birds, whales and the apex predator, the polar bear. (B/L/D)

Your cruise ends this morning as you farewell the crew, disembark and fly to the Norwegian capital, Oslo. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)