Edinburgh to Longyearbyen

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is dynamic, but small enough to walk almost anywhere. The streets are busy, narrow, and lined with towering buildings once described as, “a dream in masonry” by Edinburgh-born novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Edinburgh Castle has played an important role in the history of Scotland as both a royal residence and a military stronghold. It’s really two cities: Old Town and New Town, where Old Town is the network of medieval streets south of the castle and New Town is everything on the other side. What unites both and all of Scotland is its whisky, part of the true Scottish experience, as is a toast with scotch, of which you can partake in at Leith’s Kaleidoscope Bar and Dining Room on Queen Street.

When the sun shines on the Victorian buildings of Aberdeen, the facades sparkle with an allure that beckons you and other explorer spirits to discover its many charms. Once the world capital of granite (the reason for the buildings’ sparkle), it has earned the nickname the Granite City. Amid old cottages and cobblestone streets, there are thousands of years of history to explore. Dive into the rich, seafaring past of the city at the Maritime Museum. The King’s College Chapel stuns with its awe-inspiring facade and stained-glass windows. Although renowned for its glittering silver hues and deep history, Aberdeen also offers bursts of color at Johnston Gardens, a collection of vibrant flowers like rhododendrons and ornate bridges. When you and your friends are ready for a respite, stop in at one of the local pubs for a bite and a pint, and maybe make new friends with some of the locals.

Within the Scottish Highlands on Thurso Bay sits the town of Scrabster, a destination that feels straight out of the past with the neo-Gothic Castle of Mey. But a sense of magic imbues it as well, and you and your fellow explorers will find that as you explore its plunging granite cliffs, lush moors and sandy shores. The views from Holburn Head Lighthouse look out over breathtaking cliffs of green as they roll into the sea. Discover the city’s modern side with a bustling harbor of lively cafes, bars, restaurants and traditional shops. A short distance from Scrabster is the town of Wick, home to the 1826 Old Pulteney Distillery, the northernmost distillery in mainland Scotland. Gather with new friends and raise a glass to the grand Scottish tradition of whisky. Venture out to the nearby Caithness, a stunning locale with scattered farmlands, rivers and lochs.

In Lerwick, explore Stone Age ruins, heather-covered moors, and the rugged Scottish Highlands. With its dramatic cliffs, Grand Victorian houses, charming Shetland ponies and Nordic heritage, Lerwick will leave a lasting impression. Beginning in the town center, Commercial Street, or ’Da Street’ as it’s known, is the hub of Lerwick life. For a better understanding of the history of this strategic port city, look no further than Fort Charlotte, a fort that has served as accommodation to the town’s bachelors and has also been a prison, coastguard station and armory. Expand your knowledge of the town’s strong ties to Norway with a visit to The Shetland Museum and Archives, an extensive collection that encapsulates the fascinating story of Shetland’s heritage and culture.

The 18 major islands making up the archipelago of the Faroe Islands lie between the Norwegian Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Iceland and Norway. Here, a mix of Nordic and Danish architecture amid lush, grass scenery creates a quaint image of a picturesque destination. Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands capital city, holds a competitive tradition and spirit of sporting events, including housing the largest football stadium in the district. But the city also contains an artsy energy with the annual Tórshavn Jazz Festival that takes place every August. Among the many natural treasures of the Faroe Islands is the Bøsdalafossur waterfall, a cascade that flows from the Sørvágsvatn/Leitissvatn lake into the Atlantic Ocean, creating a glassy surface amid the rugged cliffs of the falls.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Within the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjorden lies the little gem of Gudvangen. Enter the Viking village of Njardarheim and discover your inner pioneer with possible opportunities to participate in exciting activities like archery and ax throwing. Set within the pristine environment of the fjords, Gudvangen offers plenty of chances for stimulating adventures like kayaking and standup paddleboarding. Or you could get the blood pumping with an energizing hike through Bakkanosi up to a lookout point that brings you rewarding vistas of the surrounding mountains and fjords. Explore the small villages that surround Gudvangen – Dyrdal, Styvi, Tufte and Bakka – making up the Nærøy community of Aurland.

Sitting on the island of Vagsoy, the village of Maloy contains striking beaches of silver sand and a longstanding history of fishing. As a major source of Norway’s beloved seafood, it’s here you will find local favorites such as crab-stuffed sandwiches, cod and chips and fish soup. Once you’ve fueled up on regional cuisine, venture out to the 10-foot-tall Kannesteinen rock. Its unique shape has been compared to a whale fluke or a blooming mushroom, but regardless of what you think it looks like, it leaves an impression. Gather your fellow history buffs for a visit to the Maloy Raid Center, where you will learn about the Allies’ operation that led to a strategic World War II victory. The village’s four lighthouses beckon you to discover stunning scenes, as they each overlook rugged cliffs that plunge into the sea. Steeped in legends of a Viking king, Maloy inspires the imagination and invites you to connect with a piece of the past.

Spread across three islands and ringed by dramatic mountains, Ålesund is imbued with whimsy and romance. Dressed elegantly in its signature Art Nouveau architecture, you can appreciate the turrets, spires and medieval ornaments that adorn the town. In a small park at the base of Mount Aksla, you’ll find a picture-postcard view of Ålesund, the Art Nouveau city center and the surrounding alpine landscapes of Sunnmøre. If dramatic views are what you seek, Trollstigen Road is an exciting roadway through enormous mountains, offering amazing views of Norway. The ultimate adventure is Trollveggen, the Troll Wall, which is the highest perpendicular rock face in Europe.

Named “the town of roses” in 1913 by the locals after the beautiful blooms planted around the city, Molde contains an alluring charm. Make the climb to the Varden Viewpoint for a breathtaking panorama of the 222 mountain peaks of the Romsdal Alps. The Romsdal Museum is one of the largest and oldest folk museums that offers a comprehensive display of Norwegian history, heritage and culture. The fjord’s majestic nature knows no bounds, as from Molde there are various adventures you can experience, such as descending into the caves of Trollkirka (Troll Church). Once you’ve worked up an appetite, savor the flavors of fresh seafood or a local favorite, lamb, served as a stew, mutton chop or rack.

Trondheim is one of the oldest of Norway’s major cities. With wide streets that are largely pedestrian-friendly, it’s a simply lovely city with a long history. Visit the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, the largest medieval building in Scandinavia. Kristiansten Fortress consists of a central square tower for cannons, which has come to be known as the Donjon, a relic filled with history for the curious to discover. Stiftsgarden Palace, the royal residence, is one of the largest wooden buildings in Northern Europe, offering an intriguing story to entice the mind. The publicly accessible garden around the east side is one of Trondheim’s loveliest corners.

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Sitting just above the Arctic Circle, the mountain landscapes of Bodø create the starting point for the true north and beckon you and your fellow explorers to hike and climb their rugged paths. As the Midnight Sun sits on the horizon, the fjords invite you to marvel at the city’s natural wonders on a sea kayaking adventure. Look to the skies for sea eagles soaring above, a sight made better when experienced together with your expedition team and new friends. Spectacular scenes can be found at the Red Beach at Mjelle, its sands of which are said to get their color from gemstone particles. Beyond the natural beauty, Bodø is rich in culture. The Bodin Church, built in 1240, displays a distinct copper steeple in the shape of a teardrop. While the Norwegian National Aviation Museum is the usual main attraction among history buffs, the smaller Salten Museum offers a closer look at local history, including Sami life and Viking treasures.

The small fishing town of Leknes amid the breathtaking Lofoten Islands offers an unexpected culinary adventure. From the commonly found stockfish to wine varieties made from blueberries and mountain fruits, there’s a unique flavor for every foodie profile. Venturing to the outskirts of town on the fjord shores, find local wooden crafts, paintings and hand-spun textiles for an authentic memento to take home. About eight miles north of Leknes discover Norwegian history at the Lofotr Viking Museum, including a replica of a Viking chieftain’s longhouse.

Not only will you witness magnificent fjords and glaciers throughout Tromsø, Norway, but you will also immerse yourself in a sophisticated cultural life and architectural delights. A superb example of blending the built environment with the natural setting is the Arctic Cathedral, an architectural marvel made up of aluminum-coated concrete panels, making it a stunning façade resembling an iceberg. To see the real icebergs, all you have to do is take the Fjellheisen cable car 1,525 feet above sea level for incredible views of the Norwegian fjords. You can also stroll around the Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden, visit the Science Centre of Northern Norway or gain new knowledge at the city’s museums including the Polar Museum, Tromsø University Museum, and Perspektivet Museum.

Within the stunning Altafjord sits the relatively young town of Alta, only established in the year 2000 when it was combined with the villages of Bossekop and Elvebakke. Known as “the city of the Northern Lights,” the people of the town have paid homage to that natural phenomenon with the Alta Church. Its exquisite interior reflects the beauty of the lights while its exterior spirals up into the sky. Near the Arctic Circle, a series of petroglyphs known as the Rock Art of Alta has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These mesmerizing rock carvings, created up to 6,000 years ago, showcase everyday life in the Stone Age with images of fishing and hunting. Gather with other explorers for a kayaking adventure through the fjords or an awe-inspiring hike in Alta Canyon. Connect with the rich culture and traditions of Norway with a possible meeting of the Sami people, a tribe with ancestral roots in herding reindeer.

This village in North Cape on the island of Magerøya claims the distinction of being the northernmost fishing village in the world. Rolling hills of green, magnificent arctic fjords and an untamed natural beauty make it a stunning stop off the beaten path. Rugged cliffs are home to thousands of cormorants, puffins and gannets. While there are few people who inhabit the village, you are likely to come across wild reindeer that may venture close to town. Within the village of Skarsvåg sits the Christmas and Winter House, a cozy visitors’ attraction where you can experience the holiday year-round with a hot drink and slice of cake as you peruse the local wares and handicrafts and enjoy an atmosphere of dazzling decorations and festive music.

For being one of the oldest towns in Norway, Hammerfest feels modern. This micro-metropolis has a breathtaking backdrop of steep mountains leading to glaciers and ice fields. For the best panoramic view, walk up the winding trail of Salen Mountain and look out at the islands of Hoja and Hjelmenout. Venture to the Sami camp of Mikkelgammen, the indigenous locals who will welcome you to share an open fire. Discover the Meridian Column, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized as the place where the Earth’s size was first calculated. Claim membership to the exclusive Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society, an honor bestowed on those who visit the world’s northernmost town.

Even in one of the most isolated regions of the Arctic, there is still the captivating history of a pioneering past. Our expedition leaders, along with the captain and onboard pilot, will determine possible landings each day for all-out explorations. Wildlife abounds throughout the archipelago of Svalbard, such as puffins, reindeer, Arctic terns and foxes. An expert photographer will help you look out for the perfect photo opportunity of these animals, but especially for the elusive polar bear. As Zodiac cruises may bring you closer to glaciers, keep your eyes on the water for whale fins.

CAPTAIN’S CHOICE – Captain’s Choice ports of call add to the sense of adventure and an element of surprise. Your ship’s captain will sail around changing weather conditions as needed and take you to the best areas for wildlife viewing.

Longyearbyen is in a valley on the shores of the idyllic Adventfjord, surrounded by steep mountains and several glaciers. There are only around 25 miles of roads in this village, which is divided into several neighborhoods, including the town center and Nybyen (New Town), which consists of charming miners’ barracks constructed after the war, as well as guest houses, a restaurant and gallery, and not to mention beautiful views of the landmark mountain, Hiorthfjellet. Be sure to visit the Svalbard museum as a break between the plethora of activities like summer dogsledding or cruising to the abandoned Russian city of Pyramiden