Nordic Wonders: Scandinavia & the Norwegian Fjords

Welcome to Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. Your exploration begins with a two-night Special Stay. Learn the citys intriguing history, from humble origins as a fishing village, to its heyday as the glittering capital of the Danish Empire and its current position as one of the world’s premier design capitals. The stories and characters of Copenhagen’s past 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 Queen Mary and the Danish Royal Family. Freechoice: Canal cruise: See the city’s many attractions on a cruise along the famed canals, including Christiansborg Palace, the impressive Black Diamond Library and the Little Mermaid statue. Tivoli Gardens: Be charmed by the Tivoli Gardens, a glorious public garden and amusement park that has been drawing visitors since the 19th century. This evening you will savour every morsel at your welcome dinner at one of Copenhagen’s finest restaurants.  

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. Stockholm is famous for its graceful architecture, greenery, fresh air and proximity to the water. Learn more about this captivating city as you spend the next two nights at your Special Stay hotel.

Your local guide will unveil the city’s most treasured sites today. Discover the City Hall, one of Sweden’s most famous buildings with its iconic spire featuring the golden Three Crowns, as well as Riddarholm Church and the Royal Palace. Then, visit the Vasa Ship Museum on the island of Djurgården, where the 17th century warship Vasa is now housed after it tragically sank on its inaugural voyage in 1628.   This evening, enjoy a dinner featuring Swedish cuisine with European influences in a stunning setting.

Take a short flight to Oslo, the capital of Norway set on the country’s southern coast. A metropolitan hub surrounded by forests and fjords, Oslo is a modern and diverse city known for its excellent museums and dreamy green spaces.   Check into your hotel for a two-night Special Stay.    Enrich Oslo Opera House: Be immersed in the architecture, technology and performances of Oslo’s Opera House on a private backstage tour. Admire rooftop views over a glass of wine.

From the eighth to the 11th centuries, the Vikings started their journey across Europe in search of land and trade. Discover their fascinating history and Norway’s nautical traditions during your visit to the Bygdoy Peninsula. Learn about modern seafaring at the Kon-Tiki Museum, dedicated to the epic sea voyages of Thor Heyerdahl, and delve into polar exploration at the Fram Museum, where you can step on board the legendary Fram Polar Ship. Sailing between 1893 and 1912, it is the strongest wooden ship ever built and still holds the records for sailing farthest north and farthest south. Enrich Munch Museum: Join an art specialist to explore one of the most comprehensive one-man museums in the world, home to over half of Edvard Munch’s paintings, including ‘The Scream’.

Drive through the majestic Hardangervidda, Europe’s highest mountain plateau and home to Norway’s largest herd of wild reindeer. Your destination is the tiny fjord-side village of Lofthus, overlooking the majestic Folgefonna glacier. It’s known as the orchard of Hardanger and in spring the hillsides are covered in white blossoms, while in summer the trees are laden with fruit including the juiciest apples.  Enjoy an overnight Special Stay complete with dramatic fjord views.

Set off east today, driving towards the wildly beautiful Hardanger Fjord. Cross the Hardanger Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, on the way to Norway’s second largest city, Bergen. This Hanseatic fishing port dates back to the 12th century and is surrounded by seven hills with colourful houses lining the harbour. It’s considered one of the prettiest cities in the country.  Check in to your Special Stay residence for the next two nights.

During the Middle Ages, Bergen was Norway’s major seaport as well as its capital, a proud legacy that can still be seen today. Today you will have the opportunity to explore the city and drive to Troldhaugen, the former home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s most celebrated composer and pianist. Freechoice: Mount Fløyen: Journey 320 metres up the funicular railway to Mount Fløyen for a spectacular view of the city and fjord. Fantoft Stave Church: Take the tram to explore the Fantoft Stave Church, an exquisite reconstruction of a 12th century church in a style that is unique to Norway.

Your handcrafted land journey may be over, but the voyage of a lifetime is just beginning. After breakfast, you’ll board your 6-star ultra-luxury yacht, Scenic Eclipse. Upon boarding, meet the world-class crew and settle into your luxury suite before sharing a Champagne toast on the Observation Deck as you set sail on the stunning Sognefjord, the longest and deepest in Norway, en route to Flam.

Nestled at the heart of Sognefjord and flanked by steep mountains, the tiny village of Flam is one of Norway’s most popular destinations. Here you can take one of the world’s most spectacular railway journeys, the 20km Flam Railway, which offers unobstructed views of the valley as it winds gently through the peaks towards the town centre. Depart after lunch for an awe-inspiring scenic cruise through the majestic Nærøyfjord. This World Heritage-listed site is the most wild and beautiful arm of Sognefjord, with its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Later, be immersed in the charming village of Gudvangen, nestled amidst dramatic landscapes.

An Art Nouveau gem at the entrance to Geirangerfjord, Ålesund is one of Norway’s most beautiful cities. It was completely reborn after a devastating fire in 1904, and its gorgeous architecture acts like a living time capsule. Wander the streets lined with some of the best period architecture in Europe or learn about the city’s unique history at the Art Nouveau Centre & the Art Museum KUBE. See otters, seals, Humboldt penguins, fish and more at Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquarium, Atlanterhavsparken. A late departure lets you experience the vibrant nightlife in a place where the sun doesn’t set until close to midnight.

Make a short stop this morning in the small village of Hellesylt. Then you’ll cruise into the World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord, sailing over sparkling waters beneath 800-metre cliffs. Look out for the jaw-dropping Seven Sisters Waterfall. Perhaps join the Discovery Team on kayaking excursions or other discovery experiences.

After a busy start to your expedition voyage, take some time today to relax. You may choose a class in one of the fitness spaces, soothe your muscles in one of the therapy lounges, or book an indulgent treatment# in the Senses Spa. Meet new friends at the Scenic Lounge Bar or Sky Deck or ask the butler to bring your favourite cocktail to your private verandah. The Discovery Team will be hosting lectures in the state-of-the-art theatre, recapping the wonders you have seen so far and providing inspiration for the ports to come.

Stand on your private verandah early this morning or join the other passengers on the Observation Terrace as you sail into the Lofoten Islands. Rising dramatically from the sea, these tall, craggy outcrops with impossibly blue water, sheltered coves and pristine beaches are a must-see. Leknes is the gateway to the islands’ outdoor adventures with sea kayaking, hiking, birdwatching and even surfing available nearby. Tonight, under the glow of the midnight sun, Scenic Eclipse will sail through the majestic Trollfjord. With a narrow entrance and steep mountains along each side, it appears almost too small for the ship to enter. 

Known as the cultural hub of the Arctic, Tromsø sits 400 kilometres above the Arctic Circle. Surprisingly cosmopolitan for its remote location, during the summer Tromsø is full of locals basking in the endless sunlight, tucking into fresh seafood on the docks, enjoying a drink at the world’s northernmost brewery or taking a dip in the refreshing waters of the local beach. Tromsø has been the starting point for many Arctic expeditions over the past two centuries, and you can follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers through the town or learn their stories at the museum.

It’s another sea day today, though make sure you’re standing on the Observation Deck or with a drink at the Sky Bar after lunch for a remarkable sight. Scenic Eclipse will sail past Nordkapp, or North Cape, soaring 307 metres from the sea into the sky. This is the northernmost point of Europe, where the sun doesn’t set for up to three months over summer. Use your time today to dive into Norwegian history and the legends of the fjords with engaging lectures from the Discovery Team. Scenic Eclipse will sail north tonight, across the Barents Sea towards Svalbard.

Welcome to the remote wilderness of the Svalbard Archipelago, a dramatic polar desert surrounded by rugged glaciers, frozen tundra and craggy mountain peaks. Bear Island, or Bjørnøya in Norwegian, is the southernmost island in the archipelago. It’s home to the largest seabird colony in the northern hemisphere with around 1.5 million nesting birds – use the binoculars in your suite to spot Svalbard rock ptarmigans, puffins, skuas, little auks, kittiwakes, black guillemots and more. If conditions allow, join a Zodiac cruise to explore spectacular sea caves and tunnels or possibly step ashore on an island where the only inhabitants work at a meteorological station.

Due to the extraordinary nature of Svalbard, your itinerary will be flexible over the next five days. 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 hours, weather and ice conditions to give you the best experience possible in this extraordinary part of the world. Daily Scenic Discovery excursions include Zodiac cruises, kayak tours and nature walks where you can discover majestic Arctic scenery, native wildlife and marine life. Then join the Discovery Team for insightful lectures in the state-of-the-art theatre.

As we continue sailing around the islands of Svalbard, there may be opportunities to see whales, Arctic foxes, seals and seabirds, along with possible sightings of Svalbard reindeer, wolverines and Arctic rabbits. Be sure to keep the binoculars provided in your suite with you or use the Swarovski telescopes on the Observation Lounge for a closer look at the Arctic wildlife. Listen out for the loud crack of a glacier calving as you soak in the scenery and keep your eyes peeled for movement on the ice and in the water. During your voyage, there will be opportunities to see polar bears, walruses, whales, Arctic foxes, seals and seabirds, along with possible sightings of Svalbard reindeer and Arctic rabbits. Be sure to always keep the binoculars provided in your suite with you or use the Swarovski telescopes on the Observation Lounge for a closer look at the Arctic wildlife.  

Take advantage of the open bridge policy today and join the Captain at the helm of your Discovery Yacht as it sails through this Arctic wonderland. See how they navigate through Polar regions where ice and weather conditions can rapidly change plans before your eyes. The unpredictability of an Arctic voyage is all part of the journey and adds to the excitement. Weather permitting, more Discovery excursions will be available today, taking you further into these spectacular landscapes. Remember you can always look for the Discovery Team to answer any questions you may have and to help plan your upcoming expedition experiences.

Every day brings a new magical vista, from magnificent glaciers in iceberg dotted waters to jagged snow topped mountains towering over green slopes of tundra. This morning, we may visit Signehamna, a stunning natural harbour that’s home to the remains of a secret German weather station from World War II. Nearby is Ny Ålesund, home to the world’s northernmost post office. The UK Arctic Research Base here is believed to be the world’s northern-most community, made of up to 150 people. The harsh environment and mixture of nationalities working at the base creates a unique atmosphere that you may be able to experience with a guided visit.

Mark your final day in Svalbard with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For many, the polar plunge is an exhilarating rite of passage and, while the day may change, your Discovery Team will always look for a special place to set up the Discovery Yacht’s marina so that you can don your swimsuit and leap into the icy water below. After the plunge, warm up with a drink of your choice, from a specialty tea to aged whiskey, or head to the infrared saunas in the Senses Spa# for some relaxation.   

Your journey concludes this morning in Longyearbyen, the capital of the Svalbard Archipelago and the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. The glaciers, the mountains stretching as far as the eye can see and the untouched landscapes will make you feel like you’re on the edge of the earth. Savour one last luxurious breakfast on board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht before saying farewell to the crew who have shared this once-in-a-lifetime journey with you. For the final part of your journey, you will be transferred to Oslo for an overnight stay.

After breakfast in your hotel, take the time to say goodbye to your fellow Arctic travellers as you fly back to your own corners of the world. As you fly out of Norway, you will treasure all the memories made on your voyage on board The World’s First Discovery YachtTM, looking out at the majestic Arctic scenery few people will ever experience. #Scenic Eclipse spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board Scenic Eclipse, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. ^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions. Helicopter is not available in Svalbard.  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.