28-Day Exploring Scotland, Ireland & Norway'S Midnight Sun Cruise

Day 1 - Dover, UK

Arrive: Sat 21 July 2029 / Depart: Sat 21 July 2029

Crossing the English Channel from continental Europe to Great Britain, the first view of England is the milky-white strip of land called the White Cliffs of Dover. As you get closer, the coastline unfolds before you in all its striking beauty. White chalk cliffs with streaks of black flint rise straight from the sea to a height of 350’ (110 m). Numerous archaeological finds reveal people were present in the area during the Stone Age. Yet the first record of Dover is from Romans, who valued its close proximity to the mainland. A mere 21 miles (33 km) separate Dover from the closest point in France. A Roman-built lighthouse in the area is the tallest Roman structure still standing in Britain. The remains of a Roman villa with the only preserved Roman wall mural outside of Italy are another unique survivor from ancient times which make Dover one of a kind.

Day 2 - Cowes, Isle of Wight

Arrive: Sun 22 July 2029 / Depart: Sun 22 July 2029

Cowes is an English seaport town and civil parish on the Isle of Wight. Cowes is located on the west bank of the estuary of the River Medina, facing the smaller town of East Cowes on the east bank. The two towns are linked by the Cowes Floating Bridge, a chain ferry.

Day 3 - Fowey, England

Arrive: Mon 23 July 2029 / Depart: Mon 23 July 2029

Day 4 - At Sea

Day 5 - Bantry, County Cork

Arrive: Wed 25 July 2029 / Depart: Wed 25 July 2029

Bantry Bay, framed by the Sheep's Head Hills and the Caha Mountains, offers one of the Ireland’s most magnificent seascapes and picturesque harbors. As with other areas on Ireland's south-west coast, Bantry claims an ancient connection to the sixth-century Saint Breandán the Navigator, who was, in Irish folklore, the first person to discover America. A highlight of the area is stately Bantry House and Garden Estate. The magnificent garden is laid out in the Italian style over seven terraces. In addition to the many spirited Irish pubs are the Bantry Museum and the architecture of St. Brendan's and St. Finbarr's Churches. There are pristine, white-sand beaches, interspersed with jagged outcrops of rock and bordered by the verdant-green hills that make Ireland famous. County Cork is renowned for its megalithic stone circles and standing stones. Historic castles dot the landscape. The coastline of Cork is also home to basking sharks and fin, pilot, and minke whales.

Day 6 - Galway

Arrive: Thu 26 July 2029 / Depart: Thu 26 July 2029

An historic Irish castle built along the River Corrib in 1121 grew rapidly into the city of Galway. There are two main squares in the city, Eyre Square and the Spanish Parade. At the center of Eyre Square is John F. Kennedy Park, erected in honor of U.S. President Kennedy’s visit here in 1963. A carved bust of the president was affectionately placed by the people of Galway at the exact spot where Kennedy stood to deliver his speech. Spanish Parade is the site of the Spanish Arches, two stone arches that made up the historic wall that once surrounded Galway. Remnants of medieval town walls lie between shops selling handcrafted rings, books and musical instruments. In addition to the many traditional Irish pubs, are the picturesque ancient neighborhoods of The Claddagh and Salthill. The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven, built in 1965 in the Renaissance-style, is the last great stone-walled cathedral to be built in Europe, while Galway Cathedral is much older, dating back to 1320.

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - Londonderry

Arrive: Sat 28 July 2029 / Depart: Sat 28 July 2029

Beside the River Foyle in Northern Ireland, Derry is still surrounded by its seven-gated, 17th Century city walls. The spired St. Columb cathedral within the walls has exhibits about the extended siege the city endured in the 17th Century. The Peace Bridge is a modern monument to more modern troubles. The Tower Museum exhibits local history and affords views of the town and the red sandstone 1890 Guildhall nearby. On a hill outside the walls stands the 2,000-year-old Grianan of Aileach ringfort.

Day 9 - Oban, Scotland, UK

Arrive: Sun 29 July 2029 / Depart: Sun 29 July 2029

Oban is a small town on the west coast of Scotland. The site began as a small fishing outpost and has been occupied as such for literally thousands of years. Rural in its roots, the modern-day village of Oban grew around the famed whisky distillery founded in 1794. Renowned for its 14-year-old malt whisky, the Oban distillery has become a tourist attraction, drawing many visitors to the area. The quiet, rural feel of Oban is responsible for the abundance of wildlife within the town boundaries. Here grey seals can be spotted swimming in the harbor or resting along the shore. A wide variety of land and seabirds are found throughout the area. On occasion dolphins and river otters also visit. A beautiful balance exists between this small town and the natural environment surrounding it, where the sounds of nature mingle with the melody of the streets.

Day 10 - Ullapool

Arrive: Mon 30 July 2029 / Depart: Mon 30 July 2029

Ullapool is a village of around 1,500 inhabitants in Ross and Cromarty, Scottish Highlands, located around 45 miles north-west of Inverness. Despite its small size it is the largest settlement for many miles around, and an important port and tourist destination.

Day 11 - Kirkwall

Arrive: Tue 31 July 2029 / Depart: Tue 31 July 2029

Kirkwall is the largest town of Orkney, an archipelago to the north of mainland Scotland. The name Kirkwall comes from the Norse name Kirkjuvágr, which later changed to Kirkvoe, Kirkwaa and Kirkwall.

Day 12 - Aberdeen

Arrive: Wed 01 August 2029 / Depart: Wed 01 August 2029

Located on the easternmost point of mainland Scotland, Peterhead has always been linked to the sea. It was founded in the late 16th century as a fishing port, and its harbor dates from 1593. The folkloric nickname for the town is the Blue Toon, supposedly because local fishermen traditionally wore blue worsted stockings. Fishing is still an important industry, although the historically important whaling trade is gone. Scottish whalers plied the seas from Greenland deep into the Antarctic, and many place names in the South Atlantic recall the Scots’ intrepid exploration of the region. Falkland, McMurdo, Weddell, the South Shetland Islands, Scotia Sea and dozens more bespeak the heritage. They sought whale oil to lubricate the Industrial revolution back home. Today petroleum from offshore wells fuels the economy of Scotland’s northeast, and supports tens of thousands of jobs in the region. The Maritime Heritage Centre recounts the story up to the present. Aberdeen, called the Granite City, is Scotland’s third largest city. It is a place of majestic stone buildings, gothic-turreted and spired, hewn from the local stone so richly laced with mica that it glitters like silver in the sunlight. The University of Aberdeen was founded in 1495 and is still one of Britain’s finest. The city’s parks and gardens have consistently secured it a place in the annual Britain in Bloom awards. Whether you choose to explore the beautiful old city, the spectacular natural splendors of Aberdeenshire or the area’s many traditional whisky distilleries, you will doubtless find plenty to enchant you on Scotland’s northeastern coast.

Day 13 - Edinburgh

Arrive: Thu 02 August 2029 / Depart: Thu 02 August 2029

Two miles distant from its ancient seaport of Leith lies Edinburgh, Scotland's national capital. The Scottish capital since the 15th century, Edinburgh is comprised of two distinct areas - the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress, and the neoclassical New Town, whose development from the 18th century onwards had a far-reaching influence on European urban planning. The harmonious juxtaposition of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character. Always favored by geography, Edinburgh is ideally situated on the Firth of Forth, an inlet from the North Sea, and built on extinct volcanoes surrounded by woods, rolling hills and lakes. On a clear day, there are glorious vistas from each of these hilltops. Looming above the city is the striking fairy tale castle built on the site of a 7th-century fortress. Towards the Middle Ages life within the fortress spilled onto the long ridge running to the foot of Arthur's Seat, which crowns Holyrood Park. The city's most legendary citizens are the arch Presbyterian John Knox and Mary Queen of Scots, who dominated the Edinburgh of the late 16th century. Edinburgh's delightful city center is a joy to explore on foot. Every alley reveals impressive steeples, jagged, chimney-potted skylines, or lovely rotund domes.

Day 14 - At Sea

Day 15 - Dover, UK

Arrive: Sat 04 August 2029 / Depart: Sat 04 August 2029

Crossing the English Channel from continental Europe to Great Britain, the first view of England is the milky-white strip of land called the White Cliffs of Dover. As you get closer, the coastline unfolds before you in all its striking beauty. White chalk cliffs with streaks of black flint rise straight from the sea to a height of 350’ (110 m). Numerous archaeological finds reveal people were present in the area during the Stone Age. Yet the first record of Dover is from Romans, who valued its close proximity to the mainland. A mere 21 miles (33 km) separate Dover from the closest point in France. A Roman-built lighthouse in the area is the tallest Roman structure still standing in Britain. The remains of a Roman villa with the only preserved Roman wall mural outside of Italy are another unique survivor from ancient times which make Dover one of a kind.

Day 16 - At Sea

Day 17 - At Sea

Day 18 - Trondheim

Arrive: Tue 07 August 2029 / Depart: Tue 07 August 2029

Founded in 997, Trondheim is one of Norway's oldest cities, situated midway between southern and northern Norway. Dominated by the massive Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim is often referred to as the Royal City. Traditionally, the kings of Norway have been crowned in the cathedral, which is considered a National Shrine.Straddling both sides of the River Nid, on Trondheimfjord, much of the town was rebuilt after a disastrous fire in 1681 destroyed the majority of its original wooden structures. Some of the oldest buildings, dating to the 1700s, have survived along the river, while the wide streets of the city center boast picturesque and brightly painted houses.Apart from the imposing cathedral, other points of interest include the Museum of Applied Art and Craft with one of the finest collections in Scandinavia, and Stiftsgaarden, the largest wooden structure in the country. Built in 1778 as a private home, it is now the King's official residence in Trondheim. The Royal Garden Hotel located on the river, features the same Hansa architecture as the old warehouses that line the waterfront - only in glass and concrete. It is the city's showcase hostelry.

Day 19 - Bronnoysund

Arrive: Wed 08 August 2029 / Depart: Wed 08 August 2029

A coastal city, Brønnøysund’s origin dates back to its 13th century Viking heritage. In the intervening centuries, it has been settled by immigrants from southern Norway and Sweden, and its local Swedish-like dialect still carries echoes of this past. Brønnøysund sits on a narrow peninsula from the mainland, is surrounded by waterways dotted with a maze of small scenic islands. In this fairytale setting, picturesque, colorful houses are set amidst thick lush greenery, turquoise blue water and shallow bays. Towering above the town like a giant troll’s hat is the massive granitic monolith of Torghatten Mountain. Here can be found one of the great natural curiosities of the area, a 520’ (160 m) hole piercing completely through the center of the mountain. The Viking sagas surmised that it was the impact of a warrior horseman’s arrow that created the wound. However, it was actually formed during the last Ice Age by erosion from ice and water.

Day 20 - Svolvaer

Arrive: Thu 09 August 2029 / Depart: Thu 09 August 2029

Huddled together in what appears to be a wall of solid rock, the Lofotens are actually several islands. Their scenery, revealed when the ice disappeared from the last Ice Age, is held to be among the most dramatic in Norway. Svolvaer, located on the island of Austvaagoey, received town status in 1996, and is the Lofotens' most important city with about 4,500 residents. Dominating the town is the mountain peak called Svolvaergeita, a beacon for climbers. Fishermen flock here when the Norwegian Arctic cod enters the Vestfjord to spawn. Artists prize the picturesque setting and extraordinary light conditions.

Day 21 - Tromso, Norway

Arrive: Fri 10 August 2029 / Depart: Fri 10 August 2029

Many a polar expedition has begun from Tromso. The town was founded in 1794, but its roots go back to Hanseatic and, even earlier to Viking times. Situated inside the Arctic Circle on the forest-clad island of Troms, this spirited city is linked to the mainland by the spectacular Tromsobrua Bridge, built in 1960. During WWII, Tromso was one of the few places in northern Norway to escape bombing, and a number of old wood buildings still remain. At the Tromso Museum, the exhibits include an extensive display on the people of Lapland. The town also boasts both the world's northernmost university and brewery.

Day 22 - Honningsvag, Norway

Arrive: Sat 11 August 2029 / Depart: Sat 11 August 2029

The perpendicular cliffs of Nordkapp, or the North Cape, mark the very top of the European continent. This ultimate destination has long drawn adventurous royalty including Oscar II, King of Norway and Sweden, who visited in 1873, and followed by the King of Siam in 1907. The North Cape is located on the island of Mageroey, a name derived from a word that means "meager." While the landscape may have a lunar appearance, it is not really so isolated. Just 21 miles away, the main town, Honningsvåg, has some 4,000 inhabitants. In summer that number swells when the Sami people and their reindeer settle on the outskirts of town.

Day 23 - At Sea

Day 24 - Bodo, Norway

Day 25 - At Sea

Day 26 - Haugesund

Arrive: Wed 15 August 2029 / Depart: Wed 15 August 2029

A large columnar monument atop a small seaside hill at Haraldshaugen, near the town of Haugesund, commemorates the birthplace of Norway. In fact, the hill is the burial mound of Norway’s first king, Harald Fairhair, who ruled from A.D. 872 to 930 during the height of the Viking age. This homeland of Viking kings has a lot to offer visitors-- fjords, mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, culture, idyllic islands and a unique Norse heritage. The Dokken Open Air Museum features thematic exhibitions of life during Haugesund’s herring fishing heyday of the 1800s, while the Karmsund Folkemuseum highlights the area’s maritime culture and heritage. Visiting the Arquebus War History Museum, you will be impressed by the quality and variety of the museum’s collection of World War II tanks and military equipment. A highlight in Haugesund for many people is the Vintage Car Museum. Norway's largest private car collection, with nearly 200 renovated and functioning vehicles, it is located in Frakkagjerd just outside Haugesund.

Day 27 - Farsund,Norway

Arrive: Thu 16 August 2029 / Depart: Thu 16 August 2029

Farsund is located on the Lista Peninsula in southern Norway, which is filigreed with fjords and waterways such as the Lygdalsfjorden. It is a popular attraction for vacationers for its beaches and prolific birdlife, as well as hiking trails and historic events such as the pirate festival. The Vanse Church is one of Norway’s earliest, dating from 1037. The town was also an important part of the Atlantic Wall in WWII, with bunkers and fortifications such as the Nordberg Fortress, and nearby islands used as prisons for captured Axis soldiers. The Lista Lighthouse is a popular place to watch birds and get views over the beaches.

Day 28 - Aalborg, Denmark

Arrive: Fri 17 August 2029 / Depart: Fri 17 August 2029

As one of the important cultural hubs of Denmark, Aalborg is known for its mixture of contemporary architecture, traditional wooden Danish houses, and the many preserved stone buildings in its historical city center. A number of large city parks, fountains, a gothic cathedral and a colorful waterfront make Aalborg a favorite vacation spot. Square-rigged heritage sailing ships make a contrast with numerous architectural masterpieces such as the ultra-modern designs of the Utzon Center and the University of Aalborg. The Aalborg Carnival, one of Scandinavia’s largest festivals, takes place every year in May and draws tens of thousands of participants. The Kunsten Museum of Modern Art exemplifies the creativity and energy of this beautiful Danish city. Situated at the narrowest point of Limfjord in Jutland, Aalborg abuts some of the richest waterways in the country, which attracted not only the original Viking adventurers to the area, but settlers as far back as the Iron Age.

Day 29 - Copenhagen, Denmark

Arrive: Sat 18 August 2029 / Depart: Sat 18 August 2029

Denmark's capital is arguably one of the world's best-loved cities, and certainly the liveliest of all the Scandinavian capitals. It is a gracious and comfortable place, with a decidedly friendly, hospitable and fun-loving atmosphere. If there is such a thing as a cozy city, Copenhagen is it. From the lingering memory of the tales of Hans Christian Andersen to the colored lights of Tivoli Gardens, there is a delightful ambience that surrounds the visitor everywhere. Tidy, narrow streets are lined with tempting restaurants and cafes, and the pedestrian-only Stroget abounds with stylish shops. The spirited Copenhageners are imaginative and unconventional and exude a "do-what-you-want" philosophy that embraces and respects almost all aspects of life. Every friendly Dane you meet further illustrates the city's motto "Wonderful, wonderful, Copenhagen."