Viking Oceans Cruises – Into the Midnight Sun (England, Norway, Scotland, United Kingdom) 15 Days

When you arrive in Bergen, encircled by majestic mountains, fjords and glaciers, you’ll quickly understand how its setting inspired the Viking sagas. With your ship berthed next to Bryggen wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can easily stroll along its waterfront once you’ve settled in to your veranda stateroom. This evening mingle with the locals and dine ashore, as we will be spending the night in port.

Take in more of Bergen’s Norwegian charms today. In the city’s Old Town, explore narrow cobblestone lanes and peer into shop windows. You’ll find this Hanseatic haven to be a walker’s delight. You might also spend time on the ship today, perhaps indulging in a treatment at The Spa or settling in with a good book in the Explorers’ Lounge.

Cruise into the tiny village of Geiranger via the Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords. If you would like magnificent bird’s-eye views of this magical setting, join an included tour to Eagle’s Bend, perched 2,000 feet above the village. It is a thrilling drive marked by 11 hairpin turns and incredible panoramas. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors on an optional tour to witness spectacular waterfalls or journey through the fjords by kayak.

As you cruise to our next port, spend the day savoring the amenities of your elegant ship. Indulge in Nordic-inspired treatments at The Spa or find your inner calm with some yoga on the Sports Deck. Tonight, dine on thoughtfully prepared cuisine that connects you to the flavors of Scandinavia and end your evening with a nightcap at Torshavn.

Experience the distinctive beauty of the Lofoten Islands today, where the sculpting power of nature comes into sharp focus. Soaring, jagged peaks overlook sheltered bays in this remarkable archipelago of six main islands. Traditional rorbus, charming fishing cottages, seem to hover over the waters on stilts, and the streets of its capital, Svolvaer, are stunning and scenic, a delight to explore.

Enjoy the lovely setting of Tromsø’s historic center, spread over a scenic island. On an included tour, admire its blend of wooden structures and neoclassical buildings. You’ll visit the stunning Arctic Cathedral with its striking triangular shape, the city’s most recognizable symbol. You might also learn about arctic exploration and dogsledding. Meet the owners and residents of the Tromsø Wilderness Center and hear about their exciting expeditions.

Pay a rare visit to the remote port of Honningsvåg. From this tiny outpost town on the island of Magerøya, journey to the top of North Cape, or Nordkapp, on an included tour. This dramatic rocky plateau looks over the Barents Sea from a height of 1,000 feet. Alternately, set out on a wildlife expedition to the Gjesvaerstappan Nature Reserve, or spend time with the local Sami people and enjoy a warm welcome.

As you sail the scenic coast of Norway, delve into the Nordic-inspired amenities of your ship. Treat yourself to a traditional Norwegian waffle at Mamsen’s gourmet deli. Tour your ship with our Viking Art App installed on your mobile device, learning about the onboard Scandinavian-inspired art and streamlined design. This evening, savor a romantic dinner at Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant.

The Shetland Islands may be remote, but history did not overlook them. At the excavation site of Jarlshof, tall, stone roundhouses date to the Iron Age and an ancient Norse longhouse tells of a Viking community. More recent history echoes through the streets of Lerwick, the islands’ sleepy capital founded by Dutch fishermen. The main island, Mainland, gets much of its beauty from its diversity. Farmlands and dreamy meadows unfold toward seal-dotted beaches, rocky cliffs take a beating from the surf, and medieval castles overlook valleys and lakes.

The history of the Scottish Orkney Islands dates back millennia. Neolithic remains, including the ancient site of Brodgar, predate Stonehenge and the Pyramids. The 13th-century Norse Orkneyinga Saga told of Vikings who ruled here. Later, the earls took over, and the French Renaissance palace that remains is a legacy to their grandeur. Another castle, Balfour, stands regally in a stark landscape. While the northern Europeans greatly influenced this hauntingly beautiful archipelago, consider the Italian Chapel, built by the hands of Italian prisoners during wartime.

Edinburgh has been Scotland’s capital since the 15th century, despite the fact that the Union of the Crowns moved it to London in 1603. There is no capital quite like Edinburgh, with its gorgeous setting on green rocky hillocks and splendid views of the sea. Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels and countless medieval treasures, overlooks the city from Castle Rock. The Royal Mile unfurls Edinburgh’s architectural gems in all their finery, from the Canongate to St. Giles’s Cathedral to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish residence of British royalty.

Enjoy another day on board as you cruise the North Sea. Attend an illuminating enrichment lecture on board. Take in the sea views from the Explorers’ Lounge. Tonight, dine at your choice of venues, perhaps pairing sommelier-selected wines with a carefully prepared tasting menu at The Chef’s Table.

Discover the celebrated Royal Borough of Greenwich—part of which, Maritime Greenwich, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. London is just a short drive away, so you can take in the regal city and all its splendor. See the Tower of London, Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Or venture into the countryside to visit Windsor Castle, one of the royal residences. Alternately, step off the ship to tour Greenwich, its excellent National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory from where the world’s clocks are set.

Disembark your ship this morning as your journey comes to a close, or extend your stay in London. Alternatively, you may continue your journey with an extension opportunity.