An Old Maritime Route from Scotland to Norway

Day 2 | Embarkation in Aberdeen

After breakfast and check-out, you’ll go on a city tour of the “Granite City.” You’ll see Kings College Chapel, an example of Gothic architecture, and the 12th-century St. Machar’s Cathedral with its stained-glass windows.

Next, we’ll head to the Glen Garioch Distillery in the sheltered Garioch Valley. The distillery, which is about 200 years old, is one of the oldest in Scotland and has been family-owned since 1886. During a guided tour, you’ll see the traditional craftsmanship and taste two whiskies from the core lineup.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Huntly Falconry Center, one of Scotland’s first falconry centers, where you can see owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles in a flight demonstration. Afterward, you’ll board the Sylvia Earle. Following the safety briefing, you’ll get to know your expedition team and the crew over a welcome dinner as the ship sets course for Papa Westray.

Days 5 and 6 | Mousa, Jarlshof & Hermaness

The Shetland Islands, numbering about 100, lie approximately 160 kilometers north of the Scottish mainland, at the same latitude as the southern tip of Greenland. The Gulf Stream keeps the climate mild, and in the summer, it is light almost around the clock.

On the uninhabited island of Mousa stands the best-preserved of Scotland’s 570 brochs, the fortified round towers from the Iron Age. Storm swifts nest in the walls and can be observed at night, while seals bask in the sun on the shore. Jarlshof is one of Shetland’s most complex archaeological sites and was uncovered by storms in the late 19th century; the finds date back to around 3,200 B.C. and include a Bronze Age blacksmith as well as later Norse settlers.

The Hermaness National Nature Reserve is located near the northernmost point of Great Britain. Its cliffs rise 170 meters above the Atlantic Ocean; in the summer, more than 100,000 seabirds nest here, while heather, gentians, and orchids cover the moors and cliff edges.

Day 8 | Isle of Runde

Off Norway’s west coast lies the rugged island of Runde, known for its cliffs and seabird colonies. Only about 150 people live here year-round; in the summer, more than 100,000 seabirds join them, including puffins, kittiwakes, three-toed gulls, and skuas. About 80 species breed here regularly.

You can reach Runde by ferry and bus, passing fjords and coastlines along the way. At the Runde Environmental Center, you’ll learn more about the fragile ecosystem and see artifacts from the Akerendam, a Dutch ship that sank off the island in 1725 and was rediscovered centuries later along with its treasure. If you’d like, you can hike up to the cliffs and get up close to the nesting birds; the coastal trails around the center offer a more leisurely stroll.

Day 10 | Vega Archipelago

North of the Arctic Circle lies the Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. Vega is famous for its birdlife, especially the eider ducks. For over 1,500 years, the islanders have maintained a special relationship with them: they build nesting shelters for the birds, which in return leave behind their valuable down—a custom that once accounted for up to one-third of the island’s income.

To protect the delicate natural environment, you’ll explore the area in small guided groups. Depending on your fitness level, you’ll hike through the Holandsosen Nature Reserve with its rare coastal heathland, to Guristraumen—a haven for birds—to the Kjellerhaugvatnet wetland, or through the old fishing villages around Kirkøy. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can visit the Vega World Heritage Center and learn about the lives of the islanders over coffee and waffles.

Day 12 | Svolvær (Lofoten)

The Sylvia Earle arrives in the Lofoten Islands, whose name is derived from “lynx’s foot.” A landscape shaped by ice and legends, where jagged rock towers stand like silent sentinels over the fishing villages.

Here, too, you can choose your shore excursion based on your interests. Those looking for a challenge can hike up toward Tjeldbergtind and be rewarded with a panoramic view of the Lofoten peaks. Those who prefer a more leisurely experience can sample eight regional delicacies, ranging from dried Arctic cod to Lofoten lamb and cloudberries. Culture enthusiasts can stroll through the fishing village of Svolvær and learn about the history of fishing during a stockfish tasting.

Day 14 | Disembarkation in Tromsø

You'll arrive in Tromsø early in the morning. After breakfast, you'll say goodbye to your fellow travelers before being taken to the airport. We recommend scheduling your return flight for the afternoon to allow for any possible delays.