Nordic Navigator: From Norway’s Wilds to Scotland’s Isles

Set on the eastern coast of Senja Island, Gibostad is a charming Arctic village surrounded by dramatic mountains and tranquil fjords. Rich in fishing heritage and authentic Norwegian charm, it's the perfect gateway to Senja's spectacular landscapes, wildlife and, in winter, the magical Northern Lights.

A remote and scenic fjord in the Vesterålen region, Lonkanfjorden is surrounded by rugged mountains, deep blue waters and untouched Arctic wilderness. A peaceful and lesser-visited stretch of coastline, it offers a true sense of Norway’s raw natural beauty and quiet seclusion.

Located in the heart of the Vesterålen archipelago, Stokmarknes is a picturesque coastal town surrounded by dramatic mountains and tranquil fjords. Known as the birthplace of Hurtigruten, it combines rich maritime heritage with breathtaking Arctic scenery, making it an ideal gateway to Northern Norway's natural beauty and wildlife.

A narrow, dramatic fjord framed by towering mountains and sheer rock walls. Accessible only by ship, Trollfjord is one of Norway’s most spectacular hidden waterways, offering unforgettable scenery, wildlife encounters and a true sense of Arctic wilderness.

Svolvær is the largest town in Lofoten with about 4,800 residents, many of whom work as fishermen. There are shops and art galleries to browse along the seafront promenade and rows of rorbuer to admire. You might spot wooden racks called hjell dotted around the shores of the town too. Locally caught cod is dried on these racks and later turned into tørrfisk, or stockfish in English, and prized as a local delicacy. Fishing is clearly an important way of life in Lofoten and the lectures for the day may focus on how cod effectively helped to build Norway into a country.

Set among a collection of small islands off the coast of Troms, Grøtavær is a peaceful fishing village surrounded by crystal-clear waters, rugged mountains and pristine Arctic scenery. Its remote charm, picturesque coastline and abundant birdlife make it a hidden gem for experiencing the tranquillity and natural beauty of Northern Norway.

Lerwick, Britain's most northerly town, and is a small, bustling, cosmopolitan seaport with a population of over 7,000 people and fine architecture. Shetland Museum, located on Hay's Dock, is an award- winning attraction.

Kirkwall, the historic capital of the Orkney Islands, brims with Norse heritage and charming streets. Explore St. Magnus Cathedral, wander the quaint harbor, and soak up the island’s rich culture and coastal scenery.

The River Clyde, integral to Cunard's past, reveals more of its maritime heritage at The Tall Ship, while the superb Burrell Gallery at Pollock House showcases woks by Degas and Cézanne. The great Clyde shipyards were unrivalled for over a century, producing a number of Cunard Line's finest vessels, from RMS Queen Mary and RMS Queen Elizabeth to QE2.