At the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray lies the earliest known house in Northern Europe, occupied by Neolithic farmers over 5,000 years ago. Here we are welcomed by the friendly locals. Enjoy the lively Scottish dance and folk ensemble, "Poor Man's Corner," hailing from Papa Westray, set to grace the local pub with their spirited tunes. Mingle and enjoy a few drinks, while listening to the captivating melodies and infectious rhythms.   Midway between Orkney and Shetland, Fair Isle houses a major European ornithological research station and is also famous for knitwear and historic shipwrecks. About five kilometres by three kilometres / three miles by two miles in area, it is surrounded by impressive cliffs. The 70 or so islanders mainly live in traditional crofts on the more fertile low-lying southern part of the island.  A bird watchers’ paradise, Fair Isle lies on the intersection of major flight paths from Scandinavia, Iceland and Faroe. In summer, the cliffs teem with breeding fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, gannets, shags and puffins. The Isle is an excellent place to view seabirds, especially puffins at close range. Fair Isle also has over 250 species of flowering plants, including wetland flowers, rare orchids, alpine species and common wildflowers. We’ll be welcomed by the hospitable villagers and may take a hike or visit the museum. Grey and common seals inhabit these waters around Fair Isle, while sharp eyes may spot harbour porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, killer whales (orcas) and minke whales.

Britain’s most northerly islands lie almost 160 kilometres (100 miles) north of the Scottish mainland, at a similar latitude to the southern tip of Greenland, or Bergen in Norway. Kept relatively warm by the Gulf Stream, Shetland’s 100 islands experience almost 24 hours of daylight in summer. They abound with nature reserves and archaeological sites and offer a taste of traditional island life.   Mousa Broch, on the small uninhabited island of Mousa, is the best preserved of Scotland’s 570 brochs (fortified Iron Age towers). Storm petrels nest among its stones, which can be seen when visiting the broch at night. In daylight, a large colony of common and grey seals basks on its shores, and you may spot otter (Dratsi, in Shetland dialect).   Jarlshof is one of Shetland's best preserved and most complex archaeological sites. It was exposed by storms in the late 19th century. The Old House of Sumburgh, built here in the 17th century, was named 'Jarlshof' by Sir Walter Scott in his novel 'The Pirate'. The record of human occupation dates from around 3,200 BCE. Jarlshof’s main Bronze Age site is the house of a bronzesmith working around 800 BC. Clay moulds into which molten bronze was poured revealed that he was casting axe heads and short swords. It seems that Shetland suited early Norse settlers, for they quickly settled here and left their mark on Shetland's history for ages to come.  Hermaness National Nature Reserve, is close to Britain’s most northerly point. The cliffs rise 170 metres (558 feet) above the Atlantic. During summer they are alive with the cacophony, and raw guano smell of over 100,000 breeding seabirds: kittiwakes, shags, snipe, dunlin, golden plover and Arctic skua, making this one of Europe’s most diverse colonies. The grasslands, moors and cliff tops are a tapestry of colourful wildflowers – gentians, heather, orchids and thrift are a few of the species here. 

Nordfjordeid is a small town nestled at the end of the Eidsfjord, a branch of the larger Nordfjord in western Norway. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and rich farmland, the area has a strong Viking heritage—it’s home to one of the largest Viking longship burial sites ever discovered in Norway, with the remains of the Myklebust ship unearthed nearby. Today, the town offers a blend of striking natural scenery and deep-rooted history, giving you a chance to connect with Norway’s past while enjoying the quiet charm of a fjord-side community. Depending on the day’s conditions, a range of activities will be offered during our visit.

Runde is a rugged gem off Norway’s west coast, famous for its dramatic cliffs and thriving seabird colonies. With just 150 year-round residents, the island becomes a bustling bird haven in summer, when over 100,000 seabirds arrive to nest. Atlantic puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and great skuas are among the highlights, with around 80 species breeding here regularly. We’ll reach Runde by ferry and coach, offering sweeping views of the fjords and coastline enroute. At the Runde Environmental Centre, gain insight into the island’s fragile ecosystem and see artefacts from the Dutch ship Akerendam, wrecked nearby in 1725 and rediscovered centuries later with its treasure still aboard. Keen walkers can hike up to the sea cliffs for close-up encounters with nesting birds and unforgettable photo opportunities. For those preferring a gentler experience, the centre and shoreline paths offer excellent vantage points and a rich sense of place.

Located off the coast of central Norway, the islands of Hitra and Frøya are two of Trøndelag’s best-kept secrets, where dramatic coastlines, rich wildlife, and deep cultural roots come together to offer unforgettable experiences. Hitra, Norway’s seventh-largest island, is known for its rugged landscapes, abundant wildlife, and strong fishing traditions. Sea eagles soar above rocky outcrops, red deer roam the forests, and the surrounding waters teem with marine life. Its long history as a centre for trade and industry is still visible in preserved buildings and traditional maritime culture. Neighbouring Frøya offers a contrasting beauty, low-lying and windswept, with a network of small islets and sheltered coves. Here, life revolves around the sea. Frøya has embraced modern aquaculture while preserving the traditions and stories of a proud fishing community. It’s also home to a vibrant food scene, including local breweries and seafood producers.

Sailing north of the Arctic Circle, we explore the Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. Renowned for its birdlife, Vega Island is especially famous for its eider ducks, which have long been raised here for their valuable down, once contributing up to a third of the islanders’ income. The local community continues the centuries-old tradition of building nesting shelters for the ducks, who, in return, leave behind soft down after they and their chicks head back to sea. This remarkable symbiosis reflects a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for over 1,500 years. A visit to Vega offers a unique glimpse into this enduring heritage and the art of eider tending. To help protect the island’s fragile environment, we will explore its natural beauty through a choice of small group guided walks.

Today we explore Svartisen, Norway’s second-largest glacier, accessed via a scenic Zodiac landing at Brestua. Towering above Holandsfjord, Svartisen spans over 370 square kilometres, with the Engabreen tongue descending dramatically to just 20 metres above sea level – one of the lowest terminating glaciers in mainland Europe. This makes it both visually striking and relatively accessible. From Brestua, active guests may join a guided hike towards the Engabreen front, passing through rugged terrain with stunning views of icefalls and moraine fields. For those preferring a gentler pace, the lakeside café offers a relaxing setting to enjoy the glacier’s beauty or simply soak in the serene atmosphere.

We make our way to the stunning Lofoten – meaning puma’s foot – Islands. This is a land scoured by ice and legend, the towering crags with their sharp edges, standing in silent protection of the villages below.   

Embark on a leisurely amble through the quaint village of Torsken, where breathtaking natural beauty provides a captivating backdrop. As you meander along Torsken’s narrow lanes, immerse yourself in the village’s fascinating history, a rich tapestry woven from centuries of fishing traditions and the enduring spirit of its community. Admire the scenic splendour that surrounds you, with the majestic Senja mountains creating a stunning panorama and the tranquil streets lined with colourful houses, each possessing its own unique character. En route, you will have the opportunity to visit Torsken Church, a cherished local landmark dating back to the 18th century. Before your exploration concludes, indulge your palate with a selection of local delicacies, not only distinctive to this region but also emblematic of Norwegian culinary heritage.