15 minute read
Europe
Colorful facades line the harbor of Tobermory on the Scottish Isle of Mull.
Hardangerfjord meanders through the mountains of Norway.
The fortified abbey at Mont-Saint-Michel, France dates back to the 10th century.
A cruise along Europe’s varied shores is a voyage into history, whether you’re wandering among Stone Age sites on the British Isles, exploring the beautiful medieval towns of the Baltics, or tracing World War II history on the beaches of Normandy. Enter the realm of the Vikings and the Romans and delve deep into cities where the ancient and the avant-garde coexist. Encounter local traditions and flavors from Scandinavia to Spain Get a closer look at renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites, and experience wonders of nature and architecture.
Remnants of the Mulberry Harbors still dot the beaches of Arromanches-les-Bains.
North Sea Voyage: Northern Europe and the Normandy Beaches
11 DAYS FROM $10,050
• Trace the events of the momentous D-Day invasion with a historian in Normandy.
• Sail past the iconic White Cliffs of Dover that greeted Allied troops returning from Dunkirk.
• Tour Amsterdam’s spectacular Rijksmuseum with a private guide.
DAYS 1–3: U.S./COPENHAGEN, DENMARK/ LÜBECK, GERMANY/U.S. Arrive in Copenhagen on an overnight flight and enjoy a guided canal boat tour of the stylish Danish capital before we set sail. The next day, dock at Lübeck, once the medieval center of the Hanseatic League. Sample Lübeck’s famous marzipan, and visit the Holsten Gate and the Hospital of the Holy Spirit—two of the sites that have made the town a UNESCO World Heritage site. National Geographic Explorer for the entire voyage I Meals: 1B, 2L, 2D
DAYS 4–5 I KIEL CANAL, GERMANY/AT SEA/ AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS Cruise past the peaceful towns and villages through the Kiel Canal—the world’s busiest artificial waterway. As the ship continues southwards along mainland Europe, attend talks by our experts and unwind at the onboard spa. Then explore the vibrant historic center of Amsterdam by boat or on foot, and discover the works of Dutch masters at the Rijksmuseum on a tour with a private guide. Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D
DAYS 6–7 I ANTWERP, BELGIUM/BRUGGE Explore Belgium, learning about Antwerp’s artistic past and the history of medieval Brugge, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Gothic architecture and picturesque squares. Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D
DAYS 8–11 I NORMANDY, FRANCE/ DOVER, ENGLAND/LONDON/U.S. Spend three days retracing the momentous events of D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in modern history. Tour the beaches of Normandy and surrounding sites with a local historian, then follow the details of the Dunkirk evacuation as you cross the English Channel and sail past the White Cliffs of Dover. Follow the River Thames into London, where we’ll disembark and catch flights home. Meals: 4B, 3L, 3D
Your Expedition Team
A diverse expedition team, including an Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, a historian, and naturalists will accompany this trip.
Information
This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions.
Dates: This expedition is offered in June.
Visit website for complete details and dates.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.
The medieval trading center of Lubeck, Germany was once the capital of the Hanseatic League.
A lone Highland cow stands amid the vast landscapes of the Isle of Skye.
Scotland's Highlands and Islands
9 DAYS FROM $9,250
• Navigate the narrow Caledonian Canal, lochs, and the Inner Hebrides aboard a nimble ship.
• Kayak picturesque Loch Linnhe or Loch Eil, and explore the mystical Isle of Skye.
• Attend the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on select optional extensions.
DAYS 1–4: U.S./INVERNESS, SCOTLAND/ LOCH NESS/FORT AUGUSTUS/GLENFINNAN Depart on an overnight flight to Inverness and board the Lord of the Glens. Visit the historic battlefield at Culloden, and see the prehistoric standing stones of Clava Cairns. Navigate the narrow Caledonian Canal, enter Loch Ness, and stop for a hike in Fort Augustus. Ascend 106 feet at Laggan Locks and descend the legendary Neptune’s Staircase. Enjoy a scenic drive to Glenfinnan, or explore Loch Linnhe by kayak. M.V. Lord of the Glens for the entire voyage Meals: 2B, 2L, 3D
DAYS 5–7: OBAN/ISLE OF MULL/IONA/ ISLE OF EIGG OR RUM/INVERIE Cruise Loch Linnhe to Oban, and visit a whisky distillery and McCaig’s Folly on a walking tour. In the Inner Hebrides, stop at the Isle of Mull to explore Duart Castle, visit the medieval abbey ruins and royal graveyard on sacred Iona, and moor overnight at the picturesque fishing village of Tobermory. Meet a member of the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, and look for minke whales, dolphins, and seals off the Isle of Eigg, or explore Kinloch Castle on the Isle of Rum. Continue to Inverie. Meals: 3B, 3L, 3D
DAYS 8–9: ISLE OF SKYE/KYLE OF LOCHALSH/INVERNESS/U.S. On the Isle of Skye, trace history at the Museum of the Isles, and explore the ruins of Armadale Castle and its beautiful gardens. Then sail for Kyle of Lochalsh, and choose a guided walk or a visit to Eilean Donan Castle. Disembark and transfer to Inverness for your flight home. Meals: 2B, 1L, 1D
Your National Geographic Expert
An Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, a historian, and a naturalist will accompany this trip.
Jim Richardson
Photographer
Jim Richardson has produced more than 50 stories for National Geographic’s publications, covering topics from the ancient Celts to photographing the Scottish Highlands. He is co-founder of Eyes on Earth, which mentors young environmental photographers. Find the departure(s) Jim will join on our website.
Information
This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions.
Dates: This expedition is offered from May through August.
Visit website for complete details and dates.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.
The Neolithic pillars of Orkney’s Ring of Brodgar may date as far back as 2500 B.C.
Norwegian Fjords and Scottish Isles Voyage
10 DAYS FROM $12,350
• Delve into Norway’s majestic fjordlands, exploring by Zodiac, by kayak, and on foot.
• Discover ancient ruins, Viking longhouses, and nature reserves in the Shetland Islands.
• Venture to the prehistoric sites of Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar in the Orkney Islands.
DAYS 1–5: U.S./EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND/ ABERDEEN/ORKNEY ISLANDS Depart on an overnight flight to Edinburgh and take city tour before embarking the ship. Spend a day exploring the history and culture of Aberdeen, then sail on to Orkney, where we’ll venture to Stone Age sites, including the Ring of Brodgar and the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae. In Kirkwall, trace the legacy of the Vikings at St. Magnus Cathedral, founded in 1137 by the Viking Earl Rognvald. National Geographic Resolution for the entire voyage. Meals: 3B, 3L, 4D
DAYS 6–7: SHETLAND ISLANDS Sail north to the Shetland Islands, where Norse and Gaelic culture intermingle. On the island of Unst, go on hikes in an expansive nature reserve. Visit the Unst Heritage Centre, or, conditions permitting, take a Zodiac to the northernmost lighthouse in the U.K. Cruise below the cliffs of Noss, a nature reserve that harbors thousands of puffins, northern gannets, and kittiwakes. From Lerwick, journey to the prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof, and visit Bronze Age ruins and Viking longhouses. Sail east across the North Sea. Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D
DAYS 8–10: HIDRA, NORWAY/ HARDANGERFJORDEN/BERGEN Arrive on the island of Hidra and explore the picturesque village of Kirkehamn or delve into history in the former trading hub of Flekkefjord. Launch kayaks and Zodiacs to explore the cliffs and waterfalls of sublime Hardangerfjorden, and hike amid spectacular scenery. Disembark in Bergen and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: 3B, 2L, 1D
Your Expedition Team
A diverse expedition team, including an Expedition Leader and local guides, will accompany this trip.
Information
This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions.
Dates: This expedition is offered in May.
Visit website for complete details and dates.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.
Colorful buildings line the waterfront of Bergen’s old wharf.
The white marble Old Church of Dunlewey overlooks the Poisoned Glen in the mountains of Donegal, Ireland.
Ancient Isles: England, Ireland, and Scotland
16 DAYS FROM $17,770
• Visit Macbeth’s burial place at a 13th-century abbey on the Scottish isle of Iona.
• See the neolithic Callanish Standing Stones and the Ring of Brodgar megaliths.
• Explore the remote UNESCO World Heritage site of St. Kilda (conditions permitting).
DAYS 1–5: U.S./SOUTHERN ENGLAND Fly overnight to London and embark our ship. Delve into Britain’s nautical history in Portsmouth, where we’ll see the H.M.S. Victory and Mary Rose. Explore charming Cornwall, and meander through Tresco Abbey Gardens on the Isles of Scilly. National Geographic Explorer for the entire voyage. Meals: 3B, 4L, 4D
DAYS 6–7: COBH, IRELAND/COUNTY KERRY Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre. See the ancient beehive huts on the rocky isle of Skellig Michael from the ship, then explore Valentia Island and seaside Dingle. Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D
DAYS 8–9: WESTERN IRELAND Visit the Dun Aengus ring fort, perched on Inishmore in the Aran Islands. Discover the dramatic landscapes of counties Sligo and Donegal, which inspired the works of W. B. Yeats. Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D
DAYS 10–11: INNER AND OUTER HEBRIDES, SCOTLAND At Iona, venture into an ancient nunnery and a 13th-century abbey; then ride a Zodiac to the awe-inspiring Fingal’s Cave on Staffa Island. Conditions permitting, land at uninhabited St. Kilda. Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D
DAYS 12–16: ORKNEY ISLANDS/SHETLAND ISLANDS/BERGEN, NORWAY/U.S. Marvel at the megaliths of the Ring of Brodgar and the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae. Step into St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. In Shetland, discover the prehistoric settlement of Jarlshof and examine Bronze Age ruins and Viking longhouses. Sail to Norway and disembark in Bergen. Meals: 5B, 4L, 4D
Your National Geographic Expert
An Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, historians, and naturalists will accompany this trip.
Todd Gipstein
Photographer
Todd Gipstein served as National Geographic’s Executive Producer for Multimedia for many years, producing award-winning documentaries on topics ranging from photography and nature to the Society itself. His images have been published in National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines and in numerous books. Find the departure(s) Todd will join on our website.
Information
This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions. Dates: This expedition is offered in June. Visit website for complete details and dates. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.
On Portugal’s Douro River, traditional rabelo boats are used to transport barrels of port.
Culture and Cuisine: From Oporto to Basque Country by Sea
7 DAYS FROM $6,990
• Hear local music in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
• Sample fine port wines in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Oporto and learn to make pintxos, or Basque tapas.
Set sail from Lisbon, tracing the Iberian coast to the Bay of Biscay and exploring historic cities and age-old cultures along the way. Visit the port-makers of Porto and discover the gems of this historic city. In Galicia, meet fishermen and musicians and soak up the tranquil beauty of the landscape. See the World Heritage-listed pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela, and admire the fabulous architecture of Gehry and Calatrava that has transformed the port city of Bilbao. Then head deep into Basque country in both France and Spain, exploring markets and villages, learning about local music, and trying your hand at making typical Basque dishes.
Mulafossur waterfall drops from the clifftops in the Faroe Islands.
Legendary Northern Isles: Scotland, Faroes, and Iceland by Sea
14 DAYS FROM $12,740
• Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites from Bryggen, Norway to prehistoric Skara Brae to the young island of Surtsey.
• Discover turf-roofed villages in the remote Faroe Islands.
Embark the National Geographic Explorer and cruise from Norway to the remote islands and archipelagos of the wild North Atlantic. Tour the medieval wharf of Bryggen before sailing to the Shetland and Orkney Isles to see prehistoric standing stones, Viking sites, and the 5,000-year-old settlement of Skara Brae (conditions permitting). Experience the mystical beauty of the far-flung Faroe Islands, where turf-roofed villages and Viking artifacts are tucked among emerald cliffs and valleys. Then trace nearly the entire coast of Iceland, including the lesser known Westfjords. Watch for whales near Husavík, observe immense seabird colonies, and discover natural wonders from glacial lagoons and lava fields to thundering waterfalls.
Information
These trips are operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions.
Dates: Culture and Cuisine: From Oporto to Basque Country by Sea expedition is offered in April. Legendary Northern Isles: Scotland, Faroes, and Iceland by Sea expedition is offered in June.
Visit website for complete details and dates.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.
Well-preserved medieval walls encircle the Hanseatic trading center of Visby, Sweden, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Navigating the Baltic Sea
16 DAYS FROM $19,090
• Explore round churches and fishing villages on Denmark’s Christiansø and Bornholm islands.
• Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the old towns of Visby, Riga, and Tallinn.
• Encounter Neolithic sites on Öland and a unique culture on Finland’s Åland Islands.
DAYS 1–6: U.S./DENMARK/POLAND/ LATVIA Fly overnight to Copenhagen and cruise its canals before embarking the ship. Sail to Christiansø and take a photography walk. On Bornholm Island, hike to Hammershus fortress or visit round churches and the harbor village of Svaneke. Arrive in Gdańsk, Poland and tour the historic center, including Westerplatte and the European Solidarity Center. After a day at sea, cruise into scenic Riga. Stroll through the World Heritagedesignated Old Town or visit the Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum. National Geographic Explorer for the entire voyage. Meals: 4B 5L, 5D
DAYS 7–11: ESTONIA/FINLAND Venture into Tallinn’s walled Old Town on a guided walking tour. Then discover Helsinki on a variety of excursions: visit Suomenlinna Fortress, go foraging, or trace history at the home of a famous statesman. Tour an estate in Porvoo or learn about Finnish traditions at the Seurasaari Open Air Museum. Explore the southern coastline and Ekenäs Archipelago National Park. In Mariehamn, delve into the unique heritage of the autonomous Åland Islands. Meals: 5B, 5L, 5D
DAYS 12–16: SWEDEN/DENMARK/U.S. Navigate the Stockholm Archipelago and dock overnight in Stockholm. Marvel at a 17th-century warship at the Vasa Museum, take a walking tour of the Old Town, and see the Royal Armory. Then explore the World Heritage site of Visby, a Viking settlement; and tour the Gotland Museum, go biking, or visit a sheep farm. Tour Kalmar Castle or discover prehistoric sites and unusual species on the island of Öland. Disembark in Copenhagen. Meals: 5B, 4L, 4D
Your National Geographic Expert
A diverse expedition team, including an Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and local naturalists will accompany this trip.
Sisse Brimberg
National Geographic Photographer
Denmark native Sisse Brimberg has produced more than 30 stories for National Geographic magazine, covering everything from the Hanseatic League and the Vikings to the global flower trade. Sisse won first prize for “Picture Story of the Year” from the National Press Photographers Association for her story on migrant workers. Find the departure(s) Sisse will join on our website.
Information
This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions.
Dates: This expedition is offered in May and June.
Visit website for complete details and dates.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.
