Scottish Isles & Norway – Stay + Cruise + Air Credit

Your Silverseas’ experience will start as soon as you leave home, with a private chauffeur service* taking you from your home to your domestic airport for your flight. This luxury service is included as part of your all-inclusive offer on this voyage. You’ll then fly overnight to Dublin and be transferred from the airport to your hotel accommodation.

Upon arrival in Dublin your private transfer will take you to your hotel as you have 3 nights’ accommodation included in your package, giving you ample time to explore this beautiful city before your cruise. Also included in your package is an Irish Whiskey Museum Experience with Tastings.

Immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere of Dublin, where cobbled streets are alive with the sounds of buskers and inviting pubs beckon you in. This city exudes a vibrant energy and a joy for life, making it one of the most welcoming places you’ll ever visit. Take a leisurely stroll along ancient streets, where horse-drawn carriages blend seamlessly with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe. Raise a glass to your travel companions and enjoy a pint with locals and other tourists alike. Don’t miss the chance to savour the rich, velvety taste of Guinness, the famous Irish beer that is poured to perfection for its eager patrons. And of course, you can dive into the history of this iconic brew at the Guinness Storehouse.

From its Viking roots in the 9th century to becoming the British Empire’s second city, Dublin boasts a rich history that can be felt in every corner, and your final full day in Dublin prior to your cruise is the perfect opportunity to discover it all. Explore the haunting Kilmainham Gaol, where the leaders of the 1916 Easter Uprising were imprisoned and executed. Marvel at the stunning architecture of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with its ancient spire reaching towards the sky. Literary enthusiasts will find much to admire in Dublin, a city that inspired the works of James Joyce and boasts a Museum of Literature celebrating its lyrical talents. Visit Trinity College to marvel at the beautifully illustrated Book of Kells, a medieval treasure that is sure to captivate you.

It’s cruise day. After checking out of your hotel, your private transfer will take you to the port to join Silver Wind for your expedition voyage from Dublin to Copenhagen.

The first port of your call on your expediton voyage is the enchanting Isle of Lunga, the largest island in the Treshnish archipelago. This volcanic gem was once inhabited, until the 19th Century, leaving behind remnants of black houses scattered along the stunning coastline. Now, the island is teeming with vibrant plant life and exotic bird species that call this place home. Lucky visitors are treated to breathtaking views of a wide variety of birds, with the magnificent puffins stealing the show as they breed on the plateau. You can sit just a few feet away from these feathered ambassadors without disrupting their peaceful presence. Covering 81 hectares, the island is also a sanctuary for rare and endangered plants such as primroses and orchids. Take in the sweeping views from the dramatic 300-foot cliffs, offering panoramic vistas of the landscape and the vast ocean beyond.

The Shiant Islands are home to a breathtaking landscape of tall hexagonal columns that create a sensational view, especially when seen from the sea. These cliffs, resembling the cross-section of a giant honeycomb, were formed by slow cooling volcanic magma deep underground. Over millions of years, erosion has exposed these six-sided rock formations to the sea and to us, with the tallest column reaching an impressive 120 meters (390 feet) high. During spring and summer, the Shiant Islands come alive with flights of seabirds. Long-winged birds gracefully wheel and soar through the sky, while others, more suited for underwater swimming, fly in straight lines, flapping their stubby wings in a comical way. Some birds make their nests in burrows, while Black-legged Kittiwakes prefer to nest on the cliffs. Guillemots, on the other hand, lay their eggs on bare rock ledges, their pointed shape preventing them from rolling off into the sea below.

Loch Ewe is your second stop for the day. It is the only north-facing loch in Scotland, and it boasts a rich history and stunning scenic landscape that showcases its true natural beauty. During World War II, the loch served as a crucial convoy collecting point, with a strong naval presence that included light and heavy aircraft guns for protection. A boom net and mine defense system further shielded this precious settlement from harm. With its natural deep water sea loch that connects to the Atlantic Ocean, Loch Ewe benefits from a relatively small mouth that provides ample protection from harsh weather conditions. Nearby, Inverewe Gardens flourish thanks to the warm currents of the North Atlantic Drift, creating an oasis of vibrant color and fertility. Despite its northerly location, these gardens boast exotic plants from around the world, offering a dazzling display of color throughout the year.

Welcome to Stromness, where the charm of cobbled streets and stone houses has stood the test of time since the turn of the last century. However, the true treasure of Orkney lies in its rich Neolithic history, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Heart of Neolithic Orkney” since 1999. One of the most iconic sites here is Skara Brae, a Neolithic settlement that was once home to a community of 50-100 people living along the shores of Skaill Bay. Occupied from approximately 318 BCE to 250 BCE, Skara Brae offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of our ancestors. It serves as the centerpiece of a network of Neolithic sites across the Orkneys, with ongoing excavations uncovering even more historical treasures. Among these sites is the Ring of Brodgar, a collection of standing stones located on an isthmus between the sea loch of Stenness and the freshwater loch of Harray. Each of these ancient sites adds to the rich tapestry of history that makes Orkney a truly special place to visit.

Sumburgh is a quaint village located in the beautiful Shetland Islands of Scotland. Nestled at the southern tip of the Mainland on Sumburgh Head, this charming settlement is home to approximately 100 residents. One of the highlights of Sumburgh is Jarlshof, an ancient archaeological site located to the west of the village and next to Sumburgh Hotel. This historic landmark offers a glimpse into the rich history of the area, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.

Fair Isle, sometimes spelled as Fairisle, is the southernmost Shetland island, located approximately 38 km from the Shetland Mainland and about 43 km from North Ronaldsay. This archipelago is situated off the northernmost coast of Scotland, in the North Sea, about halfway between the Shetland and Orkney island. Fair Isle is a picturesque gem in the sea. Known for its birds, knitwear, and historic shipwrecks, the island offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere to all visitors. With a population of only around 70 people, Fair Isle is a truly stunning destination and boasts one of Britain’s most successful communities.

Take in the stunning views of the light turquoise water as it flows out to sea, with Sheep Rock towering over 100 meters, creating a majestic sight that is almost like its own miniature island.

Step back in time to the charming village of Bekkjarvik, a former fishing community that is now home to an inn fit for royalty. Surrounded by picturesque fjords and scenic islands, this historic town has been lovingly restored, preserving its nostalgic charm and rich sense of history. Located on the island of Selbjørn in the Austevoll archipelago, just 25 miles south of Bergen, Bekkjarvik offers stunning views and luxurious accommodations. The famous guesthouse, originally commissioned by King Christian IV of Denmark, has been welcoming travelers since the 17th century. Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri boasts immaculate white-timbered walls and offers refined gastronomic experiences featuring high-quality ingredients sourced from the region. Explore the archipelago further by cycling along scenic bridges, or simply relax and watch as boats gently glide through the waters. For hikers, a steep stone staircase leads to breathtaking panoramic views of the fjords and islands.

Discover the enchanting village of Rosendal, nestled among majestic mountains and picturesque waterfalls. With just 800 year-round residents, this hidden gem is a world of its own, secluded by towering peaks and the Folgefonna National Park. Explore soaring mountain peaks, winding fjords, impressive waterfalls, and the third largest glacier in Norway. Marvel at breathtaking glacier views and breathe in the freshest air imaginable. The village was gifted to Ludvig Holgersen Rosenkrantz’s daughter in 1658 as a wedding present. Rosenkrantz, the wealthiest man in the country at the time, owned over 500 farms in western Norway. The great manor house still stands, surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens added 300 years later. Step back in time as you wander through the house, a stunning blend of styles reflecting its illustrious owners. The oldest rooms retain their 19th-century decor, while the library remains a rare example of a 17th-century room in Norway, complete with original French tapestries from the 166s. Immerse yourself in local life by stopping at a tea shop for a traditional griddlecake, all while enjoying splendid waterfront views.

Located east of Stavanger, Lysefjord is the southernmost of Norway’s largest fjords. As the ship enters the narrow, 42-kilometer-long fjord between Forsand and Oanes, it will pass under Lysefjordbrua, the only bridge connecting the northern and southern sides. As your ship cruises through the fjord, you will be greeted by cliffs, waterfalls, and hardy trees reflecting in the calm waters. Although there are hardly any houses visible along the shore, as the farm area is limited and the cliffs are too steep, you will pass by two of Norway’s famous viewpoints. On the northern shore of Lysefjord, you will see the 604-meter vertical cliff of Preikestollen, while the southern shore showcases Kjerak, a mountain standing at 1,100 meters. Kjerak is home to the famous Kjerakbolten, a boulder wedged 894 meters above sea level in a mountain crevasse. Before reaching Kjerak and eventually the end at Lysebotn, you will pass an old hydroelectric plant at Florli. Today, its main attraction is climbing one of the longest wooden staircases in the world, comprising more than 4,400 steps running parallel to the tubes that once carried water down. Get ready to enjoy the breathtaking views, immerse yourself in the stunning nature, and experience the beauty of Lysefjord like never before.

During your sea day, spend time truly soaking in all that Silver Wind has to offer – savour gourmet cuisine at fine dining restaurants, and immerse yourself in enriching cultural activities like wine tastings and art auctions. Relax with onboard amenities such as a swimming pool and fitness centre, take in engaging lectures by experts, or just watch the horizon float by from the deck or your private balcony. This is the final full day of your cruise before disembarking in Copenhagen tomorrow morning.

This morning, Silver Wind will dock in Copenhagen, and your cruise will have come to an end. Your private transfer will take you from the port to your hotel where you have two nights accomodation included in your package, as well as plenty of time to explore this stunning city at your leisure. Effortlessly cool and down-to-earth, Copenhagen is a contemporary, clean, and classy highlight of Scandinavia. A city built to be liveable, Copenhagen has refused to compromise, resulting in a forward-thinking metropolis that is green and clean. Whether you choose to swim in the waters of Havnebadet Islands during summer or shelter from winter’s bite by snuggling beside a roaring open fire, Copenhagen offers something for every season.

The best way to explore Copenhagen is on two wheels. Easy bike hire schemes make it effortless to move across this flat city, designed with bikes in mind. Choose a model with electronic assistance to make your journey even easier, giving you the freedom to whizz around and discover the modern architecture of the city center and the charming colors of Nyhavn waterfront. Visit the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale – a strikingly restrained landmark that embodies Copenhagen’s unshowy, self-assured, and utterly irresistible charm. Visit cafes illuminated by the warm glow of hanging filament bulbs, and shelves filled with thick, dusty books. And don’t miss the Danish Smørrebrød sandwiches or perhaps indulge in a culinary journey with a taster menu at one of the city’s many Michelin-starred restaurants.

This morning you can check out of your hotel and your private transfer will take you to the airport for your return flight to Australia. Thinking of extending your stay and exploring more of Europe? Speak to our expert Travel Advisors about our flexible airfares and incredible European accommodation packages.