An Extended Journey of Scottish Charm, Icelandic Calm & English Attractions

Itinerary

1. Day 1 , Copenhagen, Denmark 2028-08-27 Departure 20:00
   Rejoice in one of the happiest and most vibrant capital cities in the world. Relax like a local alongside joyful Danes and varied culture; the Gefion Fountain, the Little Mermaid statue, Old Citadel, the Amalien Palace with four Rococo buildings, medieval history, charming fishing villages, leading examples of sustainable living and - of course - flaky Danish pastries. Cycling is the preferred way to shuttle across town and it’s well worth the pedal to enjoy the trendy, cosy neighbourhood of Norrebro, Christiansborg Palace and the waterfront home of Christian Andersen. Genuine, vibrant and welcoming... rather like the smiles of those that live here.
2. Day 2 , Lysekil, Sweden 2028-08-28 Arrival 08:00 Departure 18:00

   Once a quasi-pirate lair, quaint Lysekil awaits nestled amongst a leeward network of inlets and fjords on Sweden’s wild western shore. Today, this fanciful fishing village begets a civilised sanctuary of sustainable culinary, wellness, and natural riches to explore. Set off on an oyster safari, wend through an organic vineyard, take a traditional “fika” break of coffee, tea and biscuits. Plunge into cold waters of Gullmaren then warm up in wood-fired sauna or climb red bohus granite formations at Stångehuvud Nature Reserve. Touch starfish and urchins at Havets Hus Saltwater Aquarium or stroll through its tunnel that teases with views of sharks and octopuses. Find peace beneath the rose window of the hand-honed granite Church or imagine yourself as a well-heeled Swedish socialite frequenting the burnt-orange Curman Villas.

3. Day 3 , Oslo, Norway 2028-08-29 Arrival 08:00 Departure 21:00
   Not many cities are greener – in habitat or sustainability - than Oslo. With over half Norway’s capital city being covered by forests and parks, it’s only natural that the fjord creeps into the city centre. Nature aside, there’s so much more to explore; music, museums, opera, the Vigeland Sculpture Park and one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. Learn about the works of Edvard Munch and the importance of climate change or attend a private aquavit tasting and the Royal Palace. Embark on an aquatic safari, boat jaunt or bike tour. Then consider concluding your day with a classic finish – plunge fjord deep in for some stimulating cold-water therapy. They say these organic city waters are as clean as they are unique.
4. Day 4 , Mandal, Norway 2028-08-30 Arrival 09:00 Departure 17:00
   The ‘summer city’ of Mandal welcomes us to its sunny beachfront and lovely harbour for an afternoon of history, architecture, and fresh fare from the ocean. Stroll along an 800km stretch of golden Sjøsanden Beach, explore the city's pier, venture into the archipelago, visit museums, or find peace in Norway’s largest wooden church. Established by King Eric of Pomerania as a major salmon trading station, Mandal has morphed into one of the prettiest harbours lined by whitewashed houses. Descend to the Lindesnes lighthouse to find small lakes and coves dotted with isolated islands. Tour the birthplace of Gustav Vigeland, one of Norway's greatest artists, where his quest for spirituality began.
5. Day 5 , Hamburg, Germany 2028-08-31 Arrival 19:00
   Known as the gateway to the world and bearing the most bridges, immerse yourself with Hamburgers to the sound of canals and cuisine, architecture and music. Prepare to be submerged in culture; from affluent villas to modest Almshouses, the last castle, an inner-city lake, a floating landing platform, the neo-Renaissance Town hall, an industrial underground tunnel and baroque masterpiece, St Nicholas Church. Wander to the solid brick warehouse district of UNESCO Hafen City; touch the shining wave of glass of the futuristic Elbphilharmonie, listen to crystal clear acoustics that pair with Sydney’s Opera House and enjoy views of the River Elbe. Hamburg offers unique, memorable entertainment - for all your senses.
6. Day 6 , Hamburg, Germany 2028-09-01 Departure 23:00
   Known as the gateway to the world and bearing the most bridges, immerse yourself with Hamburgers to the sound of canals and cuisine, architecture and music. Prepare to be submerged in culture; from affluent villas to modest Almshouses, the last castle, an inner-city lake, a floating landing platform, the neo-Renaissance Town hall, an industrial underground tunnel and baroque masterpiece, St Nicholas Church. Wander to the solid brick warehouse district of UNESCO Hafen City; touch the shining wave of glass of the futuristic Elbphilharmonie, listen to crystal clear acoustics that pair with Sydney’s Opera House and enjoy views of the River Elbe. Hamburg offers unique, memorable entertainment - for all your senses.
7. Day 7 , Time at Sea 2028-09-02
   With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.
8. Day 8 , Southampton, United Kingdom 2028-09-03 Arrival 07:00 Departure 18:00
   Sail into this vibrant quay with enough shops and entertainment to form its own village. Modern and lively, this coastal town bustles with waterfront restaurants, heritage charm, bars, cinemas and offers great access to other spots in the South of England. Sit back and drift through heavenly countryside to ancient Stonehenge, see if the King is at home in Windsor, learn secrets from the Bombay Sapphire gin distillery or slip up to London for some rich British culture. Then enjoy a cup of tea as you reflect on formal traditions, perfect your cockney accent and recall England’s green and pleasant lands.
9. Day 9 , Time at Sea 2028-09-04
   With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.
10. Day 10 , Oban, United Kingdom 2028-09-05 Arrival 09:00 Departure 19:00

    Buffered by the Atlantic currents of the Firth of Lorn, life in Oban revolves around the sea. Maritime heritage is strong in this Victorian harbour, where you’ll feast on fresh seafood, shop for local crafts and taste a dram of Scotland’s finest at Oban Distillery. The granite arches of McCaig’s Folly reveal views of the distant Hebridean archipelago. Follow fishing boats to the Isle of Mull and taste the sea air atop the ramparts of Duart Castle, or head inland to Loch Fyne and the ancestral lands of Inveraray Castle. 

11. Day 11 , Stornoway (Isle of Lewis), United Kingdom 2028-09-06 Arrival 08:00 Departure 16:00
    Head to a far-off land in the Outer Hebrides, where unique culture awaits you at one of Britain’s best kept secrets. Spot seals and whales from breathtaking beaches and dramatic headlands that fringe miles of peat-covered moorland. Visit Lews Castle, the prehistoric Standing Stones at Callandish, learn the art of weaving or crofting and enjoy peat-smoked scallops or battered fish and chips. And as you admire your new hand-woven Harris tweed jacket, bid farewell to authentic Gaelic values, and the fabulously iconic long-haired cattle.
12. Day 12 , Time at Sea 2028-09-07
    With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.
13. Day 13 , Akureyri, Iceland 2028-09-08 Arrival 09:00 Departure 19:00
    Quiet and unassuming, this charming town offers an abundance of authentic experiences. Located along one of the region’s largest fjords, discover museums, galleries, the northernmost botanical garden and nearly- northernmost golf course. Take to the skies for the ultimate view or watch the scenery unfold as you raft down a glacial canyon. Sink into a beer bath, ride Icelandic horses or visit the waterfall of Gods. Something of a bathing mecca, refresh in the town’s geothermal swimming pool, soak up hot spring minerals within My’vatn Nature Baths and encounter incredible views as you let the warm sea work miracles at the restorative GeoSea baths. Wellbeing personified.
14. Day 14 , Ísafjörður, Iceland 2028-09-09 Arrival 09:00 Departure 19:00
    Feel free within the peaceful, beautiful countryside that surrounds a handful of tin-roofed towns. Roam the wild Westfjords territory; whale watch, bird watch, kayak, horseback ride, hike, cycle or play golf – the options are endless. Learn of maritime heritage at the Westfjords Museum, travel by boat to the remote Hornstrandir peninsula, visit friendly fishing villages, spot Arctic foxes and experience life as a Viking at Skalinn Viking Centre. Small and unspoilt, Isafjordur exhibits a largely uninhabited Icelandic wonderland.
15. Day 15 , Reykjavik, Iceland 2028-09-10 Arrival 09:00 Departure 21:00
    Feel the magnetic lure of adventure at the world’s northernmost capital. Mystical landscapes promise dramatic snow-capped volcanoes, ice fields and mountains for thrilling quests; explore by helicopter, ride Icelandic horses, zip through lava tunnels on super trucks and rocket across glaciers on snow scooters. Then slow down to visit a geothermal-fired bakery and greenhouse, soak in wellbeing springs, the blue lagoon or refresh at the nearby face mask bar. And as the nightlife beckons under the sun that barely sets, drink black death schnapps as a poetic reminder of Reykjavik’s exhilarating activities.
16. Day 16 , Reykjavik, Iceland 2028-09-11 Arrival 08:00
    Feel the magnetic lure of adventure at the world’s northernmost capital. Mystical landscapes promise dramatic snow-capped volcanoes, ice fields and mountains for thrilling quests; explore by helicopter, ride Icelandic horses, zip through lava tunnels on super trucks and rocket across glaciers on snow scooters. Then slow down to visit a geothermal-fired bakery and greenhouse, soak in wellbeing springs, the blue lagoon or refresh at the nearby face mask bar. And as the nightlife beckons under the sun that barely sets, drink black death schnapps as a poetic reminder of Reykjavik’s exhilarating activities.