Scandinavian Discovery

Your voyage begins in the world’s northernmost city, Reykjavík, where you’ll be greeted at the airport and escorted to your 6-star ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Book an early flight to allow time to visit Reykjavik’s museums and see its street art before setting sail. Upon boarding, meet Scenic Eclipse’s world-class crew and raise a glass of champagne with fellow guests on the Observation Deck as you sail along the Icelandic coastline. Please book your flight to arrive into Reykjavik prior to 02:00 PM.

Allow your butler to bring you breakfast in bed after perusing the comprehensive 24-hour in suite dining menu. Alternatively, choose to savour it in the Yacht Club before spending the day getting to know your Discovery Yacht. Feel the excitement building as the Discovery Team explains how your Zodiac and optional helicopter^, submarine^, Scenic Freechoice and other Discovery Excursions will work in the coming days. Meet some of the experts who will share their passion and knowledge throughout your voyage, including leading historians, geologists, archaeologists and photographers. Weather permitting, we will visit the jewel of the Westfjords, the Dynjandi waterfall, led by expert guides with an on shore excursion or simply stay on board and view these beautiful falls from the luxury comfort of the observation deck as Scenic Eclipse manoeuvres close by. Scenic Eclipse, the World’s First Discovery Yachts use GPS Dynamic Positioning, which allows the ship to maintain position without the use of an anchor, protecting this sensitive ecosystem.

Today you can walk across the official Arctic Circle on Grimsey Island, about 40km off the north coast of Iceland. There are only around 100 people living in a small village by the harbour, but there’s also one million seabirds nesting in the island’s cliffs creating a seabird soundtrack for your day. Bird watchers can use the Swarovski telescopes on the Observation Lounge and Deck to take closer looks at the puffins, razorbills, black guillemot and other cliff nesting birds. While on board relax and rejuvenate with a treatment^ in the Senses Spa, where you can enjoy women’s and men’s infrared saunas, Gessi chromo-therapy showerheads that change colour for a multi-sensory experience, and lie back on the signature thermal lounges before we arrive in Akureyri for your overnight stay.

Iceland’s ‘capital of the North’ is the second largest settlement outside of Reykjavik but with only around 20,000 residents it still feels like a friendly town. Akureyri is a photogenic spot with colourful homes set on green hills at the base of a volcanic mountain chain. See the striking Akureyri Church, and stroll through one of the world’s most northerly botanic gardens.

Join the Captain on the bridge for the best vantage point as we sail into Seyðisfjörður, where the fjord and the town at its innermost corner share the same name. Considered the heart of culture, heritage and hospitality in East Iceland, the centre of town features colourful 19th century timber houses perched on the side of the lagoon and is home to a flourishing art scene. Keep an eye out for wandering reindeer along with seals and porpoises following the shore. This evening, savour new flavours and culinary experiences. With up to ten dining venues, including contemporary French fine dining at Lumière, steak and seafood at Elements, and sushi or Asian fusion at Koko’s, you can enjoy a new culinary journey every night.

Start your day with a class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates studio, where sessions include Aerial Yoga, TRX suspension training and Tibetan sound bowl healing, or work out in the fully equipped gym, where one-on-one fitness coaching sessions are available. We’ll arrive at Tórshavn around lunch time, so you’re free to leisurely enjoy the morning with a delicious breakfast after exercising. Named after Thor, the Norse god of weather, strength, and growth, Tórshavn is one of the world’s smallest capital cities and Europe’s least travelled destinations. Towering cliffs, craggy fjords and powerful waterfalls create a wild landscape better explored on a Discovery excursion led by the Discovery Team. Wander down cobbled alleyways between colourful buildings with grassy roofs and imagine life in Viking times.

Between Scotland and Norway, the Shetland Islands are the most northerly point of the British Isles, and Lerwick is the Shetland’s only town. The Lerwick waterfront is lined with sandstone buildings dating back to the 18th century and the sound of traditional Shetland music can often be heard as you walk through the twisting lanes of this harbour town. In Whisky Lane, the Lerwick Distillery creates a Shetland Single Malt Whisky. Try a dram in a local bar before returning to your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Continue your tasting experience on board as you indulge in over 100 varieties of aged whiskey at the Scenic Lounge Bar, including a 25-year-old Glendullan single malt.

The southernmost Shetland Island is home to only sixty people and is owned by the National Trust for Scotland. Norse settlers called the island Fridarey, which means Island of Peace, but it also has a history with Viking warlords in more turbulent times. The island is famous for its traditional crafts, including knitwear that is made by hand or with frames, and its abundant bird life. Join your expert Discovery Team on an excursion or in a lecture in our state-of-the-art theatre to learn more about why Fair Isle is such an important breeding ground for seabirds and the migratory species that stop here every year.

Take in the views along Sognefjord, the largest fjord in Norway, from Scenic Eclipse’s Observation Lounge or breathe in the fresh fjord air as you sit back in one of the cabanas. Known as the ‘King of the Fjords’, at its deepest, Sognefjord plunges more than 1,300 metres below you as glide between steep mountains on either side. One of Norway’s most popular destinations, the picturesque village of Flåm is where you can take one of the world’s most spectacular railway journeys. The 20km Flam Railway offers unobstructed views of the valley, as you gently wind through the steep mountains towards the town centre. For more incredible views take to the skies in one of our on board helicopters^.

The majestic fjord views continue today as you sail through the narrow part of the Nærøyfjorden to reach the Viking village Gudvangen. Situated at the end of the Nærøyfjorden, where the Nærøydalselvi river flows into the fjord, Gudvangen is home to a village where you can learn about Viking culture. As you sail through the UNESCO protected Nærøyfjorden, Scenic Eclipse’s GPS Dynamic Positioning will enable her to maintain location without dropping anchor. The fjord is also one of the best kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding opportunities of your voyage and a chance to quietly glide in a narrow fjord surrounded by steep mountains and beautiful waterfalls.

Today you’ll head to Norway’s second largest city, the Hanseatic fishing port of Bergen. Dating back to the 12th century, Bergen is surrounded by seven hills with colourful houses lining the harbour and is considered one of the prettiest cities in the country. It is here that you’ll bid farewell to Scenic Eclipse and begin your handcrafted land journey into Scandinavia. Check in to your Scenic Special Stay residence for the next two nights.

During the Middle Ages, Bergen was Norway’s major seaport as well as its capital, a proud legacy that can still be seen today. Today you will have the opportunity to explore the city and drive to Troldhaugen, the former home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s most celebrated composer and pianist. Freechoice: Mount Fløyen: Journey 320 metres up the funicular railway to Mount Fløyen for a spectacular view of the city and fjord. Fantoft Stave Church: Take the tram to explore the Fantoft Stave Church, an exquisite reconstruction of a 12th century church in a style that is unique to Norway.

Set off east today, driving towards the wildly beautiful Hardanger Fjord. Cross the Hardanger Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, before reaching the tiny fjord-side village of Lofthus, overlooking the majestic Folgefonna glacier. It’s known as the orchard of Hardanger and in spring the hillsides are covered in white blossoms, while in summer the trees are laden with fruit including the juiciest apples. Enjoy an overnight Special Stay complete with dramatic fjord views.

Drive through the majestic Hardangervidda, Europe’s highest mountain plateau, home to Norway’s largest herd of wild reindeer. Your destination is Oslo, the capital of Norway set on the country’s southern coast. A metropolitan hub surrounded by forests and fjords, Oslo is a modern and diverse city known for its excellent museums and dreamy green spaces. Check into your hotel for a two-night Special Stay.    Enrich Oslo Opera House: Be immersed in the architecture, technology and performances of Oslo’s Opera House on a private backstage tour. Admire rooftop views over a glass of wine.

From the eighth to the 11th centuries, the Vikings started their journey across Europe in search of land and trade. Discover their fascinating history and Norway’s nautical traditions during your visit to the Bygdoy Peninsula. Learn about modern seafaring at the Kon-Tiki Museum, dedicated to the epic sea voyages of Thor Heyerdahl, and delve into polar exploration at the Fram Museum, where you can step on board the legendary Fram Polar Ship. Sailing between 1893 and 1912, it is the strongest wooden ship ever built and still holds the records for sailing farthest north and farthest south. Enrich Munch Museum: Join an art specialist to explore one of the most comprehensive one-man museums in the world, home to over half of Edvard Munch’s paintings, including ‘The Scream’.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the trendy Swedish capital, Stockholm. Built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges and looking proudly out onto the Baltic Sea, Stockholm is said to be one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world. Stockholm is famous for its graceful architecture, greenery, fresh air and proximity to the water. Learn more about this captivating city as you spend the next two nights at your Special Stay hotel.

Your local guide will unveil the city’s most treasured sites today. Discover the City Hall, one of Sweden’s most famous buildings with its iconic spire featuring the golden Three Crowns, as well as Riddarholm Church and the Royal Palace. Then, visit the Vasa Ship Museum on the island of Djurgården, where the 17th century warship Vasa is now housed after it tragically sank on its inaugural voyage in 1628. This evening, enjoy a dinner featuring Swedish cuisine with European influences in a stunning setting.

Welcome to Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. Your exploration begins with a two-night Special Stay. Learn its intriguing history, from humble origins as a fishing village, to its heyday as the glittering capital of the Danish Empire and its current position as one of the world’s premier design capitals. The stories and characters of Copenhagen’s past can be discovered in its sumptuous palaces, copper-roofed town houses and atmospheric cobbled squares. Soak up the atmosphere of this modern and diverse city.

This morning, tour the wonderful Rosenborg Castle, an elegant Renaissance castle built as a country summerhouse in 1606. Rosenborg Castle features 400 years of magnificence, royal art treasures, the Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia. You will also get to see the delightful courtyard of Amalienborg Palace, home to Queen Mary and the Danish Royal Family.  Freechoice: Canal cruise: See the city’s many attractions on a cruise along the famed canals, including Christiansborg Palace, the impressive Black Diamond Library and the Little Mermaid statue. Tivoli Gardens: Be charmed by the Tivoli Gardens, a glorious public garden and amusement park that has been drawing visitors since the 19th century.    This evening you will savour every morsel at your welcome dinner at one of Copenhagen’s finest restaurants.

Your journey finishes today in Copenhagen. Bid a fond farewell to your Tour Director and fellow travellers, taking many wonderful memories with you. #Scenic Eclipse spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board Scenic Eclipse, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. ^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions.   The itinerary on this page is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.