Scandinavian Discovery: From Copenhagen to Lisbon

Welcome to Copenhagen. Your wondrous journey begins with a two-night Special Stay in the capital of Denmark. The city has humble origins as a fishing village but went on to become the glittering capital of the Danish Empire. Today Copenhagen is one of the world’s premier design capitals and is a brilliant mix of the historic and modern. The cityscape comprises sumptuous palaces, copper-roofed town houses and atmospheric cobbled squares. The harbour is at its heart and is a popular place for putting about on boats and kayaks, swimming, and even boasts floating bars and hotels.

This morning, tour Rosenborg Castle, an elegant Renaissance castle built as a country summerhouse in 1606. Rosenborg Castle houses some of the Denmark’s greatest cultural treasures spanning 400 years, including royal art, 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. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Copenhagen’s finest restaurants.   Freechoice: Take a cruise to see the city’s many attractions including Christiansborg Palace, the impressive Black Diamond library and the Little Mermaid sculpture, while gliding along the canals. Alternatively, visit the Tivoli Gardens, an enchanting amusement park that has been operating since 1843.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the trendy Swedish capital, Stockholm. Stretching for 80 kilometres to the Baltic Sea, the Stockholm archipelago comprises some 30,000 islands. Built on 14 islands, the city is connected by 57 bridges and is considered one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world. It’s also a creative city, fostering innovations in music, design, fashion and technology. Spend the next two nights at your Special Stay hotel.

Take a city tour with a local guide to discover City Hall, one of Sweden’s most famous buildings whose spire features the golden Three Crowns. You’ll also see the Riddarholm Church and the Royal Palace. Then, visit the Vasa Ship Museum located on the island of Djurgården, where the 17th-century warship ‘Vasa’ is now housed after it tragically capsized and sank on its inaugural voyage in 1628.   This evening, enjoy a dinner featuring Swedish cuisine with European influences in a stunning setting.

Take a short flight to Oslo, the capital of Norway. The Norwegian capital is the smallest in Scandinavia but packs a punch when it comes to cultural and nature-based experiences. Awarded the title of European Green Capital in 2019, half of Oslo is covered in forest and parks and its cityscape is a melange of historical buildings and cutting-edge architecture.   Enrich Immerse yourself in the architecture, stage technology, opera and ballet at Oslo’s Opera House on a private backstage tour with a specialist guide. Breathe in the beautiful views from the rooftop and enjoy a glass of wine.

From the 8th to the 11th century, the Vikings journeyed across Europe, looking for land and trade. Discover this amazing history on the Bygdoy Peninsula, home to three famous museums honouring the rich nautical heritage of the Norse race. Visit the Viking Ship Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum and the Fram polar ship. Fram is the strongest wooden ship ever built and still holds the records for sailing the farthest north and farthest south. Step on board the ship and see how the crew managed to survive in the coldest and most dangerous places on Earth – the Arctic and the Antarctic.  Enrich Enhance your art knowledge with an art specialist at the Munch Museum. Explore one of the most comprehensive one-man museums in the world, home to more than half of Munch’s paintings, including ‘The Scream’.

Drive through the majestic Hardangervidda National Park, the country’s largest national park and Europe’s highest mountain plateau. This vast Arctic wilderness also claims Norway’s largest herd of wild reindeer.   Arrive Lofthus, known as the orchard of Hardanger region for its many fruit trees. The town is a hub for cider production and hosts an annual cherry festival. It also has a scenic position overlooking the majestic Folgefonna glacier, the country’s third largest. Your overnight Special Stay is complete with awe-inspiring fjord views.

Leave Lofthus and journey to Bergen, a Hanseatic fishing port that dates to the 12th century. Bergen is now Norway’s second largest city, however it possesses the charm and warmth of a small town. Surrounded by seven hills that are dotted with colourful houses, the city coined ‘Heart of the Fjords’ is considered one of the prettiest in the country.

During the Middle Ages, Bergen was Norway’s major seaport, as well as its capital, a legacy that can still be seen today. You will have the opportunity to wander through Bergen’s narrow and steep cobblestoned laneways, and its World Heritage-listed wharf Bryggen. Afterwards, drive to Troldhaugen, the former home of Edvard Grieg, Norway’s most celebrated composer and pianist. Freechoice: Journey 320 metres up the funicular railway to Mount Fløyen for a spectacular view of the city and fjord. Alternatively, take the tram to Fantoft Stave Church. The old church burned down in 1992 but was painstakingly reconstructed to reflect a style unique to Norway.

This morning your handcrafted land journey will end in Bergen, but your discovery will continue on board Scenic Eclipse II. This afternoon, you’ll meet the Captain and crew of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Be welcomed on board with a glass of Champagne and explore your spacious suite. Meet your fellow guests for a drink at the Sky Bar and toast to the start of an unforgettable journey as you set sail into the largest fjord in Norway, Sognefjord.

Nestled on Norways southwestern coast, the ancient city of Stavanger boasts a rich Viking heritage. Dating back to the 9th century, it’s often referred to as the ‘Cradle of the Vikings’. Stavanger is a compact city that’s easy to explore on foot – stroll past the well-preserved white wooden houses of the old town and along Øvre Holmegate, known as the ‘street of colours’. Learn more about the citys fascinating past and seafaring legacy at the Stavanger Maritime Museum, housed in a historic wharf side warehouse. Stavanger is also renowned for its culinary scene, with a bustling fish market offering fresh seafood delights.

After a restorative night of rest in your luxury suite, today is yours to spend exactly as you wish. Explore the indulgent spaces on board Scenic Eclipse II, like the temperature-controlled Vitality Pool or the Observation Lounge, with its commanding view from the bow. At lunchtime, head to Azure Bar & Café for delicious light meals and all-inclusive beverages.   At night, enjoy a performance in the state-of-the-art theatre before you retreat to your ultra-luxury suite. Alternatively, choose to dine in the comfort of your suite and have your evening nightcap brought by the butler.

Sitting at the mouth of the North Sea Canal, IJmuiden is the gateway to the Dutch Low Lands and the city of Amsterdam. Disembark early this morning and it’s just a short transfer to the vibrant culture and iconic attractions of the Dutch capital. Explore the Golden Age canals lined with gabled houses, visit the many cafes and vintage stores, or join the locals and explore by bicycle. In the surrounding countryside, you can see historic windmills and bustling markets, or immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nearby nature reserves and scenic waterways.

Stand on your private verandah this morning so you can see the full grandeur of the White Cliffs of Dover as you arrive in port. Discover more than 2,000 years of history in the city, from the imposing 11th century Dover Castle to extensive wartime fortifications.  Nearby, there’s a wealth of historic sites and natural beauty to explore. Delve into the medieval charm of Canterbury, home to the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, a World Heritage-listed site. Visit the enchanting Leeds Castle, often referred to as the ‘loveliest castle in the world’ for its stunning gardens and picturesque setting.

Nestled on the Normandy Coast, where the Seine River meets the English Channel, Honfleur’s harbour is considered one of the prettiest in France. Admire the charming waterfront lined with colourful buildings dating back to the 17th century and now housing quaint boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The town was the birthplace of Impressionism and you can wander the streets once graced by artists like Claude Monet and Eugene Boudin, who captured its beauty on canvas. Explore the Museum Eugene Boudin to immerse yourself in their masterpieces and those of their contemporaries Scenic Eclipse II will be docked here overnight, so you may like to visit one of the charming wine bars that line the waterfront after dinner in one of the up to 10 world-class dining experiences on board Scenic Eclipse II.

On your second day in Honfleur, take in some of the attractions outside of the city, which will immerse you in the region’s rich heritage. Honfleur is the gateway to iconic destinations like Paris, Rouen and Giverny, as well as the D-Day Landing beaches of Normandy. These hallowed sites are a poignant reminder of the impact of WWII, even more than 50 years after the conflict. Tonight, settle in at the spacious Scenic Lounge Bar to enjoy your beverage of choice, whether it be aged whiskey—there are over 130 varieties—or a glass of wine, while reflecting on the days discoveries.

Sitting just off the coast of France, Guernsey is one of the Channel Islands and has its own unique blend of British and French cultures. Explore the cobblestone streets of the capital, St Peter Port, lined with Georgian and Regency architecture and adorned with vibrant floral displays. Dive into the islands maritime legacy at the Guernsey Museum and Aquarium, showcasing shipwrecks and marine life. Ascend to the medieval Castle Cornet, perched on a rocky outcrop, offering panoramic views of the harbour and beyond. Dont miss the charming Hauteville House, once home to French writer Victor Hugo, or the tranquil Candie Gardens, a botanical haven.

After a busy few days of shore excursions, some relaxation may be just what you crave. Visit the fitness centre for a Pilates class, some guided stretching or aerial yoga, then treat yourself to a massage# at the expansive Senses Spa. In the afternoon, relax in one of the oceanfront cabanas on the Sky Deck with your favourite cocktail in hand. Tonight could be the night you meet your new friends at Sushi @ Koko’s for dinner. Enjoy entertainment in the state-of-the-art theatre and unwind with a nightcap at the Scenic Lounge Bar.

Villagarcia de Arousa, on the stunning Galician coast of northwestern Spain, is a charming town that offers a delightful blend of traditional Galician culture and picturesque coastal scenery. It also serves as a gateway to the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. Follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims over the centuries and embark on a journey to this World Heritage-listed site, exploring its majestic cathedral and medieval streets.

One of Portugal’s largest seaports, Leixões is just 8km from the heart of Porto. Located on the Douro River estuary, it’s the commercial centre of northern Portugal and a World Heritage-listed city of baroque splendour. It dates back to pre-Roman times and is the source of both the name Portugal and the famed port wine. Stroll through the winding alleys, admire the grand gothic and baroque architecture, see the public street art, greet the friendly locals, hear the rickety tram, and feel the breeze of the Atlantic.

Welcome to Lisbon, the colourful capital of Portugal and a city with a proud history of seafaring dating back more than 600 years. Your journey into wonder ends here after one last sumptuous breakfast on board the ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse II. Farewell the crew and your new friends as you depart, taking with you memories of an unforgettable journey. Please book your flight to depart out of Lisbon after 12:00 PM. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. #Spa treatments at additional cost.  Please note the itinerary is a guide and may be subject to changes for operational reasons. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.