A = ship will be at anchor and landing will be via ship’s boats or zodiacs.

The early Norse warriors, explorers, merchants and pirates – or Vikings – travelled far and wide to colonise much of Europe between the eighth and eleventh centuries. Coastal parts of mainland Scotland, the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland came under early attack, which eventually led to the establishment of numerous Viking settlements. In addition to learning about the Viking legacy, archaeology and history of the areas we visit, we will also explore the natural beauty of these landscapes and their native wildlife.

Our first call will be to the National Nature Reserve of Rum, owned by Scottish Natural Heritage since 1957 and used as the base for reintroducing the sea eagle to Scotland. The island of Hoy is the second largest of the Orkney Islands is home a spectacular western coastline and the famous sea stac, the Old Man of Hoy. We will then continue north to Fair Isle, owned by the National Trust for Scotland and one of Britain’s most successful small communities. Our final call in Scotland will be to Unst, the most northerly inhabited island in Britain and one of the first British settlement sites for the Vikings.

After a day at sea we reach Norway and the small town of Bodø nestling just inside the Arctic Circle. Bodø proudly boasts the largest population of sea eagles in the world. Further within the Arctic Circle lie the beautiful Lofoten Islands, characterised by mountainous peaks, sheltered inlets and stretches of white sandy beaches. Brønnøysund is a pleasant town set amid an archipelago of islets and skerries, and is our third Norwegian port of call. The lively university city of Trondheim is our next port. The town was founded in ad 997 by Viking King Olav Tryggvason. The next day we come to Florø, an attractive town founded in 1860 as a herring port. The following morning we will awake at the head of the world’s second longest fjord, the Sognefjord, in the pretty little fjord village of Skjolden. Our last port is the charming city of Stavanger with its medieval cathedral, colourful market square, wonderfully preserved old town and excellent range of museums.

Lecturers

Dr Donna Heddle (Director of the new UHI Millennium Institute Centre for Nordic Studies), naturalist John Love (who managed the reintroduction of the sea eagle to Rum), Professor Roger Crofts (founding Chief Executive of SNH and National Trust for Scotland Board member) and Kenneth Steven (writer, broadcaster and poet).

Artistes

Our entertainment team will include Scottish mezzo-soprano Debra Stuart, champion accordionist Wayne Robertson, violinist Claire Telford from the Yehudi Menuhin School, acclaimed musical director, composer and producer David Munro, ‘Scotland the What?’ entertainer George Donald OBE and the Rhona Mackay Trio with their skilful blend of harp, flute and cello.

Prices (per person)

• Three-berth inside – £1,920
• Inside singles from – £3,350-£3,450
• Outside singles from - £4,040-£4,800
• Inside Twins/Doubles from - £2,770-£3,030
• Outside Twins/Doubles from - £3,520-£4,370
• Suites (single/double/twin) - £4,690-£5,480

5% early booking discount available for bookings made before 1 November 2009.