12-Night Edinburgh to Trondheim

Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, is dynamic, but small enough to walk almost anywhere. The streets are busy, narrow, and lined with towering buildings once described as, "a dream in masonry" by Edinburgh-born novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Edinburgh Castle has played an important role in the history of Scotland as both a royal residence and a military stronghold. It's really two cities: Old Town and New Town, where Old Town is the network of medieval streets south of the castle and New Town is everything on the other side. What unites both and all of Scotland is its whisky, part of the true Scottish experience, as is a toast with scotch, of which you can partake in at Leith's Kaleidoscope Bar and Dining Room on Queen Street.

Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, is dynamic, but small enough to walk almost anywhere. The streets are busy, narrow, and lined with towering buildings once described as, "a dream in masonry" by Edinburgh-born novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Edinburgh Castle has played an important role in the history of Scotland as both a royal residence and a military stronghold. It's really two cities: Old Town and New Town, where Old Town is the network of medieval streets south of the castle and New Town is everything on the other side. What unites both and all of Scotland is its whisky, part of the true Scottish experience, as is a toast with scotch, of which you can partake in at Leith's Kaleidoscope Bar and Dining Room on Queen Street.

When the sun shines on the Victorian buildings of Aberdeen, the facades sparkle with an allure that beckons you and other explorer spirits to discover its many charms. Once the world capital of granite (the reason for the buildings' sparkle), it has earned the nickname the Granite City. Amid old cottages and cobblestone streets, there are thousands of years of history to explore. Dive into the rich, seafaring past of the city at the Maritime Museum. The King’s College Chapel stuns with its awe-inspiring facade and stained-glass windows. Although renowned for its glittering silver hues and deep history, Aberdeen also offers bursts of color at Johnston Gardens, a collection of vibrant flowers like rhododendrons and ornate bridges. When you and your friends are ready for a respite, stop in at one of the local pubs for a bite and a pint, and maybe make new friends with some of the locals.

Within the Scottish Highlands on Thurso Bay sits the town of Scrabster, a destination that feels straight out of the past with the neo-Gothic Castle of Mey. But a sense of magic imbues it as well, and you and your fellow explorers will find that as you explore its plunging granite cliffs, lush moors and sandy shores. The views from Holburn Head Lighthouse look out over breathtaking cliffs of green as they roll into the sea. Discover the city's modern side with a bustling harbor of lively cafes, bars, restaurants and traditional shops. A short distance from Scrabster is the town of Wick, home to the 1826 Old Pulteney Distillery, the northernmost distillery in mainland Scotland. Gather with new friends and raise a glass to the grand Scottish tradition of whisky. Venture out to the nearby Caithness, a stunning locale with scattered farmlands, rivers and lochs.

In Lerwick, explore Stone Age ruins, heather-covered moors, and the rugged Scottish Highlands. With its dramatic cliffs, Grand Victorian houses, charming Shetland ponies and Nordic heritage, Lerwick will leave a lasting impression. Beginning in the town center, Commercial Street, or 'Da Street' as it's known, is the hub of Lerwick life. For a better understanding of the history of this strategic port city, look no further than Fort Charlotte, a fort that has served as accommodation to the town's bachelors and has also been a prison, coastguard station and armory. Expand your knowledge of the town's strong ties to Norway with a visit to The Shetland Museum and Archives, an extensive collection that encapsulates the fascinating story of Shetland's heritage and culture.

The 18 major islands making up the archipelago of the Faroe Islands lie between the Norwegian Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Iceland and Norway. Here, a mix of Nordic and Danish architecture amid lush, grass scenery creates a quaint image of a picturesque destination. Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands capital city, holds a competitive tradition and spirit of sporting events, including housing the largest football stadium in the district. But the city also contains an artsy energy with the annual Tórshavn Jazz Festival that takes place every August. Among the many natural treasures of the Faroe Islands is the Bøsdalafossur waterfall, a cascade that flows from the Sørvágsvatn/Leitissvatn lake into the Atlantic Ocean, creating a glassy surface amid the rugged cliffs of the falls

The 18 major islands making up the archipelago of the Faroe Islands lie between the Norwegian Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Iceland and Norway. Here, a mix of Nordic and Danish architecture amid lush, grass scenery creates a quaint image of a picturesque destination. Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands capital city, holds a competitive tradition and spirit of sporting events, including housing the largest football stadium in the district. But the city also contains an artsy energy with the annual Tórshavn Jazz Festival that takes place every August. Among the many natural treasures of the Faroe Islands is the Bøsdalafossur waterfall, a cascade that flows from the Sørvágsvatn/Leitissvatn lake into the Atlantic Ocean, creating a glassy surface amid the rugged cliffs of the falls

Within the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjorden lies the little gem of Gudvangen. Enter the Viking village of Njardarheim and discover your inner pioneer with possible opportunities to participate in exciting activities like archery and ax throwing. Set within the pristine environment of the fjords, Gudvangen offers plenty of chances for stimulating adventures like kayaking and standup paddleboarding. Or you could get the blood pumping with an energizing hike through Bakkanosi up to a lookout point that brings you rewarding vistas of the surrounding mountains and fjords. Explore the small villages that surround Gudvangen - Dyrdal, Styvi, Tufte and Bakka - making up the Nærøy community of Aurland.

Sitting on the island of Vagsoy, the village of Maloy contains striking beaches of silver sand and a longstanding history of fishing. As a major source of Norway's beloved seafood, it's here you will find local favorites such as crab-stuffed sandwiches, cod and chips and fish soup. Once you've fueled up on regional cuisine, venture out to the 10-foot-tall Kannesteinen rock. Its unique shape has been compared to a whale fluke or a blooming mushroom, but regardless of what you think it looks like, it leaves an impression. Gather your fellow history buffs for a visit to the Maloy Raid Center, where you will learn about the Allies' operation that led to a strategic World War II victory. The village's four lighthouses beckon you to discover stunning scenes, as they each overlook rugged cliffs that plunge into the sea. Steeped in legends of a Viking king, Maloy inspires the imagination and invites you to connect with a piece of the past.

Spread across three islands and ringed by dramatic mountains, Ålesund is imbued with whimsy and romance. Dressed elegantly in its signature Art Nouveau architecture, you can appreciate the turrets, spires and medieval ornaments that adorn the town. In a small park at the base of Mount Aksla, you'll find a picture-postcard view of Ålesund, the Art Nouveau city center and the surrounding alpine landscapes of Sunnmøre. If dramatic views are what you seek, Trollstigen Road is an exciting roadway through enormous mountains, offering amazing views of Norway. The ultimate adventure is Trollveggen, the Troll Wall, which is the highest perpendicular rock face in Europe.

Nestled in the picturesque Romsdalen valley, Åndalsnes is a scintillating haven that beckons explorers with a spirit for adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Step back in time and walk the charming streets where echoes of Viking sagas and medieval lore linger in the air. Discover the fascinating history at the Rauma Railway Museum, filled with stories of the iconic railway that's celebrated as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Stand in awe before the majestic Romsdalshorn and the Troll Wall, Europe's tallest vertical rock face, offering panoramic palettes of rugged peaks and verdant valleys. Traverse the legendary Romsdalseggen Ridge, a hike known for its breathtaking views that marry azure fjords with the grandeur of alpine terrains. Savor the taste of Norway with visits to local farms and bakeries, indulging in traditional cuisine and innovative dishes. Engage with skilled artisans to learn about traditional crafts and bring home a piece of Norwegian heritage.

Trondheim is one of the oldest of Norway's major cities. With wide streets that are largely pedestrian-friendly, it's a simply lovely city with a long history. Visit the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, the largest medieval building in Scandinavia. Kristiansten Fortress consists of a central square tower for cannons, which has come to be known as the Donjon, a relic filled with history for the curious to discover. Stiftsgarden Palace, the royal residence, is one of the largest wooden buildings in Northern Europe, offering an intriguing story to entice the mind. The publicly accessible garden around the east side is one of Trondheim's loveliest corners.