British Isles Explorer
Snapshot
- 15 days
- Cruise Holiday
- Package Holiday
- Bergen to London (Tilbury) or vice versa
- Multiple departures
From
$12,095*
per person twin share
BOOK NOW
Overview
VIKING VOYAGE
The Viking difference
We travel to explore, to learn, to understand. We believe travel should be more than just a trip—it should be a doorway to cultural insight and personal enrichment. That’s why Viking's intimate, inclusive cruise itineraries are designed to help you explore nuances of your destination; its food, culture, people and customs.
Reinventing Ocean Cruising
Viking launched Viking Ocean Cruises to reinvent the category. And it didn’t take long for them to rise to the top. If you prefer an elegant, serene ship ambiance, more time in each port and an inclusive experience complete with exquisite dining and thoughtfully curated shore excursions, the world’s best ocean cruise line was created for you.
Small Ship Experts
On a Viking ship, you will sail into the heart of your destination, so you can explore up close and in depth. The size of their vessels—with just 930 guests—gives them greater maneuverability, allowing them to dock where the mega-liners cannot, giving you more access to your destination and more time to explore. From their prime, central berths in the world’s great cities and seldom-visited ports, enriching discoveries are just a short walk from your ship.
Serene Scandinavian Spaces
Expand your horizons on Vikings elegant, intimate ships, designed by experienced nautical architects and exclusive hotel designers to help you connect with your destination in every way. Their vessels are designed down to the most minute detail—from the serene Wintergarden, perfect for a calming cup of tea; to our Scandinavian-inspired Spa, a Nordic sanctuary of wellness; to the Explorers’ Lounge, where you can share your latest adventures with fellow travelers. The perfect retreat to relax and begin your day refreshed, each well-appointed stateroom is an open and airy sanctuary with a sweeping view of your destination.
Destination Focused Dining
Whatever your tastes, Viking believes dining is an important part of your journey. That’s why they celebrate dining both on shore and onboard. Their ocean vessels put the spotlight on fine dining in The Restaurant, which serves three full meals and the widest selection of culinary options. Alernative restaurants, the World Café, The Chef’s Table and Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, serve always available American classics and regional specialties—so you have choices, not just in food selection but where and how you enjoy them.
Inclusions
More features, services and excursions included
- One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
- Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
- Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
- 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
- Port taxes & fees
- Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase
- Visits to UNESCO Sites
- Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
- Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.
- Self-service launderettes
- Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge
- 24-hour room service
- Onboard gratuities
Your Stateroom Includes:
- King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen
- 42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand
- Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer
- Premium Freyja® toiletries
- Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service
- Security safe
- 110/220 volt outlets
- Ample USB ports
Itinerary
Day 1: Bergen, Norway
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Bergen is home to the Hanseatic League’s only kontor (trading enclave) still in existence. Bryggen wharf, a row of timbered Hanseatic warehouses along a quaint quay, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow wooden walkways are flanked by parallel rows of small, vibrantly painted buildings overlooking the picturesque Vågen Harbor. This is perhaps the most charming district of Bergen and a delight to explore, from its tight-knit community of workshops where artisans sell their wares to its cafés where freshly prepared smørbrød, or open-faced sandwiches, are on the menu.
Day 2: Bergen, Norway
Bergen, an ancient city with deep Viking roots, is located in the heart of western Norway, nestled between seven gargantuan mountain peaks. It is also the gateway to the country’s magnificent fjords, including the Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord. Founded in 1070 on what was a Viking settlement, Bergen was Norway’s capital during the 13th century; today, it is the second-largest city in Norway. Not to be missed is a stroll through the picturesque outdoor fish market, Fisketorget, where the fresh catch of the sea awaits—from cod and prawns to local caviar and icy oysters.
Day 3: Shetland Islands (Lerwick), Scotland
The Shetland Islands are characterized by cultural traditions and dramatic landscapes. An incredibly scenic land, this archipelago is one of Scotland’s most remote island outposts. Lerwick is a gateway to some of the Shetland Islands’ most beloved residents—the Shetland pony. These diminutive equines can grow up to 46 inches in height and are distinguished by their short, shiny coat in the summer, and thick double coat in the winter, with a long mane and tail. These delightful ponies can be seen grazing and roaming freely throughout the archipelago.
Day 4: The Highlands (Invergordon), Scotland
Invergordon lies in the mountainous, heather-covered Scottish Highlands amid a patchwork of farmland. The small community celebrates itself with a series of stunning murals painted by local artists; a walking trail leads visitors to them all, passing colorful window flowerboxes along the way. Whisky is another mainstay here, produced in a local grain distillery. This charming port is the gateway to a breathtaking region that provides a fascinating glimpse into the days of warring clans, and into the legend of “Nessie,” the fabled monster of Loch Ness.
Day 5: Edinburgh (New Haven Harbour), Scotland
Edinburgh has been Scotland’s capital since the 15th century, despite the fact that the Union of the Crowns moved it to London in 1603. There is no capital quite like Edinburgh, with its gorgeous setting on green rocky hillocks and splendid views of the sea. Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels and countless medieval treasures, overlooks the city from Castle Rock. The Royal Mile unfurls Edinburgh’s architectural gems in all their finery, from the Canongate to St. Giles’s Cathedral to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish residence of British royalty.
Day 6: Orkney Islands (Kirkwall), Scotland
The history of the Scottish Orkney Islands dates back millennia. Neolithic remains, including the ancient site of Brodgar, predate Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. The 13th-century Norse Orkneyinga Saga told of Vikings who ruled here. Later, the earls took over, and the French Renaissance palace that remains is a legacy to their grandeur. Another castle, Balfour, stands regally in a stark landscape. While the northern Europeans greatly influenced this hauntingly beautiful archipelago, consider the Italian Chapel, built by the hands of Italian prisoners during wartime.
Day 7: The Highlands (Ullapool), Scotland
Ullapool enjoys one of the most remote settings in the United Kingdom on the pristine shores of Loch Broom. This tiny town, dotted with distinctive New Zealand cabbage trees, is the largest community for miles surrounded by the stunningly scenic Western Isles, dramatic mountain peaks piercing the sky and unspoiled wilderness. Ullapool’s beauty lies in its tranquility. A launchpad for ferries to the stunning Western Isles, this former herring port village is also a popular gateway for walkers, adventurers and nature lovers.
Day 8: Belfast, Northern Ireland
A major port heralded for its shipbuilding heritage, Belfast has undergone a cultural and architectural renaissance unrivaled in the rest of Europe. The influence of Britain is everywhere in this polished capital of Northern Ireland. Some of its most striking buildings exude Victorian flair and cosmopolitan elegance amid its famous Irish charm. Along the Golden Mile, high-end boutiques are reminiscent of those found in Paris, and the opulent Grand Opera House stands as a hub of Belfast culture.
Day 9: Liverpool, England
Liverpool is celebrated as the “World Capital of Pop;” 56 musicians born and bred here have had #1 singles. Most notably, the legendary Beatles—John, Paul, George and Ringo—hailed from this port city. But it is more than music that has put Liverpool on England’s cultural map. Long an important center for maritime commerce, its storied waterfront is home to many buildings of historic, architectural and cultural significance, including a spectacular trio of palatial, early 20th-century buildings known as the “Three Graces,” and the revitalized Royal Albert Dock.
Day 10: Holyhead, Wales
Holyhead is a cozy coastal enclave on the isle of Anglesey off the northwestern tip of Wales. This region boasts the greatest concentration of ancient burial chambers and standing stones in Britain. Holyhead is contained within one of the few three-walled Roman forts in Europe, protected on the fourth side by the sea. The historic St. Cybi’s Church lies at the fortress’s center and the excellent Maritime Museum chronicles local seafaring history. Locals are as likely to speak Welsh as English; almost two-thirds of the youth speak this fascinating tongue.
Day 11: Dublin (Dún Laoghaire), Ireland
Dún Laoghaire is a suburb of Dublin, Ireland’s UNESCO City of Literature. Famed as the birthplace of many of Ireland’s finest writers, from James Joyce and Oscar Wilde to Samuel Beckett, Dublin and its people have long celebrated the written word. The library of Trinity College is the hallowed home of the inspiring 9th-century illuminated Book of Kells, yet there is much more to explore. From the soaring St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the nation’s spiritual touchstone, to Dublin Castle, the city is a vibrant hub of cultural gems.
Day 12: Scenic Sailing: English Channel
About 350 miles long, the English Channel separates southern England from northern France. William the Conqueror crossed these waters to become king of England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The most triumphant crossing unfolded on D-Day, when Allied troops landed on Normandy’s shores. The channel’s narrowest point stretches about 20 miles between Dover and Calais. Dover’s famed cliffs can be seen from a distance as a long white strip resting on the horizon.
Day 13: Dover, England
Most famously known for its dramatic white-chalk towering cliffs, Dover is the nearest city to France across the English Channel. Its strategic location as a doorway into England has earned it the moniker “Key to England.” As the port was under constant threat because of its location, the massive Dover Castle overlooking the channel grew over the centuries to become the nation’s largest edifice and remains so today. Dover also served as a bastion and command center during World War II.
Day 14: London (Greenwich), England
Greenwich, a borough of London, is home to the Royal Observatory. From here, the world’s longitude is measured from the prime meridian, and Greenwich Mean Time sets the global time standard. At the port, the clipper ship Cutty Sark, one of Greenwich’s renowned historic landmarks, is preserved as a fascinating museum. Upriver, London is home to Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. In addition, this major economic and cultural hub boasts a long tradition of arts and architectural innovation—from Shakespeare’s Globe Theater to West End musicals.
Day 15: London (Greenwich), England
After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.
Pricing
Departs | Deluxe Veranda | Penthouse Veranda |
---|---|---|
31 March 2026 | $12,095pp* | $13,495pp* |
More departure dates available.
*Pricing is per person twin share correct as at 17 October 2024.
* Term and conditions apply:
All pricing subject to change and availability.
Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change.
Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies.
Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.