Day One - Dublin, IRELAND
The city of Dublin features atmospheric cobblestone streets, where buskers play fiddles and inviting pubs beckon passersby inside. Bursting with energy and a zest for life, Ireland's capital is one of the most welcoming cities you'll encounter. Horse-drawn carriages leisurely navigate the centuries-old cobbled paths, harmonising with a laid-back, cosmopolitan vibe. Renowned for its lively pub scene, any occasion is a good reason to raise a glass and enjoy conversations with good company. Perhaps home to the world's most famous brew, you can savour the perfect pour of thick, dark Guinness, crafted for the city's eager patrons. Discover the humble pint's journey at the Guinness Storehouse. Since the Vikings established a trading port here in the 9th century, Dublin has evolved significantly. The city became the British Empire's unofficial second city, and its Georgian architecture adds a wealth of historical charm. Explore the legacy of the 1916 Easter Uprising, when the Irish fought for their independence, by visiting the somber Kilmainham Gaol, where the uprising's leaders were tried and executed. The towering St. Patrick's Cathedral, dating back to 1191, holds immense historical significance. Additionally, Dublin boasts a rich literary heritage, brought to life in James Joyce's classic, Ulysses. The Museum of Literature honours the city's wide-ranging literary talents, while Trinity College showcases its prestigious alumni, including the stunningly illustrated Book of Kells from the medieval era.
Day Two - Lunga, UNITED KINGDOM
The breathtaking Isle of Lunga stands as the largest island in the Treshnish archipelago. Originating from volcanic activity, the island was once inhabited until the 19th century, and remnants of black houses can still be spotted around this coastal gem. Today, the area is primarily home to lush plant life and a variety of exotic birds. Lucky visitors can admire the stunning collection of birds, particularly the magnificent puffins that nest on the island’s plateau. One can sit just a few feet away without disrupting the serene presence of these feathered ambassadors. Spanning 81 hectares, the island is also a sanctuary for many rare and endangered plants, including primroses and orchids. From the 300-foot-high cliffs, visitors are treated to spectacular views of the landscape and the ocean beyond.
Included Shore Excursions
Zodiac Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
Hiking with Silversea Expedition team
Kayaking with Silversea Expedition team
Day Three - Shiant Islands, Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM
During the spring and summer months, the skies around the Shiant Islands come alive with seabirds. Many long-winged birds gracefully wheel and soar, while others, more suited for diving, fly in straight lines, flapping their short wings and resembling flying potatoes. Some seabirds nest in burrows, while others, such as Black-legged Kittiwakes, choose cliff sides. Guillemots, on the other hand, do not build nests but lay their eggs on bare rock ledges. The pointed shape of their eggs ensures that they roll in tight circles, preventing them from falling off the ledge into the sea below.
Situated in the Outer Hebrides between the Isles of Lewis and Skye, the Shiant Islands have historically supported families of sheep grazers who could withstand the solitude of this remote outpost. Notably, the Shiants were once known as the last place in Britain with a significant population of Black Rats. These rodents, introduced from Asia during Roman times, posed a threat by eating seabird eggs and chicks. However, a successful eradication program in 2016 eliminated the rats, allowing the seabird colonies to thrive in peace.
Included Shore Excursions
Zodiac Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
Kayaking with Silversea Expedition team
Day Four - Loch Ewe, UNITED KINGDOM
As well as boasting a fascinating history, Loch Ewe is also the only north-facing loch in Scotland! During World War II, it served as a convoy collection point, supported by a significant naval presence. To protect this vital area, it was equipped with light and heavy aircraft guns, a boom net, and a mine defence system. Loch Ewe is a naturally deep sea loch that connects to the Atlantic Ocean through a relatively narrow mouth, offering considerable protection from harsh weather. Nearby, Inver Ewe Gardens thrive due to the warm currents of the North Atlantic Drift, creating a vibrant oasis where exotic plants from various countries flourish even at latitudes farther north than Moscow, providing an almost year-round display of colour.
Included Shore Excursions
Inverewe Garden
Day Five - Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM
Nestled just off the northern coast of Scotland, Kirkwall serves as the capital of the Orkney Islands—a picturesque archipelago rich in captivating dual heritage. The Viking legacy runs deep here, while a prehistoric past and World War history contribute to the myriad tales these dramatic islands hold. With their sparse beauty, let the sweeping seascapes of crashing waves and the mesmerizing dance of the northern lights enchant you during your exploration. Windswept beaches are home to trumpeting swans, while grassy cliffs conceal puffins within their swaying embrace. The landscape is adorned with sea caves and crumbling castles, and the striking convergence of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean enhances the romantic allure of these lands, which, though physically close to the UK, feel worlds apart.
At the heart of Orkney's main town lies the sandstone St. Magnus Cathedral—Britain's northernmost cathedral and a stunning masterpiece that took 300 years to complete. Initiated in 1137, this beautiful structure boasts captivating stained-glass windows and has earnestly been dubbed the Light of the North. From the tower of the cathedral, you can gaze down at the ruins of the Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces nearby. For a taste of the islands' rich history, explore the local distilleries known for producing smoky single malts—widely regarded as some of the finest in the world. Additionally, don't miss the chance to visit Skara Brae, Europe’s best-preserved Stone Age village, located within the remarkable World Heritage Site, offering a unique glimpse into prehistoric life.
Included Shore Excursions
Orkney Treasures
Sites of the South Isles with St. Magnus Cathedral
Stromness Shoreline Walk
Day Six - Sumburgh, Shetland Islands, Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM
*information not available on Silversea's website *
Day Seven - Fair Isle, Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM
Nestled between the Shetland and Orkney islands, Fair Isle is a tiny gem in the sea. Renowned for its birds, knitwear, and historic shipwrecks, this island extends a warm and friendly welcome to its visitors. With a modest population of about 70 residents, Fair Isle is a picturesque setting and stands out as one of Britain’s most thriving communities. Marvel at the cloudy light turquoise waters as they flow toward the horizon, beneath the stunning Sheep Rock, which towers over 100 meters and resembles an islet on its own. Fair Isle's oceanic climate brings stormy yet relatively mild winters, while summers feature rapid weather shifts, where sparkling sunshine may quickly give way to a thick veil of mist and fog, making the isle a truly inspiring destination. Over the centuries, the island has exchanged hands numerous times and was dubbed the "island of peace" by Norse settlers. Serving as a significant landmark for shipping, it can be perilous during storms and fog, leading to over 100 documented shipwrecks, including the Spanish Armada flagship, “El Gran Grifon.”
Included Shore Excursions
Fair Isle Exploration
Day Eight - Bekkjarvik, NORWAY
Journey back in time to the charming village of Bekkjarvik, a former fishing community that features an inn fit for royalty. Surrounded by stunning fjords and idyllic islands, this historical town showcases restored warehouses, quays, and factories, offering a blend of nostalgic charm and a sense of living history. Situated on the island of Selbjørn in the Austevoll archipelago, just 25 miles south of Bergen, Bekkjarvik is known for its breathtaking scenery and royal accommodations. The esteemed guesthouse, originally commissioned by King Christian IV of Denmark, was designed to serve as a comfortable resting place for travelers after a half day of sailing along the rugged coastline. Since the 17th century, the pristine, white-timbered walls of Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri have welcomed seafaring guests, providing exquisite culinary experiences with high-quality ingredients sourced from the surrounding area. Explore the intricate archipelago by cycling along bridges that twist and turn through picturesque bike paths, or simply relax and watch pleasure boats glide gracefully across the waters. For hiking enthusiasts, a steep stone staircase leads to awe-inspiring panoramic views of the fjords and archipelago unfolding before you.
Included Shore Excursions
Hiking Trail
Town Walk
Day Nine - Rosendal, NORWAY
Rosendal, nestled among mountains and waterfalls, is one of Norway's most picturesque villages. Isolated from the outside world by towering mountains and the Folgefonna National Park, it is home to just 800 residents year-round, making it truly a world of its own! While Rosendal may lack urban excitement, it offers an incredibly stunning backdrop. Here, you'll find soaring mountain peaks, winding fjords, magnificent waterfalls, and the country's third-largest glacier, along with breathtaking glacier views and some of the freshest air you will ever breathe. The village has a rich history, famously gifted as a wedding present to Ludvig Holgersen Rosenkrantz’s daughter in 1658. At that time, Rosenkrantz was the wealthiest man in Norway, owning over 500 farms across western Norway. The grand manor house, built shortly after the wedding, still stands today, along with its beautifully maintained gardens added 300 years later. The house reflects the various architectural styles of its distinguished owners, with meticulous restoration. The oldest rooms retain their early 19th-century decor, while the library is the only complete 17th-century room in Norway, featuring the original luxurious French tapestry from the 1660s. No visit to this charming village would be complete without experiencing local life; stop by a tea shop for a traditional griddlecake and enjoy it with stunning waterfront views.
Day Ten - Cruise Lysefjord, NORWAY
To the east of Stavanger lies Lysefjord, the southernmost of Norway's largest fjords. The ship will navigate the narrow, 42-kilometre-long fjord located between Forsand and Oanes, passing beneath the Lysefjordbrua, the sole bridge connecting the northern and southern banks. The only obstructions within the fjord are Bergsholmen and the nearby islet featuring the Forsand lighthouse. In some areas, the fjord reaches depths that match the height of the mountain cliffs lining its sides. The light-coloured granitic rocks on either side are believed to have inspired the name "Light Fjord." As you cruise through, the fjord's cliffs, waterfalls, and resilient trees are beautifully mirrored in the tranquil waters. However, you’ll notice that houses are scarce along the shore, as the steep cliffs provide very limited farmland. Two of Norway's renowned viewpoints will come into view: on the northern shore stands the towering Preikestollen, a vertical cliff rising 604 meters, while the southern shore features Kjerak, a mountain soaring to 1,100 meters. Kjerak is home to the famous Kjerakbolten, a boulder lodged 894 meters above sea level within a mountain crevice. Before reaching Kjerak and ultimately arriving at Lysebotn, the journey will pass an old hydroelectric plant at Florli, which is now mainly known for its long wooden staircase, boasting over 4,400 steps that run parallel to the pipes that once transported water.
Day Eleven - Day at sea
Days spent at sea offer an ideal chance to relax, rejuvenate, and finally slow down. Whether you choose to hit the gym, indulge in a spa treatment, go whale watching, catch up on your reading, or simply soak up the sun, these tranquil blue sea days create a perfect counterbalance to the bustling days spent exploring the shore.
Day Twelve - Copenhagen, DENMARK
Effortlessly stylish and grounded, Copenhagen stands out as a modern, pristine, and sophisticated gem in Scandinavia. Designed for liveability, the city has maintained its commitment to quality, resulting in a progressive metropolis that is both green and clean. In the summer, enjoy a swim at the Havnebadet Islands, or during winter, cosy up by a crackling open fire.
To truly experience Copenhagen, exploring on two wheels is a must. Convenient bike rental programs make it easy to navigate this flat city that prioritises cycling. Opt for an electric bike to ease your journey, allowing you to effortlessly glide through the modern, angular architecture of the city centre and the picturesque colours of the Nyhavn waterfront. Don’t miss the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale; this elegantly understated landmark embodies Copenhagen’s charm—unpretentious, confident, and utterly captivating.
The essence of hygge thrives here, and you'll feel a cosy warmth while visiting cafes adorned with the soft glow of filament bulbs, filled with shelves of well-loved books. As the home of the renowned Carlsberg brewery, Copenhagen is also a haven for beer lovers, boasting a vibrant craft brewing scene. Be sure to try the traditional Danish Smørrebrød sandwiches, or for a more immersive experience, indulge in a tasting menu at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants throughout the city.
