Get up-close to special experiences: on this first cruise with the HANSEATIC nature, you will really get to know the new expedition class on a short route to northern Europe’s dream destinations – Norway’s fjords reflect the force of earlier ice ages, while Scotland’s island world is shrouded in the mysticism of great sagas and legends.

After this natural experience, you will set a course for the Shetland Islands and Lerwick, with its cultural diversity: where the towers of Scottish barons and old stone houses lead you downhill to the bustling harbour, discover evidence of the Scandinavian lifestyle in the old town. A visit to Fort Charlotte will take you back in time to the Anglo-Dutch wars. The view of Bressay Sound will make your pioneering spirit long for new experiences: learn more about the history of the Stone Age people, Vikings and settlers at the famous archaeological site of Jarlshof*. Start a new chapter in your personal expedition story with the coastal hike – cliffs of Eshaness*. The primeval force of crashing waves – close enough to touch here – forms sculptures in the rock. In contrast, the next day’s extended hike and visit to the birdwatching centre on Fair Isle will have an almost calming effect. Can you see the puffins carrying fish in their colourful beaks? The island’s biodiversity provides fascinating insights into the world of birds.

From the Shetland Islands, your route takes you to Stromness on the Orkney archipelago. The “grey town by the sea” shows its best side in its listed centre with piers, warehouses and merchant houses. The Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae and Skaill House* are significant archaeological sites: these impressive excavation sites – a Neolithic stone circle, a Stone Age village and a 17th-century manor house – will draw you under their spell. As an alternative to these historical insights, the tour Wind, water and walking: active on the Orkneys* offers fantastic views of Hoy Sound. In western Orkney, a unique spectacle reveals itself as the Old Man of Hoy rises up like a sandstone monument off the steep coast.

Portree on the Isle of Skye is a more tranquil prospect. This fishing village, where colourful houses line the harbour, is surrounded by forests and will entice you on a coastal hike with a view of the bay. On an island tour in the north*, you will cross bizarre rocky landscapes like the Quiraing. At Kilt Rock, the water of Mealt Falls plunges from the cliffs down into the Atlantic – a true natural spectacle. In the peaty landscape, castles such as the legendary Dunvegan Castle* bear witness to centuries of defence. The castle has been owned by the MacLeod clan for around 800 years. A walk through the fantastic castle garden with its vast spaces and romantic waterfalls will immerse you in a hidden world of wonders. One example of Scottish architecture can be found keeping watch on a promontory between three arms of a loch: visitors to Eilean Donan Castle* are rewarded with stunning insights and views from Scotland’s most famous castle.

Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis is home to relics from a Viking settlement. The stone circles of Callanish* are shrouded in mystery. Where did these monumental stones come from? The scenic journey to Harris* through jagged mountains is sure to inspire love for this unspoilt region. The wonderful sandy beach on the island of Great Bernera* offers a particularly intensive natural experience. The surrounding excavations of an Iron Age village provide insights into new scientific findings.

Fingal’s Cave on the Hebridean island of Staffa is a hidden mystery: board the Zodiacs and explore the inside of this legendary sea cave. Macbeth’s grave on Iona is more mythical than mystical. Explore the origins of Scottish Christianity in Iona Abbey on an individual shore visit. Passing green, peat-covered hills, your journey will take you through the Sound of Islay to the sparsely populated Isle of Man.

A walk through the picturesque town of Douglas on the Isle of Man and along its historic promenade will take you back in time to the age of Queen Victoria. Your trip back in time continues with a ride on the steam train to Rushen Castle*. The castle was initially built as a residence for the Norwegian King Magnus III – a fittingly regal end to your eventful first cruise on board the HANSEATIC nature.