The HANSEATIC spirit combines diverse island worlds between the North Sea and Arctic Ocean for a new perspective on Europe. Start your cruise in Aberdeen, the city of flowers and granite* with a wealth of contrasts from the tropical winter garden in Duthie Park to the medieval old town. Your excursion to Royal Deeside and Balmoral Castle* takes you to the summer residence of the British monarch, while the castle and gardens of Crathes* tell of the House of Burnett and the art of horticulture.

The raw charm of nature envelops the around 70 Orkney Islands. Cruising off the Old Man of Hoy, a sandstone monument almost 140 m (459 ft) high, demonstrates the primeval force of the Atlantic. Ashore, the former Viking settlement of Stromness is particularly worth a visit. The excursion to the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae and Skaill House* takes you in search of great civilisations – from the Neolithic stone circle to the Stone Age village and a 17th-century manor house. Along the rocky coast, hundreds of breeding puffins, kittiwakes and guillemots confirm that this is the best time for birdwatching on Orkney*.

The Shetland Islands are further proof that (re)discovering Europe can be truly exciting. For the first time, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will visit the small Isle of Noss – a paradise for ornithologists. Lerwick is rich in architecture with a Scandinavian feel. Stroll through the historic streets of Great Britain’s most northerly town – the HANSEATIC spirit will stay here until the following day. The archaeological site of Jarlshof*, which bears witness to the lives of the Stone Age people and Vikings, is one of Europe’s outstanding features. Alternatively, join a local photographer to visit the best spots for natural photography on Shetland*. The Zodiacs will then take you to the uninhabited island of Mousa, another premiere destination usually visited only by seals. Hikes on Fair Isle with our experts will allow you to explore the remote home of northern fulmars and northern gannets.

Back on the Scottish mainland, nature is full of surprises: thanks to the Gulf Stream, a range of exotic plants bloom in Inverewe Garden. Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle* tell of the heyday of the clans and a mythical sea creature. Breathe deeply and enjoy nature: an alternative hike to Loch Maree* through oak and pine forests will help you forget all about the urban world. Or go fishing for lobster in the foothills of the Highlands*.

The Isle of Lewis emphasises Scotland’s diversity with jagged mountains, calm lakes and idyllic beaches. Whale and dolphin watching in the North Minch*, the strait between the Inner and Outer Hebrides, brings you closer to the biodiversity of the Atlantic. Alternatively, the home of tweed: the Hebridean island of Harris* is truly appealing. The island’s own pure new wool is the secret to the quality of the wool cloth produced here. Less obvious, but all the more mystical, are the origins of the stone circles of Callanish*, which go back around 4,000 years.

Iceland adds to your discoveries with Nordic might. At the end of a deep fjord, the fishing village of Seydisfjordur and its historic wooden buildings invite you to go for a walk. The region’s magical side is revealed in Bakkagerdi. Legend has it that the queen of the elves reigns over the bird-inhabited cliffs where countless puffins learn to fly. Djupivogur in the eastern fjords is among the island’s most beautiful villages. A glacier adventure to Vatnajokull*, Iceland’s largest and most famous ice field, is an impressive example of natural architecture.

Bizarre lava formations, grassy hills and steep cliffs: Heimaey, the largest of the Westman Islands, is an explorer’s paradise. A scenic flight over volcanoes and waterfalls* indicates the creative power of primeval forces. Volcanic activity also determines your cruise off Surtsey. First formed in the 1960s, the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site only accessible to scientists. The view of the island will become the symbol of your expedition: fascinating new terrain practically on your doorstep.