Included
Guided walking tour in Lysekil
Explore a small, picturesque town filled with history and charm.
Stroll around the town or enjoy a walk over the grass-covered dunes of List and make your way to one of the 3 lighthouses in the area.
Wonderful Kragerø with charming narrow streets with art galleries and charming cafes.
Fishermen’s houses on Smögen.
Lighthouse in beautiful Skagen.
15-day Scandinavian expedition cruise from the UK to Norway's fjords, visiting Germany, Denmark and Sweden on one extraordinary coastal adventure.
Visit Oslo, transit the Kiel Canal, and explore Sylt and Skagen, Northern Europe's popular beach hideaways, with rugged wild nature and sand beaches.
Discover the secluded islets and fishing villages in Sweden's beautiful Bohuslän archipelago and the island retreats along Norway's southern coast.
From Dover, you’ll explore idyllic seaside towns, untouched fishing villages, stunning island archipelagos, marine life and beautiful waterways on a summer expedition cruise of Northern Europe’s coastal hideaways.
Oslo provides an interlude of city culture. Then on to Norway’s dramatic southern coast and pristine fjords, where our Expedition Team will bring you closer to nature by bike, kayak or expedition boat–for a truly unforgettable experience.
Onboard activities
Landing activities
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Your summer expedition cruise to southern Scandinavia starts in Dover. If you have time, take a short walk to Dover Castle, a huge fortress with dazzling views of the Channel.
Then, it's time to board MS Maud. Pick up your complimentary expedition jacket, settle into your cabin and get to know your expedition ship, designed for exploring up close and in comfort. You'll also meet your expert Expedition Team, who'll be your knowledgeable lecturers, warm hosts and guides.
Relax in the Explorer Lounge and Bar and watch the world go by from the panoramic windows. Your adventure is officially underway.
It's time to decompress from daily life, relax and really get into the mood for your summer expedition cruise.
Brush up on Scandinavian life philosophies like Danish hygge, Swedish lagom 'not too little, not too much–just right' or Norwegian passion for nature called friluftsliv. Enjoy lectures hosted by the Expedition Team, who'll happily share their extensive knowledge of southern Scandinavia.
Admire the views from MS Maud’s expansive Observation Deck, meet fellow guests, take full advantage of the gym and hot tubs or get some top tips from our professional photographer.
Today, we arrive at the picture-perfect North Frisian island of Sylt. With 25 miles of pristine dunes, beaches and heathland, it attracts an upmarket crowd seeking sanctuary and solitude.
Explore List's rustic charm, perhaps by bike, then sample the island’s culinary speciality–Sylter Royal oysters–or enjoy a visit to the local ecological museum, powered by renewable energy.
At low tide, a short walk along the mud flats will bring you to the biodiverse UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea, and the unspoiled Ellenbogen nature reserve–a haven of tranquil, unspoiled nature by the sea.
We sail from the North Sea to the Baltic via the picturesque 61-mile Kiel Canal, also know as the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal, built in 1887 to help ships bypass Denmark’s stormy Jutland Peninsula.
Head out on deck as you pass lush countryside, quaint villages and magnificent landscapes. You’ll see daily life along the canal; grazing cattle, anglers patiently fishing, cyclists and, of course, many ships and boats.
We'll traverse the impressive locks or schleusen at Holtenau, before making a brief stop in Kiel itself. If you’re here in the last week of June, you’ll also catch Kiel Week, the world’s largest sailing regatta.
Your Scandinavian cruise continues to Denmark, as we arrive in Skagen, a popular beach town where the Baltic meets the North Sea.
Inspired by its beauty, Hans Christian Andersen encouraged other artists to move here, and at Skagen Museum, you can see the works of their collective, which became hugely influential in Danish cultural history.
After visiting the lively town centre, you can explore the wild landscapes along nearby walking trails. At Grenen, Denmark’s northernmost point, visit the Sand-Covered Church with only the tower visible, or Råberg Mile, the closest thing Denmark has to a desert.
Your expedition cruise continues to Sweden. Our first destination is the cosy seaside resort of Lysekil. With its beautiful archipelago setting, you'll have plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.
The old town, Gamlestan, is a charming well-preserved neighborhood, perfect for a summer walk. Stop by some of the local cafés and restaurants to enjoy the region's renowned seafood.
In the afternoon, we head to Smögen to enjoy the evening. Here, you’ll discover rows of fishermen’s houses and beautifully restored cottages with lovingly tended gardens. And in the evening, Smögen’s busy waterside boardwalk is the ideal place to enjoy the relaxed summer vibes.
The tiny town of Fjällbacka, once the summer favorite for the Swedish movie star Ingrid Bergman, is a lively summer resort with brightly colored houses. The area has several nature reserves that are great for coastal walks.
While you’re here, stroll along the quayside, explore the old part of town and stop at one of the lovely seaside restaurants. For stunning views of Fjällbacka, climb up the wooden steps to the cliffs of Vetteberget.
A short drive away you’ll find the Vitlycke Museum, which is located in the Tanum UNESCO World Heritage Centre, where over 600 rock carvings dating back almost 4,000 years are located.
Over the next two days, we’ll explore Bohuslän archipelago, cruising up close along Sweden’s beautiful west coast past pretty fishing villages. We stop at the Koster Islands, in the centre of Kosterhavet Marine National Park–a haven for sea life.
On North Koster, take in the rubble-stone fields at Valnäs and magnificent views from Högen on foot. On South Koster, explore the charming coastal meadows, ancient forests and sandy beaches on walks or by bike.
If conditions allow, our Expedition Team will bring you up close to Kosterhavet’s teeming marine life by expedition boat, kayak or on snorkelling trips.
Your expedition cruise arrives in Oslo, Norway's fjord-side capital. With its rich history and fashionable art scene, Oslo is a fascinating place to explore. You'll find museums, galleries, and breathtaking architecture all within easy reach–including the beautiful Opera House and the new Munch Museum.
Take a stroll in the stunning Ekeberg Sculpture Park, visit Akershus Fortress or relax in a floating sauna. Explore modern Sørenga and enjoy urban beach life. Round it all off with a meal at one of Oslo's many traditional and New Nordic eateries.
Our southern Scandinavian cruise continues as we visit the beautiful coastal town of Kragerø. Looking out over islets and reefs, this elegant resort bustles with activity in summer.
Kragerø has inspired many artists, drawn to its incredible light and scenery. Edvard Munch spent six years here, and you can even enjoy a Munch walk ambling through Kragerø’s charming narrow lanes, boutiques and eateries.
You can also join the Expedition Team on an optional island-hopping bike tour, a swim or on nature walks. Or explore the Telemark Canal, one of the world’s most beautiful waterways.
You'll be treated to views of Lysefjorden's striking vertical cliffs on your final expedition day in Norway. Sailing deep into this imposing fjord, we reach the world famous Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock.
Enjoy incredible views of the rock from below as we approach. Look out for the equally renowned Kjæragbolten, where a giant boulder seems precariously wedged in a mountain crevasse.
If you're feeling adventurous, join our Expedition Team for an optional five-hour guided hike to the Preikestolen viewpoint, a dizzying 1,982 ft above Lysefjorden. After a scenic cruise of the fjord and collecting our tired but exhilarated hikers, we'll continue to Rosendal.
We sail on to Rosendal, a picturesque village at the heart of Hardangerfjorden, surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. Its pretty hillside apple orchards supply the fruit for the award-winning local cider.
You can spend the day exploring with our Expedition Team, perhaps on optional kayaking and hiking trips, taking in the Bondhus Lake and Folgefonna Glacier.
A notable attraction is Rosendal’s magnificent 17th century Baronial manor, its interiors preserved since 1927. A path through the stunning rose garden–blooming in July–leads you to the dramatic Hatteberg Waterfall.
MS Maud's smaller size allows us to explore Norway's southern coast up close as we cruise towards the fjords. With its sandy beaches, grassy dunes and wetlands, Farsund offers some of the area's best summer birdwatching.
On arrival, look out for the Marina Watchman, welcoming boats and visitors. Then take a scenic beach walk, visit the German-built WWII Nordberg Fort, or climb the Lista Lighthouse for fantastic views.
You may also spot a fascination with Americana in Farsund. Learn more from the Expedition Team on how emigration to the US last century created a strong bond, celebrated each June at the American Festival.
It’s our last full day as we cruise back to Dover. Be sure to make the most of this day at sea on board MS Maud. It's a good time to visit the Science Center and sate your curiosity about things you've seen and done. Enjoy the final daily lecture by the Expedition Team and enjoy their recap of the expedition highlights.
Relive your wonderful experiences of southern Scandinavia as you share stories with fellow guests over dinner or drinks in the Explorer Bar. Relax in the hot tub or sauna or head out on deck to spot seabirds and dolphins that like to follow the ship.
After we sail past the white cliffs, there's time to enjoy a final breakfast on board before you dock. If you have time, why not explore a little more before returning home.
Dover is the gateway to English countryside, so before you rush off, why not visit Dover Castle, or the Roman lighthouse that's reputedly the UK’s oldest building. You can also tour the underground hospital and secret WWII tunnels beneath the castle.
You'll depart with wonderful memories of your summer in Scandinavia–idyllic islands and archipelagos, picture-perfect fishing villages, wonderful fjords, impressive nature, and of course, all the people you’ve met along the way.
Learn more about what you can experience when going with us
Take a closer look at our ships typically used on this expedition
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages
Onboard Science Program
Our Science Programme has one goal: to increase your curiosity, knowledge and interest of the areas you are sailing to.
Our Science Program has one goal: to increase your curiosity, knowledge and interest of the areas you are sailing to.
Our expedition ships serve as the perfect platform for scientific research; with access to remote regions of the world and onboard experts, we can provide invaluable data to the scientific community—with help from our guests!
We invite our guests to participate in science activities, developing a greater understanding of the region in which they travel, becoming true ambassadors, and returning home to champion the protection of our planet's most fragile ecosystems.
Delivery of our own lecture program.
Interacting with guests in our Science Centers to reinforce the lecture program with practical hands-on guest experiences.
Citizen science program involving guests in programs for third-party organizations.
Carrying scientific equipment for sample collection on behalf of research institutes.
Hosting scientific personnel on board to conduct collaborative science programs.
Seabird Distribution with the Antarctic Site Inventory — Surveys throughout the Antarctic Peninsula help scientists understand how seabirds are using different habitats and provide valuable information about their life cycles.
Cloud Observations with the Globe Program — By observing and recording cloud cover timed to NASA satellite fly-overs, guests can help scientists understand how surface and air temperature are affected by cloud cover, and how clouds will respond to a changing climate.
Happywhale — We assist in tracking individual whales throughout our world’s oceans by harnessing the power of whale watching enthusiasts - our guests - expanding our scientific knowledge of their behavior and distribution.
Sea Leopard Project — A non-profit study aimed at a better understanding of the behavior, ecology, and population dynamics of leopard seals on the Antarctic Peninsula to promote their conservation and safe human-seal interactions.
Fjord Phyto — Study phytoplankton to better understand how they respond to water temperature changes in the polar regions, providing a key to help mitigate future environmental impacts.
Join the Expedition Team here for a range of lectures, photography workshops, and Citizen Science Projects. The area also features scientific and educational equipment, such as microscopes and interactive maps.
In-depth talks on history, climate change, sustainability, wildlife, Earth science, culture, and other topics specific to the destination you are visiting are held here. Learning more about each subject is certain to enhance your expedition experience.
Our Science Program has one goal: To increase your curiosity, knowledge and interest of the areas to which you are sailing.
What the Science Program is about
Learning from the experts on board
Facilities, equipment and activities
Citizen Science research projects- and how you can contribute
Speaker: Verena Meraldi
Practical information you need to know
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise