This trip exposes you to a broad array of artistic and cultural traditions across two continents.

• Learn about the Scottish art of piping during a bagpipe performance and try your hand at playing one
• In the Orkneys, admire the curlicue decorations and bright white façade of the charming Italian Chapel at Lamb Holm. This fanciful church was built during WWII by Italian POWs, who wanted a place to worship
• Immerse yourself in Oslo, one of Europe’s most eco-friendly cities, seeing its innovative opera house, Nobel Peace Center, and the Vigeland Sculpture Park
• Known as "Norway's Floral Town,” visit Posebyen, one of Northern Europe’s largest collections of white wooden houses, plus enjoy a private organ concert

Travel across the northern seas to unspoiled, subarctic regions that few people ever get to see, but where thousands of birds and marine and terrestrial wildlife find a welcoming home.

• Watch for dolphins, whales, orca, seals, walruses, reindeer, polar bears, and more
• Visit rich bird rookeries and keep an eye out for kittiwakes, eagles, ravens, black guillemots, fulmars, puffins, Arctic terns and many more avian species
• Visit a Shetland farm to see the iconic, small but sturdy Shetland ponies that are bred here
• Discover the Faroe Islands, an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark, an ornithological paradise with wave-crashed cliffs and charming towns like Tórshavn

This expedition is designed to reveal the European coastline’s hidden gems and lesser-visited ports, and it’s with that spirit in mind that we’ve likewise packed this itinerary with some of Europe’s most enigmatic — and overlooked — history, including:

• Discover 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites on a single journey: Bryggen, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, and Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
• Enjoy an illuminating lecture series highlighting the unique history of most port cities
• Visit Scotland’s northernmost Shetland Islands, brimming with spectacular scenery, Bronze Age and Viking ruins, and World War II intrigue
• See a cache of Neolithic ruins and learn the important role these islands played during World War II

This journey was made for photography buffs, but novices too can capture the majesty of this region. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

• Make the most of the “golden hour,” the time frame before dawn and dusk that offers warm, camera-friendly lighting that’s flattering for everyone
• Embrace street photography. Yes, temples are beautiful, but so is this region’s culture and people — and photographing the everyday life here is one of the best ways to authentically memorialize your experiences
• Change your perspective. Try shooting from a different angle and enjoy the adventure. For example, climb a stairwell and shoot a landscape from up high or, alternately, get low and shoot a scene from the ground. Wherever you are, embrace this artistic challenge by getting out of your comfort zone! 

Come for the expedition, stay for the expedition vessel. Here’s what you’ll experience on the brand-new Ocean Odyssey:

• Eight stateroom configurations, most of which have full walk-out balconies, for the most flexible style of travel — plus, suites designed for comfortable triple-occupancy as well as adjoining room options
• A culinary program offering gourmet dining incorporating regional fare
• All beer and wine included with dinner
• Health and wellness options including an onboard spa, swimming pool, and gymnasium
• Expert cultural lecturers and curated performances
• Knowledgeable expedition staff by region
• Separate, intimate space for all of your group’s private dining needs (available upon request)
• Environmentally friendly standards with reduced emissions into air and sea and lower energy consumption
• Dynamic positioning technology
• State-of-the-art safety technology, Polar Code 6 compliant, and fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements in expedition cruising
• Rolls-Royce stabilizer system; “Safe Return to Port” technology
• Multiple launching platforms to allow for easy and quick loading of expedition landing craft, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards
• Small passenger-to-crew ratio
• Onboard medical doctor
• Boutique
• Elevator from bottom to top deck

Your solo-friendly voyage has been enhanced with special features catering to independent travelers, including:

• Complimentary biking options — take a spin alongside your Concierge, who will lead small-group bike rides, or explore independently with our complimentary locks, helmets, and biking maps
• A lively social media night and musical performances most nights
• Solo-friendly social activities, including a Solo Connection mixer
• Onboard entertainment, lectures, and cooking demonstrations

Your onboard Vantage Concierge will be available throughout your entire cruise to help you customize your journey. Here are just a few services your Concierge can provide:

• Special celebrations. Do you have a big birthday, anniversary, family reunion, or other important event you want to celebrate on board? Let your Concierge know and they will make all the special arrangements, whether it’s a private reception in your suite, a gathering in the lounge, a celebration in the Captain’s Club, and more
• Restaurant reservations. Just notify your Concierge of your interests and they will be happy to make recommendations, calling ahead to reserve your table
• Special excursions. Maybe you need a limo to take you for a special night on the town. Perhaps you’re interested in tracking down long-lost relatives. Your Concierge is here to help!
• Extend your stay! Your Concierge can help modify your hotel reservations and flights if you decide to stay on
• Tickets to local concerts, exhibits, theater, sporting events, and more
• Concierge-guided bike tours using the 20 available complimentary bicycles your ship has onboard

Take advantage of this free, start-to-finish service by making your requests prior to your journey or during your journey. Call 1-888-982-6824 or email Concierge@vantagetravel.com to speak to a Concierge today, or simply log in to My Portfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.