18 nights · Ireland · Departs Dublin (Ireland) · Visiting Isle of Man, Greencastle-Londonderry, Isle of Mull, Ullapool, Kirkwall, Invergordon, Leith-Edinburgh, Rosendal, Alesund, Andalsnes, Trondheim, Kalvag, Olden, Bergen, Copenhagen · Aboard Quark Expeditions on the World Explorer
Image courtesy of Quark Expeditions ©
| Cruise line | Quark Expeditions |
|---|---|
| Ship | World Explorer |
| Duration | 18 nights |
| Port calls | 16 |
| Departures | 1 sailings |
| From fare | $11,330 per person |
| Year built | 2019 |
| Guests | 200 |
| Cabins | 112 |
| Crew | 130 |
| Length | 126 m |
| Beam | 19 m |
| Cruising speed | 16.0 kn |
Dublin is a city best explored on foot, where Georgian squares, lively lanes and centuries of history sit close together. From Dublin Port, the centre is a short drive away, making a day ashore easy to shape. See the Book of Kells at Trinity College, then trace the Liffey through the city centre. A pint in a traditional pub is an invitation to linger.
Douglas, the Isle of Man’s capital, welcomes visitors with a broad seafront. Its Victorian promenade and Manx Museum offer a concise introduction to the island’s history. Ride the electric railway north to Ramsey, or visit Tynwald Hill, where the island’s parliament holds its annual open-air sitting. Beyond town, rugged cliffs, sandy bays and quiet roads reward exploration on foot or by car.
Greencastle, on Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula, is a small harbour town at the mouth of Lough Foyle. Across the water lies Northern Ireland; inland, Derry/Londonderry rewards a visit with remarkably complete seventeenth-century walls and a complex history. Walk the ramparts for river views, then explore the Guildhall and Bogside murals, which record the city’s recent past. At Greencastle, the Inishowen Maritime Museum explores local fishing heritage, and the shore offers wide views across the lough.
Arrive on Mull for Atlantic light, white-sand bays and rugged green hills. At Craignure, Duart Castle rises above the Sound of Mull, guarding this strategic channel for centuries. Tobermory’s brightly painted harbour rewards a stroll among independent shops, cafés and waterfront views. Beyond the villages, watch for white-tailed eagles, otters and red deer across moorland and coast. Allow time for narrow roads and changeable weather; the island’s quieter pleasures rarely come at speed.
Ullapool sits on Loch Broom, where the Highlands meet the North Atlantic. This compact harbour village is a gateway to the Summer Isles and the rugged landscapes of Wester Ross. Walk the waterfront, browse local galleries, or pause for seafood with a view of fishing boats and distant mountains. Ullapool’s small scale rewards unhurried exploration, while nearby roads lead to beaches, waterfalls and memorable Highland scenery.
Kirkwall is Orkney’s compact capital, where Norse history remains part of everyday life. Begin at St Magnus Cathedral, a striking red-sandstone landmark founded in 1137. Nearby, the ruins of the Earl’s and Bishop’s palaces reveal the power once held here. Beyond town, prehistoric sites such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar make a compelling excursion. Leave time for the harbor, local shops, and a dram of island whisky.
Invergordon sits on the Cromarty Firth, where the Highlands meet a deep-water estuary shaped by centuries of maritime history. From the quayside, travel to Inverness, Culloden Battlefield or Loch Ness. Each offers a distinct view of Highland history and landscape. Closer to port, Invergordon’s murals tell local stories, while the waterfront reflects the town’s enduring connection to the sea.
Leith brings Edinburgh within reach, but rewards those who stay by the water. Once a working port, this lively district pairs maritime history with independent restaurants, galleries and a strong local character. At Ocean Terminal, step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal residence now open to visitors. Trams and buses connect you with the capital: Edinburgh Castle, its museums and Georgian streets make an easy day ashore.
Rosendal sits where the Hardangerfjord meets the mountains of western Norway. Barony Rosendal, completed in 1665, is a short walk from the quay. Its gardens look towards Folgefonna and the steep valley beyond. Trails lead into Folgefonna National Park, while the fjord offers a different view from the water. Come ashore for an unusually close encounter with Norwegian history and fjord scenery.
Ålesund makes an immediate impression: its waterfront is lined with Art Nouveau buildings, rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1904. Beyond the elegant façades, this is a working Norwegian port framed by islands and steep mountain peaks. Climb the 418 steps to Mount Aksla for a sweeping view across the town and Sunnmøre Alps. Then visit the Atlantic Sea-Park, one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums.
Torvik brings you to Herøy, a working island community on Norway’s rugged Sunnmøre coast. Fishing remains central here, while bridges and causeways link a scatter of islands and fishing villages. Fosnavåg, the municipality’s lively harbour town, offers a closer look at maritime life and local seafood. Beyond the port, the Atlantic opens onto low islands, open water and dramatic mountain horizons. Choose a scenic drive toward Runde, famed for its seabird cliffs, or enjoy the quiet pace of the coast.
Trondheim rewards a shore day on foot, from its harbour to Norway’s most important medieval cathedral. Founded in 997, it grew around Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s national shrine above Saint Olaf’s tomb. Cross the Old Town Bridge into Bakklandet, where timber warehouses and cafés line the Nidelva River. Continue along the waterfront for museums, shops and restaurants, with fjord views nearby. Its compact centre makes the city’s history and waterfront easy to explore in one day.
Kalvåg is a working fishing village on Frøya, an island off Norway’s rugged western coast. Its sheltered harbour speaks of the sea; fishermen’s cabins and historic trading buildings recall generations shaped by cod and herring. Walk the waterfront, watch boats come and go, or follow quiet lanes toward open water and bare coastal hills. Here, Norway feels intimate, salt-edged and wonderfully unhurried.
Olden sits at the head of Nordfjord, where steep green mountains rise from the water and glaciers shape the horizon. From the village, roads lead to Briksdal Glacier, an arm of Jostedalsbreen, with a final walk through valleys and waterfalls. Nearby, Loen Skylift climbs to Mount Hoven for wide views over fjord, peaks and lakes. Come ashore ready to choose: a close encounter with ice, or Norway seen from above.
Set between seven mountains and the North Sea, Bergen makes a graceful introduction to Norway’s western fjords. Its handsome harbour, Bryggen’s timber wharf and the fish market sit close together, easily explored on foot. Ride the Fløibanen funicular for a clear view across the city and islands, then linger over fresh seafood. Bergen is compact, cultured and an ideal place to begin a journey into fjord country.
Copenhagen is best explored at street level, where royal history meets modern design. At Nyhavn, colorful harbor-front houses frame canal tours; nearby Amalienborg Palace is the monarch’s winter residence. Christiansborg Palace combines Denmark’s parliament with historic royal rooms, while Christianshavn’s canals reveal a quieter side. Pause for smørrebrød, the open-faced rye-bread staple, and explore the city’s design shops before returning to port.
Published August 28, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
We work hard to make sure everything on this website is accurate and up to date. However, some information may be incomplete or inaccurate, including details supplied by third parties or otherwise outside our control, and we cannot be held responsible for such errors. We work with 41 cruise line operators, that are providing cruises on 585 ships visiting 1,731 ports across 7,194 unique cruises, creating 13,822 itineraries. This is a great deal of data to continually update daily from our suppliers. If a pricing error, misrepresentation, or omission occurs, we reserve the right to adjust the pricing, correct the information, or cancel or decline any booking made in error, with notice to you. Thank you for your understanding!
