Cruise Scotland and Iceland

   
 
 

Wild Scotland and Iceland

North Atlantic Expedition Cruise

14 Days / 15 locations in Holland (Netherlands), Scotland, Faroe Islands, and Iceland

Expedition Cruise from Holland to Scotland, the Orkney Islands, Faroe Islands and Iceland.

Sail from IJmuiden, Holland, to Edinburgh, Scotland.

After a day of sightseeing in Edinburgh, we sail to Kirkwall in the Orkney archipelago, which we explore for two days, before sailing onward to the Faroe Islands.

After a couple of days exploring the Faroes we continue to the spectacular coastline of Iceland and its coastal islands.

Optional departure from Edinburgh on May 22nd.

Scroll down for a detailed day-by-day itinerary

Click the link "Scotland Iceland Cruise Map" under "Images", to the right to see a map of the itinerary.

Reverse itinerary of this cruise on September 23, 2015

Itinerary

 
Day 1     IJmuiden
On Board the M/V Sea Spirit

The expedition starts in a small port city of Ijmuiden, where travelers embark the ship in the afternoon. We set sail this evening.

 
Day 2     At Sea
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Use this day to get familiar with our experts who will present their lectures on the world of “non-standard” Europe. Or socialize with new friends in the cozy lounge of the Sea Spirit.

 
Day 3     Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

The famous Castle rising above the city gives immediate evidence of Edinburgh’s rich history. While the Town area boasts medieval architecture the New Town accommodates newer 18th century buildings. Explore the capital of Scotland independently. Walk along the old streets each corner of which opens beautiful unexpected vistas of green hills or a blue flash of distant sea. Enjoy visiting Royal Botanic gardens. Or appreciate the local shops and restaurants.

Optional tour “Panoramic Edinburgh and the Castle.” Your tour today begins with a panoramic tour of the city. See the Georgian architecture of the New Town, Princes Street and drive down parts of the famous medieval Royal Mile with the imposing Edinburgh Castle at one end and the 17th century Palace of Holyroodhouse at the other. The Palace was the home of Mary Queen of Scots from 1561 to 1568 and was occupied by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. The scene of many a great historical drama including notorious murders, and power-hungry personalities, the Palace is now the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Drive up to one of the city’s high vantage points for some spectacular views over the city before visiting the castle.

A majestic landmark which dominates the capital city’s skyline just as it has dominated Scotland’s long and colourful history, Edinburgh Castle is the best known & most visited of Scotland’s historic buildings. Perched on an extinct volcano and offering stunning views, this instantly recognizable fortress is a powerful national symbol, and part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site.

Once inside, you will have the opportunity to see the castle’s many different architectural styles, reflecting its importance throughout the history of Scotland, with the oldest section dating back to the 12th century. You will also have the opportunity to view the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. Duration 4 hours.

 
Day 4     Kirkwall
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After having visited Edinburgh Kirkwall seems a small, quiet town, with a gentle pace of life. The town is the capital of the remote and amazing Orkney archipelago. Kirkwall is first mentioned in Orkneyinga saga in 1046. Such a long history has left a rich heritage which we explore today – independently or during the optional tour. The most famous are the sandstone St Magnus Cathedral, considered to be the finest medieval building in the north of Scotland, the Bishop’s Palace and the Earl’s Palace.

Optional tour “Ancient treasures of Orkney with St Magnus Cathedral.” Depart Kirkwall and head into the west of Mainland, Orkney’s largest island. This tour passes through the gentle rolling landscape of Orkney and into the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney; an area designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. Passing the Standing Stones of Stenness, we will stop at the Ring of Brodgar; a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5000 years. We then continue on to the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae, beautifully interpreted in the visitor centre. See the remarkable dwellings revealed from beneath the sand dunes by storms only 150 years ago.

We then continue this circular route and follow the coastline of Scapa Flow, made famous for its role in both World Wars. Hear some of the stories from your guide today en route back to Kirkwall. Once back in the island capital we will take a tour of St Magnus Cathedral, built by the Vikings during their 500 year reign over the islands. Duration 4 hours.

 
Day 5     Orkney Islands
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Places we are stopping at are becoming wilder and wilder. Today we land at North Ronaldsay which is the furthest isle of the Orkneys. With a population of about 70 people it seems that the main residents of North Ronaldsay are birds and mammals. The isle supports an extremely rich and diverse population of wild flowers and mammals. Many migrating species of birds including rare ones stop here in spring and autumn, while there are also many breeding species which spend the spring and summer at the island. One of the most famous residents of North Ronaldsay is the unusual type of sheep – seaweed-eating North Ronaldsay sheep. Escorted by our Expedition staff we go for a hiking and birdwatching to observe picturesque landscapes and wildlife.

Then we go to Fair Isle, which is a real paradise for birdwatchers. The lush grasslands and spectacular cliffs are inhabited by huge number of birds. Over 345 species have been recorded here – more than anywhere else in Britain. The variety of bird life had stimulated the ornithologist George Waterston to build a bird observatory here in 1948. We go for a pleasant walk across the island, visit the newly refurbished observatory and see thousands of northern fulmars, kittiwakes, northern gannets, puffins, and great and arctic skuas.

 
Day 6     Torshavn
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

National Geographic Traveler had designated Faroe Islands as “authentic, unspoiled and likely to remain so”. It seems that the Nature spares no colours in “painting” the islands. Deep-green hills, bright blue sea, colourful houses and boats, orange-red puffins’ beaks make the sceneries unforgettable.

We stop at the capital of the Faroes —Torshavn. If you prefer to explore Torshavn independently we recommend you to start from visiting the viewpoint overlooking this one of the smallest and most pleasant capitals in the world. Then you may visit the Historical Museum to learn the history of the islands from the vikings’ era to modern times. Or walk around the old part of town called “Tinganes” with colorful old warehouses, 18th century Cathedral and small turf-roofed private homes.

Optional tour “Kirkjubøur.” During the Middle Ages, Kirkjubøur was the ecclesiastical and cultural centre of the Faroes. Here was the Bishop’s residence until the Reformation, when the Faroese diocese was abolished. The imposing ruin of Saint Magnus Cathedral still dominates the site. Construction of the Cathedral is thought to have begun in the late-thirteenth century, as the style of the building is from the best period of Gothic architecture, common to West Norwegian church building of that time. Tradition has it that it was never finished; yet recent research has revealed that it was probably roofed at one time. The Roykstovan, standing on the wide, stone foundation of a portion of the Bishop’s palace, has been the home of the farmers in Kirkjubøur for centuries and occupied by the same Faroese family for 17 generations. Covered with a traditional turf roof, it is a large building made of logs, which are said to have come drifting all the way from Norway some 700 years ago. The farmhouse interior reflects the lifestyle of a large Faroese farm. On our way to and from Kirkjubøur, we have a magnificent view to the west of the islands of Koltur, Hestur, Sandoy, and Vágar. Duration 3 hours.

 
Day 7     Torshavn
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

In the morning the Sea Spirit drops an anchor at Vagar cliffs. We go for a Zodiac cruising to watch numerous bird colonies that inhabit the cliffs.

Then we go to Mykines Island with its single village. Enjoy an idyllic scene of the village with its deep green hills and bright turf roofed houses. We plan to walk to Mykinesholmur isle connected to Mykines by a small bridge. The picturesque red and white lighthouse of Mykinesholmur has become a symbol of the Faroes. Another attraction of the isle we find at “Lundaland” (land of the puffin); it is perhaps one of the best places in Scotland to observe puffins and gannets.

 
Day 8     Djupivogur - Vatnajokull Glacier
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Early in the morning we dock at Djupivogur settlement. Djupivogur is a tiny fishing village and you will hardly be amazed by the town itself. But you will certainly be taken aback by the raw beauty of the surrounding nature of Djupivogur. We enjoy the views of marvelous Bulandstindur mountains, go bird watching with expedition staff members, and visit the local handcraft gallery and museums.

Optional tour “Vatnajökull ice cap – the largest glacier in Europe”. Explore the vast Vatnajökull ice cap – the largest glacier in Europe. View 15-meters high icebergs of different shades of blue floating in the large ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Observe great skuas nesting in the area and Jökulsárlón seals. Duration 8.5 hours.

 
Day 9     Seydisfjordur
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Seyðisfjörður, one of Lonely Planet’s top picks in Iceland, delights visitor’s eyes with colourful Norwegian-style wooden houses built in the beginning of 20th century. The unique architecture and lively spirit of this remote and hard-to-reach settlement make Seyðisfjörður a really special place in Iceland. The more active travelers might prefer an energetic hike up the river trail through a verdant landscape of wildflowers.

 
Day 10     Akureyri
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Early in the morning we will find ourselves at the port of Akureyri – the “Capital of North Iceland”, located at the back of a magnificent fjord. It is the second largest city in Iceland after Reykjavík and the centre of trade, culture and services for the north of Iceland. Visit local museums, watch the distinctive Akureyrarkirkja church, and enjoy the superb botanical gardens during your independent walk around the city.

Optional tour “Lake Myvatn – the most geologically active area in Iceland”. Discover the most geologically active area in Iceland at Mývatn and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Europe – Godafoss. From Akureyri we depart on a full-day tour to Godafoss waterfall and Mývatn lake. Thousands of years ago, volcanic eruptions created here dramatic landscape of labyrinthine lava formations, seething sulfur pits, and boiling mud pools. Lake Mývatn boasts an ecosystem that is unique in the world and lies at the crossroads of the great migratory routes; this natural sanctuary is therefore home to many species of birds. Duration 8 hours.

 
Day 11     Isafjordur
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

The Ísafjörður fjord which we explore in the morning is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the country, mainly for its relief, forged by many very ancient basaltic flows. We visit a small town of Ísafjörður honored to be the capital of the Western fjords. The local old wooden houses bear witness to its past as a major fishing port. Get a glimpse of the traditional everyday life in Ísafjörður. Accompanied by a guide, we will walk around Ísafjörður to experience the town’s true spirit and meet the locals in their element. The towering steep mountains of the Western Fjords provide a perfect shelter for the lively harbour which is the heart of the town. For centuries Ísafjörður has been the largest fishing town in the area and the centre for export and trade. Colourful houses decked with corrugated iron give the bustling centre a friendly and almost mythical aura. The main industry is fishing and the townsfolk rely heavily on that for their financial security. Through time Ísafjörður has also played a significant role in Iceland’s national history and is still one of the most vibrant cultural centres in the country.

In the afternoon we go for a Zodiac trip to Vigur cliffs nested by eiderducks, puffins, Arctic terns, black guillemots and various other birds in large numbers.

 
Day 12     Flatey
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

In the morning we are passing by the Látrabjarg cliff – the westernmost cape of Iceland. The immense cliff is a breeding ground for millions of seabirds.

In the afternoon we trace the coastline of Flatey Island on our Zodiacs and then go ashore to visit a lovely tiny village. We will see the uniquely painted local church and the houses of islanders, making their living by fishing for cod and lumpfish.

 
Day 13     Grundarfjordur
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Grundarfjördur is a typical Icelandic fishing village, framed by beautiful mountains. During guided tour around the settlement we observe how people live here face to face with nature. Later on we go for Zodiac cruising to discover a rich birdlife of the nearby Breiðafjörður islands. About 50 bird species breed here including common shag, glaucous gull, white-tailed eagle, common eider, black guillemot and grey phalarope. Our bird-watching tour may turn into whale-watching as well, for several cetacean species are common in the area including killer whales, Minke whales, common porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins.

Optional tour “Snæfellsjökull ice cap.” Those who prefer to explore the famous Snæfellsjökull ice cap have their journey through the several small fishing villages along the glacier. The Snæfellsjökull glacier had become popular thanks to the French writer Jules Verne and his novel “A journey to the Centre of the earth”: "Ah – what a journey – what a marvelous and extraordinary journey! Here we had entered the earth by one volcano, and we had come out by another. And this other was situated more than twelve hundred leagues from Sneffels, from that drear country of Iceland cast away on the confines of the earth... We had abandoned the region of eternal snows for that infinite verdure, and had left over our heads the gray fog of the icy regions to come back to the azure sky of Sicily!" Duration 4.5 hours.

 
Day 14     Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast

We finish our journey with disembarkation in the capital of Iceland Reykjavík.

 

Notes

Reverse itinerary of this cruise on September 23, 2015

Special: $4309 when departing from Edinburgh on May 22nd, 2015

Price Includes
Welcome and Farewell Cocktails
A Pair of Rubber Boots on Loan for Shore Landings
Tea and Coffee Station 24 Hours Daily
All Meals on Board Throughout the Voyage
All Scheduled Landings/Excursions (Except Optionals)
Shipboard Accommodation
Group Transfer to Airport Upon Disembarkation
Group Transfer to the Ship on Day of Embarkation
All Port Fees
Informative Pre-Departure Materials
Digital Voyage Log
Emergency Evacuation Insurance up to $100,000
Leadership by Our Expedition Leader & Team
Price Does Not Include
 Airfare
 Luggage and Trip Cancellation Insurance
 Soft Drinks , Alcoholic Drinks Except for Special Events
 Personal Expenses
 Staff Gratuities
PEX-1269
1.28.15.WP26