Historic Trails & Wilderness: Scotland, Faroes & Iceland

After breakfast, check-out and bring your luggage to the foyer. Please place any items required today in your hand luggage as your main bag will be placed in the bays of the coach.

Today, explore The Granite City, visiting some of Aberdeen’s most famous landmarks including the magnificent Kings College Chapel which is a fantastic example of gothic architecture and the St Machar Cathedral, a 12th century church, with its beautiful stained-glass windows.

Depart for Glen Garioch Distillery, a 200-year-old distillery situated in the sheltered heart of the Valley of the Garioch, blessed as it is with the northeast’s mild climate, plentiful sunshine and not too much rain, the Valley has long been renowned as the finest barley growing area in the country. Once home to no fewer than six distilleries, today the Valley cradles just one—this established distillery has changed hands several times and the current owners have had the distillery in their family since 1886. You will be taken on a tour of this award-winning distillery where you will see their time-honored skills at work and see what goes into making this unique spirit. Complete your distillery journey with a taste of two whiskies from their core range and for those who wish, there will be an opportunity to visit their onsite shop.

Afterwards enjoy a scenic drive to the Huntly Falconry Center. This center was established in 1991 and is one of the first falconry centers in Scotland. Huntly Falconry Center holds birds of prey falconry demonstrations throughout the season, where owls, hawks, falcons and eagles can be seen flying every day. Marvel at the full range of bird skills during the flying demonstration before your drive returns you to Aberdeen to board the ship in the late afternoon.

You will have time to settle into your cabin before important briefings. Set sail for Fair Isle in the evening and meet your expedition team and crew at the welcome dinner.

Midway between Orkney and Shetland, Fair Isle houses a major European ornithological research station, and is also famous for knitwear and historic shipwrecks. About three miles by two miles (5km by 3km) in area, it is surrounded by impressive cliffs. The 70 or so islanders mainly live in traditional crofts on the more fertile low-lying southern part of the island.

A bird watchers’ paradise, Fair Isle lies on the intersection of major flight paths from Scandinavia, Iceland and Faroe. In summer, the cliffs teem with breeding fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, gannets, shags and puffins. The Isle is an excellent place to view seabirds, especially puffins at close range. Fair Isle also has over 250 species of flowering plants, including wetland flowers, rare orchids, alpine species and common wildflowers. Be welcomed by the hospitable villagers and take a hike or visit the museum. Grey and common seals inhabit these waters around Fair Isle, while sharp eyes may spot harbor porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, killer whales (orcas) and minke whales.

Jarlshof is one of Shetland’s best preserved and most complex archaeological sites. It was exposed by storms in the late 19th century. The Old House of Sumburgh, built here in the 17th century, was named ‘Jarlshof’ by Sir Walter Scott in his novel The Pirate. The record of human occupation dates from around 3,200 BCE. Jarlshof’s main Bronze Age site is the house of a bronzesmith working around 800 BC. Clay moulds into which molten bronze was poured revealed that he was casting axe heads and short swords. It seems that Shetland suited early Norse settlers, for they quickly settled here and left their mark on Shetland’s history for ages to come.

With its mile-long seabird cliffs, the Island of Noss is a National Nature Reserve. In breeding season, the sound of around 150,000 birds and chicks fills the air. Millions of years of wind and ice have honeycombed thousands of nesting ledges in sandstone cliffs almost 656-feet (200m) high. Resident seals and visiting otters feed in dense kelp around the shores.

Britain’s most northerly islands lie almost 100 miles (160km) north of the Scottish mainland, at a similar latitude to the southern tip of Greenland, or Bergen in Norway. Kept relatively warm by the Gulf Stream, Shetland’s 100 islands experience almost 24 hours of daylight in summer. They abound with nature reserves and archaeological sites and offer a taste of traditional island life.

Hermaness National Nature Reserve is close to Britain’s most northerly point. The reserve is a place of bird cries and sea smells, of myth and mist. The cliffs rise 558 feet (170m) above the Atlantic. During summer they are alive with the cacophony, and raw guano smell of over 100,000 breeding seabirds: kittiwakes, shags, snipe, dunlin, golden plover and Arctic skua, making this one of Europe’s most diverse colonies. The grasslands, moors and cliff tops are a tapestry of colorful wildflowers—gentians, heather, orchids and thrift are a few of the species here.

Nestled in the heart of the North Atlantic, the Faroe Islands are a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This remote archipelago, composed of 18 volcanic islands, boasts a population of just 50,000, offering an unparalleled escape from the ordinary. Steeped in Viking history and characterized by dramatic landscapes of towering cliffs, verdant mountains and deep fjords, the Faroes are a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Over the next 3 days, hope to explore the islands of Sandoy, Streymoy and Eysturoy, beginning in Tórshavn, a captivating blend of old and new. Wander through the town’s quaint, colorful houses, many adorned with traditional grass roofs, and imagine life as a Viking settler. Encounter the iconic Faroese sheep, their woolly coats a stark contrast against the rugged terrain, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive Faroese ponies.

No visit to the Faroe Islands is complete without a boat trip to the mesmerizing Vestmanna bird cliffs. Soar above the ocean as thousands of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills and guillemots, fill the air with their enchanting calls. For those seeking adventure, the island of Suduroy offers unparalleled hiking opportunities. Explore pristine coastal paths, surrounded by dramatic mountain backdrops, and revel in the solitude of this unspoiled natural wonderland. The Faroe Islands will cast their spell on you as you discover a world of breathtaking beauty, warm hospitality and authentic experiences.

Enjoy the sea crossing to Iceland accompanied by sea birds while searching for whales. Enjoy informative talks from your team of experts, get to know your fellow expeditioners, stay active in the gym or treat yourself to a massage in the wellness center.

Explore Seyðisfjörður, a picturesque fishing village that is renowned for its charming collection of colorful wooden buildings located around the lagoon. Take a stroll around town and discover the timber houses that are remnants from when the Norwegians settled here and established the herring fishing facilities from 1870-1900. From the valley above the town, the river Fjarðará tumbles down in beautiful cascades to the lagoon. There are a number of delightful hiking trails to explore, or alternatively, you can discover a flourishing cultural scene with an arts center, the famous blue church that stages music concerts and the only two cinemas in the east of Iceland. Back in town, browse the stores where you will discover handicrafts by local artists and artisans—perfect as a souvenir or gift.

In Iceland’s east, disembark in Djupivogur, the gateway to Vatnajokull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier.

You can choose from a selection of shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Waterfalls, Glacial Lagoons & Hot Tubs excursion, visit the Fossárfoss waterfall, explore  Vatnajokull National Park’s Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by a four-wheeled amphibian boat, visit the black-sand Diamond Beach and enjoy the geothermal hot tubs in Hoffell. On the Wonders of Vatnajokull National Park & Canyon Hike tour, visit the Fossárfoss waterfall, take on a moderate hike in  Múlagljúfur Canyon, explore Vatnajokull National Park’s Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by foot and visit the black-sand Diamond Beach. And on the Falljökull Glacier Hike, ascend (partly in crampons) one of the most impressive outlet glaciers of the Vatnajökull ice cap: Falljökull for a moderate-difficult outing.

Enjoy a morning and lunch onboard, searching for whales and seabirds. Our team of experts entertains us with informative talks.

Located off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. Sail past Surtsey Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site that emerged from the sea in 1963 and is one of the youngest land masses on earth. Westman Islands are surrounded by 15 other uninhabited islands and around 30 rocks and skerries offering refuge for a rich array of seabirds. Westman Islands are considered to have the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world, and when sailing around the islands it is not uncommon to see puffins but also whales and seals.

You can choose from a selection of shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Eldheimar Volcano Museum & Puffin Viewing tour, visit the Eldheimar Volcano Museum and head to the Stórhöfði cape for some puffin watching. And on the Eldheimar Volcano Climb & Museum excursion, take on a difficult 2-hour hike up the Eldheimar Volcano before visiting its museum.

During the early morning, cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8:00am. Say farewell to your expedition team and fellow passengers as you continue your onward journeys. Transfer to Keflavik airport.