Exploring the Wild British & Faroe Islands

Welcome to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland and starting point of the expedition. Relax and take a stroll through town, enjoying both medieval and classic 18th-century architecture. The famous Edinburgh Castle rises majestically above it all.

Enjoy the morning and early afternoon at leisure. Each corner of Edinburgh's old streets opens beautiful unexpected vistas of green hills or a blue flash of the distant sea. In the afternoon, you will be transferred from the hotel to the ship in the nearby Port of Leith. Before dinner, there's time to explore the Sea Spirit, your home-away-from home for the next days.

Kirkwall is 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 that you can explore today. The most famous are the sandstone St, Magnus Cathedral, considered the finest medieval building in the north of Scotland, the Bishop's Palace, and the Earl's Palace.

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, stop at the Ring of Brodgar, a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years. Continue to the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, beautifully interpreted in the visitor center. See the remarkable dwellings revealed from beneath the sand dunes by storms only 150 years ago.

Hear some of the stories from your guide today en route back to Kirkwall. Once back in the island capital, take a tour of St. Magnus Cathedral, built by the Vikings during their 500-year reign over the islands.

On Fair Isle—an isolated island of rolling moorlands and rugged coastlines—one is easily enchanted by historic crofts, picturesque lighthouses, and friendly locals.The island is famous among birders for its abundance of British birds and for its numerous records of eastern rarities and migrants. Fair Isle is also one of Europe's best places to watch seabirds, especially puffins, at close range. Additionally, the island is notable for the abundance and diversity of its wildflowers. Seals are also commonly seen in its bays. Finally, during your visit it will be possible to see and purchase articles hand-knitted in the intricate and distinctive style for which Fair Isle has been celebrated for hundreds of years.

Come alongside at the port of Lerwick, on Mainland, the largest of the Shetland Islands. On a walking tour of this historic town, visit the award-winning Shetland Museum to learn all about Shetland's fascinating heritage and culture. From here, take a scenic overland coach ride through the fertile countryside of Dunrossness to discover Shetland's best destinations. Birders will relish the opportunity to visit the historic lighthouse at Sumburgh Head, the southernmost point of Mainland Shetland. These rugged cliffs attract thousands of seabirds and the grassy slopes above are particularly great for enjoying close encounters with puffins among beautiful wildflowers. Also on the itinerary is Jarlshof, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the British Isles. Here you'll discover beautifully preserved stone structures spanning 5,000 years of human settlement, including Bronze Age oval houses, Pictish wheelhouses, an Iron Age broch, a Viking longhouse, and a medieval farmhouse.

Lost in the Atlantic Ocean, Foula, one of the Shetland Islands, is a perfect destination for birdwatching. Foula cliffs are home to numerous seabirds, including the largest colony of great skuas in Great Britain. However, birds are not the only treasure of the island. Foula is rich with folklore and history.

Another item on your bucket list today is Papa Stour, another island, which forms part of the Shetland Islands. Erosion of Papa Stour's soft volcanic rocks has sculptured an extraordinary cliff scenery including a variety of caves, stacks, arches, and blowholes, all supporting a range of marine flora and fauna.

National Geographic Traveler has designated Faroe Islands as “authentic, unspoiled and likely to remain so”. It seems that nature spares no colors in “painting” the islands. Deep-green hills, bright blue sea, colorful houses and boats, orange-red puffins' beaks make the scenery unforgettable; meanwhile, traditional wooden dwellings with turf roofs look like they belong in a fairy tale.

The rugged Faroese are proud of their Viking heritage and their love of the sea. You will explore the archipelago including Tórshavn, the capital and largest city of Faroe Islands. This would include a visit to Kirkjubøur, the ecclesiastical and cultural center of the Faroes in the Middle Ages. It was the site of the Bishop's residence until the Reformation, when the Faroese diocese was abolished. The imposing Gothic ruin of the late 13th century Saint Magnus Cathedral still dominates the site. The Roykstovan, standing on the wide, stone foundation of a portion of the Bishop's palace, has been the home of farmers in Kirkjubøur for centuries and occupied by the same Faroese family for 17 generations.

The expedition team will search for remote areas of the archipelago to visit or pause. You can take advantage of the ship and possibly Zodiacs to see bird cliffs and other natural wonders that are otherwise difficult to access.

After a day at sea, return to Leith, Edinburgh's vibrant port district. Transfers to the airport or to Edinburgh city center are provided if you wish to spend more time in the wonderful capital of Scotland.

Day 1: Arrival in Edinburgh, Scotland (Hotel Night)

Welcome to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland and starting point of our expedition. To provide you with more time to enjoy this metropolis rich in history and culture, we've arranged pre-cruise hotel accommodations. Relax and take a stroll through town, enjoying both medieval and classic 18th-century architecture. The famous Edinburgh Castle rises majestically above it all.

Day 2: Embarkation

Enjoy the morning and early afternoon at leisure. Each corner of Edinburgh’s old streets opens beautiful unexpected vistas of green hills or a blue flash of the distant sea. In the afternoon, you will be transferred from the hotel to the ship in the nearby Port of Leith. Before dinner, there’s time to explore the Sea Spirit, your home-away-from home for the next days.

Day 3: Bass Rock & Isle of May

Our adventures begin with the exploration of two uninhabited islands teeming with wildlife. The Isle of May is a national nature reserve, home to puffins, guillemots, razorbills, cormorants, terns, and seals basking on the shore. You’ll also spot historic landmarks like St. Ardin’s Chapel and the island lighthouse.

Just across the water rises Bass Rock—home to the world’s largest colony of northern gannets. Over 150,000 birds fill the cliffs and skies in one of nature’s greatest spectacles.

Day 4: Kirkwall

Today's tour takes you west across Orkney’s rolling landscape into the UNESCO World Heritage “Heart of Neolithic Orkney.” Pass the Standing Stones of Stenness and visit the Ring of Brodgar, a vast ceremonial stone circle over 5,000 years old. Explore Skara Brae, a prehistoric village revealed from the sand only 150 years ago.

Day 5: Fair Isle, Shetland Islands

Fair Isle is a true paradise for birdwatchers. A huge number of birds inhabit its lush grasslands and spectacular cliffs — over 345 species have been recorded here, more than anywhere else in Britain. During our island walk, we hope to spot northern fulmars, kittiwakes, northern gannets, Atlantic puffins, and great and Arctic skuas, observing them closely and photographing them from just a few meters away. The puffin population alone is impressive — around 12,000 birds. About fifty residents live on Fair Isle, and they’ll welcome us at the community centre with Scottish treats, sweets, and hot drinks. You’ll also have the chance to purchase Fair Isle’s famous wool jumpers, hats, and mittens, and chat with the locals about everyday life on the island.

Days 6-9: Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are wild, colorful, and absolutely unique. Green hills, blue seas, colonies of adorable puffins with bright beaks, and turf-roofed houses create a landscape straight out of a fairy tale. This hard-to-reach destination is a dream for photographers, with unforgettable scenery at every turn.

Experience the unique blend of Viking heritage and modern charm in the capital city of Tórshavn. Visit the National Museum, taste traditional wind-dried mutton, explore ancient wooden houses and cathedral ruins, and end the day with free time to discover the picturesque harbor before we sail north.

In Funningur, we’ll experience the local culture firsthand: sampling traditional Faroese dishes, strolling through the narrow streets with local guides, and learning about the region’s customs. Every moment here offers a vivid glimpse into the life and traditions of the Faroe Islands.

Day 10: Seyðisfjörðu, Iceland

We then continue to Iceland, a land of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Sailing along Iceland’s rugged eastern coast, we arrive in Seyðisfjörður — a secret gem nestled among waterfalls and misty mountains. The town’s colorful 19th-century wooden houses, built by Norwegian traders, line the peaceful harbor, their reflections shimmering in the still fjord waters.

Later, we visit Lake Urriðavatn to soak in a geothermal pool with sweeping views of the lake and surrounding peaks. As warm thermal waters meet the crisp mountain air, you’ll feel a deep connection with Iceland’s raw, untouched beauty.

Day 11: Djúpivogur, Eastern Iceland

We anchor near the peaceful fishing village of Djúpivogur, surrounded by rugged cliffs and calm fjords. A guided walk takes us along black-sand beaches and quiet lagoons, where puffins, Arctic terns, and other seabirds can be spotted. We explore small islands linked by natural sandbars, visit a traditional bird watching hut, and enjoy the gentle rhythm of village life —a perfect way to experience Iceland’s serene coastal beauty.

Day 12: Vestmannaeyjar Archipalego, Southern Iceland

The volcanic Westman Islands are among Earth’s youngest landscapes, shaped by recent eruptions, dramatic cliffs, and thriving seabird colonies. On Heimaey, we see the impact of the 1973 Eldfelleruption, which buried part of the town in ash, and explore the Eldheimar Museum, where interactive exhibits bring this event to life.

Day 13: Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Western Iceland

Often called “Iceland in Miniature,” the Snæfellsnes Peninsula captures all the island’s magic in one place — dramatic cliffs, black-sand beaches, lava fields, glaciers, and volcanic craters. We’ll pass waterfalls and the famous Kirkjufell Mountain, known to Gameof Thrones fans as the “Arrowhead Mountain,” with every view revealing a touch of Iceland’s mystical soul.

Day 14: Disembarkation in Reykjavik, Iceland

Our expedition ends in Reykjavík, but the wonders of Iceland, the wild Faroe Islands, and historic Scotland stay with you. Spend time exploring Reykjavík’s galleries and cafés, or relax in a geothermal spa, as the vivid colors and dramatic landscapes of this extraordinary journey linger on long after you depart.