Wild Scotland and Iceland

Located at the back of a magnificent fjord, Akureyri is the capital of North Iceland. This afternoon embark the Sea Spirit, settle in to your cabin, and familiarize yourself with the ship and her crew. Set sail this evening.

Siglufjordur is a small town with less than 2,000 inhabitants and is set against steep mountain slopes prone to dangerous avalanches that often block the road entering town during the long, dark Arctic winter. Once the undisputed herring fishing capital of the Atlantic, today Siglufjordur is a thriving Arctic town. Here, visit the award-winning maritime museum with its excellent displays, historic boats, and fascinating artifacts housed in refurbished warehouses. Enjoy a theatrical performance that recounts the colorful and very profitable history of herring fishing in the area. The black-headed gulls and Arctic terns also enjoy the demonstration, swarming and fighting over scraps of fish.

In the evening travel by Zodiac to land at the tiny island of Grimsey, which lies directly on the Arctic Circle. Evening is the best time to visit this place - while many travelers come here in order to cross the invisible line into the Arctic Circle, the island is also an excellent vantage point to observe the Midnight Sun. View majestic basalt rocks and bird colonies nested along the jagged cliffs - keep your eyes out for the "clowns of the sea," better known as Atlantic puffins.

Explore the Isafjordur fjord this morning. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the country, the fjord is known for its relief, forged by ancient basaltic flows.

Visit the small town of Isafjordur to discover its old wooden houses that bear witness to the town's long history. For centuries Isafjordur has been the largest fishing town in the area and a center of export and trade. Get a glimpse of everyday life in Isafjordur as you walk around the town accompanied by a guide. Experience its spirit and meet locals in their element. Steep, towering mountains of the western fjords provide shelter for the lively harbor at the heart of the town. Colorful houses built with corrugated iron give the bustling center a friendly and almost mythical aura. Through time Isafjordur has also played a significant role in Iceland’s national history and is still one of the most vibrant cultural centers in the country.

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

Welcome to Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland. Despite the fact that Iceland lies below the Arctic Circle, Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital. However, it is not the only attraction of this cozy city. Choose from a number of optional excursions to discover more about this unique metropolitan area or explore on your own.

Vestmannaeyjar, or the Westman Islands, were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey — a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you can glimpse as your ship cruises past the coast.

Spend your day relaxing on the ship deck and taking in the magnificent Arctic beauty, or taking advantage of your ship's numerous amenities as you prepare for the next leg of your journey.

Vágar, together with Mykines, is located in the westernmost part of the Faroe Islands. Vágar Island has a broad variety of possibilities to explore nature and its beauty, including the country's two largest lakes – Sørvágsvatn and Fjallavatn.

Mykines island is known as the “paradise of birds.” The foremost resident of Mykines in the summer is the puffin. This little creature is one of the main attractions for visitors. Its brightly colored bill and its willingness to remain posed with fish in its beak makes the puffin the ideal photo subject for any budding ornithologist.

Tórshavn is a city of colors with its brightly-painted houses, vibrant boats in the marina, and the deep-green commons and grazing plots. Stroll through the city, enjoy the changing light playfully reflecting in the sea, and meet the locals. The Faroese may seem reserved, but are open and friendly on approach. Enjoy the changing weather, where even the rain and the fog bring out another hue. The harbor, the ocean, the hills, and the sky add to the many colors and the very special light in the Faroe Islands.

Kirkwall is the capital of the amazing Orkney archipelago, standing at the dividing point between East and West Mainland. Founded around 1035 by Earl Rognvald Brusason, Kirkwall quickly became the administrative center of Orkney. Kirkwall's best feature is perhaps its sandstone St. Magnus Cathedral, widely considered the finest medieval building in the region. The original town is one of the best preserved examples of an ancient Norse town. Other sites of historical interest in the town include the Bishop’s Palace and Earl’s Palace, a fine example of French Renaissance architecture.

Further north than the southern tip of Norway, but with a mild climate, North Ronaldsay is the furthest flung of the Orkney Isles. This small, low-lying island has been inhabited for centuries. The high number of Neolithic sites on the island - including stone burial cists, standing stones, and the Broch of Burrian - speak to this long history. Today the island continues to be heavily farmed from old-style crofts and is famous for its seaweed-eating sheep. North Ronaldsay supports an extremely rich and diverse population of wild flowers and mammals. The island is also a hotspot for rare birds that stop by in spring and autumn.

Following in the footsteps of the famous Fair Isle, there is now a bird observatory here. North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory was established in 1987 to study and record the migrant birds that pass through Orkney's most northerly island each year.

Fair Isle is Britain's most remote inhabited island. Located in the Shetland, Fair Isle's 70 or so inhabitants welcome you upon arrival. Once on shore, enjoy a scenic walk to the bird observatory. Fair Isle is a haven for seabirds, which are very accessible. Also look out for gray seals.

Inverness is one of Scotland's seven cities and sits in the south of the Highlands region on the banks of the River Ness. Crowned by a pink crenelated castle and lavishly decorated with flowers, Inverness is a thriving city with a rich variety of places to visit and things to do, both in the city and around.

Alive with culture and history, the capital of Scotland is a thriving UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lively culture and classic beauty of this city is on display around every corner. Join one of the ship's optional excursions to explore Edinburgh.

Your final day on board the Sea Spirit provides ample time to reflect on the beauty and mystery of the Arctic. Share memories and photos with your fellow travelers as you journey homeward.

Following breakfast on board, disembark in Ijmuiden. Transfer to the airport to continue your travels.