Wild lands of Scotland, the Faroe Islands and Iceland

Located in the heart of the Clyde Valley, Glasgow is Scotland's largest city, blending urban energy with the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. Rich in artistic heritage and architectural marvels, the city showcases its history through iconic landmarks and Victorian monuments. The chequerboard street layout makes it easy to explore on foot, immersing visitors in the vibrant atmosphere. Discover world-class collections at museums and art galleries, including the renowned Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, sits at the northern tip of Belfast Lough in the northeast of the Emerald Isle. Along the waterfront, the iconic Titanic Belfast building—shaped like a fragmented liner—pays tribute to the famous transatlantic ship with life-sized reconstructions that capture the spirit of the Belle Époque. In the historic center, admire the grand Edwardian columns of City Hall and the striking neo-Gothic towers of Queen’s University. The carved wooden façades of Victorian pubs offer a warm invitation to enjoy a pint of beer or chilled cider.

Included Excursions:
Scenic Belfast and the Titanic
Duration : 4h15
Discover Belfast, an industrial yet elegant city with a rich past, during a scenic tour, followed by an immersion into the history of the Titanic, the legendary ship constructed in the Northern Irish capital. Belfast experienced significant growth in the 19th century, a period marked by considerable industrial development that left a visible mark on the city’s landscape
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During your scenic tour, you will discover the Grand Opera House and the Albert Memorial Clock, before going past Queen’s University, the Botanic Gardens and City Hall, an impressive building dominating Donegall Square. You will also be able to make the most of a photo stop in front of the city’s emblematic statue: a magnificent representation of Thanatos in marble, mounted on a granite pedestal, sculpted by Sir Thomas Brock to commemorate the sinking of the Titanic in 1912.

Your exploration will continue at the Titanic Belfast museum, where the history of this liner with a tragic destiny comes to life via a series of multimedia presentations. You will be plunged into the heart of the ship’s construction and discover poignant accounts of passengers, crew and heroes who distinguished themselves during the sinking.
At the end of the visit, you will board your coach and return to the pier and your ship.

This excursion takes place on generally flat ground. The team recommends wearing comfortable walking shoes. In the Titanic Belfast museum, you will have a choice between stairs and lifts. The visit of the museum is self-guided; audio-guides will be made available. The order of the visits may be changed.

Spectacular Giants Causeway
Duration : 5h30
Departing from the pier in Belfast, you will travel inland through the Northern Counties of Down and Antrim passing en route Ballymoney and Ballymena, to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giants’ Causeway.
For centuries, visitors have marvelled at its majesty and mystery. The unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of the Atlantic storms and the rugged symmetry of the columns never fail to intrigue and inspire. To stroll the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time. Your imagination will travel along stepping stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the myths and legends of the past.

The summer of 2012 marked the opening of the new Visitor Center at the Giant’s Causeway. This interpretative center allows you to decide for yourself which explanation of how the causeway’s 40,000 basalt stones were formed is most likely (or simply most interesting!). Stories about the area’s rich mythology, history, geology, flora and fauna will paint the Causeway in your mind’s eye before you make your way to the stones themselves, by boarding the “Causeway Coaster” minibus, should you prefer not to walk.Following your visit, you will drive back to Belfast and your ship.

To fully appreciate the Giants’ Causeway, you will have to walk over uneven, slippery surfaces as well as steps. The amount of walking is at your discretion. A public bus runs between the visitor center and the Giant's Causeway. Scooters and all-terrain wheelchairs are available to borrow from the Visitor Center but the availability is not garanteed. The team recommends you wear good and comfortable walking shoes. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.

Oban is on the west coast of Scotland, opposite the Isle of Mull. It is the capital of the county of Argyll, a rural region of the Highlands considered to be the cradle of Scotland. Coming from Ireland, the Gaels settled here, bringing their language and culture. From “The Little Bay”, its name in Scottish Gaelic, you arrive in Kilmartin Glen, the site renowned for having the largest concentration of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland. Among this spectacular site’s 350 ancient monuments, you discover standing stones, alignments of cairns, and stone circles. Glen Coe Valley then reveals its dramatic landscapes, shaped by volcanic activity. This valley, one of the wildest in Scotland, has been used as a location for the series Outlander. The discovery of the region ends with a visit to a whisky distillery, a unique opportunity to taste an exceptional product.

Included Excursions
Dunstaffnage Castle, Ganavan's beaches
Duration : 3h30
Set off on a walk to discover Dunstaffnage Castle and Ganavan Beaches, surrounded by wild moorland, coastal cliffs, forests, and panoramic views of the surrounding islands.

Enjoy a picturesque walk from the sandy beach of Ganavan Sands to the evocative ruins of 13th-century Dunstaffnage Castle. Walk along the paved path, which offers breathtaking views of the coast and passes through charming wooded areas where streams flow and bluebells grow. Once you arrive at the impressive Dunstaffnage Castle, your guide will tell you about its eventful history as a stronghold of the MacDougalls, and you can also explore the remains of the chapel, hidden among the trees.

This excursion includes approximately 3 miles of walking on poorly marked and sometimes muddy trails, with steep ascents and descents, on paved bike paths and rough terrain at Dunstaffnage Castle. The paths in the woods of Dunstaffnage are poorly marked. The team recommends wearing comfortable walking shoes. 

The Highlands and Glencoe
Duration : 5h00
On this scenic tour, you will be captivated by Glencoe, an iconic postcard image of the Highlands and one of the most spectacular parts of Scotland.
You will head towards Glencoe, a valley surrounded by towering mountains, offering some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland. A paradise for mountain climbers, hikers and skiers, this extraordinary site also has a famous and sombre past: it was the setting of the tragic 1692 massacre.

On arrival, you will visit the Glencoe Visitor Center, an eco-museum presenting the area’s history, geology and natural environment, before enjoying some free time. You will then continue your scenic journey through spectacular mountains and wide valleys, while your experienced guide recounts the dramatic events that left a lasting mark on this place. You will stop for photos at key sites such as the Three Sisters, Buachaille Etive Mòr and Loch Achtriochtan, before continuing through the Pass of Brander and following the coastline, passing the famous Castle Stalker on your way back to Oban.

This excursion includes a 2 hour 20 minute scenic drive and around 400 meters (0.25 miles) of walking on flat, sometimes paved ground. It is suitable for wheelchair users. The team recommends wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a waterproof jacket. 

On the West Coast of the Northern Highlands, you’re sure to be charmed by the picturesque city of Ullapool, so often admired by holidaymakers passing through. While this delightful fishing port has proven to be the ideal departure point for exploring the region on foot, the place itself is worth the detour. Stretching along the quiet, majestic banks of loch Broom, whitewashed cottages line the harbor and the pretty pebble beach. The view of the surrounding mountains only makes this image postcard-perfect. To find out more about Ullapool’s origins, you can visit the town’s museum dedicated to local history.

Included Excursions
Knockan Crag Hike
Duration : 3h00
Set off to discover Knockan Crag, one of Scotland’s most fascinating natural spaces, renowned for its spectacular geology. With an experienced guide, you will follow the paths of Knockan Crag as you discover this geological park, which appeals as much to hiking enthusiasts as to fans of science and art.

Your steps will lead you to the Moine Thrust, a geological fault where very old rocks lie on tops of much younger layers, a phenomenon also observed in the Himalayas and the Alps. You will find out more about the subject by visiting the site’s small museum, before continuing on the Thrust Trail and experiencing some veritable time travel, transporting you 500 millions years back. Throughout the walk, you will be able to admire artistic installations and be inspired by poems engraved on the rock slabs, reflecting the unreal atmosphere flowing through this exceptional site.

This excursion involves walking approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) on well-maintained but sometimes uneven paths, with some rocky steps. The team recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and warm layered clothing, and bringing water as well as a waterproof, windproof jacket. 

Corrieshalloch Gorge
Duration : 3h00
Discover one of the most impressive natural wonders of the Scottish Highlands during a walk in Corrieshalloch Gorge, featuring vertiginous waterfalls and wild landscapes. After a picturesque journey along Loch Broom, you will reach Corrieshalloch Gorge, a mile-long canyon shaped by glacial waters and designated a National Nature Reserve.

A forest ranger will provide you with a map of the paths so you can explore at your own pace. In this preserved setting, in the heart of the forest, follow your guide to the Gorge, crossing over the magnificent Victorian suspension bridge, and admire a series of cascading waterfalls.

This excursion involves around 1 hour of walking, including 10 minutes on uneven gravel and sand surfaces between the coach park and the suspension bridge. You will then have to cross the bridge, which swings  gently, then continue on the path for 5 more minutes to reach the second viewpoint. You will have to negotiate a significant  change in elevation to visit the bottom of the Gorge. However, you can still see some stunning views without crossing the bridge. The team recommends wearing comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing. Remember to bring water as well as a rainproof and windproof jacket.

Ullapool Village Walk
Duration : 1h30
Set off on an unexpected interlude in Ullapool, a picturesque village anchored to Loch Broom, where fishing traditions, grandiose landscapes and tales of the Highlands all come together.

Nestled at the mouth of Loch Broom, Ullapool is much more than a simple fishing village: it is a must-see stop for visitors wishing to discover the soul of the Scottish Highlands. Founded in the 18th century, this charming village recounts both the history of herring fishing and the heritage of the Highlands clans.
During a guided walk through its peaceful little streets, let your local guide reveal the legends whispered in pub corners, the sailors’ tales that have made the port famous and the landscapes that inspire many artists and writers. Your gaze will wander towards the surrounding hills, often bathed in a changing light that imbues each moment with a unique atmosphere.

The visit will conclude with one of the most cherished traditions: a moment of conviviality by the water, with homemade Scottish shortbread, accompanied by a perfumed tea or a coffee, opposite the soothing calm of the Loch.

This excursion involves walking 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) on relatively flat surfaces, but with some cobblestones. The team recommends wearing warm and layered clothing, including a waterproof outer layer, and comfortable shoes for walking. 

The small and charming capital of the Shetland Islands, with its sea front of old houses and narrow streets, offers travelers its old districts and a warm port atmosphere. Geopark Shetland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located to the north. Incredibly well-preserved archaeological sites and ruins prove that the islands’ occupation dates back to the first Neolithic colonies. The Shetland Museum and Archives recounts the Shetlands’ history of heritage and culture: Lerwick’s abundant waters were even fished by the Dutch in the past.

Included Excursions
Treasures of Shetland Islands
Duration : 3h45
Fall under the spell of the unique and spectacular landscapes of the Shetland Islands, and discover Jarlshof, one of Great Britain’s most impressive archaeological sites.

Travel through pretty villages along the coastal road, bordered on one side by the sea and on the other side by the southern part of the island’s hills, and arrive at the impressive archaeological site of Jarlshof, located in Sumburgh, at the southern tip of the main island. Here you will discover some of the Shetland’s - and even Scotland’s - oldest and most fascinating remnants of human occupation: prehistoric dwellings and monuments rub shoulders here in a striking setting.
You will then continue your drive to the Sumburgh Head bird cliffs, at the southernmost point of the Shetlands. This spectacular promontory shelters a colony of around 5,000 seabirds, which come to nest on the steep edges and sheer cliffs that lead to the lighthouse. You may have the opportunity to see puffins, the archipelago’s endearing emblems.

This excursion involves walking approximately 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) on uneven ground. The team recommends wearing comfortable walking shoes as well as warm and waterproof clothes. This excursion is not recommended for wheelchair users. The order of the visits may be reversed. 

Lerwick Walking Tour
Duration : 2h30
Join this guided walking tour to explore Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, and discover the town’s rich heritage.
Led by your guide, you will head to the town center to admire some of Lerwick’s most emblematic landmarks, including the Market Cross and the Tolbooth, home to the local lifeboat station.

As you stroll through the cobbled streets, you will learn more about island life before reaching the Town Hall, famous for its stained-glass windows illustrating the history of Shetland. You will then continue to Fort Charlotte. Built in 1665 during the reign of Charles II, it has served in turn as a fortress, a prison and a courthouse.

Finally, you will walk to the Shetland Museum and Archives and enjoy a private visit of this center dedicated to the archipelago’s cultural heritage.
At the end of your tour, you may choose to explore the museum or the town further, or walk back to the ship with your guide.

This excursion involves around 5 km (3 miles) of walking on paved and uneven surfaces. It is not recommended for those with reduced mobility. The team recommends wearing comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather conditions. Access to the interior of the Town Hall to view the stained-glass windows depends on whether it is open to the public. Please note that the main hall is used for council meetings and is closed at weekends. 

Suduroy Island, literally “South Island”, has one of the smallest populations in the Faroe Islands. It has sheer cliffs along its western face. The island is an important breeding ground for seabirds, including northern fulmars, black-legged kittiwakes, Atlantic puffins, and guillemots. You'll be guided through the island, exploring its authentic villages with black, tarred-wood churches typical of the Faroe Islands, as well as its hiking trails lined with peat fields and stone sheepfolds. Sheep are indeed omnipresent throughout the Faroe Islands — in fact, there are more sheep than humans —, and they add to the charm of these wild landscapes.

Included Excursions
Hiking in Hvannhagi
Duration : 3h00
A geological marvel testifying to the natural forces that have shaped the Faroese landscape over the millennia, the valley of Hvannhagi will reveal itself during this strenuous but breathtaking hike.

Located on the eastern coast of Suðuroy, the charming village of Tvøroyri marks the beginning of your hike. Leaving behind the small colorful houses, you will join a narrow path, climbing steeply along the hills. Soon, the mountain will open up and you will reach “the door”, a point that reaches an altitude of 300 meters (almost 1,000 feet), offering an incredible panorama over the neighboring cliffs and the islands of Lítla Dímun, Stóra Dímun and Skúvoy.

After this first step, it will be time to reach the valley of Hvannhagi, taking the Shepherd’s Steps, constructed by Nepalese artisans in summer 2023. After a fairly steep descent, you will finally reach this preserved site, peopled with sheep and birds. Surrounded by sculptural mountains and facing a peaceful lake, this raw nature forged by millennia of tectonic and volcanic activity is a veritable paradise for those who love large open spaces and geology, as well as for photographs.

This hike of 8 to 9 kilometers (between 5 and 5.6 miles) is demanding, especially the descent and the climb back up at Hvannhagi. It is not suitable for people who are not used to walking in the mountains or suffering from vertigo. A shorter option involves stopping at the Shepherd’s Steps (around 1 hour of walking). Wear suitable shoes, several layers of clothing and a waterproof coat. Remember to bring water from the ship. Observation of wildlife cannot be guaranteed: remember your binoculars.

Suduroy, unspoiled nature
Duration : 3h30
Welcome to Suduroy, the southernmost Faroe Island. Nature has pride of place here, while authenticity is the watchword. Between fjords, tall mountains and sheer cliffs, its untamed landscapes will not leave you indifferent.

During your tour around the island in a car, you will marvel at the diversity and breathtaking beauty of Suduroy’s scenery. With scarcely 5,000 inhabitants scattered over around 165 km² (68 square miles), nature prevails over the picturesque villages, with some of the most magical natural sites in the Faroe Islands. The fjords, mountains, fields (and sheep) and forests will unfold as you explore the island.

You will stop at Cape Akraberg on the southern point of the island, to take photos. This narrow strip of land that juts out into the sea and finishes in a cliff capped with a lighthouse will impress you with its beauty and its wild side. Watch out for the wind! The breathtaking views over the Sandvík cliffs are magical.
The nearby small village of Sumba (barely 300 inhabitants), with its wooden houses clinging to the cliffs, offers very pretty views over the windswept ocean.
After a snack in the equally charming village of Porkeri, your adventure on the island of Suduroy will come to an end.

The level of difficulty of this excursion is medium. The ground is flat, with uneven surfaces and some stairs.

Faroese Geology
Duration : 2h00
The Faroe Islands were created by a series of eruptions some 50 millions years ago or so. The island of Suduroy consists of the lower and middle basalt layers, while the other islands mostly consist of the middle and top layers. The columnar basalt are most visible in Frodba.

Discover these extraordinary basalt columns up close only a short drive from the port of Tvoroyri. Just below these basalt columns, by the bay in Frodba, walk the short distance to ‘Kúlugjógv’, where you can see even more spectacular basalt rock formations. This striking geological feature is nestled amidst the pristine Faroese landscape, showcases the immense power of natural forces that have sculpted the terrain over time.        
These basalt formations are a quite specific geological find.

This excursion involves walking on small hill, grass surface and several steps. The team recommends you wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing. Bring a wind-proof and water-proof jacket and water from the ship.

The Faroe Islands, an archipelago formed by volcanic rock, reveal an incredible diversity of reliefs where the sea is ubiquitous: you’ll sail past stone pinnacles and unique coastlines. To the west of the island of Vagar stand Thindolmur and Drangarnir, rocky outcrops that marine erosion have detached from the coast, thus forming independent islets known as stacks. The impressive Traelanipa cliff, also known as Slave Cliff, stands 142 meters (466 feet) high. It overlooks the superb Lake Sorvagsvatn. Located 30 meters (98 feet) above sea level, this is the archipelago’s largest lake. On the island of Streymoy, you’ll be able to spot guillemots, screeching fulmars, or penguins, nesting in the welcoming crevices of the Vestmanna cliffs.

Streymoy Island is the largest and most populated of the Faroe Islands, with 22,500 inhabitants. Lying between Scotland and Iceland, the 18-island Danish archipelago boasts natural wonders that fascinate lovers of the great outdoors. Here, the hilly green landscapes stand in contrast with the huge basalt cliffs, and the invigorating air shifts with the moods of the ocean. To the north, the small village of Saksun, with its traditional grass-covered rooftops, has 14 inhabitants. In the curve of a magnificent natural amphitheater, it overlooks a fjord with a lagoon: an idyllic setting in a secluded and peaceful environment. To the west, in Vestmanna, myriad birds nest in the crags along the eroded and vertiginous cliff faces.

Included Excursions
Hiking in the Mountains
Duration : 3h30
The Faroe Islands archipelago is a territory with unique geography, a paradise for those who love big pristine spaces. Explore these incredible landscapes during a demanding hike, discovering basalt columns, alpine lakes and rocky outcrops sculpted by ancient glaciers.
From Tórshavn, gigantic waterfalls and peaceful sheep punctuate the road that runs along the Kaldbak fjord and will take you to the departure point of your hike.

There, 280 meters (920 feet) above sea level, the impressive Streymoy basalt columns mark the beginning of your adventure. Before these geological rarities, take the path that leads to the summit where it will open up onto an incredible panorama.

Make the most of a pause near mountain lakes to admire the rocky formations polished by the ice, the magnificent Vágar Island revealing itself on the horizon, before walking back down towards your coach and the road back to Tórshavn.

This demanding hike involves walking around 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) on uneven and steep ground. The team recommends you wear comfortable walking shoes, several layers of clothing, a windbreaker and a waterproof jacket. Bring water from the ship and do not forget your binoculars.

The village of Saksun
Duration : 3h30
Explore Saksun, an iconic little village in the Faroe Islands. It will charm you with its surprising landscapes, which reflect past local life.
You will set off for the first stop on your adventure: the village of Kollafjørður, famous for its old wooden church with its turf roof.
Then you will head north to discover the village of Saksun. As you come closer to your destination, majestic panoramas reveal themselves. Nestling at the end of the road, between the green meadows and the mountains, a singular village will appear. You are seeing Dúvugardar and its old farm, which has today become a national heritage museum which recounts the day-to-day lives of Faroese farmers in the 20th century. Admire the bay below the village, the centerpiece of a spectacular panorama. In the past, it sheltered a harbor but, since a storm made it shallow, it has only been accessible by small boats at high tide. On the road back, you will have splendid views over the island’s capital, Tórshavn.

This excursion involves some walking on flat paths and small hills. The team recommends you wear comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and a windproof/rainproof jacket. Also bring a bottle of water from the ship.

Kirkjubour and Tinganes Old Town
Duration : 3h00
Set off to discover Kirkjubour, a medieval village on the island of Streymoy, and journey through the history of the Faroe Islands. You will reach Streymoy Island heading for Kirkjubour, your first stop! This village was the cultural and religious center of the Faroe Islands in the Middle Ages, and the episcopal residence until the Reform. Admire the impressive ruins of Saint-Magnus Cathedral, vestiges of this rich past.

A little further on, discover Roykstovan, home to the farmers of Kirkjubour for centuries; it has been inhabited by 17 generations of the same Faroese family. Admire its unique architecture, its traditional green roof and its structure in wooden logs that arrived from Norway almost 700 years ago according to the story.
On the path back, make the most of the magnificent panoramas over the islands of Koltur, Hestur, Sandoy and Vágar, before finishing this journey by visiting the old district of Tinganes. You will stroll around its pretty little streets edged with traditional peat-roofed houses.

This excursion involves walking around an hour on uneven ground, with cobblestones and several steps. The team recommends you wear comfortable walking shoes and several layers of clothing.

Streymoy Island is the largest and most populated of the Faroe Islands, with 22,500 inhabitants. Lying between Scotland and Iceland, the 18-island Danish archipelago boasts natural wonders that fascinate lovers of the great outdoors. Here, the hilly green landscapes stand in contrast with the huge basalt cliffs, and the invigorating air shifts with the moods of the ocean. To the north, the small village of Saksun, with its traditional grass-covered rooftops, has 14 inhabitants. In the curve of a magnificent natural amphitheater, it overlooks a fjord with a lagoon: an idyllic setting in a secluded and peaceful environment. To the west, in Vestmanna, myriad birds nest in the crags along the eroded and vertiginous cliff faces.

Included Excursions
The Vestmanna Cliffs
Duration : 2h00
Set off to discover the spectacular Vestmanna cliffs, natural splendors that plunge steeply into the depths of the ocean. The small town of Vestmanna is the theater of Dantean cliffs that are 600 meters (2,000 feet) high and home to marine caves and abundant wildlife. You will board a local boat to discover this natural diamond in the rough. You will sail along the cliff to a narrow gorge, where the sheer rock walls rise towards the sky, then you will enter one of the caves. Here, the daylight will disappear to make way for the whisper of the flowing water that surrounds you… An experience during which time stands still, reminds the great power of the elements.

This excursion involves walking on primarily flat paths, including some steps. The team recommends you wear warm clothing, a waterproof jacket and a windbreaker, and bring binoculars.

A walk in the village of Vestmanna
Duration : 2h00
Set off to discover Vestmanna, an emblematic and authentic Faroe Islands village whose history, dating back to the time of the Vikings, is as rich as the surrounding nature.
 
A guide will welcome you in the village and take you to your first stop: the Viking ruins of Gálgarðurin, precious evidence of the island’s first settlers. You will then visit the village’s beautiful church, which dates from the end of the 19th century. Next, you will go to Krambúðin, a traditional shop dating back to 1906 where you will learn how Vestmanna changed from an agricultural community into a fishing village.
 
Another stop on your walk is the hydroelectric power plant, which today supplies most of the island’s regions. You will visit this unique site, a fine example of a community that has been able to innovate to ensure its future while respecting its exceptional natural environment.
 
You will finish your walk with a visit of the local rowing club which houses a superb selection of Faroese wooden boats, used in the past for fishing and now for taking part in this national sport.
 
This excursion involves walking 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) on flat ground and small hills. The team recommends you wear comfortable walking shoes, several layers of clothing, a windbreaker and a waterproof jacket, and bring water.

The Faer Isles distillery
Duration : 2h00
In the heart of the wild and windswept landscapes of the Faroe Islands, whisky enthusiasts have joined forces to open what could well be the world’s most isolated distillery. During a visit, followed by a tasting, discover the history of the Faer Isles Distillery and its singular beverages, which are closely linked to their environment.
 
It takes boldness to open a distillery in one of the most distant places in the world. Boldness and a good nose, because the geology of the Faroe Islands, as well as the wet, salty and windy climate of these lands, offer perhaps the ideal conditions to produce first-class spirits. During a visit in the company of the Faer Isles brewers, discover all their secrets and taste the very first whisky produced by this new wave of Faroese creatives.
 
This excursion involves walking approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) on mostly flat ground to reach the distillery, with a small hill to climb. The team recommends you wear comfortable walking shoes and several layers of clothing.

Djúpivogur is a small town and municipality located on a peninsula in the Austurland in eastern Iceland. The coastline consists of three magnificent fjords, Berufjörður, Hamarsfjörður, and Álftafjörður which create a striking landscape to explore. On land, the town is shadowed by Búlandstindur, a pyramid-shaped basalt mountain peaking at 1069 m, making for an incredible sight. Numerous local legends surround this mountain, which is said to grant wishes during the summer solstice.

Included Excursions
Rural East Iceland
Enjoy this intimate introduction to daily life in Iceland under the watchful eye of Europe’s largest glacier—the majestic Vatnajokull Glacier. Board your local coach and take the 30-minute drive to the Hoffellsjokull Glacier.
Hoffellsjokull was at its largest around 1890. Then, trucks were driven up here and filled with ice, which they transported to the town of Hofn. The ice was used for chilling fish, both aboard fishing boats and on shore. The area around the glacier is the habitat of several rare Icelandic plants and a great variety of birds. Take advantage of a 30-minute stop among these tranquil surroundings to explore the site on your own.
Then, you will head to the local horse club in Stekkholl. Islandic horse is the only breed to possess up to 5 paces: walking, trotting, galloping, “tolt” and “amble” with as much amplitude and variations of speed. Icelandic pastries will be served after the show. Afterward, board your local coach for the drive back to Hofn fishing village, with photostop en route offering stunning view…

This excursion involves 5 hours of scenic drive, including comfort stop. This excursion involves walking on mostly paved and gravel ground. The team recommends you wear comfortable shoes. 

Jokurlsarlon, the glacier lagoon
From the pier, board your local coach and start a 3-hour panoramic drive to the largest national park of Iceland. En route, enjoy a light lunch at a local restaurant.

Vatnajokull national park, UNESCO World Heritage Site, was established in 2008. It encompasses not only all of Vatnajokull glacier but also extensive surrounding areas. The park, one of the largest national parks in Europe, covers 13% of Iceland. Its landscape is diverse, predominantly due to the interplay of volcanic activity and glaciers. Few other places in the world exhibit the effects of such a wide range of natural phenomena as Vatnajokull.

Upon arrival, discover Fjallsarlon ice lagoon and its vivid colors with your guide. Fjallsarlon is renowned for the shimmering icebergs that float in its waters. Some of the icebergs are streaked with grey, caused by volcanic eruptions. Fjallsarlon sits in the shadow of Fjallsjokull Glacier, an outlet of the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajokull. Icebergs break away from the glacier and float on the surface of the glacial lagoon below. Unlike Jokulsarlon, Fjallsarlon is not connected to the sea. This means the icebergs stay there until they melt.

Then, head to the nearby Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, where you will enjoy magnificent landscapes. Discover the black beach, before an amphibian boat tour through the lagoon.  Get an opportunity to photograph this impressive spectacle and to touch the ice, which has broken off Breidamerkurjokull, one of Vatnajokull’s many glacier outlets. Jokulsarlon has been the setting for two James Bond films, « Die Another Day » and « A View to a Kill ».
Afterwards, board your coach for the drive back to Djupivogur. On your way, stop in a local restaurant for a buffet lunch.

This excursion involves 5 hours of scenic drive, including comfort stop. The team recommends you wear warm clothes and good walking shoes. This excursion involves walking on mostly flat ground, and sandy ground. Infrastructure is limited in Hofn: the amphibian boat may be shared with other travellers. Order of visits may vary.

The Westman Islands were formed from a succession of underwater eruptions and consist of 15 islands and around 30 islets. As you will discover, Heimaey has a rich history and captivating landscapes. Dominated by the Eldfjall, it’s the only island in the chain that is inhabited. This exceptional site has a very pronounced relief   taking in vertiginous cliffs, reefs, sea caves, and surf. Raise your eyes and you will be able to admire the spectacular dives of the Gannets.

This land seated off the southern coast of Iceland is the largest of the Vestmann islands and is the only inhabited island in the archipelago. The steep Edfell volcanoes and the green prairies of Herjólfsdalur offer a rich contrast to nature. On the Stórhöfði road, look out over grey sand beaches and cliffs carved out by the Arctic Ocean. From here, you can also see the bronze landscapes of the mountaintops. You could visit Eldheimar, an ultra-modern and interactive museum that traces the volcanic eruption experienced by Heimaey in 1973.

Included Excursions
Circumnavigation of Heimaey
Duration : 2h00
Begin your tour from the harbor that for a long time has been a shelter for the Icelandic fishing fleet, but was almost lost in the volcanic eruption on the island in 1973. After some 15 minutes of walking, embark aboard a boat to discover the island from the sea.

Sail past the cliffs surrounding the harbor to start an interesting and informative journey passing bird colonies with millions of inhabitants and exploring caves that can only be visited by boat. The bird life you get a chance to see on this tour is magnificent, as the Westman Islands have one of the largest varieties of sea bird species in Iceland. These include puffin colonies of an estimated 6 to 8 million puffins. Nowhere else in the world can such large number of puffins be found in such close proximity to man.

In addition, the islands also house one of the world’s largest gannet and guillemot colonies. Numerous other species of nesting sea birds can also be seen. In addition to the bird life, whales are also often sighted, including orcas, dolphins and porpoises.
After viewing the island and bird cliffs from every angle, the boat tour (approximately 1 ½ hour) ends by sailing into Klettshellir (Cliff Cave). From there, return to the harbor.

For this easy excursion, the team recommends you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket and you take a warm pullover. Please be aware that this tour is weather depended and that circumnavigation may not be possible. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Sight of puffins can go down after mid-August.

Heimaey, Pompeii of the North
Duration : 3h00
Leave from the perfectly formed natural harbor with its tall cliffs inhabited by multitudes of birds. Both the birds and their eggs have been an important source of food for the islanders. From there, drive from the pier into the Herjólfsdalur Valley where ruins of old farmhouses dating back to the settlement can be found.
The tour then continues along the scenic western part of the island, providing an opportunity to view the outer islands of the archipelago. The youngest island, 'Surtsey', was formed in a volcanic eruption in 1963; it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next, a photostop will be made at Stórhöfði, which offers magnificent views over the island; here puffins nest during spring and the early summer months.
The tour continues to two volcanoes, the 5,000 years old Helgafell, 'Holy Mountain', and the considerably younger Eldfell, 'Fire Mountain', which erupted in 1973 making it necessary to immediately evacuate the islanders to the mainland. Stop here and walk to the viewpoint for a panoramic view, about 10 minutes.
As you continue onwards, drive over the new lava field making your way past the 'Skansinn' – a fort with a wooden church, which was donated to the people of the Westman Islands by the state of Norway to commemorate the millennium of Christianity in Iceland.

Then, visit the new Eldheimar – 'Pompeii of the North' Museum where the history and aftermath of the 1973 eruption is explored. After the visit to the museum, you will head back to your ship. The team recommends you wear good and comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers. The walk up the viewpoint is very steep and can be slippery.

Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical center where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.

Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical center where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.