From the green islands of Scotland and the North Atlantic to Iceland, this 6-day early-summer adventure rewards us with almost 24 hours of daylight and matchless seascapes. Migrating birds, dolphins, and whales are only some of the sights you can expect to see on this expedition. Embark on the Ocean Atlantic in Aberdeen, on Scotland's east coast, and set sail for the Orkney islands. Stop in Kirkwall, and explore the sandstone cliffs and neolithic ruins the archipelago is known for. Next sail to the Faroe Islands, sighting sea birds and whales along the way. Explore Heimaey, the largest of the Westman islands, before continuing on to end your journey in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Highlights
Learn about the rich history of Orkney Island
Experience the ever-changing climate in Faroe Island
Visit the ruins of the impressive Magnus Cathedral and the St. Olav church
Discover the recently excavated houses from the 1973 eruption in Heimaey
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
The journey begins in Aberdeen in North East Scotland, where MV Ocean Atlantic is moored. Board the ship in the afternoon, settle in to your cabin, then sail out through the mouth of the Dee River towards the North Sea.
Sail out into the waters between Outer and the Inner Hebrides at night, and in the early morning, reach the town of Kirkwall on the windy Orkney off the mainland of Scotland. Orkney is old Norse for the "seal islands", and, like the other North Atlantic islands, Orkney has a rich Viking history. But history goes even further back to one of the oldest European civilizations.
Skara Brae, Northern Europe's Pompeii, was hidden for almost 5,000 years before a massive storm revealed the ancient settlement. The 10-room homes are almost ready for moving into, fully furnished and with sanitation - all made in stone. After arriving at Kirkwall there is a bus ride to visit Skara Brae on a short excursion. Back in Kirkwall, visit Highland Park, considered by many to be the world's best distillers. On four occasions, the golden drops from Highland have been voted the world's best. It is also Scotland's northernmost whiskey.
After breakfast, arrive at Tórshavn, possibly the smallest capital in the world, ruling the scattered 18 islands that make up the Faroes. Centered around the charming grass-roofed Parliament on Tinganes, Tórshavn is now an almost bustling modern city with shops, cafés, and even three traffic lights!
By midmorning, you can participate in an optional bus excursion where you can try to look a bit back in history. Drive out of the capital and over the mountains to the south. As the climate on Faroe Island is ‘stable unstable’ it is not unlikely to drive through the cloud base and experience some fog on the way. But if you wait a moment, it also not unlikely that it clears up. Arrive in Kirkjubøur, the most important historical site on the islands. Kirkjubøur was in medieval times the Episcopal center of the Faroe Islands, and also its undisputed cultural center. Visit the ruins of the impressive Magnus Cathedral that perhaps never was completed, and the St. Olav church – the only remaining medieval church on the Faroe Islands. Upon your return to ‘Havn’ – as Tórshavn is often just called – you can go for a leisurely stroll through the old citadel near the harbor. A visit to the Art Museum and the Nordic House is also very recommendable.
Listen to a lecture from the experienced expedition staff, see a film about Arctic nature – or go out on deck to catch glimpses of migrating birds and hopefully some whales.
The Westman Islands were on the headlines of the world press in January 1973, when a volcano erupted in the Heimaey island. All 5,000 inhabitants evacuated, but most have now returned, and today the population is about 4,000. The Westman Islands are only 14 kilometers off the southwest coast of Iceland and consist of 15 green small islands and about 30 moorings.
When you go sailing, you can see the islands' steep and grateful profiles in clear weather from a long distance. They are beautifully raised by the sea and looking at them, one understands why an Icelandic poet would compare them with the sapphires in a silver ring.
The birdlife on these edges is unique and hosts, among other natural beauties, puffins and not least the "Queen of the Sea", the gannet.
Start the day by passing close to one of the world's newest islands, Surtsey. The island rose from the sea in 1963 and arrived in 2008 on UNESCO's list of world natural heritage sites. The island is closed to the public and only researchers are allowed.
In the morning, head to Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the archipelago where you can see the recently excavated houses from the 1973 eruption.
Day 6: Reykjavík, Iceland | Disembark
1 Breakfast
In the morning Ocean Atlantic goes alongside in the port of Reykjavik. It’s time to say farewell to the crew and begin the homeward journey or extend your journey with days in Iceland.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Category G - Single
Size 9-10 m². Cabins feature a single bed, private bathroom, and a porthole. Located on Columbus Deck (Deck 4).
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Category F
Size 18-21 m². Large Inside Triple Cabin, featuring a double or two single beds, and a fold-out single bed, a relaxing sitting area, and a bathroom with a bathtub, and a porthole. Located on Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
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Category E
Size 18-21 m². Large Inside Cabin, featuring a double or two single beds, a relaxing sitting area, and a bathroom with a bathtub. Located on Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
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Category D
Size 11-12 m². Featuring two single beds, private bathroom, and a porthole. Located on the Columbus Deck (Deck 4).
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Category C
Size 12-13 m². This Standard Cabin has two single beds, private bathroom, and a window. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
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Category B
Size 20-23 m² Featuring a double bed or two single beds, a sofa bed that enables triple accommodation, a relaxing sitting area, private bathroom and windows. Partly obstructed view. Located on the Magellan and Hudson Deck (Deck 7 & 8).
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Category A
Size 19-24 m². Featuring a double bed or two single beds, a relaxing sitting area, a private bathroom, and windows. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
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Premium Suite
Size 35 m². These 2-room suites are designed with a large double bed or two twin beds, an elegant living room, a large private bathroom, and windows. Located on the Marco Polo Deck (Deck 5).
Notes
Kayaking activities available on both Arctic and Antarctic voyages.
Although kayaking opportunities are possible in most locations during each excursion in the Antarctic region, weather, sea and ice conditions will dictate the when and where to ensure your safety and improve your experience.
In order to sign up for this activity, you need to have previous kayaking experience and attend a mandatory safety briefing by the Kayak Master. The cost is $250/person per outing and it can only be booked onboard.
Initial deposit is 25% of cruise fare, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. Only Visa and Mastercard are accepted for deposit. The operator does NOT accept AMEX or Discover
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 167 reviews
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Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
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Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner