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Grass covers the houses of the Faroe Islands, blending them into the landscape.

North Atlantic Saga: Scotland, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland

Aberdeen-Reykjavik - Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Endeavour
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This 11-day expedition cruise charts a course unlike any other on Earth, from the costaline of Scotland, through the cliffs of the Faroe Islands, to the volcanic plains of Iceland. Explore ancient Neolithic ruins on rugged Celtic islands, and sail into the sagas of Norse explorers bound for far-flung Arctic shores. Observe puffins and skuas wheeling over wave-battered headlands, experience local culture in villages that have been occupied since ancient times, and meet modern-day fishermen working the same waters that fed their forebears.
Ring Of Brodgar, OrkneyA group of puffins sit on the side of a cliff overlooking the ocean.The blue lagoon in IcelandStreet view of old town ReykjavikGrass covers the houses of the Faroe Islands, blending them into the landscape.
Highlights
  • Tour the Neolithic standing stones of Stenness and Brodgar
  • Shop for exquisite handicrafts unique to the North Atlantic islands
  • See one of the world’s newest islands, the volcanic Surtsey in Iceland
  • Follow the Viking explorers on sea-routes recorded in the Norse sagas
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
0

Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Aberdeen | Embark

Aberdeen—the Granite City, or the Silver City—is the third most populous urban area in Scotland. Many of Aberdeen’s buildings are of locally quarried granite; the high mica content of this stone can sparkle like silver. The traditional industries of fishing, paper-making, shipbuilding, and textiles, have been overtaken by the oil industry since discovery of North Sea oil in the 1970s. Aberdeen’s heliport is one of the busiest in the world. The city is famed for its forty-five parks, gardens, and floral displays. Board the Ocean Endeavour in the afternoon.

Day 2: Kirkwall, Orkney

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Kirkwall is dominated by the massive St. Magnus Cathedral, dating from 1137. We’ll visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we’ll find the 4,000-year-old Ring of Brodgar. We’ll also tour the Hall of Clestrain, the childhood home of Arctic explorer John Rae.

Day 3: Fair Isle

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Once a Viking hub, Fair Isle is now an idyllic island colony of artists and shepherds. The island boasts 350 bird species, including puffins and great skuas in substantial numbers. The local museum is dedicated to preserving island heritage. 

Day 4: Suðuroy Island and Sumba, Faroe Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The southwest coast of Suðuroy Island features dramatic cliffs that tower above the Atlantic Ocean. The western side of the island is a breeding site for seabirds, including northern fulmars, European storm petrels, European shags, black-legged kittiwakes, Atlantic puffins, common guillemots, and black guillemots. The village of Sumba—population 239—is a stronghold of Faroese chain dancing. Archaeological excavations have shown traces of occupation at Sumba as far back as the seventh century, making it one of the oldest villages in the Faroe Islands. Hiking is excellent in the foothills of nearby Beinisvøro Mountain, affording spectacular, panoramic views of the region.

Day 5: Tórshavn

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Tórshavn, “Thor’s harbor,” is the Faroe Islands’ capital and largest town. A former Viking trading centre, Tórshavn is a splendid little city to explore. The National Art Gallery is a treasure, surrounded by gorgeous grounds with walking trails. We will visit Nordic House and experience excellent shopping, restaurants, and pubs.

Day 6-7: Western Faroe Islands

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
The northwestern shores of Eysturoy and Streymoy islands are perfect for hiking, birding, and photography. Charming villages connected by high-tech tunnels through mountains and beneath the ocean floor are a unique and startling feature of Faroese life. The spectacular waterfall at Gásadalur is reached through one such tunnel—but look for the old switchback trail over the mountain, once used by the local postman!

Day 8: Mykines Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Mykines is the westernmost of the Faroes and a geological marvel. Great columns of balsalt (called the Stone-wood) tower thirty meters above the ocean. On the western end of the island, connected by a forty meter footbridge, is the islet Mykineshólmur, famed for its sea stacks and a lighthouse dating to 1909. Mykines has been identified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.

Day 9: At Sea

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today we will enjoy a day at sea.  With onboard education and time spent on deck, we will keep our eyes open for marine wildlife and seabirds! 

Day 10: Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Vestmannaeyjar lies off the south coast of Iceland and comprises fourteen islands, numerous rocks, and skerries. Only the largest island, Heimaey, is inhabited. Numerous species of seabirds, including the famous puffin, nest in the steep rock faces along the ocean cliffs. The volcanically active area has seen two major eruptions in recent times: the formation of the island of Surtsey in 1963, and the Eldfell eruption ten years later that destroyed much of Heimaey.

Day 11: Reykjavík | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Reykjavík, “smoky bay”, is a cosmopolitan capital city on the site of what is believed to be the first permanent settlement in Iceland, established in 874 AD. Entirely powered by geothermal energy, Reykjavík is among the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world.

We’ll disembark the Ocean Endeavour in the morning.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Endeavour

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$4,395
Ocean Endeavour - Cat 1 Quad
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Quadruple - Category 1
Deck four: Interior cabin, four lower berths, private bath (separate shower room and powder room) - approx. 240 sq. ft.
Ocean Endeavour - Cat 2 Triple
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Triple - Category 2
Deck four: Interior cabin, three lower berths, two private baths - approx. 200 sq. ft.
Interior Twin cabin on the Ocean Endeavour
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Interior Twin - Category 3
Deck five: Interior cabin, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 125 sq. ft. (twin)/110 sq. ft. (single)
Exterior Twin Cabin on the Ocean Endeavour
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Exterior Twin - Category 4
Deck four: Porthole window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 100 sq. ft. (twin)/90 sq. ft. (single)
Exterior Twin Cabin on the Ocean Endeavour
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Main Twin - Category 5
Deck five: Picture window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 115 sq. ft.
Comfort Twin cabin on board Ocean Endeavour
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Comfort Twin - Category 6
Deck four: Two portholes windows, unobstructed view, two lower berths - 175 sq.ft. Deck seven: picture window, partial view, two lower berths- 135 sq.ft. Deck eight: Picture windows, obstructed view, matrimonial bed, pvt. bath, fridge - 160 sq.ft.
Top Deck Twin on the Ocean Endeavour
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Select Twin - Category 7
Deck five. Picture windows, unobstructed view, two lower berths, approx. 190 sq. ft. Deck eight: oversize windows, partially obstruction view, matrimonial bed, private bath, refrigerator - approx. 145 sq. ft.
Superior Twin on the Ocean Endeavour
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Superior Twin - Category 8
Deck five. Two picture windows, unobstructed view, two lower berths, sitting area- 210 sq.ft. Deck seven: forward-facing windows with unobstructed view, matrimonial, private bath w/full tub- 180 sq.ft. Deck seven midship: picture windows, partially obstructed view, matrimonial, private bath, fridge - 190 sq.ft
Ocean Endeavour Cabin Category 9
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Junior Suite - Category 9
Deck five: Picture windows, unobstructed views, matrimonial bed, sitting area- approx. 270 sq. ft. Deck seven: forward-facing picture windows, views, matrimonial bed, private bath w/full tub, sitting area, private bath, refrigerator - approx. 290 sq. ft.
Ocean Endeavour Cabin Category 10
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Suite - Category 10
Deck seven. Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view, matrimonial bed, private bath with full tub, refrigerator - approx. 310 sq. ft.

Notes

For those who prefer not to share, we have a limited quantity of cabins in category 3 through to category 7 with no single supplement! Once these cabins are sold, the single supplement fee is 1.5 times the berth cost. Single occupancy in categories 8–10 is available at full double-occupancy rates.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 10 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Special Access Permits, Park Fees, Port Taxes
  • Zodiac Explorations 
  • Expert Expedition Team and Guest Lecturers
  • Contribution to Adventure Canada's Discovery Fund
     
  • Complimentary Expedition Jacket
  • Pre-departure materials
  • Educational program
  • Applicable taxes and credit card fees
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Pre- or Post-cruise hotel  
  • Medical Expense Coverage and Emergency Evacuation Insurance
  • Fuel Surcharge - to be invoiced separately
  • Commercial and charter flights
  • Program enhancements/optional excursions (Must be pre-booked)

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