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.
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
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
After a day of independent exploration in Aberdeen, you’ll embark on an evening departure. Many of the historic stone buildings here are made of locally quarried granite; high in mica, they can sparkle like silver.
The city is also famed for its forty-five parks, gardens, and floral displays. Though it is now a modern city, Aberdeen retains its old-world charm.
Wander through the stone walls of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll find the 4,000-year-old Ring of Brodgar. Tour the Hall of Clestrain, the childhood home of Arctic explorer John Rae. In Kirkwall, let yourself be captivated by the city’s sights, dominated by the massive St. Magnus Cathedral dating back to 1137.
Experience its lively pubs, vibrant music scene, fabulous shopping opportunities, and thriving artisan community. Step back 5,000 years to the Neolithic village of Skara Brae. Considered one of the most important Neolithic ruins in Europe today, wander the well-preserved stone houses and learn what daily life was like here.
Journey to charming Fair Isle, once a Viking hub and now an idyllic island colony of artists and shepherds. Keep your binoculars handy to spot some of the 350 bird species that the island boasts, including puffins and great skuas in substantial numbers.
Take a tour of the local museum, dedicated to preserving the island's heritage.
Visit Vágur, where the warm hospitality of its 1,300 residents awaits you. Relish in the opportunity to witness Faroese chain dancing and share stories of Vágur‘s captivating past. Enjoy the abundance of birdlife that the island boasts.
Let your senses feast on the view of Suðuroy’s towering west side. Admire majestic cliffs, stunning mountains, sea stacks, and the magnificent Beinisvørð mountain as it stands tall from afar.
See for yourself why the island is famed for its dramatic cliffs towering over the North Atlantic and enjoy this paradise for birds, including European storm petrels and Atlantic puffins.
Explore the splendid little city of Tórshavn (“Thor’s harbor”), the Faroe Islands’ capital and a former Viking trading center. Stroll through the enchanting streets of the old town, where you'll discover a treasure trove of galleries, charming shops, and restaurants.
Admire the buildings with their grass roofs and black timber façades, offering a glimpse into traditional Faroese architecture and culture.
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.
Explore remote Faroese villages Elduvik and Funningur via Zodiac. With a population of only 12 and 70 respectively, these villages offer a glimpse into Faroese island life. As you meander through the dramatic landscape surrounded by beautiful mountains, get to know the locals and enjoy exploring the picturesque bays these villages call home.
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!
Deepen your understanding of the environment, cultures, and history of the region as we steam across the North Atlantic towards Iceland. Enjoy workshops and presentations, watch a documentary, and get out on deck!
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
Complete your journey in Reykjavík, Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital that was established in the year 874 CE. Food, culture, and nightlife abound, while the National Culture House preserves treasures like the Poetic Edda and the Norse Sagas in their original manuscripts.
Disembark in the morning and say your farewells in what is widely considered one of the cleanest, greenest cities in the world.
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.
$5,3952-3 travelers
Quadruple - Category 1
Deck four: Interior cabin, four lower berths, private bath (separate shower room and powder room) - approx. 240 sq. ft.
Triple - Category 2
Deck four: Interior cabin, three lower berths, two private baths - approx. 200 sq. ft.
Interior Twin - Category 3
Deck five: Interior cabin, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 125 sq. ft. (twin)/110 sq. ft. (single)
Exterior Twin - Category 4
Deck four: Porthole window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 100 sq. ft. (twin)/90 sq. ft. (single)
Main Twin - Category 5
Deck five: Picture window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 115 sq. ft.
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.
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the double occupancy rate.
Initial deposit is $2000, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. Accepts client cards for deposit only. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
10 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Contribution to Adventure Canada's Discovery Fund
Complimentary Expedition Jacket
Pre-departure materials
Educational program
Applicable taxes and credit card fees
Guided activities
Sightseeing and community visits
Photo Equipment Trial Program
Interactive workshops
Evening entertainment
All shipboard meals
All port fees
Special access permits, entry, and park fees
Expert expedition team
All Zodiac excursions
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
It is mandatory to have emergency evacuation and medical insurance to travel with Adventure Canada. It is recommended to obtain a basic minimum coverage of $500,000 on all cruises.
Commercial and charter flights
Program enhancements/optional excursions (Must be pre-booked)
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 254 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 254 reviews on
2 days ago
The holiday of a lifetime. The company is Alaksa-owned and thhat makes a big difference to the experineces you get i.e. meet genuine First Nations tribes people. The amount of wildlife was beyond my expectation, and seeing everything on sucha small, intimate boat made it even more spoecial and unique.
Liz O
2 days ago
Adventure Life covered all the details in planning our trip to Ireland. Any questions we had were answered immediately. Any trip glitches, which always happen when traveling, were resolved immediately. There were no worries, just fun!
Kathleen Weller
2 days ago
It was an outstanding, up-close, educational vacation of nature, culture, history, animals and geology! It was everything they promised! Binoculars were plentiful on the boat, but I'm glad I brought my own. Food was excellent. Rooms had black-out shades. Pack/wear multiple layers of clothing (I carried a small backpack when off the ship). Crew were delightful and very accommodating! Remember to jump FEET FIRST first when taking the optional polar plunge! Spend as much time outdoors as you are able and ENJOY!!!
Janet Dutton
1 week ago
Excellent travel advice and service
This is my second experience working with Adventure Life. I’m sold. Jess Heuermann is an experienced traveler and provides a lot of useful information when planning a trip. These are the questions I like to ask at the outset - What’s it like to go here, there, what would you suggest, what do people report, can we add any additional side trips? Jess took the time to answer my questions and seek additional information to share with me. Petchie Colina is outstanding in helping with travel logistics and final preparations. Adventure Life has excellent guides and offers private guides and small group adventures. We enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the guides and drivers to learn more about their countries, cultures and histories. A highlight was having the guides pick local restaurants where we could share meals together. Highly recommend.
Claire Cordon
1 week ago
Our six-day tour in Iceland went smoothly with one exception. We had asked for two rooms each night. Somehow we were booked with one room with three beds. It could not be fixed at the first hotel in Reykjavik because the hotel was fully booked. Once informed of the problem, however, Adventure Life rebooked for two rooms for the remainder of the trip. As an 85-year-old traveler, I appreciated that one could participate at different physical levels at many of the stops. Iceland is a great place to visit but on the expensive side.