Isles of the North Atlantic

Ocean Victory is docked in the harbour town of Troon on the Firth of Clyde. After completing the required safety briefing and drill, guests can settle into their staterooms as the ship departs for the Inner Hebrides.

On the third day of the expedition, Ocean Victory anchors near the Isle of Iona. In 563 AD, St. Columba established Iona Abbey, introducing Christianity to Scotland. The abbey remains a site of pilgrimage and is considered one of Scotland’s historic religious sites. In the afternoon, the ship moves to the Isle of Lunga, known for its colonies of puffins and other seabirds.

The capital of the Western Isles, Stornoway is the largest town on the Isle of Lewis. The Western Isles are the heartland of the Scottish Gàidhealtachd – and Stornoway is one of the few towns in Scotland where visitors can hear the Gaelic language spoken on a daily basis. However the history of Lewis stretches back far beyond the Gaels – highlights of the islands include the spellbinding Callanish Stones -an ancient Neolithic stone circle and probable ritual site.

Britain’s remotest archipelago, St Kilda is Britain’s only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for both its human and natural wonders. Drop anchor in the bay overlooking the Village – a unique settlement often compared to Macchu Picchu, entirely built from stone by the islanders who once called this island home. Windswept, rugged and  difficult to farm, the locals of St Kilda left for less difficult lands in 1930, leaving the island to the vast colonies of seabirds and tiny ancient Soay sheep which were once the islanders’ main source of food.

Vagur is the largest town of Suðuroy, the southernmost of the Faroe Islands. Treeless, windswept and rarely visited, the Faroe Islands were first discovered by Norse settlers around the year 750AD (although archaeological evidence hints at earlier settlement, perhaps from Scotland). Isolated from the rest of the Norse world, the Faroe Islands have retained a unique language and culture directly descended from the Ancient Norse. Although Vagur is a modern town with several well known art galleries and workshops, the jaw-dropping clifftop vistas have remained the same since the age of Viking exploration.

The capital and largest city of the islands, ‘Havn’ as it is called by locals is the cultural and financial hub of the islands. The narrow winding streets of the city beg to be explored, and host highlights such as the National Gallery, the Tórshavn Cathedral. No visit is complete without a stroll around Tinganes, the artfully preserved old town, where turf-roofed buildings lead to the old parliament house which overlooks the harbour, reminiscent of famous Nyhavn in Copenhagen.

As you cross the Norwegian Sea, join your Expedition Team either on deck to watch for the plethora of seabirds which reside in this region or in the Lecture Lounge to delve deeper into the history, culture and nature of your voyage. Alternately, book some pampering in the onboard spa and relax in Ocean Victory’s hot tubs as you approach the coast of Iceland.

Situated on Iceland’s scenic southeast coast, Djúpivogur is framed by fjords, mountains, and rich bird habitats. It is the closest port in the country to the Faroe Islands, Scandinavia, and mainland Europe, and is a popular port of call for vessels exploring the North Atlantic. Centered around the harbor, the town dates back to the 16th century and is known for its unique public art, including the Eggin í Gleðivík (Eggs of Merry Bay) sculpture. Hikers and birdwatchers are spoiled for choice, with mile upon mile of nature waiting to be explored. One of Iceland’s most beautiful black sand beaches is just a short stroll from town and features a huge variety of bird species.

Next, you visit Heimaey, the largest of the volcanic Westman Islands. Visitors can explore the dramatic lava fields of Eldfell volcano and the world-renowned bird colonies of the island. The residents of Heimaey were severely tested in 1973, when Eldfell volcano began to spew lava, threatening the town and its vital harbour. Heroic locals fought back, cooling the lava with seawater jets to save their community.

On the final day of the voyage, you arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital. Famous for its modern Nordic culture, excellent food scene, and relaxed atmosphere, Reykjavik is the ideal starting point for adventures deeper into the Land of Ice and Fire, or a convenient place to begin the journey home, brimming with memories of your North Atlantic adventure.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark today. Then, head to the airport for your flight home.