Viking Odyssey: Scotland to Iceland
Viking Odyssey: Scotland to Iceland
from £4,495 excluding flights
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Highlights
Discover UNESCO Heritage sites on Scotland's Orkney Islands
Visit the beautiful Faroe Islands
Explore Iceland's volcanic Westman Islands
Encounter a variety of pelagic birdlife
Why this trip...
Style of vessel
This holiday is based on a ship ideally suited to the areas visited and the conditions
Expertly guided
In-depth knowledge and expertise will enrich your experience on this trip
Immersive exploration
Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas
Overview
Trace the historic Viking route as you sail from Scotland to the land of fire and ice, taking in the remote islands of the Orkneys, Shetlands and Faroes en route to Iceland.
Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Standing Stones of Stennes and the mystical Ring of Brodgar, visit archaeological sites, marvel at a wealth of seabirds around the Faroes archipelago and explore the volcanic landscapes of Iceland’s Westman Islands, before disembarking in the colourful city of Reykjavik.
Itinerary
Day 1 Edinburgh
Welcome to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland and starting point of this Atlantic expedition. Explore the city’s mix of medieval and classic 18th-century architecture, in the shadow of the majestic Edinburgh Castle. Overnight in a city hotel.
Welcome to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland and starting point of this Atlantic expedition. Explore the city’s mix of medieval and classic 18th-century architecture, in the shadow of the majestic Edinburgh Castle. Overnight in a city hotel.
Day 2 Embarkation, Edinburgh
Enjoy the morning and early afternoon at leisure. Each corner of Edinburgh’s old streets opens beautiful unexpected vistas of green hills or a blue flash of the distant sea. This afternoon you’ll board the ship, with time to settle in before setting sail from the Port of Leith.
Enjoy the morning and early afternoon at leisure. Each corner of Edinburgh’s old streets opens beautiful unexpected vistas of green hills or a blue flash of the distant sea. This afternoon you’ll board the ship, with time to settle in before setting sail from the Port of Leith.
Day 3 Orkney Islands
Visit the historic and mystical sites of Kirkwall (the archipelago’s capital) on a guided tour, which will take in the historic St Magnus Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace. Head west, passing through the gentle rolling landscape of the Orkney’s largest island, Mainland, and into the Neolithic heartland, an area designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. Pass the Standing Stones of Stenness, and stop at the ancient village of Skara Brae and the intriguing Ring of Brodgar – a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years.
Visit the historic and mystical sites of Kirkwall (the archipelago’s capital) on a guided tour, which will take in the historic St Magnus Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace. Head west, passing through the gentle rolling landscape of the Orkney’s largest island, Mainland, and into the Neolithic heartland, an area designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. Pass the Standing Stones of Stenness, and stop at the ancient village of Skara Brae and the intriguing Ring of Brodgar – a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5,000 years.
Day 4 Northern Orkney & Shetland Islands
Start the day with a landing at North Ronaldsay, the most distant isle of the Orkneys, with a population of about 70 people. The isle supports an extremely rich and diverse population of wild flowers, birdlife and flocks of the unusual seaweed-eating North Ronaldsay sheep. Many migrating species of birds stop here in spring and autumn, while there are also many breeding species which spend the spring and summer at the island.
Continue north to the Shetland Islands. Fair Isle is a real paradise for birdwatchers. Huge numbers of birds inhabit the lush grasslands and spectacular cliffs with over 345 recorded species – more than anywhere else in Britain. You may spot northern fulmars, kittiwakes, northern gannets, puffins, and great and arctic skuas as you hike across the island.
Start the day with a landing at North Ronaldsay, the most distant isle of the Orkneys, with a population of about 70 people. The isle supports an extremely rich and diverse population of wild flowers, birdlife and flocks of the unusual seaweed-eating North Ronaldsay sheep. Many migrating species of birds stop here in spring and autumn, while there are also many breeding species which spend the spring and summer at the island.
Continue north to the Shetland Islands. Fair Isle is a real paradise for birdwatchers. Huge numbers of birds inhabit the lush grasslands and spectacular cliffs with over 345 recorded species – more than anywhere else in Britain. You may spot northern fulmars, kittiwakes, northern gannets, puffins, and great and arctic skuas as you hike across the island.
Days 5-7 Faroe Islands
Discover deep-green hills and colourful houses and boats, set against a back drop of a bright blue sea, as you explore the rugged Faroe Islands and learn about their fascinating heritage.
Possible landings over the next couple of days may include Tórshavn, home to Kirkjubøur, the ecclesiastical and cultural centre of the Faroes in the Middle Ages. The imposing Gothic ruin of the late 13th-century Saint Magnus Cathedral still dominates the site. Perhaps visit Klaksvík, the second-largest town in the Faroes and an important fishing and shipping port. Enjoy scenic hiking trails and excellent birdwatching opportunities as you explore lesser-visited corners of the archipelago.
Discover deep-green hills and colourful houses and boats, set against a back drop of a bright blue sea, as you explore the rugged Faroe Islands and learn about their fascinating heritage.
Possible landings over the next couple of days may include Tórshavn, home to Kirkjubøur, the ecclesiastical and cultural centre of the Faroes in the Middle Ages. The imposing Gothic ruin of the late 13th-century Saint Magnus Cathedral still dominates the site. Perhaps visit Klaksvík, the second-largest town in the Faroes and an important fishing and shipping port. Enjoy scenic hiking trails and excellent birdwatching opportunities as you explore lesser-visited corners of the archipelago.
Accommodation
Sea Spirit
This all-suite ship carries just 114 passengers, offering a more intimate expedition experience with the chance to get to know fellow-passengers and the knowledgeable expedition team well. Sea Spirit also provides an on-board photography programme, with a professional photographer on hand throughout the voyage to help you get the most out of your camera.
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Complimentary Photography Programme
This expedition voyage offers a wealth of subjects for photographers of all levels and interests. The on-board photography programme gives you the chance to learn and practice your skills alongside a professional photographer.
Zoom out to capture dramatic landscapes and rugged coastlines, go macro to detail the beauty of wildflowers and practice the art of architectural photography as you visit medieval ruins and colourful fishing villages.
From comical puffins to historic monuments, there’s plenty to see that will make a photographer out of anyone. The ship’s onboard photography expert will be on hand throughout the voyage to help you capture the highlights of your journey through your viewfinder.
Prices and Departures
Price from £4,495 excluding flights
Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
What's Included
- One night hotel accommodation in Edinburgh
- Shipboard accommodation
- All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
- Tea & coffee available around the clock
- All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
- Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
- Expedition jacket - yours to keep
- Loan of rubber boots during voyage
- Complimentary wi-fi on board
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
2022 Departures
Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin
| Departure | Duration | Vessel | Prices from (pp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 May 2022 | 10 days | Sea Spirit | £4,495 |
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