Voyage Overview
Experience the rich tapestry of the North Atlantic’s most storied islands where ancient history, culture, and nature converge.
Delve into the rich seafaring traditions of the rugged and verdant Faroe Islands with its Viking heritage and dramatic seaside cliffs. Uncover the ancient history woven into the fabric of the Orkney and Shetland Islands, from centuries-old cathedrals to windswept archipelagos. And in Iceland’s Westman Islands, witness nature’s raw power as you explore volcanic landscapes which tell tales of fiery eruptions and resilient communities.
Trip Details
Duration: 11 Days
Ship: National Geographic Explorer, Premium Ship, 148 Guests
Start: Edinburgh, Scotland
End: Reykjavik, Iceland
Highlights:
- Experience a deep dive into the cultural connections and striking landscapes of these North Atlantic islands—a photographer and history buff’s dream
- In Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, uncover layers of history amid its palaces, cathedrals, and tombs
- Immerse yourself in the eclectic culture of the Shetland Islands as you discover dramatic coastlines, abundant wildlife, and Viking traditions
- Witness the beauty of the Faroe Islands in picturesque villages with welcoming locals and on hikes overlooking spectacular fjords
- In Iceland, encounter fascinating geology—from the black-sand beaches and fjords of the east coast to Heimaey in the Westman Islands, the site of a dramatic volcanic eruption in 1973
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Edinburgh Embarkation
Days 2-3: Orkney Islands
Days 4-5: Shetland Islands
Days 6-8: Faroe Islands, Denmark
Days 9-10: Djúpivogur, Iceland / Westman Islands
Day 11: Reykjavík Disembarkation
Tour Dates
- April 2027 to September 2027
| Dates | Availability | |
|---|---|---|
Jun 16 – Jun 26, 2027 (11 days) | Available | view pricing chart |
Itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh, Scotland / Embark Ship
Arrive in Edinburgh and transfer to the city center. Known throughout time for its hill fort, the iconic Edinburgh Castle, this vibrant city offers a variety of experiences throughout its streets. Experience the city at your own pace before embarking the ship this afternoon. Meals Included: Dinner
Days 2-3: Orkney Islands
Arrive in Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands. Take a guided stroll through the historic streets of the old town and pass through the walls of the Bishop’s and Earl’s palaces, as well as St. Magnus Cathedral before venturing off on your own to explore High Street.
The next day, choose from several options that highlight the diverse history of these remote islands. Visit Scapa Flow, one of the greatest natural harbors of the world and chief naval base of the United Kingdom during World War I and II. Alternatively, delve into ancient history preserved across the island of Mainland or Horse Island. Visit remote ruins on the north end of the island, as well as more recent stone works, and gain an understanding of how modern life continues amongst the foundations of the past. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 4-5: Shetland Islands
The Shetlands are characterized by deep-seated cultural traditions and dramatic landscapes. Close enough to Norway to speak Scottish with a Scandinavian accent, this 100-island archipelago has never been fully tamed by those who live here. Discover some of these picturesque, rural islands with their mix of long-haired ponies, ancient ruins and windswept pastures, including a visit to the protected harbor of Burrafirth at the base of the Hermaness Nature Reserve and joining in a night of music and dance at a local community hall. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 6-8: Faroe Islands, Denmark
This morning, arrive in the Faroe Islands, an autonomous archipelago within the Kingdom of Denmark. The legacy of the Vikings persists here, reflected in the language of the Faroese and their love of the sea. Hike out to Leitisvatn—or the “floating lake”— for pristine views of the North Atlantic and perfect photo opportunities.
Visit Tórshavn, the colorful capital of the Faroe Islands, where homes and government buildings are capped with the region’s iconic turf roofs. Witness the 12th-century St. Olav’s Church, which is still in use today, alongside the ruins of Kirkjubøur Cathedral.
Navigate to one of the local communities on Eysturoy, the second largest island in the Faroes, to enjoy the warm hospitality of its villagers and take in the stunning landscapes and trails of their beautiful fjord. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 9-10: Djúpivogur, Iceland / Westman Islands
Arrive in Djúpivogur and explore the remote black sand beaches and steep fjords of eastern Iceland. Alternatively, go by 4×4 vehicle to visit secluded valleys and remote waterfalls in the countryside, or join a hike to the black sand beaches of southern Iceland.
Later on, voyage to the Westman Islands which were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a UNESCO World Heritage site—which you’ll see as you cruise past its coast. In Heimaey, visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, for amazing views of areas that were once engulfed by lava in 1973. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Reykjavík / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Reykjavík and transfer to the airport for flights home. Meals Included: Breakfast
Trips & Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime
Jun 16 – Jun 26, 2027 (11 days)
| Start: | Edinburgh, Scotland |
| End: | Reykjavik, Iceland |
| Cabin Category | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 | Category 5 | Category 6 | Category 7 | Category A Solo | Category B Solo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Price in USD | $11,990 | $12,590 | $14,480 | $15,060 | $18,830 | $21,660 | $24,910 | $18,100 | $18,830 |
| Availability | Full | Limited | Open | Open | Open | Full | Limited | Open | Open |
Adventure Options:
Single Travelers
- Can book a dedicated solo cabin in Category A Solo or Category B Solo at the prices listed above
- Share cabins may be available in select cabin categories, please enquire for more details
- If booking Cat 1 – 7 at solo occupancy, the rate is 2x the per person share price
Adventure Options
- Paddling – included in the voyage cost. Guests may have the chance to paddle once, conditions permitting.
Single Travelers
- Can book a dedicated solo cabin in Category A Solo or Category B Solo at the prices listed above
- Share cabins may be available in select cabin categories, please enquire for more details
- If booking Cat 1 – 7 at solo occupancy, the rate is 2x the per person share price
Adventure Options
- Paddling – included in the voyage cost. Guests may have the chance to paddle once, conditions permitting.
Voyage Ship
National Geographic Explorer
Originally constructed for service along Norway’s coast as part of the famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, National Geographic Explorer ferried passengers among the fjords of this iconic coast in conditions that could deteriorate into heavy seas in a matter of minutes. She had to be able to handle deep swells and towering waves—and have a high degree of maneuverability. Those traits, and an ideal size, makes her a natural choice for expedition voyages to the polar regions.
National Geographic Explorer Cabins & Deck Plan
Category 7
UPPER DECK
Recently remodeled in May 2023, each large suite has a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, and a sofa bed that can accommodate a third guest. There is a seating area with a writing desk, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Suites feature a double closet, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
388 sq. ft. (36 m2)
1-3
1 queen or 2 single + sofa bed
Category 6
VERANDA DECK
Newly renovated in May 2023, each spacious suite has two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, chairs, large windows, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Suites #101 & 102 are larger with a sofa bed that can accommodate a third guest, but do not have a private balcony. Suite #213 has a private balcony with glass doors. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
#101-102: 355 sq. ft. (32.98 m2), #213: 291 sq. ft. (27 m2)
1-3
1 queen or 2 single + sofa bed in #101-102
Category 5
UPPER DECK
The lowest priced balcony cabins on National Geographic Explorer. In addition to the balcony, the cabins have sliding glass doors, one queen-sized bed, writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to a queen.)
172 sq. ft. (15.98 m2)
1-2
1 queen (except #221 which can have 2 singles)
Category 4
UPPER DECK
VERANDA DECK
Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen (cabins 217, 226 & 228 have a queen bed only). They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.
168 sq. ft. (15.61 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 3
MAIN DECK
The most abundant cabin category on the ship with two single beds (can be converted to a queen-sized bed), one large window, a sitting chair, a small table, ample storage, writing desk with chair, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, and well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower. #341 & 343 are larger L-shaped suites that were renovated in 2023 and have a sofa-bed that can accommodate a third guest, double closet, espresso maker, and generously sized bathrooms.
210 sq. ft. (19.51 m2)
1-2 (cabin #341 & 343 can accommodate 3)
1 queen or 2 single
Category 2
MAIN DECK
Category 2 cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
171 sq. ft. (15.89 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 1
MAIN DECK
Forward on the Main Deck, Category 1 cabins have one or two portholes. Cabins #301, 302, and 307 have two twin beds. Cabins #304-306 feature one queen-sized bed. Cabin #308 features two twin beds that can be converted to a queen. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
188 sq. ft. (17.47 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category A Solo
MAIN DECK
Solo occupancy cabins featuring one single bed, a large window, writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.
126 sq. ft. (11.71 m2)
1
1 single
Category B Solo
UPPER DECK
VERANDA DECK
There are just four Category B solo cabins onboard. They feature one single bed, a large window, writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
126-129 sq. ft. (11.71 – 11.98 m2)
1
1 single
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore
- Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship (except certain super premium brands which are available for purchase)
- Hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
- Excursions and airport transfers to and from recommended flights, as indicated in the itinerary
- Crew gratuities
- Exploration tools curated to destination, such as Zodiacs & kayaks
- Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
- Assistance by the National Geographic Photography Expert and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
- Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker
- Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers.
- Complimentary parka or jacket
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- Services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
- Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment
- 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
- Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes. Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable
Exclusions:
- Airfare (except flights when indicated as included)
- Pre- and post-expedition extensions
- Additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
- Private transfers
- Laundry, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
- Travel protection plans
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
Solo Travelers
Are you traveling alone? Solo travelers have the following options.
- Book a dedicated Category A or B Solo cabin
- Book into a share cabin (please enquire for details)
- Book a Category 1 – 7 at 2x the per person share price for solo occupancy
