British Isles, Faroes & Iceland

Voyage Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through some of the most captivating landscapes on Earth.

Travel from the historic coasts of the British Isles to the green valleys of the Faroe Islands and Iceland. Sail to the British Isles, where history and myth intertwine — from prehistoric stone circles and medieval cathedrals to charming coastal towns steeped in maritime heritage. Each destination tells its own story, inviting you to experience the wild beauty, timeless culture, and enduring legends of the North.

Continue to the Faroe Islands, a secluded archipelago of dramatic cliffs, lush meadows, and picturesque villages with turf-roofed houses. Here, ancient Viking traditions blend harmoniously with a tranquil way of life surrounded by the sea. In Iceland, explore a realm shaped by fire and ice, where mighty waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and steaming geothermal fields reveal the island’s untamed spirit.

Trip Details

Duration: 14 Days

Ship: Sea Spirit, Premium Ship, 114 Guests

Start: Reykjavik, Iceland

End: Longyearbyen, Norway

Itinerary

Day 1:: Arrival in Edinburgh, Scotland (hotel night)
Welcome to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland and starting point of our expedition. To provide you with more time to enjoy this metropolis rich in history and culture, we’ve arranged pre-cruise hotel accommodations. Relax and take a stroll through town, enjoying both medieval and classic 18th-century architecture. The famous Edinburgh Castle rises majestically above it all.

Day 2: Embarkation
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. In the afternoon, you will be transferred from the hotel to the ship in the nearby Port of Leith. Before dinner, there’s time to explore the Sea Spirit, your home-away-from home for the next days.

Day 3: Bass Rock & Isle of May
Our adventures begin with the exploration of two uninhabited islands teeming with wildlife. The Isle of May is a national nature reserve, home to puffins, guillemots, razorbills, cormorants, terns, and seals basking on the shore. You’ll also spot historic landmarks like St. Ardin’s Chapel and the island lighthouse. Just across the water rises Bass Rock—home to the world’s largest colony of northern gannets. Over 150,000 birds fill the cliffs and skies in one of nature’s greatest spectacles.

Day 4: Kirkwall
Step ashore in Kirkwall, the charming capital of the Orkney Islands, where Viking and medieval history still shape the town. Highlights include the magnificent St. Magnus Cathedral, the Bishop’s Palace, and the Earl’s Palace. Our included tour takes you west across Orkney’s rolling landscape into the UNESCO World Heritage “Heart of Neolithic Orkney.” Pass the Standing Stones of Stenness and visit the Ring of Brodgar, a vast ceremonial stone circle over 5,000 years old. Explore Skara Brae, a prehistoric village revealed from the sand only 150 years ago.

Day 5: Fair Isle, Shetland Islands
Fair Isle is a true paradise for birdwatchers. A huge number of birds inhabit its lush grasslands and spectacular cliffs — over 345 species have been recorded here, more than anywhere else in Britain. During our island walk, we hope to spot northern fulmars, kittiwakes, northern gannets, Atlantic puffins, and great and Arctic skuas, observing them closely and photographing them from just a few meters away. The puffin population alone is impressive — around 12,000 birds. About fifty residents live on Fair Isle, and they’ll welcome us at the community centre with Scottish treats, sweets, and hot drinks. You’ll also have the chance to purchase Fair Isle’s famous wool jumpers, hats, and mittens, and chat with the locals about everyday life on the island.

Day 6-9: Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are wild, colorful, and absolutely unique. Green hills, blue seas, colonies of adorable puffins with bright beaks, and turf-roofed houses create a landscape straight out of a fairy tale. This hard-to-reach destination is a dream for photographers, with unforgettable scenery at every turn.

Experience the unique blend of Viking heritage and modern charm in the capital city of Tórshavn. Visit the National Museum, taste traditional wind-dried mutton, explore ancient wooden houses and cathedral ruins, and end the day with free time to discover the picturesque harbor before we sail north.

In Funningur, we’ll experience the local culture firsthand: sampling traditional Faroese dishes, strolling through the narrow streets with local guides, and learning about the region’s customs. Every moment here offers a vivid glimpse into the life and traditions of the Faroe Islands.

Day 10: Seyðisfjörður, Iceland
We then continue to Iceland, a land of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Sailing along Iceland’s rugged eastern coast, we arrive in Seyðisfjörður — a secret gem nestled among waterfalls and misty mountains. The town’s colorful 19th-century wooden houses, built by Norwegian traders, line the peaceful harbor, their reflections shimmering in the still fjord waters

Later, we visit Lake Urriðavatn to soak in a geothermal pool with sweeping views of the lake and surrounding peaks. As warm thermal waters meet the crisp mountain air, you’ll feel a deep connection with Iceland’s raw, untouched beauty.

Day 11: Djúpivogur, Eastern Iceland
We anchor near the peaceful fishing village of Djúpivogur, surrounded by rugged cliffs and calm fjords. A guided walk takes us along black-sand beaches and quiet lagoons, where puffins, Arctic terns, and other seabirds can be spotted. We explore small islands linked by natural sandbars, visit a traditional birdwatching hut, and enjoy the gentle rhythm of village life —a perfect way to experience Iceland’s serene coastal beauty.

Day 12: Vestmannaeyjar Archipelago, Southern Iceland
The volcanic Westman Islands are among Earth’s youngest landscapes, shaped by recent eruptions, dramatic cliffs, and thriving seabird colonies. On Heimaey, we see the impact of the 1973 Eldfelleruption, which buried part of the town in ash, and explore the EldheimarMuseum, where interactive exhibits bring this event to life.

Day 13: Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Western Iceland
Often called “Iceland in Miniature,” the Snæfellsnes Peninsula captures all the island’s magic in one place — dramatic cliffs, black-sand beaches, lava fields, glaciers, and volcanic craters. We’ll pass waterfalls and the famous Kirkjufell Mountain, known to Gameof Thrones fans as the “Arrowhead Mountain,” with every view revealing a touch of Iceland’s mystical soul.

Day 14: Disembarkation in Reykjavík, Iceland
Our expedition ends in Reykjavík, but the wonders of Iceland, the wild Faroe Islands, and historic Scotland stay with you. Spend time exploring Reykjavík’s galleries and cafés, or relax in a geothermal spa, as the vivid colors and dramatic landscapes of this extraordinary journey linger on long after you depart.

Important: Itinerary, landings and all other activities during the cruise depend strongly on weather conditions and are subject to the decisions of the Expedition Leader and the Captain of the vessel. Encounters with any mentioned wildlife cannot be guaranteed.