SCOTLAND, FAROES AND ICELAND

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

SEA SPIRIT

The Sea Spirit was built in Italy in 1991. She’s a very comfortable ice-strengthened, small (114 guests), all-suite expedition ship. The vessel was updated in late 2010 and had additional refurbishment in April 2017. All suites have private facilities and exterior views. Some of the suites feature private balconies for enjoying fantastic landscapes of Antarctica.

She has a fleet of ten rubber inflatable zodiac boats for landings, an experienced crew, and a set of retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing. This ship features an open bridge, 2 rear outdoor viewing areas, an outdoor viewing area at the front of the vessel, a bar, lounge, presentation room and dining area all lined with windows. There is also a gym on-board as well as a library and media centre.

Days 1 – 2 Edinburgh, Scotland

Welcome to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland and starting point of your expedition. Pre-cruise hotel accommodations have been arranged. Relax and take a stroll through town, enjoying both medieval and classic 18th-century architecture. The famous Edinburgh Castle rises majestically above it all.

Enjoy the morning and early afternoon of Day 2 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 and Isle of May

Your 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.

The 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 an island walk, try to spot northern fulmars, kittiwakes, northern gannets, Atlantic puffins, 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.

Days 6 – 9 Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are wild, colourful, 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, experience the local culture firsthand: sampling traditional Faroese dishes, strolling through the narrow streets with local guides, and learning about the region’s customs.

Day 10 Seydisfjordur

Sailing along Iceland’s rugged eastern coast, arrive in Seyðisfjörður—a hidden gem nestled among waterfalls and misty mountains. Its colourful wooden houses, built by XIX-century Norwegian traders, line the peaceful harbor, their reflections shimmering in the still fjord waters.

Later, visit Lake Urriðavatnto 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 close connection with Iceland’s raw and untouched beauty.

Day 11 Djupivogur

Anchor near the peaceful fishing village of Djúpivogur, surrounded by rugged cliffs and calm fjords. A guided walk takes you along black-sand beaches and quiet lagoons, where puffins, Arctic terns, and other seabirds can be spotted. 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

The volcanic Westman Islands are among Earth’s youngest landscapes, shaped by recent eruptions, dramatic cliffs, and thriving seabird colonies. On Heimaey, see the impact of the 1973 Eldfell eruption, which buried part of the town in ash, and explore the Eldheimar Museum, where interactive exhibits bring this event to life.

Day 13 Snaefellsnes Peninsula

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. Pass waterfalls and the famous Kirkjufell Mountain, known to Game of Thrones fans as the “Arrowhead Mountain,” with every view revealing a touch of Iceland’s mystical soul.

Day 14 Reykjavik

Your 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.