British Isles, Faroe Islands & Iceland 25% Advantage

After one hotel night in Edinburgh, the journey begins with embarkation in the port of Leith. Early on, the programme includes Bass Rock and the Isle of May, two islands known for their seabird colonies, framed by historic sites such as a chapel and the island lighthouse. Further north you reach the Orkney Islands: in Kirkwall, Viking and medieval history meets notable architecture, before an excursion into the UNESCO World Heritage site Heart of Neolithic Orkney takes you to the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae. On Fair Isle, the focus is on wildlife observation and photography, complemented by encounters with the small island community and its craft traditions. Several days are then devoted to the Faroe Islands, where in Tórshavn and Funningur you gain insights into culture, everyday life and local cuisine, and experience the characteristic landscape of green slopes, sea and grass roofed houses. The ship then continues to Iceland: in Seyðisfjörður, colourful wooden houses and the fjord setting shape the landing, while in Djúpivogur walks lead to black beaches and lagoons. With the Westman Islands and the Eldheimar Museum, more recent volcanic history comes into focus, before the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with its varied landforms, provides the final sea day impressions and the voyage ends in Reykjavík. Along the way, wildlife observation is a recurring theme, especially puffins and other seabirds as well as seals along the coasts, and with some luck whales may also be seen during the crossings.

Itinerary: British Isles, Faroe Islands and Iceland

Day 1: Arrival in Edinburgh
Your journey begins in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital and the starting point of the expedition. A hotel night is arranged for this first day, allowing you to arrive at a relaxed pace. Use the time for a walk through the city and for first impressions of the medieval Old Town and the classical eighteenth century architecture. Edinburgh Castle rises prominently above the city and is one of its defining landmarks. In the evening you stay overnight at the hotel.

All pictures of this partner

Day 2: Embarkation in Leith near Edinburgh
The morning and early afternoon are at your leisure in Edinburgh. In the afternoon, a transfer takes you from the hotel to the nearby port of Leith, where you board MS Sea Spirit. Before dinner there is time to familiarise yourself with the ship and settle in, before the expedition days at sea begin.

Day 3: Bass Rock and the Isle of May
The first expedition day takes you to two uninhabited islands with abundant wildlife. The Isle of May is a national nature reserve with puffins, guillemots, razorbills, cormorants and terns, and seals are often seen along the shore. You also visit historic sites such as St Ardin’s Chapel and the island lighthouse. Within sight lies Bass Rock, breeding site of the world’s largest Northern gannet colony, with more than 150,000 birds on the cliffs and in the air.

Day 4: Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands
In Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, you go ashore. The town is shaped by Viking and medieval history. Key sights include St Magnus Cathedral, the Bishop’s Palace and the Earl’s Palace. On the included tour you travel west into the UNESCO World Heritage site Heart of Neolithic Orkney. You pass the Standing Stones of Stenness, visit the Ring of Brodgar and explore Skara Brae, a prehistoric village uncovered around 150 years ago.

Day 5: Fair Isle in the Shetland Islands
Fair Isle is an important destination for birdwatching. More than 345 species have been recorded here. During an island walk you look out for fulmars, kittiwakes, Northern gannets, puffins, and great and Arctic skuas. The puffin colony alone numbers around 12,000 birds. About fifty residents live on the island. At the community centre you are welcomed with Scottish treats, sweets and hot drinks. You can also purchase Fair Isle knitwear and speak with locals.

Day 6: Faroe Islands, arrival in the archipelago
Over the next days you reach the Faroe Islands. The landscape is characterised by green hills, the sea and small settlements with grass roofed houses. Depending on weather and sea conditions, landings and excursions are planned that are well suited to photography. Seabirds, including puffins, are among the typical observations. The detailed daily programme depends on conditions and the decisions of the expedition leader and the captain.

Day 7: Tórshavn
In Tórshavn you experience the connection between Viking heritage and contemporary island life. You may visit the National Museum, try traditional wind dried lamb, and explore old wooden houses and cathedral ruins. Afterwards there is time at the harbour before the ship continues north.

Day 8: Funningur
In Funningur, local culture is the focus. Together with local guides you walk through the narrow lanes and learn more about customs and traditions. This also includes tasting traditional Faroese dishes. The on site schedule may be adjusted depending on conditions.

Day 9: Faroe Islands, further expedition day
Another day in the archipelago offers additional landings, depending on weather and route. The focus remains on landscape and coastline, with opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. Afterwards the ship sets course for Iceland.

Day 10: Seyðisfjörður in East Iceland
Along Iceland’s east coast you reach Seyðisfjörður, set between mountains and waterfalls. In the town, colourful nineteenth century wooden houses shape the harbour area. Later you visit Lake Urriðavatn and relax in a geothermal pool with views across the lake and the surrounding peaks.

Day 11: Djúpivogur, East Iceland
You anchor near Djúpivogur, a quiet fishing village. A guided walk leads along black sand beaches and lagoons, where puffins, Arctic terns and other seabirds can be observed. You explore small islands connected by natural sandbars and visit a traditional birdwatching hide. Afterwards there is time to take in the village and its coastal setting.

Day 12: Vestmannaeyjar archipelago in South Iceland
The Westman Islands are volcanic in character and among the younger landscapes on Earth. On Heimaey you see the effects of the 1973 Eldfell eruption, which buried parts of the town under ash. A visit to the Eldheimar Museum with interactive exhibits provides deeper context for this event.

Day 13: Snæfellsnes Peninsula, West Iceland
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula brings together many of Iceland’s typical landforms in a small area, including cliffs, black beaches, lava fields, glacier areas and volcanic craters. You pass waterfalls and see Kirkjufell, also known as a filming location motif. Depending on conditions, further short stops or landings may be possible.

Day 14: Disembarkation in Reykjavík
The journey ends in Reykjavík. After disembarkation, a group transfer takes you to the airport or into the city centre, depending on your plans. If time allows, you can visit Reykjavík’s galleries and cafés or enjoy a geothermal spa before continuing your onward or return travel.

Accommodation: Before embarkation you spend one night in a hotel in Edinburgh. During the cruise you stay on board MS Sea Spirit in the cabin or suite category you have booked. The ship carries up to 114 passengers. On board there is a restaurant and a bar, as well as a 24 hour station for water, tea and coffee. Wi fi is available on board. Depending on category, location, size and facilities of cabins and suites vary. By way of example, the Owner’s Suite offers 63 square metres, a separate living area with seating, a music system, a screen for video playback, a private deck, a bathroom with whirlpool and a queen size bed. Notes on possible restrictions in certain categories, such as temporary closure of portholes or panoramic windows in heavy seas, should be observed.

Included:

• One night before embarkation in Edinburgh
• Group transfer to the ship on embarkation day
• Group transfer to the airport or city centre after disembarkation
• Accommodation on board in the booked cabin category
• All meals on board during the voyage breakfast lunch dinner
• All inclusive drinks package with soft drinks, house wine and beer, and house spirits in the on board restaurant and at the bar
• 24 hour water tea and coffee station on board
• All scheduled landings, Zodiac cruises and excursions as per programme, weather and ice dependent
• Expedition leadership and lecturers, English and German speaking
• Photography programme with an expedition photographer
• Poseidon Expeditions softshell jacket
• Reusable water bottle as a gift
• Loan of insulated rubber boots for landings
• Welcome and farewell cocktail
• All port fees
• Pre departure information material
• Digital voyage log
• Wi fi on board

Not included:

• Flights for travel to and from the embarkation and disembarkation points
• Overseas travel health insurance including medical repatriation, mandatory
• Personal expenses such as laundry, communication costs or purchases in the on board shop
• Visa or passport fees if required

Optional upgrades:

• Additional nights and city tours before or after the voyage
• Single occupancy depending on cabin category with the applicable supplement in line with the operator’s conditions

Show all dates