Scotland, the Faroe Islands & Iceland | One Ocean Expeditions

Islands of the North Atlantic Scotland, Faroe Islands & Iceland: Footsteps of Vikings and Gaels 11 nights

Natural wonders, superb wildlife, unique culture and fascinating history are just some of the many things to look forward to on this trip.

Travel on an expedition cruise ship to visit some of the most remote islands in the North Atlantic. Travel alongside naturalists and ornithologists as we visit some of the rarest bird colonies in the world. Immerse yourself in the ancient Nordic culture and Gaelic history with interesting presentations and conversations provided by our onboard historians. Enjoy the long hours of daylight at this time of year, perfect for wildlife and landscape photography.

Do you have specific questions about this voyage?

Special Guests

Royal Canadian Geographic Society (RCGS)

Co-branded voyage

A Canadian non-profit educational organization dedicated to imparting a broader knowledge and deeper appreciation of Canada.

March 8 - March 18, 2020 | March 28 - April 10, 2020| April 20 - April 29, 2020 | June 13 - June 24, 2020 | August 30 - September 11, 2020

George Kourounis

RCGS - Explorer in Residence

George Kourounis is a Canadian adventurer and storm chaser who documents extreme weather and natural disasters worldwide.

June 13 - June 24, 2020

Scotland, Faroe Islands & Iceland: Footsteps of Vikings and Gaels

Starting Rate: N/A

Number of Nights: 11

Departs from: LEITH, SCOTLAND

Returns to: REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

Experiences:

Available Dates:


Day by Day: What you can experience: Scotland, Faroe Islands & Iceland: Footsteps of Vikings and Gaels

Please note this is a SAMPLE ITINERARY and subject to change. Reference the full trip notes for your chosen departure details. Follow in the footsteps of Vikings and Gaels and explore the stunning islands of the North Atlantic. Explore the dramatic coastlines of Scotland, the Faroe Islands and Iceland and immerse yourself in the regions' ancient history.

Our voyage begins in Scotland, known for its rich tapestry of history, culture and rugged, natural beauty. An archipelago in the middle of the North Atlantic, the Faroe Islands are some of the more remote, inhabited islands in the world. Our last stop on our North Atlantic adventure takes us to Iceland, home to ice-covered volcanoes, immense glaciers and geothermal lagoons. Each day we explore off the ship in the company of expert guides, cruising in the zodiacs and enjoying walks on shore.



Day 1

Edinburgh (Leith), Scotland

Your voyage begins in Edinburgh, Scotland’s picturesque capital city. In the afternoon, we board our home for the next 11-nights – RCGS Resolute. O...

Your voyage begins in Edinburgh, Scotland’s picturesque capital city. In the afternoon, we board our home for the next 11-nights – RCGS Resolute. Once onboard you will meet the expedition team and set sail. Following a welcome drink and dinner, we depart north, skirting the Scottish coastline.




Day 2

Aberdeen, Scotland

We wake up cruising the stunning east coast of Scotland ready for our first historical destination, Aberdeen, also known as ‘The Granite City’ due ...

We wake up cruising the stunning east coast of Scotland ready for our first historical destination, Aberdeen, also known as ‘The Granite City’ due to the locally quarried stone that built it. Old Aberdeen, just north of the city centre, has been an important political, ecclesiastical and cultural centre since the end of the Middle Ages. For many, a visit to Dunnottar Castle is a must. The medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland is steeped in history - once besieged by Vikings and captured by William Wallace.




Day 3

Orkney Islands, Scotland

Today we reach the Orkney Islands. Many are uninhabited, allowing us to truly enjoy the local wildlife, including seals, and prolific birdlife. Ork...

Today we reach the Orkney Islands. Many are uninhabited, allowing us to truly enjoy the local wildlife, including seals, and prolific birdlife. Orkney is considered to be the best place in the UK for viewing seabirds. It is a land of breathtaking beauty and famous for its unique archaeological sites.




Day 4

Stornoway, Hebrides, Scotland

The Scottish Western Isles of the Outer Hebrides are a diverse chain of inter-connected islands with their own unique way of life. The dramatic cli...

The Scottish Western Isles of the Outer Hebrides are a diverse chain of inter-connected islands with their own unique way of life. The dramatic cliffs and large windy beaches are ideal to stroll along, breathing in the fresh Atlantic air. A highlight of our visit will be a trip to the 5000-year old Standing Stones at Callanish. Others may choose to spend the day strolling along the quay at Stornoway Harbour and listen to the shouts of the fishermen, as the traditional fleet land the catch of the day.




Day 5

Unst, Shetland Islands

A unique place of peace, pure air and wide-open spaces, visitors to Unst in the Shetlands savour the wildlife, the birdlife and the warm community ...

A unique place of peace, pure air and wide-open spaces, visitors to Unst in the Shetlands savour the wildlife, the birdlife and the warm community spirit. Rugged coastline and golden, empty beaches will give us the perfect playground to explore by zodiac, kayak or foot. Keen birders will rejoice with close-up views of tens of thousands of breeding gannets, guillemots, puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars.




Day 6

Torshavn, Faroe Islands

By morning we have arrived in the Faroe Islands - a group of 18 rocky, volcanic islands situated between Iceland and Norway. Visitors are drawn to ...

By morning we have arrived in the Faroe Islands - a group of 18 rocky, volcanic islands situated between Iceland and Norway. Visitors are drawn to the islands’ mountains, valleys, grassy heathland and steep coastal cliffs. We begin our time exploring in Tórshavn, on Streymoy Island. Our small-group zodiac cruises will allow you to explore the narrow sounds and deep grottoes in the shadow of the 1500 feet high cliffs where thousands of seabirds nest.




Day 7

Miovagur / Mykines, Faroe Islands

Today we will visit Sørvágsvatn, the largest lake on the islands. Dubbed “the lake over the ocean” due to an optical illusion, the lake appears to ...

Today we will visit Sørvágsvatn, the largest lake on the islands. Dubbed “the lake over the ocean” due to an optical illusion, the lake appears to hover in mid-air. The famous Bøsdalafossur waterfall provides a great hiking excursion and Mulafossur Waterfall is best viewed by sea. We then visit Mykines island which provides some of the best bird watching in the Faroe Islands. Here we find colonies of cormorants, while the cliffs make perfect nesting ledges for guillemots and razorbills. On the grassy slopes above the bird cliffs, thousands of colourful puffins can be observed at close proximity.




Day 8

Seydisfjordur, Iceland

A place of singing waterfalls and interesting characters, Seydisfjordur is a welcoming town with a rich history. Experience the flourishing art sce...

A place of singing waterfalls and interesting characters, Seydisfjordur is a welcoming town with a rich history. Experience the flourishing art scene, enjoy local cuisine or experience the delightful hiking trails. One of the highlights to be sure will be a pleasant hike down ‘Waterfall lane’. The Skaftfell Center for Visual Arts provides us with a great alternative to the outdoors, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Icelandic culture.




Day 9

Djupivogur, Iceland

Our next stop will take us to the small fishing village of Djupivogur located on the Bulandsnes Peninsula. The scenic landscape immediately draws y...

Our next stop will take us to the small fishing village of Djupivogur located on the Bulandsnes Peninsula. The scenic landscape immediately draws your eye up to Búlandstindur, a pyramid-shaped mountain towering over the town. In the village, you will find remnants of an origin in trading dating back to the 16th century. The oldest storehouse, Langabúð, built in 1790 stands strong after a full restoration that has turned it into an outstanding cultural centre.




Day 10

Reynisdrangar, Iceland

Just east of the outskirts of Vik lies one of Europe's biggest Arctic tern breeding grounds. To the south of Reynisfjall mountain, a spectacular se...

Just east of the outskirts of Vik lies one of Europe's biggest Arctic tern breeding grounds. To the south of Reynisfjall mountain, a spectacular set of rock columns called Reynisdrangar, rise majestically out of the Atlantic Ocean. These towering, spiky rock formations jut out from the ocean 66 meters (217 ft) into the air. Our approach by sea will give a unique perspective and the chance to view this spectacular landmark in small groups, perfect for bird viewing and exploring through your lens.




Day 11

Heimaey, Westman Islands

Leaving the shores of the mainland, we journey into the North Atlantic to the tiny, but beautiful, Westman Islands. Rich in volcanic history and kn...

Leaving the shores of the mainland, we journey into the North Atlantic to the tiny, but beautiful, Westman Islands. Rich in volcanic history and known as a ‘modern Nordic Pompeii’, Heimaey’s once-solitary volcano, Helgafell (or “Holy Mountain”) created the island in an eruption 7,000 years ago. The seabird life in the Westman Islands is abundant and we are on the lookout for whales and seals. One major highlight is a visit to Storhofoi, the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world.




Day 12

Reykjavik, Iceland

Our expedition concludes in the world’s most northerly capital - the colourful and quirky city of Reykjavik. Why not stay a few days to explore the...

Our expedition concludes in the world’s most northerly capital - the colourful and quirky city of Reykjavik. Why not stay a few days to explore the city and surroundings? A transfer is provided to a downtown location or to the airport for your onward journey.


Expand All

Explore the world of expedition cruising on our Discovery Blog


Dates and Rates

The following departures are available for this voyage

All prices are listed in USD. Single supplement: 1.5 for the twin occupancy cabins and 2 for the suites (single supplements not available for the triple share cabins).
Sea Kayaking on the Scotland, Faroe Islands and Iceland departure: USD695. On our Scotland & Ireland Golf Expedition departure, Sea Kayaking is complimentary.

Back to Top