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Scotland and Faroes: Isles and Wonders Cruise

Scotland and Faroes: Isles and Wonders Cruise

From USD $11,595

Description

This captivating expedition takes you through the rugged beauty and rich history of Scotland and the Faroe Islands, offering a blend of ancient wonders and breathtaking natural landscapes. From the sparkling granite architecture of Aberdeen to the serene charm of the Fair Isle, each stop brings unique discoveries. Immerse yourself in Neolithic history at the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae, stroll through vibrant towns like Stornoway and Kirkwall, and marvel at the dramatic cliffs of Suðuroy and Vágar. Along the way, experience the vibrant local culture, from Faroese chain dancing to the timeless craft of Harris Tweed weaving.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled by opportunities to spot puffins, great skuas, and storm petrels, while nature lovers can hike the Cuillin Hills and explore the awe-inspiring Fingal’s Cave. Journey to remote and uninhabited islands, uncovering archaeological remains and a wealth of marine and birdlife. Highlights include a visit to the hauntingly beautiful St. Kilda UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic Loch Finlaggan on Islay. This adventure promises a perfect mix of culture, history, and nature, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this extraordinary region.

Trip Name
Scotland and Faroes: Isles and Wonders Cruise
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 73 metres Passenger Capacity: 86 Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2005 The ice-strengthened expedition ship Ocean Nova was built in Denmark in 1992 with high ice class to serve Greenland’s west coast. In 2004 to 2005 she was completely refurbished and has now a career as a small and comfortable expedition ship. The Ocean Nova accommodates 86 passengers in single, double and triple cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities. The double cabins have either two lower beds or upper and lower beds. The triple cabins have upper and lower beds. In your cabin you will also find a desk with chair and ample storage space for clothes and equipment. In the dining room you are treated to delicious meals in between landings and in the panorama lounge you can enjoy a drink with a breathtaking view of the surrounding polar landscape. This is where PolarQuest’s on board specialists entertain and educate you with lectures on polar biology, history, geology and conservation. There is also a library with panoramic views and a good selection of polar books. On board there is a satellite phone, gym and medical doctor. Passengers are welcome on the bridge around the clock and there is always something to see or search for from the spacious observation decks. The ship has North European officers and there is a friendly and informal atmosphere on board. Travelling with this small expedition ship offers an entirely different experience and perspective than you can get on a larger and more conventional cruise ship. Ice Class: Ice 1B, E0 (Hull Ice 1A)

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Aberdeen, Scotland
Begin Your AdventureMany of Aberdeen’s historic stone buildings are made of locally quarried granite; high in mica, they can sparkle like silver. The city is famed for its forty-five parks, gardens, and floral displays. In recent years, Aberdeen has become the gateway to the North Sea oil industry, but the city retains its old-world charm and is a wonderful place for a walkabout.
Day 2 - Day 2: Fair Isle
Enjoy Birdwatching and Serene Island CultureJourney to charming Fair Isle, once a Viking hub and now an idyllic island colony of artists and shepherds.Keep your binoculars handy to spot some of the 350 bird species that the island boasts, including puffins and great skuas in substantial numbers.Take a tour of the local museum, dedicated to preserving the island's heritage.
Day 3 - Day 3: Foula
Experience Charming Island LifeCall in at sweet and petite Foula, home to just a few dozen folks, many of whom preserve traditional methods of agriculture and subsistence.Keep an eye out for the Arctic terns, red-throated divers, and great skuas that may be found here.
Day 4 - Day 4: Vágur, Suðuroy Island, Faroe Islands
Immerse Yourself in Faroese CultureVisit Vágur, where the warm hospitality of its 1,300 residents awaits you. Relish in the opportunity to witness Faroese chain dancing and share in stories of Vágur‘s captivating past.Enjoy the abundance of birdlife that the island boasts.Let your senses feast on the view of Suðuroy’s towering west side. Admire majestic cliffs, stunning mountains, sea stacks, and the magnificent Beinisvørð mountain as it stands tall from afar.See for yourself why the island is famed for its dramatic cliffs towering over the North Atlantic and enjoy this paradise for birds, including European storm petrels and Atlantic puffins.
Day 5 - Day 5: Western Faroe Islands
Hike the Remote and WildTake in the drama of Vágar, one of the remote Western Islands, where soaring cliffs kiss the sea and emerald valleys cradle charming villages. This is a place of quiet wonder, where every path leads to a new story, and nature’s raw beauty makes you humble.
Day 6 - Day 6: Orkney, Scotland
Visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage SiteWander through the 4,000-year-old standing stone circle, the Ring of Brodgar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step back 5,000 years to the Neolithic village of Skara Brae. Considered one of the most important Neolithic ruins in Europe today, wander the well-preserved stone houses and learn what daily life was like here.Tour the Hall of Clestrain, childhood home of Arctic explorer John Rae.In Kirkwall, let yourself be charmed by the city’s sights, dominated by the massive St. Magnus Cathedral dating back to 1137.Experience its lively pubs, vibrant music scene, fabulous shopping opportunities, and thriving artisan community.
Day 7 - Day 7: Stornoway, Lewis
Witness Modern and Ancient Scottish CultureVisit Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, a Gaelic stronghold and the capital of the largest of the Hebrides. Browse colourful shops to purchase the island’s famous tweed.Meander through one of Britain’s most important Stone Age sites, the Calanais Standing Stones, which are said to be giants who were punished by St. Kieran for refusing to convert to Christianity.Experience the living history at Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, where you can learn about a typical crofting township of the last century. Explore the blackhouses and traditional activities, including the weaving of the famous Harris Tweed.Discover Dun Carloway Broch, a uniquely Scottish site perched on a rocky mound. See this ancient structure, standing at an impressive nine metres tall.
Day 8 - Day 8: Outer Hebrides
Explore Uninhabited IslesReach out-of-the-way, uninhabited islands that are only accessible by Zodiac during an expedition landing to the Outer Hebrides—a fantastic collection of over 100 islands seventy kilometres off Scotland’s west coast.Take note of archaeological remains that reveal the oldest evidence of human habitation in Scotland, with influence from Pictish, Norse, and Scottish cultures.Search out the rich marine and bird life of the islands as conditions permit.
Day 9 - Day 9: St. Kilda
Journey to St. Kilda UNESCO World Heritage SiteThe St. Kilda archipelago was inhabited until 1930, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protecting fascinating ruins as well as natural heritage features.Seabirds thrive on the island of Hirta, which is also home to feral sheep left by the departing islanders. Enormous cliffs offer dramatic ocean views for our hikers!
Day 10 - Day 10: Isle of Skye
Enjoy Photography, Birdwatching, and HikingWhether you’re a hiker, photographer, or birder, you will love a visit to Skye.Cruise the southwestern shore of this large island keeping a keen eye out for species like common sandpiper, oystercatcher, gannets, and razorbills. Delight in the opportunity to witness these remarkable creatures in their natural environment and add unique sightings to your birdwatching list.Immerse yourself in the beauty of Skye's mountainous landscapes and choose the level of activity that suits you best for a walk, hike, or trek among the awe-inspiring Cuillin Hills, one of Britain's finest mountainscapes.
Day 11 - Day 11: Iona and Staffa
Make a Pilgrimage to Iona Abbey and Fingal's CaveVisit Iona, where St. Columba established his monastery—the burial place of kings.Admire the beautifully restored Iona Abbey complex, which preserves two outstanding crosses dating as far back as the eighth century.Take a Zodiac cruise at the Isle of Staffa, famed for basaltic formations and numerous caves, the best-known being Fingal’s Cave.See for yourself why it is originally known in Gaelic as “the melodious cave” and provided the inspiration for Mendelssohn’s overture, The Hebrides.
Day 12 - Day 12: Islay
Tour the Loch Finlaggan Historic SiteExplore the renowned Loch Finlaggan Historic Site, tucked away in the enchanting Islay, also known as the Queen of the Hebrides. Immerse yourself in the rich history and heritage of the region. Indulge in the stories of Scottish nobility at the ancient seat of the Lord of the Isles and Clan Donald. Delve into its captivating past and marvel at the artefacts on display in the site's museum.
Day 13 - Day 13: Oban/Glasgow, Scotland
Wave a Fond FarewellNestled on the west coast, Oban is a striking seaside town surrounded by miles of dramatic shores and beautiful countryside. Here, we’ll disembark and depart via coach to Glasgow. 
Day 14 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
04-06-202616-06-2026USD $11,595Cabin Category 1
04-06-202616-06-2026USD $13,595Cabin Category 2
04-06-202616-06-2026USD $14,795Cabin Category 3
04-06-202616-06-2026USD $15,595Cabin Category 4
04-06-202616-06-2026USD $16,595Cabin Category 5
04-06-202616-06-2026USD $22,295Cabin Category 6

Inclusions

    • Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Skara Brae, St. Kilda, and the Ring of Brodgar.
    • Witness stunning wildlife, including puffins, great skuas, and Arctic terns.
    • Immerse yourself in rich local cultures, from Faroese chain dancing to Harris Tweed weaving.

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