North Atlantic · May – Aug
Iceland and other North Atlanic Islands
An entire island shaped by fire and ice - circumnavigated the way it was meant to be: from the sea.
Discover the dramatic landscapes, rich traditions, and captivating histories of Scotland, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland on an unforgettable journey through the wild and beautiful North Atlantic. This remarkable region brings together ancient cultures, remote islands, legendary coastlines, abundant wildlife, and some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe. From rugged sea cliffs and secluded bays to colourful villages, sweeping green landscapes, and thundering waterfalls, every destination reveals its own distinctive character and story.
Immerse yourself in the unique cultures and ancient history that have shaped these remote shores for centuries. Explore places where Celtic, Gaelic, Norse, and Viking influences remain deeply woven into local traditions, architecture, music, and everyday life. Historic settlements, ancient ruins, medieval castles, and remote communities provide a fascinating connection to the past, while warm local hospitality offers insight into the vibrant cultures that continue to thrive throughout the region today.
Scotland’s magnificent coastline is ideally suited to exploration by sea. Sail into secluded bays framed by steep cliffs and windswept hills, discovering remote islands and coastal communities that are often difficult to reach by land. Historic castles, ancient archaeological sites, and rugged landscapes reveal stories stretching back thousands of years. Whether exploring ashore, cruising beneath towering cliffs, or simply enjoying the views from the expedition vessel, Scotland offers an extraordinary combination of history, natural beauty, and adventure.
Wildlife viewing and birding opportunities are abundant throughout the journey. Dramatic cliffs and isolated islands provide important nesting grounds for vast numbers of seabirds, while the surrounding waters are home to seals, dolphins, and whales. Zodiac excursions allow for closer exploration of hidden coves, rocky shorelines, sea caves, and wildlife-rich waters, creating memorable encounters with the natural world. Each day brings new possibilities, shaped by the weather, wildlife, and ever-changing conditions of the North Atlantic.
Farther north, the Faroe Islands rise dramatically from the middle of the North Atlantic. This extraordinary archipelago is a landscape of towering sea cliffs, deep fjords, green valleys, and picturesque villages. Traditional houses with grass-covered roofs sit beneath steep mountains, while spectacular waterfalls tumble directly towards the ocean. Exploring these remote islands provides a remarkable sense of discovery and an opportunity to experience a culture shaped by centuries of isolation, seafaring, and a close relationship with the natural environment.
The Faroe Islands are also a paradise for photographers, hikers, and birdwatchers. Vast seabird colonies gather along dramatic cliffs, while winding paths lead through breathtaking landscapes and peaceful settlements. Whether approaching a remote village from the sea, cruising beneath towering rock formations, or walking through a valley surrounded by mountains, the islands offer unforgettable views at every turn.
Continuing towards Iceland, discover a land created by powerful natural forces. Shallow fjords, volcanic coastlines, dramatic waterfalls, glaciers, and rugged mountains combine to create one of the world’s most distinctive landscapes. The sheltered waters of Iceland’s fjords provide an important habitat for whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds, offering exceptional opportunities for wildlife encounters both from the ship and during Zodiac excursions.
Iceland’s coastal communities reveal a fascinating connection between people and the sea, while the surrounding landscapes showcase the extraordinary forces that continue to shape the island. Explore remote fjords, visit picturesque settlements, and experience a country where fire and ice exist side by side. Every day offers the possibility of a new discovery, from an unexpected wildlife encounter to a dramatic waterfall, a hidden harbour, or a spectacular view across the North Atlantic.
Travelling by expedition vessel offers an exceptional way to experience this diverse region. It provides access to remote islands, hidden bays, dramatic coastlines, and secluded communities that are often best approached from the sea. Flexible itineraries allow each day to make the most of local conditions and opportunities, whether that means exploring by Zodiac, stepping ashore for a hike, visiting a historic settlement, observing wildlife, or discovering an unexpected corner of the North Atlantic.
Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge - an active volcanic zone where the landscape is still being actively formed. Black lava fields, steaming fumaroles, and new land erupting into the sea.
Iceland hosts 60% of the world's Atlantic puffin population. Cliff-side colonies in the Westfjords and Snæfellsnes can number in the hundreds of thousands.
Iceland's waters support one of Europe's densest whale populations - humpback, minke, fin and blue whales, plus orca in the Snæfellsnes area.
The remote fjords and peninsulas of northwest Iceland are accessible almost exclusively by sea - dramatic cliff scenery, waterfalls, and near-zero tourist traffic.
From the sagas to the Faroe Islands, our Scotland–Iceland crossing traces one of history's great ocean routes through some of the North Atlantic's most historic archipelagos.
In June and July, Iceland experiences near-perpetual daylight. Whale spouts visible at midnight, puffins returning to cliffs at 2am - nature doesn't sleep.
