Scotland, The Faroe Islands, & Iceland: North Atlantic Saga

After a day of independent exploration in Glasgow, you’ll transfer to the Oban port by bus and embark for an evening departure.

Nestled on the west coast, Oban is a striking seaside town surrounded by miles of dramatic shores and beautiful countryside.

Whether 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.

Barra is the ancestral island of Clan MacNeil whose chiefs were based at Kisimul Castle, which still sits, impressively intact, a few hundred yards offshore from the pleasant village of Castlebay. Alexander, Lord of the Isles, granted the MacNeils the island in 1427, and a century later the clan was accused of launching piratical raids on English shipping endeavours. Barra was later the home of writer Compton Mackenzie, who used the setting for his novel (later a movie) Whisky Galore.

Today, Barra remains a vibrant island community, shaped by its Gaelic heritage and time-honoured traditions. Discover a welcoming atmosphere celebrated for its cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, including white sandy beaches and rolling green hills.

Visit Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, a Gaelic stronghold and the capital of the largest of the Hebrides. Browse charming 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.

Enjoy a day at sea as we sail toward the Faroe Islands. Enrich your journey with insightful presentations and workshops led by our expert expedition team, deepening your understanding of the region's landscapes, wildlife, and culture.

Relax on deck and keep an eye out for marine life, seabirds, and the ever-changing seascape. With a bit of luck, you might spot Risso’s dolphins—recognizable by their pale-grey bodies—or other cetaceans like bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, or even a minke whale. Seabirds often grace these waters, too, so stay alert for northern gannets, guillemots, Atlantic puffins, fulmars, and skuas gliding above the waves.

Visit 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.

Explore the splendid little city of Tórshavn (“Thor’s harbour”), the Faroe Islands’ capital and a former Viking trading centre.

Stroll through the enchanting streets of the old town, where you'll discover a treasure trove of galleries, charming shops, and restaurants.

Admire the buildings with their grass roofs and black timber façades, offering a glimpse into traditional Faroese architecture and culture.

Experience the tranquil charm of Elduvík, a village of just twelve residents, nestled at the end of a lush valley on Eysturoy's northeast side.

Wander through this picturesque community on a guided tour exploring the colourful houses that surround the church and old schoolhouse. Learn about its rich history and enduring traditions, getting a glimpse into Faroese life.

Take in a different perspective on a valley hike where stunning views of the surrounding mountains and fjord unfold.

Savour traditional Faroese flavours with local tastings, then step inside the village church to listen to enchanting tales and timeless hymns in this space, inaugurated in 1951.

Take 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.

Deepen your understanding of the environment, cultures, and history of the region as we steam across the North Atlantic towards Iceland.

Enjoy workshops and presentations, watch a documentary, and get out on deck!

Vestmannaeyjar lies off the south coast of Iceland and comprises fourteen islands, numerous rocks, and skerries. Only the largest island, Heimaey, is inhabited.

Numerous species of seabirds, including the famous puffin, nest in the steep rock faces along the ocean cliffs. The volcanically active area has seen two major eruptions in recent times: the formation of the island of Surtsey in 1963, and the Eldfell eruption ten years later that destroyed much of Heimaey.

Complete your journey in Reykjavík, Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital that was established in the year 874 CE.

Food, culture, and nightlife abound, while the National Culture House preserves treasures like the Poetic Edda and the Norse Sagas in their original manuscripts.

Disembark in the morning and say your farewells in what is widely considered one of the cleanest, greenest cities in the world.