From Iceland to Shetland
An expedition discovering the wonders of Iceland, the Faroe Islands & Scotland aboard the MS Island Sky
- 1 July 2021
Join us aboard the MS Island Sky for this unique itinerary combining the ‘Land of Ice and Fire’ with the Faroe Islands and Shetland Islands. During our time in Iceland, we will journey through some of Iceland’s stunning landscapes from huge ice-caps and glaciers to thundering waterfalls and lava fields. Witness the immense scale of the landscape dominated by towering snow-capped mountains and spontaneous erupting geysers as we learn of the centuries old legacies of a Viking and Norse heritage.
Our voyage then continues to the wild and ruggedly beautiful landscapes of the Faroe Islands which are a paradise for walkers and bird watchers. The history of the Faroe Islands can be traced back to the Irish monks who settled there in the 6th century, and the 9th century seafaring explorers who traversed the North Sea and claimed Orkney, the Shetland Islands, Iceland and Greenland. We will learn of the fascinating history of the islands and view the prolific numbers of seabirds that nest on the cliffs during the summer.
Our final island group is the Shetland Islands with their varied and spectacular scenery including some of Britain’s highest cliffs, fertile farmland and sea caves along with a fascinating cultural history. The dramatic landscapes, combined with the cultural heritage of the islands that have preserved such a distinctive way of life cannot fail to impress. We will use our Zodiacs to explore the stunning cliff scenery, sea stacks, blowholes and coastal caves and will also experience the remarkable archaeological site of Jarlshof and spend time in the Shetland capital of Lerwick where we will be entertained by local musicians.
The MS Island Sky is the perfect small ship for such a venture as, with a maximum of just over 100 passengers and a fleet of nimble Zodiac craft, we can get up close to nature and explore areas otherwise inaccessible to the larger ships. We will look out for wildlife, taking advantage of weather conditions and possible sightings to achieve the maximum with our time.
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Island Sky
The MS Island Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Hebridean Sky. Both vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them two of the finest small ships in the world.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Reykjavik, Iceland.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Island Sky and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
Day 2 Reykjavik.
From the Icelandic capital we have a choice of excursions today. A full day tour will head inland to the infamous “Golden Circle” with three of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks. We will start at Pingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is situated in a rift valley that offers incredible views of the Reykjanes Ridge. This is the only place in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which separates the Eurasian and North American plates, is above sea-level. Also see the Gullfoss Waterfall, the most famous of the country’s numerous waterfalls. Here, a huge amount of water rushes down a stone cascade into a deep ravine with incredible force, creating a powerful spectacle. Our last stop is the Geysir geothermal area, the place where the word “geyser” originates and where Strokkur, an explosive geyser, erupts every few minutes. Alternatively spend the morning in Reykjavik and surrounds. See the Hallgrimskirkja Church that dominates the city skyline, the new Harpa Opera House and the charming old quarter with its wooden houses and narrow streets before we enjoy the views of the city from Perlan. The afternoon is free to explore further at leisure.
Day 3 Westman Islands & Surtsey.
Our morning is spent at the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands). Islanders here live with a dramatic volcanic history. In 1973 the island of Heimaey experienced an eruption which created a new mountain, Eldfell, known as Mount Fire. Explore the only community, Heimaey, where half buried houses can be partially seen peeking out through the lava and ash. We will also use the Zodiacs to explore the cliffs and coves. As part of our exploration of the Westman Islands, and if time permits, we will use our ship to circumnavigate Surtsey Island which was created volcanically in 1963 and is a closed nature reserve. Few places in the world illustrate more dramatically the powerful forces of nature.
Day 4 Hofn.
Today we will see the shimmering white Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier, sometimes called an icecap. The 600 metre thick ice surmounts active volcanoes, one of which erupted in 1996, creating a crater on the surface of the glacier, a most unusual phenomenon. We will drive to the otherworldly glacial lagoon of Jokulsarlon, a dramatic drive through some of the finest scenery that Iceland offers. Once we reach Jokulsarlon, the 100 metre deep glacial river lagoon which is full of large icebergs, carved from the glacier Breioamerkurjokull, we will embark on a cruise on the pristine water, sailing in between the blue, white and black ice.
Day 5 Klaksvik, Faroe Islands.
After a morning at sea we arrive in the Faroe Islands and the island of Borooy in the north of the group. On our afternoon excursion we will learn more about the Faroese and Viking traditions as we make our way via a three mile long tunnel, 500 feet under the sea to Leirvik on the island of Eysturoy. Here we will see the archaeological excavations of a thousand year old Viking farm before continuing to Gota, located at the head of the broad Gotuvik fjord. This historic area was the home of the famous Viking chieftain, Trondur i Gotu, who defended the old Viking ways against the desire of the Norwegian king and the Faroese chieftain, Sigmundu Brestisson, to convert the Faroese to Christianity. Ruins of his farm are found in Gota, whilst the Blasastova Museum provides an insight into the culture and way of life in the Faroe Islands in past centuries.
Day 6 Vestmanna.
Vestmanna is our base this morning as we explore the northwest corner of Streymoy and the nearby cliffs. We will board local boats to explore the vertical cliffs that climb almost 1500 feet, sailing into grottos carved by the surf over the years and watching the thousands of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, fulmars and kittiwakes that nest here each summer. After lunch on board, we will drive to the beautiful village of Saksun, an isolated settlement situated beneath steep majestic mountains. We visit Duvugaroar, an old farmhouse which is now a museum, as well as a traditional Faroese wooden church in Kollafjord.
Day 7 Torshavn.
From our berth this morning we will join a guided tour through Torshavn over the hills to Kirkjubour, the island’s oldest cultural centre, where we see the ruins of the 13th century St Magnus Cathedral and the 11th century church, still in use. We also visit the 900-year old ‘Roykstovan’, the old bishopric, considered to be the oldest wooden house in Europe. For those feeling active we will arrange a hike in the hills surrounding the town to discover the local flora and fauna. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon at sea as we sail to the Shetland Islands.
Day 8 Unst & Fetlar, Shetland Islands.
We begin our exploration of Shetland on the northern island of Unst. Unst is Britain’s most northerly inhabited island and at the Heritage Centre we will learn about the islanders’ struggles over the centuries and the industries that have prospered whilst the Unst Boat Haven is dedicated to the history of the islands distinctive wooden boats which descend from Viking craft. We also visit Saxa Vord with views over Hermaness National Nature Reserve and Muckle Flugga stacks and home to thousands of gannets and puffins as well as rare Arctic-alpine plants. Over lunch we sail to Fetlar, inhabited for over 5000 years the island lays claim to being the first Norse landing site in the Shetlands. Known as the most fertile of the Shetland Islands the wildflowers bring colour to the landscape whilst the birdlife on the island is prolific. Our expedition team will lead walks ashore including the Fetlar Interpretative Centre and Museum where we will learn about the wildlife and archaeological history of the island.
Day 9 Lerwick.
From the Shetland capital, we will visit the remarkable archaeological site of Jarlshof. The site was uncovered by a violent storm in the winter of 1896/7, revealing an extraordinary settlement site embracing at least 5000 years of human history. The site contains a remarkable sequence of stone structures – late Neolithic houses, a Bronze- Age village, an Iron-Age broch and wheelhouses, several Norse longhouse, a Medieval farmstead and the 16th century laird’s house. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon to explore this historic port. Perhaps wander through its narrow stone lanes or maybe visit the excellent Shetland Museum, containing artefacts from shipwrecks and the whaling era. This evening we will be entertained by local musicians before we sail later tonight.
Day 10 Foula & Papa Stour.
This morning we will sail to Foula, one of Britain’s most remote inhabited islands. Apart from a narrow coastal strip of more fertile croftland, Foula is an expanse of peat and moorland rising steeply to five dramatic peaks. In the long midsummer days, Foula’s wildflowers provide a glorious burst of colour. The world’s largest colony of great skuas compete fiercely with many parasitic jaegers for breeding territories. Over lunch we will sail the short distance to Papa Stour where we will use our Zodiacs to explore the stunning cliff scenery, sea stacks, arches, blowholes and coastal caves.
Day 11 Fair Isle.
This morning we anchor off the remote island of Fair Isle. Located midway between the Shetland and Orkney Islands, the tiny population of sixty or so islanders always extend us a warm welcome. Enjoy a walk across the island searching out the puffin slopes, visit the community hall for a cup of tea or maybe purchase some of the famous knitwear. Return to the MS Island Sky for lunch and a final relaxing afternoon at sea.
Day 12 Aberdeen.
Disembark this morning. Transfers will be provided to Aberdeen Airport and Railway Station at a fixed time.
Dates and Prices
1 to 12 July 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Magellan Deck Standard Suites | £6295 | £5995 |
Columbus Deck Superior Suites | £6495 | £6195 |
Marco Polo Deck Premium Suites | £6995 | £6695 |
Marco Polo Deck Corner Suites | £7495 | £7195 |
Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites | £7995 | £7695 |
Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £8495 | £8195 |
Explorer Deck Island Suite | £9495 | £9195 |
Magellan Deck Standard for sole occupancy | £8185 | £7885 |
Columbus Deck Superior for sole occupancy | £8495 | £8195 |
Tour Reference Code: SCISK010721
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel from London to Reykjavik • 11 nights aboard the MS Island Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Noble Caledonia expedition team • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Deckplan
Island Sky
The MS Island Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Hebridean Sky. Both vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them two of the finest small ships in the world.
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