Join us for this incredible journey which combines an in-depth exploration of Iceland, one of the most extraordinary and dramatic lands on the planet with time spent discovering the remote and little visited Faroe Islands and a call into the Shetland Island of Fair Isle. A voyage by small ship is the ideal way to get up close to nature and explore areas inaccessible to larger vessels and, aboard the all-suite MS Island Sky with her expert team and fleet of Zodiacs, we will be able to land on remote islands and cruise close to shorelines and cliffs crowded with birdlife.
We will set sail from the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik and spend a week discovering the natural wonders of Iceland. Whilst exploring the island we will witness the immense scale of the landscape dominated by towering snow-capped mountains and thundering waterfalls as we learn of the centuries old legacies of a Viking and Norse heritage. We will visit some of its most dramatic areas and, whilst we sail its waters, will look out for humpback whales, orcas, white-beaked dolphins and observe the colonies of seabirds. Leaving Iceland we sail south to the Faroe Islands; once a stopping point for Viking explorers this mysterious collection of 18 islands set in the North Atlantic is a paradise for walkers and bird watchers. Here, a highlight will be seeing the many puffins and other sea birds nesting and we will spend three days exploring the villages and rolling hills of these distant isles before venturing to Fair Isle, famed for its seabirds and knitwear, before our voyage concludes in Aberdeen.
We have timed our voyage for July when we can make the most of the long days and the midnight sun, spending time on deck whilst cruising looking for wildlife that inhabits the region in summer. With just 100 travelling companions, the atmosphere on board is warm and friendly and ashore with our local experts we will divide into small groups thereby enjoying a more comprehensive and peaceful experience.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
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 embark. Sail this evening.
Day 2 Stykkisholmur.
During breakfast we arrive at Stykkisholmur located in Breidafjordur Bay and surrounded by an archipelago of islands. The town is famed for its beautiful and well preserved old houses and is also the gateway to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula which is dominated by the Snæfellsjokull volcano, regarded as one of the symbols of Iceland and known as the setting for Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Centre of the Earth”. A morning tour will include a drive through the lava landscape to the glacier visiting pretty fishing ports and beaches along the way. Spend the afternoon at leisure in the town.
Day 3 Vigur Island.
This morning we enter the Western Fjords, an isolated but spectacular area of Iceland. We will explore Isafjardardjup with the MS Island Sky and depending on local weather conditions, we hope to land on Vigur, a serene little island with only five residents but home to many more puffins, eider ducks, black guillemots and Arctic terns. We will also visit Iceland’s only extant windmill dating from the 19th century. Set sail over lunch and maybe join a lecture as we spend the afternoon at sea.
Day 4 Akureyri & Hrisey Island.
Akureyri is a delightful town on the north coast of Iceland and not what you would expect to find in such a remote location. In the summer months the gardens and window boxes are ablaze with colour. During our morning tour we will visit the spectacular Godafoss Waterfall where water from the Skjalfandafljot River falls from a height of 12 metres over a width of 30 metres. From Godafoss we return to the charming town of Akureyri and visit the botanical garden which was founded in 1912 and grows examples of every species indigenous to Iceland as well as an extensive collection of high-latitude and high-altitude plants from around the world. Our tour ends at the Art Alley, where artisans keep their workshops and galleries. Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Hrisey Island this afternoon which is known for its rich and diverse birdlife and approximately 40 species of birds nest on the island. There will be some nature walks on the island before we continue sail to Siglufjordur this evening where we moor overnight.
Day 5 Siglufjordur & Grimsey Island.
The picturesque town of Siglufjordur enjoys an idyllic setting in a small fjord backed by mountains. Here in the early 1900s, a booming economy due to the herring industry resulted in a prosperous town with some marvellous Icelandic architecture. Stroll through the town and visit the Herring Era Museum. We spend the afternoon on Grimsey Island. The Arctic Circle bisects this island which is known for its tiny community, basalt cliffs and the large variety of birdlife. On arrival join our naturalists for a guided walk on the island.
Day 6 Husavik.
Over breakfast we arrive in Husavik, known as the whale capital of Iceland. There will be a choice of excursions to choose from. Using local boats explore Skjalfandi Bay looking for one of the 15 species of whales, the most popular being humpback, minke and blue whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins and many different kinds of birds. Alternatively, visit the Lake Myvatn-Krafla area, a fine example of the volcanic world with lava fields, boiling and steaming mud pools and steam vents of sulphur and craters. The area illustrates the sheer magnitude of Iceland’s forces at work. The lake itself, with beautiful natural rock formations and hot springs, is also a unique ecosystem and the largest migratory bird sanctuary in Europe. We will offer time in the natural baths before returning to the ship. After lunch on board we have the afternoon to explore the pretty town including time at the excellent whale museum, the exploration museum and quaint local church.
Day 7 Neskaupstadur & Mjoifjordur.
Today we will enjoy the benefits of our small ship as we explore the lesser known fjords in the southeast of Iceland. This morning we hope to land in the small town at Neskaupstadur for a chance to visit the excellent museum which features the local art gallery, Museum of Natural History and Maritime Museum. Those feeling active can hike to the avalanche barriers behind the town, offering great views of the surrounding areas. This afternoon we cruise through Mjoifjordur where we can enjoy the wilderness of this remote area.
Day 8 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 9 Vestmanna, Faroe Islands.
We spend the morning at sea as we cross to the Faroe Islands. Vestmanna is our base this afternoon 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. This evening we will cruise to Torshavn where we moor overnight.
Day 10 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 and there will be the option to hike in the hills surrounding the town to discover the local flora and fauna. 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, and a traditional Faroese wooden church in Kollafjord.
Day 11 Suduroy.
Today we will arrive at Suduroy, the southernmost island of the Faroe Islands. From the port of Tvoroyri we will have a choice of activities. Choose to join an island drive passing the beautiful scenery as we drive between the villages seeing the stunning geology, fjords, tunnels and architecture of the island and end at the southernmost point and the Akraberg lighthouse. In Porkeri we will take the ridge-top road which winds up the mountainside for wonderful views towards the steep cliffs on the west coast, the Beinisvoro promontory to the north and the luscious grass slopes to the east. To locals, this delivers the essence of the Faroe Islands with mountains and fjords, villages and valleys, birds, sheep and nature. Alternatively, those feeling active may wish to join a hike to Hvaanhagi, a beautiful, uninhibited place north of Tvoroyri on the east coast of Suduroy. The view is fantastic towards the three islands Litla Dímun, Stora Dimun and Skuvoy. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon cruising to Scotland.
Day 12 Fair Isle, Shetland Islands.
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. Spend a relaxing final afternoon at sea as we sail to mainland Scotland.
Day 13 Aberdeen, Scotland.
Disembark after breakfast. Transfers will be provided to Aberdeen Railway Station and Airport at a fixed time.
Ship to Shore: This voyage is a combination of both expedition style cruising and small ship destination cruising.Whilst we will be alongside most days, we will be at anchor and the vessel’s Zodiacs will be utilised to transport passengers ashore when visiting Vigur Island, Hrisey Island, Grimsey and Fair Isle. The use of the Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the planned itinerary. If you have any queries pertaining to the use of Zodiacs or the level of fitness required for this voyage please do not hesitate to ask one of our experienced travel consultants. |
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy3 to 15 July 2022 | ||
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Category | Price | |
Magellan Deck Standard Suites | £7395 | |
Columbus Deck Superior Suites | £7595 | |
Marco Polo Deck Premium Suites | £8095 | |
Marco Polo Deck Corner Suites | £8595 | |
Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites | £8995 | |
Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £8995 | |
Explorer Deck Island Suite | £9995 | |
Magellan Deck Standard for sole occupancy | £8895 | |
Columbus Deck Superior for sole occupancy | £9195 |
Tour Reference Code: SCISK030722
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel from London to Reykjavik • 12 nights aboard the MS Island Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Ship to Shore: This voyage is a combination of both expedition style cruising and small ship destination cruising.Whilst we will be alongside most days, we will be at anchor and the vessel’s Zodiacs will be utilised to transport passengers ashore when visiting Vigur Island, Hrisey Island, Grimsey and Fair Isle. The use of the Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the planned itinerary. If you have any queries pertaining to the use of Zodiacs or the level of fitness required for this voyage please do not hesitate to ask one of our experienced travel consultants.
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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.
Travelling with You
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Dorothy Robertson
Born and bred in Melbourne, Australia Dot has a love of the outdoors, adventure and travel. The past twenty years she spent working in finance whilst raising two sons, travelling with them to all the corners of Australia and trips to North America, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and PNG. She has been expedition guide since 2008 leading trips on the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, Mt Rinjani on Lombok, kayaking and trekking in Komodo Marine National Park, Indonesia. In the past couple of years she hiked the Inca trail, Mt Blanc, West Highland Way and the Camino de Santiago. In 2014 an opportunity to work on an expedition ship has led Dot to a complete career change. She has since been working as a tour director, expedition team member, assistant expedition leader and zodiac driver in Japan, Indonesia, Pacific, New Zealand, Mediterranean and Australia’s Kimberley. With an interest in history and culture and a passion for people she looks forward to sharing knowledge and experiences with fellow travellers.
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Dr Chris Edwards
Chris Edwards, a native of Scotland, graduated from the University of Glasgow. He then worked for the British Antarctic Survey and spent two and a half years in Antarctica as a field geologist. On returning to the UK, via a tour of South America, he obtained a PhD and published scientific papers based on his Antarctic work. He then spent twelve years working in the oil exploration industry, initially based in Aberdeen working both offshore and onshore, before postings to South America and the Far East, and working in London, Aberdeen and Glasgow. Since 1989 he has been the horologist in his own antique clock restoration business and has the flexibility of leaving the workshop for several months a year to work as an expedition leader and lecturer on expedition ships in the Antarctic, the Arctic and North-West Europe. Passionate about environmental and natural history matters, he is also a lichenologist, bookbinder and keen photographer.
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Tom Collier
A British naturalist who has years of experience working in conservation, ciology and guiding in some of the worlds most intriguing locations. Having worked in both tropical and temporal regions, Tom has picked up a wealth of knowledge of the flora, fauna and history that make up some of the most beautiful places on earth, from the spinning whirlpools of the Corryvreckan to the tracking of breeding pelagic seabirds. Being a conservation officer on an outer island of Seychelles, he worked on one of the most remote and isolated destinations on the planet, studying turtles, seabirds, marine mammals and coral, amongst many more. Tom has worked as an expedition leader to Borneo, biologist in Mauritius and been a wildlife Guide for one of the most prestigious touring companies in Hebridean Scotland. He has also worked with several schools, presenting his work to a wide variety of audiences, he loves inspiring and passing on knowledge to others. He is an experienced zodiac driver with an eagle-eye for everything and anything!
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Julia Benson
Julia grew up in the city of Bristol and moved to London where she spent many years working as a financial controller. Having always been fascinated by wildlife and the natural world, it was after a number of trips to the polar regions by ship that she was inspired to say goodbye to the corporate world and follow her dream to become a naturalist. Following her studies in Marine Zoology, she volunteered for various organisations involved in whale and dolphin research and marine conservation in UK and European waters, trained as a marine mammal observer and volunteered as a wildlife officer. This led to her working as a naturalist on dolphin watching boats in Wales and whale watching boats in Iceland. Having found her true calling, Julia loves to share her knowledge and passion for the marine environment and conservation with passengers and now works as a naturalist on small passenger ships.
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to explore Reykjavik and the iconic landmarks of the ‘Golden Circle’ before embarking the MS Island Sky, we are offering a two night pre-cruise extension.
Reykjavik
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Reykjavik, Iceland.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2 Reykjavik.
After breakfast in the hotel we enjoy a city tour of Reykjavik. 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 and evening are at leisure. (B)
Day 3 Reykjavik & Golden Circle.
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy one of Iceland’s classic touring circuits, the ‘Golden Circle’ including 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. After lunch we transfer to the pier for embarkation. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
1 to 3 July 2022 Category Price Twin £895 Single £1295 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Reykjavik, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch), full day Golden Circle tour, half day city tour, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
Epic Iceland & the Faroe Islands
A unique voyage to the 'Land of Fire & Ice' combined with the Faroe Islands aboard the Sea Spirit
Sea Spirit
Itinerary at a glance
- Reykjavik / Snaefellsnes Peninsula / Western Fjords / Akureyri / Hrisey Island / Siglufjordur / Grimsey Island / Husavik / Neskaupstadur / Mjoifjordur / Hofn / Klaksvik / Suduroy / Torshavn / Vestmanna / Westman Islands / Golden Circle
Passage to Iceland - 2023
An exploration from Scotland to Iceland aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Oban / St Kilda / Stac Lee / Sudroy / Torshavn / Vestmanna / Hofn / Neskaupstadur / Mjoifjordur / Husavik / Grimsey Island / Siglufjordur / Akureyri / Hrisey Island / Vigur Island / Stykkisholmur / Reykjavik
Passage from Iceland
An exploration from Iceland to Scotland including the Faroes Islands aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Reykjavik / Stykkisholmur / Vigur Island / Akureyri / Hrisey Island / Siglufjordur / Grimsey Island / Husavik / Neskaupstadur / Mjoifjordur / Hofn / Vestmanna / Torshavn / Suduroy / St Kilda / Stac Lee / Oban
Midsummer in Iceland
A passage between Scotland & Iceland including the Shetland & Faroe Islands aboard the MS Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Aberdeeen / Foula / Papa Stour / Klaksvik / Torshavn / Vestmanna / Hofn / Neskaupstadur / Mjoifjordur / Husavik / Grimsey Island / Siglufjordur / Saudarkrokur / Drangey Island / West Fjords / Snaefellsnes Peninsula / Reykjavik
Circumnavigation of Iceland
A midsummer voyage aboard the MS Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Reykjavik / Snaefellsnes Peninsula / Western Fjords / Grimsey Island / Siglufjordur / Akureyri / Hrisey Island / Husavik / Neskaupstadur / Mjoifjordur / Hofn / Westman Islands
Natural Wonders of Iceland
A Circumnavigation of Iceland aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Hebridean Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Reykjavik / The Golden Circle / Snaefellsnes Peninsula / Western Fjords / Grimsey Island / Siglufjordur / Akureyri / Hrisey Island / Husavik / Neskaupstadur / Mjoifjordur / Hofn / Westman Islands / Reykjavik
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000