Deckplan
Please note that all beds can be configured as twin or double with the exception of suites 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed.
An exploration of the legendary northern isles aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Here is a unique opportunity to combine time exploring Iceland, one of the most extraordinary and dramatic lands on the planet, the little-visited Faroes and the remote Shetland Islands. 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 118-passenger MS Hebridean 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. Travelling in July we will be able to take advantage of the long days by spending time on deck looking for the variety of wildlife which inhabits the region.
We will set sail from the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik and spend six days discovering the natural wonders of Iceland. Witness the immense scale of the landscape dominated by towering snow-capped mountains, thundering waterfalls and spontaneously erupting geysers as we learn of the centuries old legacies of a Viking and Norse heritage. Europe’s least populated country offers the visitor a truly unparalleled experience of elemental forces at work. 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 for three days of exploration in 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 as well as our day spent in the traditional village of Elduvik with its welcoming population of twelve. Finally, we continue our venture south past rugged coastlines to the Shetland Islands, Britain’s most northerly outpost, where we will spend our time exploring the deserted villages and ancient sites before arriving in Aberdeen.
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island 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.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail tonight.
Sail this morning into 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 Snaefellsjokull 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”. Our tour will include a drive through the lava landscape to the glacier visiting pretty fishing ports and beaches along the way. Afterwards, there will be the opportunity to spend some time at leisure in the town.
his morning we enter the Western Fjords, an isolated but spectacular area of Iceland. We will explore Isafjardardjup 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. Sail over lunch and maybe join a lecture as we spend a leisurely afternoon at sea.
Spend the morning on Grimsey Island. The Arctic Circle bisects this island which is known for its tiny community, basalt cliffs and a large variety of birdlife. Join our expedition team members for a morning nature walk on the island. In the early afternoon we sail into Siglufjordur, a picturesque town that 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.
Akureyri is a delightful town on the north coast of Iceland. On a 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 highlatitude 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 where you can join nature walks. The island is known for its rich and diverse birdlife and approximately 40 species of birds nest on the island. Be on deck early this evening as we sail in Eyafjordur, on the lookout for whales.
From our berth in Husavik we will head inland to 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. There will be the opportunity to spend some time in the natural baths before returning to the ship. After lunch on board we have the afternoon to explore the pretty town of Husavik including time at the excellent whale museum, the exploration museum and the quaint local church. Be on deck in the early evening as we sail from Husavik whilst our expedition team keep an eye out for whales.
We spend our last morning in Iceland in the picturesque natural harbour at Seydisfjordur which has preserved its fishing heritage from the early 19th century and its architectural style. On a walking tour we will pass brightly painted and well preserved wooden buildings and visit the shops famous for their Icelandic patterned woollens and crafts. Keen walkers might prefer to join a hike in the nearby Vestdalur Valley which is a protected nature reserve due to its remarkable flora. Walking along the river trail we will enjoy the landscape and waterfalls as well as viewing the abandoned town of Vestdalseyri. Sail in the midafternoon towards the Faroe Islands.
After a morning at sea we arrive in the Faroes at the port of Vestmanna, our base as we explore the northwest corner of Streymoy and the nearby cliffs. On a choice of afternoon activities you may wish to board local boats to explore these 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. Alternatively 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.
Today we enjoy the benefits of small ship cruising as we make our way to the north of the island of Eysturoy and the small traditional village of Elduvik. Located at the end of a lush valley and surrounded by mountains the village has a resident population of 12 who will welcome us ashore. Villagers will lead walks around the town including the colourful houses and the church and hear stories of the history, myths and culture of the region. Those feeling active may wish to join a strenuous yet scenic hike along the old village path through the Skoratind hills to neighbouring Oyndarfjordur, enjoying views of the nearby island of Kalsoy and the hills of Funningur.
Our final morning in the Faroes will be at Runavik which due to its sheltered location in the Skalafjordur has been used as a port since the Vikings. Local guides will show us around the small town including the Forni Historical Museum, Church of Glyvrar and the boathouse. There will be the option to join our naturalists for a walk around Lake Toftavatn seeing the rich birdlife, Faroese flora and the statue of the shepherd and his dog. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon at sea as we make our way to the Scottish Islands.
This morning, after clearing in Scalloway, we visit 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. Translated as “Bird Island” from Old Norse the island is designated as a Special Protection Area for birds and is home to the world’s largest colony of great skuas, known locally as bonxies, which compete fiercely with Arctic skuas for breeding territories. Kittiwakes and Arctic terns return annually to nest whilst the cliffs team with puffins, shags and fulmars. 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 which are home to Arctic skua and large numbers of Arctic terns.
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 ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea.
Disembark this morning. Transfers will be provided to Aberdeen International Airport and Aberdeen Railway Station at a fixed time.
4 to 16 July 2024 | ||
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Category | Price | |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £7395 | |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | Fully Booked | |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £7995 | |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | Fully Booked | |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | Fully Booked | |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £8995 | |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | Fully Booked | |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £9395 | |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | Fully Booked |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS040724
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel from London to Reykjavik • 12 nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia expedition team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
During this expedition you will be visiting out of the way destinations and will be accompanied by an expedition team. Landings and excursions will be made by Zodiac landing craft. The use of Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the itinerary as shown. 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.
Please note that all beds can be configured as twin or double with the exception of suites 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed.
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island 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.
If you would like to explore Reykjavik and the iconic landmarks of the ‘Golden Circle’ before embarking the MS Hebridean Sky, we are offering a two night pre-cruise extension.
Day 1 London to Reykjavik, Iceland.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder 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 Thingvellir 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 final 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)
2 to 4 July 2024 | |
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Category | Price |
Twin | £895 |
Single | £1295 |
Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Reykjavik at the Fosshotel (or similar), meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch), full day Golden Circle tour, half day Reykjavik tour, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
A Circumnavigation of Iceland aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
A voyage from Aberdeen to the Norwegian Coast aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
A voyage from Aberdeen to Reykjavik aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
A circumnavigation of Iceland aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
A voyage from Reykjavik to Aberdeen aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
A voyage from Aberdeen to Stockholm aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000