Discovering Iceland & the British Isles

Perched off the northeast corner of Scotland lies the natural wonder of Duncansby Stacks. These 60-metre sea stacks tower high above the unpredictable waters of the North Sea and showcase the powers of nature, from the sea, erosion and volcanos. Believed to have stood in this same position for the last 6000 years, the formation includes a rocky arch, followed by a group of thorn-like rocks jutting out of the water. Duncansby is also home to an abundance of birdlife during nesting months.

Renowned for the strength of its tides, Pentland Firth lies between the Orkney Islands and mainland Scotland, is celebrated for its rich diversity of marine life, and is seen as a vital migratory route for whales and dolphins. During June, the seas here are teeming with marine life as the favourable weather conditions bring an abundance of food supplies close to the surface, and you may be able to spot minke whales, orcas, and bottlenose dolphins playing and hunting in the waters as your ship sails along Pentland Firth.

Britain’s tallest and most famous sea stack, the Old Man of Hoy rises 450 feet out of the Atlantic Ocean on the coast of Hoy Island, in Scotland’s rugged Orkney archipelago. Originally an arch with two ‘legs’ resembling those of an old man, hence its nickname, the erosive power of the weather has reduced the stack to a single pillar which, owing to a crack slicing through the middle of it, geologists believe will one day collapse into the sea.

A delight to explore in the summer, Tórshavn promises a charming blend of history, nature, and dramatic coastal scenery. As you wander through the historical heart of the city, Tinganes, with its characteristic red wooden buildings with turfed roofs, you can admire one of the oldest parliamentary meeting places in the world. There will be opportunities to experience traditional Faroese culture at the Nordic House, and sample dishes prepared with local produce, such as fish, lamb, and seabirds, in one of the city’s restaurants or cafés. Alternatively, you may choose to explore nearby islands on a boat tour to discover hidden sea caves and witness remarkable bird cliffs, or learn about Kirkjubour, one of the most historically significant sites in the Faroe Islands, believed to be the oldest wooden house still in use today.

Cape Enniberg is located on the island of Viðoy in the Faroes. Standing at over 750 metres high, it is one of the highest vertical sea cliffs in the world and is well known as a landmark throught the Faroe Islands history. These cliffs are home to a huge number of seabird colonies - in particular, puffins and fulmars - who perch on its craggy rock faces. 

Nestled within the steep mountains of Eyjafjörður, visiting Akureyri in July offers fantastic opportunities to discover this small fishing town, overlooked by its distinctively shaped church and the volcanic lands that surround it. The fjord becomes a breeding ground for humpback and minke whales in the summer, so a whale-watching trip is ideal for spotting these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. You could experience the breathtaking ‘Waterfall of the Gods’, Godafoss Waterfall, or enjoy a hike to Súlur Mountain that towers over Akureyri, offering panoramic vistas over the town and surrounding fjord. There will also be chances to immerse yourself in local life by sampling traditional Icelandic dishes using local ingredients, like Arctic char, lamb, and skyr.

Cruising along the calm waters of Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord, flanked by steep mountains that slope down to the water’s edge, you are ideally placed at this time of year to search for marine life that makes this region home, including humpback whales. Amongst the seemingly never-ending mountainous views, you’ll be able to spot tiny villages and farms dotted along the fjord’s shores, including on the Island of Hrísey, which shares the green lands of the island with more than 40 bird species, including ptarmigans and the largest breeding colony of Arctic terns.

Renowned for its spectacular fjords, mountains, and valleys, Ísafjörður is a delight to explore in the summer months.  Enjoy Ísafjörður from the unique perspective of the fjord on a kayak or guided boat trip. You’ll also have the chance to visit the spectacular waterfall at Dynjandi, which flows down the mountainside, spreading out like a bride’s veil. Meanwhile, enjoy sampling traditional Icelandic dishes, particularly freshly caught seafood, or local specialities like dried fish and stew.

Reykjavik is renowned as the perfect starting point for experiencing the Golden Circle Tour, visiting three remarkable locations: Thingvellir National Park, a keystone of Icelandic geological history; the Geysir geothermal area, home to the impressive Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes; and Gullfoss waterfall, one of the most picturesque and impressive in Iceland. You will also have opportunities to take a dip in the soothing waters of the geothermal pools of the nearby Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon. 

The young island of Surtsey was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions in the 1960’s and embodies the spirit of Iceland’s wild beauty, with many species of birds, including the herring gull, black guillemot and fulmar calling it home, helping to fertilise the large numbers of plants growing here in the volcanic soil. As your smaller ship sails past, you will be able to see the island’s few buildings, which are only occupied by visiting scientists who come here to collect research on Surtsey’s plant life and natural evolution.

Tucked away in Iceland’s remote Westman archipelago, Elliðaey Island is a tiny green gem set against the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its single, solitary house, once a hunting lodge, perched above the sea, the island is a place of ruggedly untouched beauty, embraced by cliffs and seabirds. Once home to puffin hunters, the island now serves as a peaceful retreat where visitors can feel the pure, fresh Icelandic air and take in sweeping ocean views. As your smaller sized ship cruises past Elliðaey Island during the summer, you will be able to spot the white cottage, along with an abundance of puffins and other seabirds, along with occasional whales, dolphins and porpoises who come here to feed.

Tobermory is a charming, colourful village on Scotland’s Isle of Mull, known for its brightly painted buildings lining the harbour. The surrounding hills and bays offer incredible views and peaceful walks, making it a haven for nature lovers during the summer, while the Mull Museum on the main street celebrates the island’s history with artefacts that include working tools used by local craftsmen. Legend has it that the village’s sheltered bay is where one of the Spanish Armada ships sank in 1588 carrying gold bullion. As you wander through the tiny streets, you can stop to enjoy fresh seafood or sample locally distilled whisky, or venture further afield to go in search of the golden eagle, white-tailed sea eagle and otters on wildlife tours from your ship.

Situated between the Inner Hebridean island of Mull and mainland Scotland, the Sound of Mull forms a part of the Atlantic Ocean. The sound is surrounded by sweeping green meadows, rocky shorelines, magnificent stone castles and sweeping wild hills; and is also a treat for nature lovers, with the sound being home to wildlife including seals, otters, over 260 species of bird and even larger mammals such as porpoise, minke whale, and occasionally basking sharks and orca.

Duart Castle dates back to the 13th century and guards the sea cliffs of the Isle of Mull, giving it one of the most spectacular positions for prominence in West Scotland. The castle treasures over 700 years of history of one of Scotland’s oldest clans, the Macleans, and is one of the last surviving privately owned clan castles in Scotland. Duart Castle was deliberately chosen to be sited on a high crag at the end of a peninsula, jutting into the Sound of Mull.