Iceland, Faroe Islands and Scotland

We'll meet you on arrival in London and transfer you to your ship. Unpack, relax and get acquainted with your ship.

Enjoy a full day at sea. Relax in the spa, take in a lecture at the Discovery Centre or watch the world go by in the lounge.

Today you will cruise to one of the Scottish Orkney Islands, Copinsay Island. Located off the east coast of Orkney Mainland, this location has been a nature reserve since it was purchased in 1972 by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Embark on a bird watching tour with your expedition team and navigate the area by Zodiac. Afterwards, return to the ship and set sail for Orkney's capital, Kirkwall. Arrive in Kirkwall and explore this ancient Norse town peppered with Neolithic remains with your chosen activity.

Freedom of Choice:

• In Kirkwall, choose between a tour that takes in some of the highlights of Orkney's largest island, including the Ring of Brodgar and the fishing village of Stromness. Or perhaps explore Scapa Flow's coast, passing the Churchill Barriers to visit the historic Italian Chapel. Afterwards, venture to St. Margaret's Hope before returning to Kirkwall to see St Magnus Cathedral.

Travel to the most remote inhabited island in Britain, Fair Isle, where you'll join your expedition team for a guided walk. Formerly governed by Norway, Fair Isle is occupied by around 55 residents and owned by the National Trust. The knitting industry is an integral source of income for the island, famous for its world-renowned knitted wool sweaters.

In the afternoon, traverse the tiny, uninhabited island of Mousa by Zodiac. See one of Scotland's most well-preserved prehistoric monuments, an eponymous broch. Continue cruising to Lerwick, where your ship will dock overnight.

This morning, wake up in the bustling seaport of Lerwick, Britain's most northerly town. Enjoy a choice of tours, followed by free time to explore the town and harbour at your leisure. Later this afternoon, set sail for the Faroe Islands.

Freedom of Choice:

• Perhaps, embark on a guided tour passing by the Town Hall before heading west to the picturesque harbour village of Hamnavoe on the Isle of Burra. Here, meet a local fisherman to learn about the significance of Shetland's fishing industry, and its historical and present-day impact. Later, visit a herd of Shetland ponies and hear about their history and characteristics from a local breeder. Afterward, relish a scenic journey through the spectacular Shetland scenery. Alternatively, visit the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, a remarkable archaeological site with ancient remains.

Visit the capital and largest island of the Faroe Islands, Torshavn, and choose how you would like to spend the day. Later, continue to the old farm Duvugaroar, which is now a national heritage museum. Together with the outbuildings that belong to the museum, it provides an intimate look into past rural life in the Faroes.

Freedom of Choice:

• Perhaps head out to explore the old whaling station at Air and visit Streymin Bridge, spanning the narrow channel of Sundini to connect Eysturoy with the larger island of Streymoy. Later, call into Gjogv, where you'll find a gorge which forms a natural harbour for fishing boats. You'll then savour pancakes and coffee at the local guesthouse. Alternatively, choose to head north to Saksun and Kollafjorour where you'll visit an old Faroese church with a traditional turf roof.

Today you'll visit the southernmost island of the Faroe Islands, Suduroy, which translates to South Island. Start by heading south via the old mountain road and stop above the village Hov. Here you can admire the beautiful scenery and have a glimpse into Faroese geology with the very special basalt formations next to the road. Continue to the small village of Porkeri to visit an old Faroese church built in 1847. Winding down again on the other side, drive through the village of Sumba to Akraberg and the 1909-built lighthouse on the southernmost tip of the Faroe Islands.

Later, return to the ship via a three-kilometre-long tunnel and beautiful sea-level fjords.

Dock at Papey Island this morning, situated five kilometres off the eastern coast of Iceland. Here, you'll join your expedition team for a Zodiac cruise. Indulge in picturesque views of windswept, grassy slopes and rocky sea cliffs surrounding the island. The island is an ideal place for sea birds, particularly Guillemots which occupy Papey until mid-summer and Atlantic puffins abound until mid-September.

Venture across the Arctic Circle today with a visit to Iceland's Grimsey Island. Literally straddling the Arctic Circle, the island's basalt cliffs are home to countless nesting birds. Explore the area on a nature walk with your expedition team and soak up the views of the Arctic Ocean, which stretch as far as the eye can see. In Siglufjordur, spend time strolling around this colourful fishing town and enjoy a Signature Experience.

Signature Experiences:

• Siglufjordur was once a bustling herring town with a gold-rush like atmosphere. Visit the Herring Era Museum and learn about the booming economy of the 1900s, which centred around the fishing industry. Enjoy a fun and energetic ‘herring salt show', and sample traditional rye bread with local herring and Icelandic schnapps.

Journey to Dynjandi Waterfall, the most magnificent location in Iceland's remote Westfjords. Witness the flow of water cascade more than 325 feet down a rocky staircase. Continue to the small village of Patreksfjordur, serving as gateway to the Westfjords peninsula in northeastern Iceland. Enjoy a guided walk through this charming Icelandic village with scenic surrounds.

This morning you'll dock in Reykjavik, where you'll disembark your ship for the final time and transfer to the airport.