Iceland and Faroe Islands

We'll meet you on arrival in Edinburgh and transfer you to your hotel.

This evening, come together for a welcome dinner. Stay Two Nights: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh (D)

• Perhaps explore the Royal Yacht Britannia as you embark the British royal family's floating home and explore one of the few places where they could enjoy complete privacy. Alternatively, gain a behind-the-scenes look into the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Stop near Falkirk to see The Kelpies, the largest equine sculptures in the world. Created by artist Andy Scott, the 30-metre, 300-tonne-apiece sculptures depict two of the region's famous Clydesdale horses, which were key pillars in the development of the region. Continue to Oban and board your ship. Stay 10 Nights: MS Hebridean Sky (B/D)

Wake to the astounding landscapes of World Heritage-listed St Kilda this morning. Towering sea stacks and cliff faces surround the spectacular archipelago, which has been uninhabited since its last residents were dramatically evacuated in 1930. Learn all about the archipelago's ecosystem with a local ranger before heading ashore to join guided walks on St Kilda's main island, Hirta, which is a haven for seabirds including its iconic puffins. Back aboard later, cruise past the imposing Stac Lee, home to one of the world's largest colonies of northern gannets. (B/L/D)

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 also 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. (B/L/D)

Visit the capital and largest island of the Faroe Islands, Torshavn, and choose how you would like to spend the day. Perhaps head out to explore the old whaling station at Air and visit the only bridge over the Atlantic, as it is sometimes called, which spans 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 enjoy pancakes and coffee at the local guesthouse. Alternatively, choose to head north to Saskan and Kollafjorour where you'll visit an old Faroese church with a traditional turf roof.

Later, continue to the old farm Duvugaroar, which is now a national heritage museum and, together with the outbuildings that belong to the museum, it provides an intimate look into past rural life in the Faroes. (B/L/D)

Discover the brightly painted Norwegian-style wooden buildings of this fishing village on a walking tour. Visit local shops famous for their Icelandic patterned woolen garments. (B/L/D)

• Explore Skjalfandi Bay for a whale watching tour aboard a local oak fishing boat, keeping an eye out for one of the 15 species of whales in the area including humpback, minke and blue whales.

This morning, explore Namaskard's lava fields and boiling mud pools, as well as the steam vents of Lake Myvatn's craters. Rounding off the day, you'll visit the ‘Waterfall of the Gods', Godafoss, one of Iceland's most spectacular sights. (B/L/D)

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 on a nature walk and soak up the views of the Arctic Ocean, which stretch as far as the eye can see. In Siglufjorour, spend time strolling around this colourful fishing town. You'll visit the Herring Era Museum and learn of the booming economy of the 1900s, centred around the fishing industry. (B/L/D)

Today, you'll be whisked to the Westfjords by Zodiac and make landfall on Vigur, an island home to just five residents who share this paradise with thousands of puffins, eider ducks and Arctic terns. (B/L/D)

Arrive this morning in the charming and colourful town of Stykkisholmur, the gateway to the spectacular Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Join a morning tour headed for the iconic, glacier-capped Snæfellsjokull volcano, pausing en route to visit quaint fishing ports and beautiful beaches. Admire the volcanic landscapes and explore the glacier before returning to Stykkisholmur and enjoying the afternoon at leisure. (B/L/D)

Disembark your ship for the final time this morning and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)