Iceland & Faroe Islands

Welcome to Reykjavik! We'll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship. Stay 12 Nights: MS Island Sky (D)

Today, discover Iceland's western frontier with a choice of explorations. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:

• Docking in Grundarfjordur, disembark and delve into ancient Icelandic literature, as you explore trails through deep-green lava fields and learn of the sagas set in this epic landscape. From here, continue to Helgafell Mountain, ‘The Holy Mountain' and on to Stykkisholmur to visit the region's foremost folk museum. Or, a tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula offers a snapshot of Iceland's otherworldly natural attractions including Snaefellsjokull, the glacier-capped volcano made famous by Jules Verne's novel, Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

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. Later, set sail for Isafjorour. Known as the capital of the Westfjords, time has been put aside for you to explore what is one of the region's largest settlements. Delve into this harbour town's maritime history, which has been central to the region's fishing industry. Discover local culture and a town that makes the perfect base for hiking, skiing and outdoor activities. (B/L/D)

In Siglufjordur today, 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. Then set sail for the northern city of Akureyri where your ship will dock for the evening so that you can enjoy some time ashore. Often branded as the ‘Capital of the North', Akureyri is the second largest Icelandic settlement after Reykjavik. (B/L/D)

This morning, enjoy a Signature Experience. Lake Myvatn, dotted with hot springs and rock formations, is also a significant ecosystem and the largest migratory bird sanctuary in Europe. Explore nearby 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)

Signature Experiences:

• Relax with a private visit to the Myvatn Nature Baths. This popular hot spring will be opened exclusively for APT guests.

Arrive in Husavik and explore Skjalfandi Bay by local boat, keeping an eye out for one of the 15 species of whales in the area including humpback, minke and blue whales. This afternoon, take a walking tour of the town of Husavik, including a visit to the Exploration Museum. (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. (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 woollen garments. (B/L/D)

Relax this morning at sea before arriving in the Faroe Islands where a tour of Kirkjubour reveals a thousand years of fascinating history. See the 900-year old Roykstovan, considered to be the oldest wooden house in Europe. Your ship remains in port overnight, allowing you to explore the town this evening. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Vestmanna this morning, in the northwest corner of Streymoy. Board local boats to explore the nearby vertical cliffs that rise almost 500 metres from the North Atlantic and are home to thousands of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, fulmars and kittiwakes. Return to your ship for lunch before visiting the striking village of Saksun, an isolated settlement set beneath steep majestic mountains. Later visit a traditional Faeroese wooden church in Kollafjordur. (B/L/D)

Your last morning in the Faroe Islands will be spent on Suduroy, the southernmost island of the group. Here, choose your activity. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:

• Perhaps join an island discovery, driving through quaint colourful villages and stunning fjords, discovering Akraberg lighthouse, the most southern point of the island. Alternatively join an energetic hike along the east coast of the island, to Hvannhagi. Enjoy stunning views towards the three islands of Litla Dimun, Stora Dimun and Skuvoy.

This morning dock off the remote island of Fair Isle, located approximately halfway between the Shetland and Orkney islands. Over 345 species of birds have been recorded on Fair Isle, more than anywhere else in Britain. The island is home to large breeding colonies of seabirds, including great and arctic skua, and it is often visited by rare migrant birds. You will have the opportunity to visit the museum and have tea and home baked goods with the local islanders. This afternoon is at leisure to explore on your own. (B/L/D)

Disembark your ship in Aberdeen, from where we'll transfer you to Edinburgh airport for your onward flight. (B)