Island Hopping In The North Atlantic – Iceland, The Faroe Islands And British Isles (Southbound)

Discover Iceland's modern capital 

Your island-hopping expedition cruise starts in Iceland's art, culture and history-packed capital, Reykjavik.  

If you have time before boarding MS Maud, stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and galleries, head to the striking Hallgrimskirkja cathedral or the fascinating Reykjavik Art Museum.  

On board MS Maud, pick up your expedition jacket, check out your cabin, meet the Expedition Team, and enjoy your first delicious dinner as we set sail towards our first stop, Stykkishólmur.  

With so much to explore, you may want to come early and join one of our optional Pre-Programmes to the Golden Circle or Icelandic Highlands. 

Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes 

It's as though time has stood still at our first stop,  Stykkishólmur, a small fishing town in the Breiðafjörður bay where colourful houses stand out in contrast to the distant mountains.  

Nearby, you'll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula's western tip. It's nicknamed 'Little Iceland' for its array of volcanic landscapes. 

At the national park you can visit Djúpalónssandur's black sand beach and the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs. Or why not ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier or take a guided coastal hike with a glacial cave tour. 

Whales, puffins, and a dramatic volcanic eruption 

The first small island on our isle-hopping expedition cruise is Heimaey, off the south coast of Iceland. It's the only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago.   

Heimaey has a fascinating history involving runaway slaves, murder, revenge, magic, and Barbary pirates, and it still bears the scars of a powerful volcanic eruption in 1973 that nearly destroyed the island.  

Visit the SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary, and hike to see puffins at Stórhöfði, where around eight million nest every summer. Be sure to check out the volcano, Eldfell, the ‘Fire Mountain'. It's well worth the effort to climb to its summit, offering incredible views of the town below.  

Get to know your new basecamp at sea 

As we sail to the Faroe Islands, enjoy an idyllic day at sea. Admire the views from MS Maud's expansive Observation Deck, visit the Science Center for insights into the destinations ahead, or take advantage of the gym and hot tubs.   

Photography enthusiasts can pick up some pointers from our onboard photographer on how to capture wildlife and landscapes. You'll find the comfort of the Explorer Lounge & Bar a great place to read or watch the world glide by.  

You can also enjoy a talk by the Expedition Team – experienced explorers who will share their extensive knowledge of the places ahead with you. 

Explore wild and rugged Eysturoy island  

Tiny Runavík is a flourishing town on the Faroe Island of Eysturoy. Hugging the eastern side of the Skálafjørður fjord, it's been a haven for ships for many centuries. The Vikings used to dock here too.  

Join the Expedition Team on a kayaking tour of Skálafjørður – at nine miles long, it's the longest fjord in the Faroe Islands – or head off on one of the many hiking routes. You could follow the relatively easy path through the heather-rich moorland around Lake Toftavatn, known for its birdlife. Hike up the nearby hill for astounding views of the surrounding green peaks. Take the opportunity to stretch your legs before we cruise to Streymoy, the largest of the islands. 

A visit to Streymoy in the Faroe Islands  

Tórshavn is located on Streymoy, the largest of the Faroe Islands. Founded by Norsemen in the 10th century, Tórshavn – Thor's Harbour – is one of Northern Europe's oldest capitals.  

Wander through the cobbled alleyways and delight in the colourful, turf-roofed houses found here. In the local museums, you can learn about the city's origins and the flora, fauna and geology of the Faroe Islands.  

About half a mile out of town, the Svartifoss waterfall tumbles over mossy rocks. And as you walk along the seafront, look out for Eider Ducks and the distinctive Faroese Starling with its beige-tipped wings 

Sea birds and Vikings in the northern Shetlands 

The northern Shetland Islands represent the geographical extremity of the British Isles. In these remote areas, we'll explore according to the conditions and where we find the best opportunities. 

We may visit charming Haroldswick on Unst, where the Vikings reputedly first made footfall in the British Isles. Home to a reconstruction of a Viking longhouse and ship, there's also a burial mound thought to be the grave of King Harald Fairhair, the village's namesake.  

We may also take out our small expedition boats, exploring hidden coves below towering cliffs. At the UK's most northerly point, the cliffs of the Hermaness National Nature Reserve shelter thousands of breeding seabirds including fulmars, puffins, shags and gannets, so be sure to bring your binoculars. 

Experience life in the capital of Scotland's most northerly inhabited isles  

We'll dock alongside Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, to explore this friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town.  

Navigate the narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops selling local whiskies, woollen sweaters and fudge. By the old waterfront, you'll find the Shetland Museum, exploring the area's rich history. Nearby, see Fort Charlotte and the regal Town Hall.  

The wider island is home to remarkable Iron Age villages and the Croft House Museum, where you'll learn about the hard life of the local crofters.  

Keep your binoculars handy as you may spot grey and common seals along Lerwick's beaches, and local birdlife such as Red-throated Divers, redshanks and curlews.  

A scenic stop for bird lovers  

Your cruise continues in the Shetlands as we visit Fair Isle, Britain's most remote island, known for its birdlife and knitwear. 

A magnet for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers, the island is home to 27 bird species. It's a vital stop for migrating seabirds, drawn to the red sandstone cliffs, green fields and moors. 

Why not join a hike along breathtaking clifftop trails with the Expedition Team. Gain fascinating insights into the life and history of the 65-strong island community at the local museum. You can support Fair Islanders by buying genuine Fair Isle knitwear directly from local makers. 

If landing isn't possible, the scenic cruising is just as spectacular.  

Discover the islands' rich heritage, wildlife and whisky  

The Orkney Islands' largest town, Kirkwall, is a vibrant place influenced by every era from the Vikings to World War II.  

In the Norse town centre, visit the regal St Magnus Cathedral and the adjacent Earl's Palace to see the stone ruins of this once-grand Renaissance building. Whisky aficionados will enjoy Kirkwall's Highland Park and Scapa distilleries' sublime single malts.  

Delve into the past at Scara Brae settlement and the mysterious standing stones of Ring of Brodgar and Stones of Stenness – all part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage site.  

Sea birds such as puffins, gannets, guillemots, kittiwakes and eagles thrive around the Orkneys. Look out for dolphins, whales and orcas.  

Discover the many charms of the much-loved city of Edinburgh 

After London, Edinburgh is the most visited city in the United Kingdom, and you'll soon see why. With streets steeped in history and a thriving cultural scene, the Scottish capital offers the perfect balance between the traditional and contemporary.    

Explore mysterious winding alleys and elegant terraced rows, and check out some of the many shops, bars and restaurants. Get a great view of the city from majestic Edinburgh Castle, where you can see Scotland's Crown Jewels and the famed Stone of Destiny.  

Enjoy a relaxing day as we cruise towards Dover 

It's our final day at sea and your expedition cruise with us is fast drawing to a close. Make the most of the onboard facilities today before we arrive back in Dover. 

You'll have time to sit back and swap stories of your adventures so far. Keep your eyes peeled while on deck for some wonderful marine life and seabirds – you can even relax in the hot tub at the same time. You can still spend time in the Science Center and with the Expedition Team, who are available to answer all your questions. 

Explore Dover and the English countryside 

Your expedition cruise to the islands of the North Atlantic ends in Dover. After breakfast, it's time to head ashore. 

Dover is the gateway to the English countryside, so before you head home, why not visit Dover Castle or the Roman lighthouse – reputedly the UK's oldest major building. You can also walk along the famous White Cliffs of Dover at St Margaret's Bay for incredible views of the coastline and sparkling English Channel or tour the secret WWII tunnels beneath the castle. A perfect way to end your adventure!