Shetland, Faroe, Iceland: Wild Islands & Lands of Legends

Norway’s beauty shines brighter than ever in Bergen, where colourful wooden buildings line every street. From the historic wharf called the Bryggen to the neighbouring fjords just waiting to be explored, a day in Bergen makes for a fun mix of city and seclusion, outdoor adventure and arts and culture. Ships will dock at the Skolten cruise port.

Top Things to Do in Bergen:

• take in the views from atop Mount Floyen
• visit the Bryggens Museum
• explore the famous fish market
• fly over Hardangerfjord in a seaplane

Hardangerfjord, located in western Norway, is the country's second-largest fjord and stretches for about 179 kilometres (111 miles). Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, the fjord is surrounded by majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush orchards, making it a picturesque destination year-round.

Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Island Archipelago, offers stone age ruins, heather-covered moors and rugged Scottish highlands. With its dramatic cliffs, Grand Victorian houses, charming Shetland ponies, and Nordic heritage Lerwick allows for hours of entertainment. Smaller ships will dock at the Port of Lerwick, while larger ships will anchor offshore.

Top Things to Do in Lerwick:

• explore the ruins of Scalloway Castle
• hike on Mousa Island
• visit the Shetland Museum
• admire Fort Charlotte

Many colonies of birds have chosen to nest on the towering sandstone cliffs on the eastern coast of the Isle of Noss. The many ledges sculpted into the rock effectively make for ideal breeding sites for the gannets, puffins, guillemots, black-legged kittiwakes, razorbills, arctic fulmars and great skuas that populate this territory. Separated from the island of Bressay by a sound of only 100 metres (328 feet), this wild island in the Shetland archipelago has been a national nature reserve of Scotland since 1955. Make the most of this unique opportunity you have to discover this isolated Eden, bathed by the North Sea.

Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney Islands, it is considered one of the most charming and well preserved small towns in Scotland. The islands offer dramatic landscapes with cliffs rearing 1,000 feet above the waves to sweeping white sand beaches. Small ships will dock at this port, while larger ships will anchor offshore.

Top Things to Do in Kirkwall:

• explore Skara Brae, a Neolithic village
• admire the St. Magnus Cathedral
• visit the Ring of Brodgar
• ponder the Standing Stones of Stenness
• stroll the Viking Capital Walking Trail

Suduroy Island, literally “South Island”, has one of the smallest populations in the Faroe Islands. It has sheer cliffs along its western face. The island is an important breeding ground for seabirds, including northern fulmars, black-legged kittiwakes, Atlantic puffins, and guillemots. Your expedition team will guide you as you discover the island, its authentic villages with black, tarred-wood churches typical of the Faroe Islands, and its hiking trails lined with peat fields and stone sheepfolds. Sheep are indeed omnipresent throughout the Faroe Islands — in fact, there are more sheep than humans —, and they add to the charm of these wild landscapes.

Located to the east of Streymoy, Eysturoy is the second-largest of the Faroe Islands. It boasts several unspoilt anchorages that can only be accessed by a limited number of ships. Examples include Oyndarfjørður and Funningur, two peaceful hamlets where the inhabitants are happy to share their daily lives, which revolve around crafts, cooking, fishing, and a strong connection to nature. These secluded spots are ideal for experiencing the local culture and exploring the beautiful hiking trails in the surrounding area.

Vestmannaeyjar or Westman Islands are an archipelago of 15 islands and 30 rock stacks off the south coast of Iceland.

The largest of the islands, Heimaey, is the only inhabited island of the group and is known for its steep Edfell volcano, grey sand beaches and its green prairies.

Located in the chilly and wild North Atlantic, it is common to see whales and seals in the surrounding waters. Puffins are also a common sight in summer, as the islands are considered as the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world. Ships will dock in the main harbour.

Heimaey, the largest island in Iceland's Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and rich history. The island is famous for the 1973 volcanic eruption of Eldfell, which reshaped its terrain and nearly buried the town. Visitors can explore the Eldheimar Museum to learn about this event and its impact on the local community.

Heimaey offers breathtaking natural beauty, with rugged cliffs that are home to thousands of puffins and other seabirds. The island's scenic hiking trails provide stunning views of the surrounding North Atlantic. The picturesque harbour, surrounded by volcanic peaks, is perfect for boat tours, offering close encounters with marine life like whales and seals.

Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Begin your day exploring the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, with its panoramic city views from the tower. Wander through the colorful streets of the Old Harbor, where you can find quirky shops, cozy cafes, and stunning views of Mount Esja.

Don't miss the Harpa Concert Hall, an architectural marvel on the waterfront, or a visit to the National Museum for a deep dive into Icelandic history. Recharge at one of Reykjavik's many geothermal pools, like the Blue Lagoon, just a short drive from the city. Wrap up your visit with a stroll along the scenic Sun Voyager sculpture, capturing the spirit of adventure and discovery.