Wild Lands of Scotland, the Faroe Islands and Iceland

Glasgow was Scotland's great industrial centre during the 19th century and today, the city remains the commercial and cultural capital of the Lowlands. Lying on the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow boasts some of the finest Victorian architecture in the entire United Kingdom. Ships will dock in Greenock which is a 45 minute drive from Glasgow.

Top Things to Do in Glasgow:

• admire the famed Glasgow Cathedral
• stroll through the Glasgow Botanic Garden
• cruise Loch Lomond
• visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Northern Ireland's capital, Belfast, enjoys a wonderful setting of high hills, sea lough and river valley. Reborn as a cool, modern city, it has successfully left its troubles behind, emerging as a hotbed of culture and architecture, where the comfort of a cosy pub is never far away. Ships will dock in Belfast Harbour.

Top Things to Do in Belfast:

• visit the Titanic Belfast Museum
• see the basalt columns of Giant's Causeway
• explore the Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
• take a famous Black Taxi Tour
• travel along Ards Peninsula to Grey Abbey

Under the craggy, emerald peaks of the Scottish Highlands lies a tiny port town with a heart for adventure. Gaelic for 'little bay', Oban is a town of endless Victorian charm and elegance that fulfills your every dream of Scotland. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do in Oban:

• ride the Jacobite Steam Train
• take a gondola up Aonach Mor
• stroll through the Arduaine gardens
• enjoy a scenic drive to Glencoe
• tour the Oban scotch whiskey distillery
  

The picturesque fishing town of Ullapool nestles on the shores of Loch Broom, in the Scottish Highlands. Its location is one of the more pristine natural environments in Britain. Ullapool offers a row of whitewashed cottages arrayed along the harbour and special views of the loch and its flanking hills. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the dock.

Top Things to Do in Ullapool:

• hike the beautiful trails of Knockan Crag
• drive through Scotland’s western Highlands
• visit majestic Corrieshalloch Gorge
• skim the waters of Loch Broom on a RIB
  

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

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.

Streymoy Island is the largest and most populated of the Faroe Islands, with 22,500 inhabitants. Lying between Scotland and Iceland, the 18-island Danish archipelago boasts natural wonders that will fascinate lovers of the great outdoors. Here, the hilly green landscapes stand in contrast with the huge basalt cliffs and the invigorating air shifts with the moods of the ocean. To the north, the small village of Saksun, with its traditional grass-covered rooftops, has 14 inhabitants. In the curve of a magnificent natural amphitheatre, it overlooks a fjord with a lagoon: an idyllic setting in a secluded and peaceful environment. To the west, in Vestmanna, myriad birds nest in the crags along the eroded and vertiginous cliff faces.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.

This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Streymoy Island is the largest and most populated of the Faroe Islands, with 22,500 inhabitants. Lying between Scotland and Iceland, the 18-island Danish archipelago boasts natural wonders that will fascinate lovers of the great outdoors. Here, the hilly green landscapes stand in contrast with the huge basalt cliffs and the invigorating air shifts with the moods of the ocean. To the north, the small village of Saksun, with its traditional grass-covered rooftops, has 14 inhabitants. In the curve of a magnificent natural amphitheatre, it overlooks a fjord with a lagoon: an idyllic setting in a secluded and peaceful environment. To the west, in Vestmanna, myriad birds nest in the crags along the eroded and vertiginous cliff faces.

Located on the Búlandsnes peninsula, Djupivogur is a small Icelandic fishing village with a slow and easy-going approach to life. Nestled by the picturesque fjord of Hamarsfjörður, the scenery moves from gently sweeping beaches to jagged cliffs. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do in Djupivogur:

• cruise the Jökulsárlón Lagoon
• enjoy a scenic drive to Höfn
• view the Vatnajökull Ice Cap
• take a 4x4 tour to Hvannagil canyon

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.

Surtsey, the southernmost point of Iceland, is an island formed by volcanic eruptions which began 130 metres below sea level and took place from 1963 to 1967. Once formed the new island was 492 feet above sea level and covered an area of almost 2 square miles.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and free from human interference, Surtsey has been producing unique long-term information on the colonisation process of new land by plant and animal life.

Due to the restrictions in place, your ship will cruise by this fascinating island.

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.

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.