Scotland to Spitsbergen

Scotland to Spitsbergen via The Faroes & Jan Mayen

Prices From £8,672pp
April to May | 14 nights

Single Cabins Available

Scotland to Spitsbergen via The Faroes & Jan Mayen

Aboard: Ocean Explorer

This unique “Arctic Saga” expedition cruise will see you sailing under the Midnight Sun across the North Atlantic on a true voyage of discovery. Sailing from Aberdeen in Scotland you will visit awe-inspiring islands discovering intriguing wildlife, spectacular scenery, rich culture and Arctic history on your way to the incomparable Arctic wonderland of Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s biggest island. On this very special route you will visit Fair Isle, the Faroe Islands and Jan Mayen before reaching the southwest coast of Spitsbergen, on a constant lookout for prolific birdlife and marine wildlife. You may even be lucky enough to spot some Polar bears…the “Kings of The Arctic”!

Various departures available aboard two different vessels. Mentioned activities may not be applicable to all departure dates. Please enquire for full rates and dates.

Highlights

  • Spectacular wildlife viewing, including the possibility of polar bears, reindeers and whales
  • See the Arctic wildlife haven of Spitsbergen, Fair Isle, The Faroe Islands and volcanic Jan Mayen in one exciting voyage
  • Myriad birdlife
  • Amazing scenery
  • Exciting Zodiac cruises and shore excursions
  • Learn about Vikings and Norsemen culture

What's Included

  • Full board accommodation including all meals, snacks & hot drinks on board ship
  • Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
  • One night hotel stay in Aberdeen pre-voyage, with breakfast included
  • Charter flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki post-voyage
  • One night hotel stay in Helsinki post-voyage, with breakfast included
  • Transfer to ship in Aberdeen and from ship in Longyearbyen
  • Programme of expert lectures
  • Guided Zodiac excursions
  • Expedition parka
  • Loan of rubber boots
  • Complimentary Basic Wi-Fi

Single Cabins Available

This vessel offers single occupancy cabins, which is a perfect option for solo travellers. Travelling alone is often the best way to see the world. No responsibilities, no difficult choices and no trying to please anyone else…just you, your itinerary and your adventurous spirit!

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Aberdeen
1 - 2Days

Aberdeen

Your Arctic expedition will begin in the Scottish city of Aberdeen where after arriving independently you can make your way to the hotel for an overnight stay. You may wish to arrive a couple of days early to allow time to sample some of the highlights of this “granite city” that is renowned for its culture and architecture.

On the morning of day 2 you will have some free time to see more of the city before transferring to the port to board your ship and settle in to your comfortable surroundings. As we set sail you may wish to spend some time on deck looking for the minke whales, harbour porposies and white-beaked and bottlenose dolphins that are often found in the waters around here. Your experienced expedition crew will brief you on what’s ahead as you embark on your Arctic adventure.

Fair Isle
3Day

Fair Isle

The first stop on our expedition will bring us to Fair Isle, the UK’s most remote inhabited island where we will spend the day discovering the island’s rugged beauty. The diverse landscape of imposing seaside cliffs, natural caves and moors is a delight to explore and despite its small size there will be plenty here to interest lovers of history, nature, photography and wildlife. The coastal cliffs teeming with birdlife play host to Atlantic puffins, Northern fulmars, guillemots, kittiwakes and storm petrels amongst many other species, while the waters often attract seals and even orcas. The museum is also well worth a visit here, and don’t forget to pick up a famous Fair Isle sweater to keep you warm in the colder climes to come.



Faroe Islands
4 - 5Days

Faroe Islands

Our next stop brings us to the beautiful unspoiled landscapes of the Faroe Islands where we will enjoy 2 days of exploration and learning all about the islands’ storied past. This seldom-visited archipelago lies midway between Iceland and Scotland and is made up of 18 rugged islands which host dramatic scenery, abundant birdlife and a rich history.

Our first day will be spent among the fjords and narrow sounds of the outer islands of the archipelago where dramatic cliffs and lush valleys surround picturesque villages and colourful turf-roofed houses. The activities for today will be dependent on weather and sea conditions but we should expect plenty of time to explore around and search for more sightings of the iconic Atlantic puffin.

On our second day we plan to visit picturesque Tórshavn, one of the world’s smallest capitals. Here you can spend the day wandering through the maze of narrow laneways of the Old Town which are home to quaint wooden homes, relaxing by the charming harbour with a glass of wine in one of the pretty cafes and pubs, or enjoying a hike up to the historic fort which will reward in beautiful views over the port.

At Sea & Jan Mayen
6 - 9Days

At Sea & Jan Mayen

Over the course of the next four days we will be sailing north towards your next stops on this exciting itinerary. Take the time to relax and enjoy the comforts of your expedition ship, watch a movie, sip on a cocktail from the bar or take advantage of the free time and collate the many pictures you will no doubt have taken in Spitsbergen. You can join interesting presentations and talks about the wildlife and history of Greenland, whilst on deck the nature experts onboard can help you to identify the seabirds that follow the ship.

Eventually we will reach the location of our next adventure…the wild, mysterious and remote volcanic island of Jan Mayen. This impressive nature reserve deep in the North Atlantic Ocean is in fact so remote that very few people have ever been lucky enough to enjoy an exploration here. Weather permitting, we hope to spend two days here enjoying exciting Zodiac cruises for close-up views of the breathtaking Beerenberg volcano and shore visits in search of the island’s abundant birdlife. The birding enthusiasts among us will be on the lookout for the glaucous gulls, Brünnich’s guillemots, kittiwakes, northern fulmars and little auks that are found in great numbers on this BirdLife International designated Important Bird Area.

At Sea
10Day

At Sea

Today you can enjoy another relaxing day at sea as we continue our sail far north towards Spitsbergen. Your expedition team will brief you on what’s ahead, including bio-diversity guidelines for your time on the island and what to expect in terms of wildlife observations and shore adventure.





Southwest Spitsbergen
11 - 13Days

Southwest Spitsbergen

Welcome to spectacular Spitsbergen, the largest of the islands in the Svalbard archipelago, an area teeming with abundant wildlife and stunning scenery. You will cruise along the glaciers and fjords of the southwest coast in search of sightings of polar bear, walrus, reindeer and various whales. Birding here is fantastic with likely sightings of Arctic terns, skuas, long-tailed ducks, kittiwakes, little auks and the rare ivory gull. Our itinerary here will be flexible and dependent on weather and ice conditions but there will be ample opportunities to get up close to Spitsbergen’s diverse landscapes of immense glaciers, Polar deserts and surprisingly colourful tundra.

Expected landing sites here include Hornsund, Isbjornhamna and Bellsund amongst others. Zodiac cruises, hikes, and visits to historical sites and known wildlife hotspots will fill your days and your cameras as you explore around this “wildlife capital of the Arctic.”

Longyearbyen - Fly to Helsinki
14 - 15Days

Longyearbyen - Fly to Helsinki

Arrival into Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of Svalbard, will signal the end of our Arctic expedition. After disembarkation, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Helsinki where your itinerary will conclude. You may wish to extend your trip with a stay in this unique Arctic town and a transfer can be provided to a central downtown location should you prefer. Various Arctic adventures are available here so please feel free to ask for details and options for extending your stay.

Upon arrival in Helsinki, you will transfer to an airport hotel for an overnight stay. After breakfast at the hotel the following morning, your itinerary will conclude.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Ocean Explorer
vessel

Ocean Explorer

Launched in 2024, the modern and elegant Ocean Explorer has been purpose-built for polar exploration and accommodates up to 138 passengers within a range of stylish and superbly equipped cabins and suites. Each cabin or suite features a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design, and, unlike most expedition vessels, almost every cabin offers a veranda.

The ship has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology, with features including the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience, and an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines and the ground-breaking MAGS gasification system that converts waste into energy, eliminating the environmental impact of waste transportation.

With stunning interior design throughout, adventurers can enjoy an array of high-class amenities including two outdoor jacuzzis, a dry sauna and a fitness centre. Delicious meals are served within the wonderful main dining room or Compass restaurant, and the welcoming, beautifully-lit Latitude Bar with its lush sofas and faux marble-topped end tables is the perfect spot in which to socialise or relax after a long day of exploring. Enjoy a cocktail and a chat in the stylish observation lounge and observation deck, join an expert talk in the presentation lounge, or relax with a book in the wonderful two-story, light-filled library located at the bow as you explore the pristine wilderness of the polar regions.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Arctic, British Isles adventure for you.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Having amassed a host of extraordinary adventures in destinations all over the world, Sheena’s experience, skills and enthusiasm for helping clients plan their ideal itinerary will help make your holiday unforgettable, action packed and life-changing.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry and continues to be inspired by the people, places and wildlife he discovers. His in-depth personal knowledge of a diverse range of destinations ensures your adventure itinerary will be a holiday like no other.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

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Outside the uk
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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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