Orkneys, Faroes, Jan Mayen & Svalbard

Arrive independently to Aberdeen and join your transfer from the airport to the hotel for your included overnight stay. Tonight there will be a voyage briefing with welcome drinks and the chance to meet some of your expedition team and fellow travellers.

On day 2, after breakfast and checking out of the hotel, you can join your included half-day sightseeing tour of Aberdeen before arriving at the port to board your first-class expedition vessel. After time to settle into your comfortable cabin and explore your new surroundings, you can join the captain and your expedition team for the Captain’s Welcome Dinner as we slip the moorings and set sail for the Orkney Islands.

The first stop of your expedition will take you to the beautiful Orkney Islands where we will make land at Kirkwall, the archipelago’s capital town. As we arrive in the modern harbour, we will disembark and make our way through the narrow winding streets of the old town to see the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral which dominates the skyline in Kirkwall and is considered the finest medieval building in the north of Scotland. You can also visit Tankerness House and Gardens, a restored 16th century former manse, now housing the Orkney Museum featuring archaeological artefacts from Neolithic times to the Vikings.

Later, we will begin our exploration of the archaeological wonders of the West Mainland area, where a journey through rolling hills, dramatic cliffs and rich farmlands will bring us to iconic historical sites including the standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, and the chambered tombs of Maes Howes. The main draw through is likely to be Skara Brae, the best-preserved Stone Age village in northern Europe, located in the spectacular white sands of the Bay of Skaill. The site dates from approximately 5,000 years ago and is a joy to explore and gain an insight into the lifestyle of the original habitants.

We now spend 3 days exploring around the many scenic wonders of the Faroe Islands. This picturesque archipelago, with only 50,000 inhabitants, is located in the middle of the North Atlantic and is made up of 18 islands made up of layers of volcanic basalt. The islands are tilted with the eastern shores sloping into the sea and the western coasts rising up in soaring and spectacular cliffs. With their breathtaking beauty, steep mountains covered in soft green grass, deep fjords, long summer nights, unique culture, and friendly and welcoming people, the islands are the perfect destination for travellers wanting something dramatically different from the mainstream.

Places we may visit during our time here include Tórshavn, possibly the world’s smallest capital, where you can enjoy a wander around the town and photograph the unique buildings and homes with their characteristic grass roofs. In Mykines, the Faroe’s most westerly outpost, we will make land by Zodiac boat and climb up some steep cliffs for some very impressive views. Dubbed the “paradise of birds” in Mykines you are likely to spot gannets, kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots, puffins and more on a Zodiac cruise under the majestic bird cliffs, or on a gentle hike.

For more birding action, you can enjoy an exciting Zodiac cruise or kayaking excursion through the caves, arches, waterfalls and sea stacks of the Vestmanna Birdcliffs area. Please note: kayaking incurs an additional cost and should be booked in advance.

We now spend 2 days at sea sailing towards Jan Mayen Island. While we sail you can enjoy the informative and entertaining lecture and presentation programme, spend some time relaxing, or enjoy some time on deck searching for whales and seabirds following the ship.

On day 9 you will definitely want to be out on deck as we approach Jan Mayen Island and the imposing Beerenberg volcano dramatically comes into view. The world’s northernmost active volcano, Beerenberg last erupted in 1985. Weather depending, we attempt to land on this remote, mist-shrouded, and rarely-visited volcanic island. We will hope to land at Kvalrossbukta, visit the Olonkinbyen weather station and then take a three-hour hike across to the other side of the island where our ship will be waiting for us again. As well as the scenery and geological wonders, the island is also a great place to spot whales and dolphins.

We now make our way to Svalbard and as we sail there will be excellent whale-watching opportunities (bottlenose, fin, and perhaps bowhead whales in the pack ice). Searching for the ice edge as we continue north, we will retrace the route of Dutch explorer Willem Barents who discovered Spitsbergen and the Barents Sea, named after him. As we approach Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s largest island, we will be on a constant lookout for sightings of the iconic Polar bears that are often found in the pack ice here.

Over the course of the next four days you will spend your time discovering the western and northern coasts of the Svalbard archipelago in search of Polar bears and unimaginable scenery. Your exact route here will be determined by weather and ice conditions, and each day your experienced captain and crew will assess the conditions to plot a course for thrilling adventures and unforgettable sights.

What can be guaranteed is sightings of phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountains, rich tundra, and a variety of wildlife. As you sail through the snowscapes you can expect encounters with walrus, seals and whales, as well as an abundance of birdlife. We will visit historic sites and learn about the tales of early explorers, and enjoy visits to cultural remains from the time of European whaling. But the main goal will be to spot the iconic Polar bears that call these lands their home. Your captain will aim to take you to the areas where Polar bear sightings are most frequent so that you can see their majesty up-close (but not too close!).

Zodiac cruises and shore visits will be taken daily, and for those who have chosen to book kayaking as part of their package, there will be ample opportunities here to paddle. A daring Polar plunge into the icy Arctic waters is another popular option.

Your thrilling Scotland and Arctic trip comes to an end in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of Svalbard. After disembarkation you can enjoy a guided tour around this truly unique Arctic town to learn all about its history, geology, flora and fauna. Some of the highlights will include a visit to the museum, Santa Claus Mine and the famous “Beware of the Polar bear” street sign.

After your enjoyable tour, you will transfer to the airport for your onwards or homeward flights.

Please let us know if you need any help arranging flights from Longyearbyen.