In the Wake of the Vikings: Orkney, Shetland & the Faroe Islands
Set sail for a 16-day adventure through the wild and windswept corners of the North Atlantic — from the mystical Scottish Isles to the dramatic Faroe Islands and along the stunning coast of the Norwegian Sea. Follow the ancient paths of the Vikings, get up close to glaciers and fjords, and discover landscapes so surreal they feel otherworldly. Along the way, you’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spot wildlife on remote shores, and uncover the deep history woven into every rugged cliff and fishing village. Starting in storybook Edinburgh and ending in Arctic Tromsø, this is the kind of journey that stays with you long after you’re home.
Highlights
• Orkney Islands’ Neolithic Wonders: Explore the UNESCO-listed ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney,’ visiting 5,000-year-old sites like Skara Brae and Maeshowe, while spotting diverse wildlife and delving into Kirkwall’s rich history.
• Faroe Islands’ Dramatic Landscapes and Culture: Discover the Faroe Islands’ steep cliffs and grass-roofed homes, visiting Suðuroy and Thorshavn to experience traditional Faroese communities, historic Magnus Cathedral, and stunning scenery in Saksun.
• Lofoten Islands and Troll Fjord, Norway: Marvel at the dramatic Lofoten Islands, explore the Viking Museum, and enjoy a scenic after-dinner cruise into the breathtaking Troll Fjord, with opportunities for hiking and cultural immersion in Tromsø.
Embark aboard the Expedition in the afternoon and depart Leith in the late afternoon. Arrival transfer included.
Meals included: Dinner
Sail north to the Orkney Islands, known for their unique blend of rich history, gorgeous natural landscapes, and some of the oldest, best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe. Visit Kirkwall, the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ where a group of 5,000-year-old sites reside. Enjoy time to explore here and see places like Skara Brae and Maeshowe. Make sure to also search for a diverse array of wildlife. You will also be able to discover other important sites like, Scapa Flow and Ring of Brodgar.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes, deep Viking and Scottish heritage, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural traditions await. Over the course of the next two days the ship will visit different parts of the islands like Lerwic and Hermaness National Nature Reserve. Search for wildlife and see ancient Viking settlement sites like Jarlshof and Old Scatness, where you can walk among the ruins and imagine how communities lived during the Viking Age. Enjoy time on your own and choose to visit the Shetland Museum which has an incredible display of the human history of these islands. On the ship cruise in Hermaness look to spot gannets and basking sharks.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Travel farther north to the mystical atmosphere of the Faroe Islands where steep cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush green hills await. Encounter traditional Faroese homes with grass roofs and close-knit communities with a strong emphasis on fishing and art. Over the next few days, spend time getting to know this stunning destination. Visit Suðuroy, the southernmost island with its own rich history and legends. Head ashore near the community of Vágur. Pass through other small communities and enjoy the landscape. Visit Thorshavn, the largest town on the islands, where you will be able to explore important historical sites on your own like Magnus Cathedral. And finally travel to Streymnes on the island of Streymoy and go by vehicle to Saksun, a small community to the Northwest where you will visit a heritage farm and admire the beautiful scenery. Spend a full day at sea when travelling between the Faroe Islands and Norway.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Spend a few days cruising along the southern coast of Norway between Bergen and Trondheim. The Norwegian coast is renowned for its stunning fjords and charming fishing villages. Enjoy time off the ship in Bergen, Fosnavåg, and Trondheim. Choose to hike, see puffins, or ride a cable car. There are plenty of opportunities to make your time here as active or relaxing as you choose. From museums to trails through Norwegian forests to small mountain lakes, these next few days will be full of adventure.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Continue north along the coast of Norway. Visit the island of Lovund and walk through a small Norwegian village out to their puffin colony. Learn more about the salmon industry here. Then, visit the Lofoten Islands that stretch dramatically out into the Norwegian Sea. See the Viking Museum here and learn about the area’s history and importance to the Viking Age. Enjoy an after-dinner ship cruise into Troll Fjord. Take advantage of a day to enjoy Tromsø, where you can hike, hop on a bus tour, or tour museums if you choose.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Shortly after breakfast, disembark at the Port of Tromsø. From here, you will need to transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
Meals included: Breakfast
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Triple
Lower Deck Twin
Main Deck Twin Porthole
Main Deck Twin Window
Superior
Deluxe
Suite
Owners Suite
Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 102 metres (331 feet)
Passenger Capacity: 128
Built/Refurbished: 1976/2017
With just 128 passengers and a 10:1 guest-to-expert ratio, Polar cruising with G is designed for real exploration rather than passive sightseeing. Small ship size allows for daily landings when conditions permit, getting guests off the ship and into polar landscapes more often than larger vessels can manage. Expert-led excursions are a core part of the experience, with historians, biologists, geologists, and wildlife specialists providing context and depth to every landing, glacier, and wildlife encounter.
The expedition experience focuses on substance, value, and community. Zodiac excursions, expert talks, gear use, and warm, informal hospitality are included, prioritising time on land over luxury extras. The newly refurbished Expedition ship, launching for the 2025/2026 season, blends proven polar capability with upgraded cabins, ensuite bathrooms, refreshed common areas, and modernised engines. A relaxed, small-group atmosphere fosters strong connections between guests, crew, and experts, creating a shared sense of purpose and one of the most memorable aspects of the journey.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• Meals as per the itinerary
• Zodiac excursions
• Lectures and educational programs
• Coffee, tea and water complimentary on board
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• Arrival transfer
Exclusions
• International and domestic flights unless otherwise stated
• Travel Insurance
• Passport and visa costs
• Transfers unless otherwise stated
• Gratuities
• Beverages not listed in inclusions
• Any items of a personal nature
Expedition
Our Associates Include
