Scotland and Faroes Isles and Wonders on Ocean Nova

Begin Your Adventure in Scotland and the Faroe Islands

Your Scotland and Faroes: Isles and Wonders small ship expedtiion begins!

We start our adventure in Aberdeen, Scotland’s iconic “Granite City.” Many of its historic stone buildings were carved from locally quarried granite—so rich in mica that, when the sun hits just right, the whole city glimmers like it’s dusted in silver.

Beyond its shine, Aberdeen is a city of green spaces and floral flair. With forty-five parks, gardens, and award-winning displays, it’s no surprise this northern gem has been crowned “Best City in Britain to Live and Work In” more than once. Whether you’re strolling through Duthie Park’s winter gardens or pausing to breathe in the roses at Hazlehead, Aberdeen feels alive with color and calm.

We’ll share all embarkation information during the pre-departure briefing the day prior.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Nova

Seabirds and Island Serenity

Today we journey to Fair Isle, a tiny island with a big story. Once a Viking stronghold and now a thriving community of artists and shepherds. You’ll feel its magic the moment you step ashore—the rugged cliffs, the rolling pastures, and the unmistakable sense that time moves differently here.

Bring your binoculars, because Fair Isle is a birdwatcher’s paradise. More than 350 species have been recorded, from puffins nesting along the cliffs to great skuas patrolling the skies in dramatic numbers. Even if you’re not a birder, the sheer abundance of life here will leave you awestruck.

You’ll tour the Fair Isle museum, which preserves the island’s heritage—from Viking roots to the world-famous Fair Isle knitwear that has carried this little island’s name across the globe.

By the end of the day, you’ll see why Fair Isle has long captivated explorers, artists, and dreamers alike. This isn’t just a stop on the map—it’s an experience that weaves together history, wildlife, and culture in one unforgettable day.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Nova

Experience Charming Island Life

Today we call in at Foula, one of the most remote and rugged islands in the Shetland chain. With just a few dozen residents, Foula feels like stepping back in time—where daily life is still shaped by the sea, the land, and traditional farming practices passed down through generations.

With its wild landscapes and thriving bird colonies, Foula is a dream for photographers and birdwatchers alike.

Foula may be small in size, but it offers a rare gift: a glimpse of island life lived close to the elements, where tradition and nature exist in harmony. It’s the kind of place that lingers with you long after you leave.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Nova

Culture and Cliffs of the Faroe Islands

Today we set foot in Vágur, a welcoming town of just 1,300 residents on the island of Suðuroy. Here, Faroese hospitality shines—you may even witness the centuries-old tradition of Faroese chain dancing, a communal celebration that weaves song, rhythm, and history into one unforgettable experience. Stories of Vágur’s past echo through its streets, reminding visitors of the island’s resilience and deep cultural roots.

Nature lovers are in for a treat. Keep your binoculars handy as you scan the skies and sea stacks alive with movement.

And then—prepare to be spellbound. The island’s west coast is a masterpiece of raw geology: majestic cliffs, sharp peaks, and the towering Beinisvørð mountain rising like a sentinel above the Atlantic. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop mid-step, breathe deep, and realize you’re standing in one of nature’s grand cathedrals.

From the warmth of its people to the wild beauty of its landscapes, Vágur and Suðuroy deliver a perfect balance of cultural connection and jaw-dropping scenery.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Nova

Hike the Remote and Wild

Today we journey into the Western Faroe Islands, exploring the rugged wonder of Vágar. Here, nature takes center stage: soaring cliffs plunge into the sea, while emerald-green valleys cradle villages that feel like they’ve leapt straight from a storybook.

Every step on Vágar’s trails is a reminder of how wild and untouched these islands remain. The silence here is powerful—broken only by seabirds overhead or the distant crash of waves below. It’s the kind of hike that shifts your perspective, where every path reveals a new story carved by wind, sea, and time.

Remote, raw, and breathtaking, Vágar is a place that humbles you with its beauty and reminds you why the Faroe Islands are considered one of Europe’s last true frontiers of wilderness.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Nova

Orkney’s Ancient Wonders and Modern Charms

Step into the deep past as you wander through the Ring of Brodgar, a 4,000-year-old standing stone circle and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a place that radiates mystery and magic—where the stones still hold secrets of rituals and lives lived millennia ago.

Then travel even further back, 5,000 years, to the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, one of Europe’s most important and best-preserved prehistoric sites. Here, stone houses and ancient artifacts paint a vivid picture of daily life on the edge of the Atlantic long before written history began.

We’ll continue our journey at the Hall of Clestrain, the childhood home of Arctic explorer John Rae, whose daring expeditions helped map the frozen North.

Finally, in Kirkwall, discover the island’s lively present. Stroll streets crowned by the towering St. Magnus Cathedral, built in 1137 and still the pride of Orkney. Then dive into the city’s spirit: catch live music, browse artisan shops, and connect with the creative community that makes Kirkwall hum with energy.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Nova

Witness Modern and Ancient Scottish Culture

Today we step into the heart of the Isle of Lewis, the largest of the Outer Hebrides and a proud stronghold of Gaelic culture. In Stornoway, the island’s lively capital, browse explore and browse the colorful shops.

Next, journey back thousands of years to the Calanais Standing Stones, one of Britain’s most important Stone Age sites. Legend has it these towering stones were once giants, turned to stone for defying St. Kieran. Standing among them, with the Atlantic winds sweeping over the moor, you’ll feel the weight of myth and history entwined.

The past comes alive at Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, where traditional thatched blackhouses tell the story of Hebridean crofting life in the last century. Explore the cottages, watch demonstrations of island crafts, and see how Harris Tweed was woven into the fabric of everyday life.

Finally, marvel at the Dun Carloway Broch, a uniquely Scottish stone tower perched high on a rocky mound. Rising nine metres tall, this Iron Age stronghold offers both a glimpse into ancient ingenuity and breathtaking views over the rugged landscape.

From prehistoric wonders to living traditions, the Isle of Lewis captures the spirit of Scotland—wild, resilient, and unforgettable.

INCLUDED MEALS

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Nova

Wild Isles at the Edge of Scotland

Today’s adventure takes you to the remote, uninhabited islands of the Outer Hebrides, a scattering of over 100 rugged gems lying some 70 kilometres off Scotland’s west coast. Reached only by Zodiac landing during expedition travel, these out-of-the-way islands offer a rare glimpse of Scotland at its wildest and most untouched.

Step ashore to discover archaeological remains that whisper of the past—the earliest known traces of human habitation in Scotland, shaped by Pictish, Norse, and Scottish cultures. Every stone and artifact tells a story of resilience and survival at the edge of the Atlantic.

As conditions allow, keep watch for the extraordinary bird and marine life that thrive here. From seabirds wheeling overhead to seals and dolphins in the surf, these islands are alive with nature’s energy.

The Outer Hebrides are more than remote—they’re a living tapestry of history, wildlife, and raw beauty, waiting for you to explore.

INCLUDED MEALS

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Nova

St. Kilda – Scotland’s Wild Treasure

Sail into the legendary St. Kilda archipelago, a place so remote and dramatic it feels like the edge of the world. Once home to a hardy community who lived here until 1930, St. Kilda is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, safeguarding both its haunting ruins and its extraordinary natural heritage.

On Hirta, the largest island, nature reigns supreme. Vast colonies of seabirds wheel overhead—this is one of the most important seabird breeding grounds in Europe.

For our hikers, St. Kilda’s towering cliffs promise some of the most dramatic ocean views in Scotland. Standing on these rugged edges, with wind and sea stretching endlessly before you, it’s impossible not to feel humbled by the raw power and beauty of this place.

Remote, storied, and unforgettable—St. Kilda is a journey into Scotland’s wild soul.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Nova

Isle of Skye – Where Mountains Meet the Sea

The Isle of Skye is a dream come true for hikers, photographers, and bird lovers alike. Its landscapes are as wild as they are photogenic, making this stop one of the highlights of any journey through Scotland.

We’ll cruise along the island’s southwestern shore, keeping binoculars ready for sightings of oystercatchers, common sandpipers, razorbills, and gannets. Watching these seabirds thrive in their natural habitat is a reminder of how vibrant and untamed Skye really is.

Then, lace up your boots and step into the drama of the Cuillin Hills, often hailed as one of Britain’s most awe-inspiring mountain ranges. Whether you choose a gentle walk, a rewarding hike, or a more challenging trek, you’ll be immersed in Skye’s raw beauty—where jagged peaks meet sweeping sea views in unforgettable harmony.

This is Skye at its finest: wild, majestic Scotland, and ready to be explored at your own pace.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Nova

Iona & Staffa – Sacred History and Natural Wonder

Today on our Scotland and Faroes Isles and Wonders small ship expedition, we make a pilgrimage to Iona, a tiny island with an outsized legacy. It was here that St. Columba founded his monastery, and for centuries it became the spiritual heart of Scotland—the burial place of kings and a beacon of early Christianity. Wander through the beautifully restored Iona Abbey complex, where two intricately carved crosses dating back to the eighth century still stand as guardians of faith and history.

From sacred stones to natural marvels, our journey continues with a Zodiac cruise to the Isle of Staffa. Famous for its otherworldly basalt formations and sea caves, the island’s crown jewel is Fingal’s Cave. Known in Gaelic as “the melodious cave,” its acoustics and natural beauty inspired Mendelssohn’s overture, The Hebrides—a piece of music as timeless as the cave itself.

Between Iona’s spiritual heritage and Staffa’s geological wonder, this day blends soul-stirring history with nature’s artistry, leaving you with memories that resonate long after you’ve returned to shore.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Nova

Islay – Legacy of the Lords of the Isles

Welcome to Islay, often called the Queen of the Hebrides—a place where history, legend, and landscape intertwine. Here, tucked into the island’s heart, lies the Loch Finlaggan Historic Site, once the ancient seat of power for the Lord of the Isles and the mighty Clan Donald.

As you wander among the ruins, imagine the councils that once shaped the destiny of Scotland from this very spot. Step inside the Finlaggan museum, where artefacts and exhibits bring the island’s rich medieval heritage vividly to life. From stone crosses to clan treasures, every piece tells a story of power, faith, and tradition.

On Islay, the past doesn’t feel distant—it lingers in the air, carried on the wind that sweeps across the loch, inviting you to pause, reflect, and connect with the island’s noble history.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Nova

Wave a Fond Farewell

Our Scotland and Faroes: Isles and Wonders small ship expedition wraps up in Oban, a picturesque seaside town on Scotland’s rugged west coast. Framed by dramatic shores and rolling countryside, Oban is often called the “Gateway to the Isles”—a fitting place to reflect on the adventures and memories made along the way.

From here, we’ll disembark and travel by coach to Glasgow, carrying with us the stories, friendships, and soul-stirring landscapes that make Scotland and the Faroe Islands unforgettable.

Included Meals

Breakfast