Scotland The Faroe Islands and Iceland North Atlantic Saga

A City of the Sea

Aberdeen is not just a city by the sea, it’s known as “a city of the sea.” Ships dock right up against the city-center streets, casting shadows and grandeur. The classic historic stone buildings are made of locally quarried granite, and the high mica content causes them to sparkle like silver. 

The city is famed for its green footprint and that footprint is well manicured! There are over 45 parks, gardens (the David Welsh Winter Gardens is one of the largest indoor gardens in Europe) and flowers blooming at every turn. After a self-guided exploration of the cobbled and cosmopolitan streets of Aberdeen, we board the Ocean Endeavour for an evening departure.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Endeavour 

Standing Stones

Today, we visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a mystical UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 4,000-year-old Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe and Skara Brae. We also tour the Hall of Clestrain, the birthplace of celebrated Arctic explorer John Rae, who discovered the missing link in the Northwest Passage (and the gloomy fate of the 1845 Franklin Expedition). In the city of Kirkwall, the imposing St. Magnus Cathedral garners a lot of oohs and ahhs (it dates back to 1137, so it should!). The city is compact and includes all the usual suspects: Viking ghosts, Highland cattle, a distillery, two museums, a gallery and a few shops.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Endeavour

A Birder’s Paradise

The Fair Isle was once a Viking hub and has morphed into an idyllic island colony of artists and shepherds—the handmade woolen sweaters are a fan favorite of visitors who are eager to cozy up in one. Halfway between Orkney and Shetland, the Fair Isle will ruffle the feathers of birders. More than 350 species have been checked off here and it’s not a stretch to learn that the bird population outnumbers the 70 islanders who have set up their love nest beside the birds in one of the most remote parts of the United Kingdom.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Endeavour 

Historical Chain Dance

Today is a complete immersion in Faroese culture. We stop in at the village of Sumba on Suðuroy Island (population: 239), a stronghold of Faroese chain dancing. The chain dance was originally a medieval ring dance set to dramatic ballads about kings and heroes often having several hundred verses. After witnessing, or joining, some fancy footwork, we set off for the foothills of nearby Beinisvørð Mountain, which offers spectacular bird’s eye views of the region.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Endeavour

The Small City with a Big Heart

Tórshavn or, “Thor’s Harbour” (in Danish), is the capital city and the largest city in the Faroes. With a population of 20,500, it’s one of the smallest capitals in the world. Boutique and indie shops tempt, as do the walking trails and treasured National Art Gallery at Nordic House. Public transportation in Tórshavn is free of charge and the city buses have free Wi-Fi. The twin goal of this initiative was to reduce traffic in the town’s center and lower fuel oil use and CO2 emissions.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Endeavour

Waterfalls and Tunnels

Today we travel to the northwestern shores of Eysturoy (East Island) and Streymoy islands (the largest of the Faroe Islands), which provide a trifecta of hiking, birding and photography. These charming villages are connected by high-tech James Bond-ish tunnels that splice through the mountains and beneath the ocean floor. We make a stop for photos at the magnificent Múlafossur waterfall in Gásadalur, which tumbles over cliffs and cascades directly into the ocean. It’s the stuff of inspirational posters and screensavers!

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Endeavour

Iceland Bound

As the Ocean Endeavour powers across the North Atlantic towards land, ho! (Iceland), it’s the perfect opportunity to do a deep dive into the dynamic culture and history of the region. Pull up a chair, because it’s grown-up school! The Ocean Endeavour is often referred to as a “floating university” and offers a full slate of presentations, workshops and documentary screenings for those with a thirst for knowledge. Otherwise, take advantage of the ship’s amenities, or take a cat nap as you’re lulled to sleep by the North Atlantic.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Endeavour

Land of Fire

In January 1973, a volcanic eruption on Heimaey sent villagers scrambling, with remarkable luck that saw minimal loss of life. The eruption buried parts of the town and is deeply steeped in the stories of 4500 people who call the island home. Here, we can visit the Eldheimer Museum, climb the volcano itself or wander through the quaint village. 

We also cruise alongside steep cliffs by Zodiac in search of the countless seabird species that nest on the storm-beaten sheer rock faces. Between April and August, the puffins are omnipresent. Other frequent fliers include storm petrels, razorbills, skuas and several gull species.

Included Meals

All on-board meals 

Accommodations

Your cabin on the Ocean Endeavour

An Icy Farewell

We complete our journey in Reykjavík, Iceland’s groovy capital. After disembarking the Ocean Endeavour in the morning, we can hug and say “until next time,” or head out exploring with our new Wild Women friends. 

Laugavegur is the main, buzzy street, with side streets like spokes in a wheel leading to the city’s landmark, Hallgrímskirkja (Church of Hallgrímur). From the top of the tower, there is a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city below and the surrounding mountains and sea. There are endless cafes, museums, galleries, vintage and vinyl shops to poke around in. The National Culture House (with original Norse Sagas manuscripts) and National Museum Iceland are must-sees for the history buffs.

Included Meals

All on-board meals