Historic Trails & Wilderness: Scotland, Faroes & Iceland

With close to 220,000 inhabitants, Aberdeen is Scotland's third most populous city. Locally quarried grey granite was used during the mid-18th to mid-20th centuries for many of Aberdeen's buildings, and hence the nicknames it has earned as the Granite City, or the Grey City. Aberdeen granite was also used to build the terraces of the Houses of Parliament and Waterloo Bridge in London. Since the discovery of North Sea oil in the 1970s, Aberdeen has also been called the Oil Capital of Europe or the Energy Capital of Europe. It is no wonder that because of the oil fields in the North Sea, Aberdeen's seaport is very important. The Heliport with its flights to the oil fields is one of the busiest commercial heliports in the world.

Having made your way to Aberdeen airport, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket. 

The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense. 

Accommodation: Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel 

With close to 220,000 inhabitants, Aberdeen is Scotland's third most populous city. Locally quarried grey granite was used during the mid-18th to mid-20th centuries for many of Aberdeen's buildings, and hence the nicknames it has earned as the Granite City, or the Grey City. Aberdeen granite was also used to build the terraces of the Houses of Parliament and Waterloo Bridge in London. Since the discovery of North Sea oil in the 1970s, Aberdeen has also been called the Oil Capital of Europe or the Energy Capital of Europe. It is no wonder that because of the oil fields in the North Sea, Aberdeen's seaport is very important. The Heliport with its flights to the oil fields is one of the busiest commercial heliports in the world.

After breakfast, check-out and bring your luggage to the foyer. Please place any items required today in your hand luggage as your main bag will be placed in the bays of the coach. After breakfast, check-out and bring your luggage to the foyer.  

Today we explore ‘The Granite City’ visiting some of Aberdeen’s most famous landmarks including the magnificent Kings College Chapel which is a fantastic example of gothic architecture and the St Machar Cathedral a 12th century church with its beautiful stained-glass windows. 

Depart for Glen Garioch Distillery, a 200-year-old distillery situated in the sheltered heart of the Valley of the Garioch, blessed as it is with the north east’s mild climate, plentiful sunshine and not too much rain, the Valley has long been renowned as the finest barley growing area in the country. Once home to no fewer than six distilleries, today the Valley cradles just one - this established distillery has changed hands several times and the current owners have had the distillery in their family since 1886. You will be taken on a tour of this award-winning distillery where you will see their time-honoured skills at work and see what goes into making this unique spirit. Complete your distillery journey with a taste of two whiskies from their core range and for those who wish, there will be an opportunity to visit their onsite shop.  

Afterwards enjoy a scenic drive to the Huntly Falconry Centre. This centre was established in 1991 and is one of the first falconry centres in Scotland. Huntly Falconry Centre hold birds of prey falconry demonstrations throughout the season, where owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles can be seen flying every day.  Marvel at the full range of bird skills during the flying demonstration before our drive returns us to Aberdeen to board the Greg Mortimer in the late afternoon.  

You will have time to settle into your cabin before our important briefings. We will set sail for Fair Isle in the evening and meet your expedition team and crew at the Welcome Dinner.  

Midway between Orkney and Shetland, Fair Isle houses a major European ornithological research station, and is also famous for knitwear and historic shipwrecks. About five kilometres by three kilometres / three miles by two miles in area, it is surrounded by impressive cliffs. The 70 or so islanders mainly live in traditional crofts on the more fertile low-lying southern part of the island. 

A bird watchers’ paradise, Fair Isle lies on the intersection of major flight paths from Scandinavia, Iceland and Faroe. In summer, the cliffs teem with breeding fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, gannets, shags and puffins. The Isle is an excellent place to view seabirds, especially puffins at close range. Fair Isle also has over 250 species of flowering plants, including wetland flowers, rare orchids, alpine species and common wildflowers. Upon landing via Zodiac, we’ll be welcomed by the hospitable villagers and may take a hike or visit the museum. Grey and common seals inhabit these waters around Fair Isle, while sharp eyes may spot harbour porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, killer whales (orcas) and minke whales. 

Jarlshof is one of Shetland's best preserved and most complex archaeological sites. It was exposed by storms in the late 19th century. The Old House of Sumburgh, built here in the 17th century, was named 'Jarlshof' by Sir Walter Scott in his novel 'The Pirate'. The record of human occupation dates from around 3,200 BCE. Jarlshof’s main Bronze Age site is the house of a bronzesmith working around 800 BC. Clay moulds into which molten bronze was poured revealed that he was casting axe heads and short swords. It seems that Shetland suited early Norse settlers, for they quickly settled here and left their mark on Shetland's history for ages to come. 

With its mile-long seabird cliffs, the Island of Noss is a National Nature Reserve. In breeding season, the sound of around 150,000 birds and chicks fills the air. Millions of years of wind and ice have honeycombed thousands of nesting ledges in sandstone cliffs almost 200-metres / 656-feet high. Resident seals and visiting otters feed in dense kelp around the shores. Here we explore the cliffs by Zodiac. 

Exploring the sandstone cliff faces of the Isle of Noss will reveal ledges loaded with gannets, puffins, guillemots, shags, kittiwakes, Razorbills, fulmars and Great Skuas. The island was recognized as a National Nature Reserve in 1955, and has one of Europe’s largest and most diverse seabird colonies. Sheep have grazed the inland hillsides of Noss since the late 1800s and early 1900s when around twenty people lived on the island to manage the sheep farm. Along with the sheep, shaggy Shetland ponies graze the windblown slopes of Noss.

Britain’s most northerly islands lie almost 160 kilometres (100 miles) north of the Scottish mainland, at a similar latitude to the southern tip of Greenland, or Bergen in Norway. Kept relatively warm by the Gulf Stream, Shetland’s 100 islands experience almost 24 hours of daylight in summer. They abound with nature reserves and archaeological sites and offer a taste of traditional island life. 

Hermaness National Nature Reserve, is close to Britain’s most northerly point. The reserve is a place of bird cries and sea smells, of myth and mist. The cliffs rise 170 metres (558 feet) above the Atlantic. During summer they are alive with the cacophony, and raw guano smell of over 100,000 breeding seabirds: kittiwakes, shags, snipe, dunlin, golden plover and Arctic skua, making this one of Europe’s most diverse colonies. The grasslands, moors and cliff tops are a tapestry of colourful wildflowers – gentians, heather, orchids and thrift are a few of the species here. 

Note: A new recycled plastic boardwalk has been installed to retrace the historic path to Muckle Flugga signalling station on Hermaness Hill and create a circular route around the reserve. It protects the fragile peatland from erosion and is routed to avoid disturbance to sensitive nesting birds. The main walk to the dramatic western cliffs and Muckle Flugga views is approximately 5 km (3 miles) round trip. 

Seyðisfjörður, a beautiful 19th-century Norwegian village on the east coast of Iceland, is regarded by many as one of Iceland's most picturesque towns, not only due to its impressive environment, but also because nowhere in Iceland has a community of old wooden buildings been preserved so well as here. Poet Matthías Johannessen called Seyðisfjörður a 'pearl enclosed in a shell'. The community owes its origins to foreign merchants, mainly Danes, who started trading in the fjord in the mid-19th century. But the crucial factor in the evolution of the village was the establishment of the Icelandic herring fishery by Norwegians in 1870-1900. The Norwegians built up a number of herring-fishing facilities, and in a matter of years the little community grew into a boom town. Today, about 800 people live in Seyðisfjörður. The local economy has long been based on the fisheries, while light industry also flourishes. Tourism is playing a growing role, as the picturesque town in its spectacular surroundings attracts more and more visitors. The car/passenger ferry Norrøna, which plies between continental Europe and Iceland every summer, docks at Seyðisfjörður every Thursday. Seyðisfjörður has been a cosmopolitan community from its foundation, and the ferry service has contributed to ensuring that it remains so.

Explore Seyðisfjörður, a picturesque fishing village that is renowned for its charming collection of colourful wooden buildings located around the lagoon. Take a stroll around town and discover the timber houses that are remnants from when the Norwegians settled here and established the herring fishing facilities from 1870-1900. From the valley above the town, the river Fjarðará tumbles down in beautiful cascades to the lagoon. There are a number of delightful hiking trails to explore, or alternatively, you can discover a flourishing cultural scene with an arts centre, the famous blue church that stages music concerts and the only two cinemas in the east of Iceland. Back in town, browse the stores where you will discover handicrafts by local artists and artisans – perfect as a souvenir or gift.  

It may be surrounded by pulse-raising volcanic scenery, boast extraordinary wildlife, and sit on a dramatic, jutting fjord - but it's fair to say Djúpivogur likes to take things slow. In fact, Djúpivogur relishes its peace and quiet so much that it's won recognition as a 'Cittaslow' - a Slow City. So prepare to take a new, leisurely look around, as you relax into the breathtaking natural glory of Iceland, and explore this unique location - filled with folklore, fabulous food and fantastic fjords.

In Iceland’s east, we disembark in Djúpivogur, our gateway to Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier. This morning’s landing is by Zodiac. 

Personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level of fitness. 

Option 1 - Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach 

Duration: 8 hours including a long drive from Djúpivogur and return 

Level of difficulty: Easy  

Terrain: Uneven surfaces, walking across sand, some steps, some moderate accents and descents in places. 

Depart for Vatnajökull National Park, one of Iceland’s most celebrated natural wonders. Your day begins with a visit to the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you’ll board a specially designed amphibian boat to glide between immense icebergs. These sculpted giants, broken off from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, drift silently across the lagoon before making their way to the sea. The contrast of blue ice against the still waters creates a truly unforgettable scene. 

After lunch, continue to Diamond Beach, where dazzling chunks of crystal-clear ice lie scattered across the black volcanic sands, glittering in the sunlight like gemstones. Your journey concludes with a visit to Fjallsárlón, another spectacular glacier lagoon. Here, shimmering icebergs float serenely in the shadow of towering ice walls, offering yet another perspective of Iceland’s remarkable glacial landscapes. 

Option 2 - Wonders of Vatnajokull National Park & Canyon Hike 

Duration: 9 hours including a long drive from Djúpivogur and return 

Level of difficulty: Moderate 

Terrain: Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike is 3.8km (2.35 miles) one way and approximately 3 hours duration. Terrain – 315 metre elevation with a narrow unpaved trail with two small river crossings, very easy to cross. Good fitness and mobility required. 

Begin your adventure with a hike through the dramatic Múlagljúfur Canyon, a hidden treasure carved by ancient glacial rivers. The trail takes you along lush vegetation, bubbling streams, and narrow unpaved paths, gradually ascending to reveal breathtaking views. From the canyon rim, marvel at sweeping panoramas of Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon, jagged mountain peaks, and striking volcanic rock formations. 

After lunch, travel into Vatnajökull National Park to explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon on foot. Here, giant icebergs drift slowly from glacier to sea, creating a scene of quiet majesty. Complete the day at the striking Diamond Beach, where luminous ice fragments are carried ashore by the waves and sparkle against the dramatic black sands. 

Return to the ship via Zodiac after your shore excursion. 

The name Vestmannaeyjar refers to both a town and an archipelago off the south coast of Iceland. The largest Vestmannaeyjar island is called Heimaey. It is the only inhabited island in the group and is home to over 4000 people. The eruption of the Eldfell Volcano put Vestmannaeyjar into the international lime light in 1973. The volcano’s eruption destroyed many buildings and forced an evacuation of the residents to mainland Iceland. The lava flow was stopped in its tracks by the application of billions of liters of cold sea water. Since the eruption, life on the small island outpost has returned to the natural ebb and flow of a small coastal fishing community on the edge of the chilly and wild North Atlantic.

Enjoy a morning and lunch onboard, searching for whales and seabirds. Our team of experts entertains us with informative talks. 

Located off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. Westman Islands are surrounded by 15 other uninhabited islands and around 30 rocks and skerries offering refuge for rich array of seabirds. Westman Islands are considered to have the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world, and when sailing around the islands it is not uncommon to see puffins but also whales and seals. 

 Personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level of fitness. 

Option 1 - Eldheimar Volcano Museum & Puffin Viewing 

Duration: 3 hours 

Level of difficulty: Easy  

Terrain: Uneven surfaces, walking across uneven ground, some steps, some moderate accents and descents in places. 

Located off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. Heimaey is the main island in the archipelago, with a population of around 4,200. Various catastrophes have befallen the island of Heimaey and its inhabitants throughout history. Probably the most tragic incident was the volcanic eruption in 1973. Visit a unique volcano museum that tells the story of the Heimaey volcanic eruption, the emergence of Surtsey Island in 1963, and the geology of the Westman Islands.  

We'll continue our drive to Stórhöfði cape for some puffin watching, offering ample photo opportunities to capture shots of the charming little birds. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore the island if time permits.  

Option 2 - Eldheimar Volcano Climb & Museum  

Duration: 3 hours 

Level of difficulty: Strenuous  

Terrain: Steep, but manageable ascent to the crater rim. Good fitness and mobility are required. We strongly recommend that you wear comfortable and sturdy footwear, as the terrain primarily consists of a rocky, sometimes muddy path, and has loose volcanic gravel, especially on the steeper sections and can be quite difficult to traverse. Many steps, some steep accents and descents in places. The elevation gain is 221 meters /725 ft.  

Learn more about the geology and volcanology of Iceland during a two-hour hike up a volcano. Reaching the summit, you can still feel the warmth emanating from its subterranean activity. At the end of the hike, you visit a unique volcano museum that tells the story of the Heimaey volcanic eruption, the emergence of Surtsey Island in 1963, and the geology of the Westman Islands. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore the island if time permits.  

Sail past Surtsey Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site that emerged from the sea in 1963 and is one the youngest land masses on earth. 

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

During the early morning, we cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as you continue your onward journey. Transfer options are as follows:  

Direct to Keflavik Airport. Direct to The Grand Reykjavik (this option is only available if your hotel was booked by Aurora Expeditions). Bus Stop #1 – Ráðhús – City Hall where you can make your own way to city hotels. For late afternoon and evening airport departures, Bus Stop #1 – Ráðhús – City Hall where we will hold your luggage on the coach until your departure to the airport at 1pm. Enjoy free time in the city until your departure. Note: We do not recommend booking flights departing prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation, as we may experience delays at the conclusion of the voyage.