Northern Isles: Iceland & Scotland

Fly from the UK to Reykjavík where you will enjoy an overnight stay.

Welcome to Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital city, where a world of wonder awaits as you step on board and raise your glass to toast the start of your luxurious cruise. 

The perfect example of nature’s ability to both create and destroy, Heimaey and the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) are filled with awe-inspiring natural beauty. When the volcano Eldfell, meaning “Hill of Fire”, erupted in 1973, parts of this small town were locked in time, and the harbour was nearly sealed off.  Guests can wander around this island and witness where the ashes enveloped the town. Keep your eyes open for our black and white friends, with more Atlantic Puffins nesting here than anywhere else in the world, and the best place in Iceland to spot orcas. Today, choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery.
 

Freechoice:
Heimaey Bus Tour with Eldheimar Museum: With your local guide, drive from the pier into the Herjólfsdalur valley, to visit a replica Viking house. The tour continues along the western part of the island, providing us with an opportunity to view the outer islands. The youngest of the group, “Surtsey”, being born in a volcanic eruption in 1963. Continue to Stórhöfði, one of the windiest places on earth, before heading to the viewpoint of the old town. The old town is buried 30m below here, after a volcanic eruption in 1973. The tour ends at Eldheimar Museum, who’s highlight is a house that has been dug up from the ashes.

Boat tour of Heimaey: Your local guide will take you on a boat tour that is not to be missed. The cliffs near Heimaey are home to between 6-8 million puffins and have one of the largest varieties of sea birds. While watching cliffs, keep your eyes on the water as there is also whales, orcas and dolphins that are a common site to see in the Summer. After viewing as many angles of cliffs as the conditions allow, enter the Cliff Cave, where there will be music played on board to allow you to experience the sensational natural acoustics before returning to Scenic Eclipse.
 

Discovery:
Volcanic Hike Tour on Heimaey with Eldheimar Museum: The view from the top of Eldfell (Fire mountain) is breathtaking. Your local guide will take you through the town, past the harbour area that was saved from the 1973 eruption by volunteers who rerouted the lava by drenching it in thousands of litres of sea water. On to Skansinn church, which was a gift from the people of Norway, and finally heading to the summit of the newly formed volcano. After descending, your guide will take you to the Eldheimar Museum where the tour concludes.

Seyðisfjörður is at the mouth of a beautiful fjord,  and is the heart of culture, heritage and hospitality in East Iceland. The centre of town is known for 19th century timber houses perched on the side of the lagoon, a “pearl enclosed in a shell”. Surrounded by cascading waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, wandering reindeer and porpoises frequenting the shores, a flourishing art scene and small-town charm, you will soon discover why this unique location is a must see in Iceland. Today, choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery.
 

Freechoice:
Skálanes Nature Reserve: We invite you to enjoy the unique opportunity to visit one of Iceland’s most remote places that even few Icelanders have witnessed. The journey begins with a drive to Þórarinsstaðir where we’ll see an important  archaeological site, with findings from the first years of settlement. In summer months, this nature reserve becomes home to about 47 species of birds, including Eider Ducks, you may also see reindeers or seals along the coast. Enjoy some local refreshments before heading back to Scenic Eclipse.

Seyðisfjörður Town Walk: Begin your walking tour at the pier and pass by some of the charming wooden chalet style houses the town is known for. Your local guide will you along the iconic Rainbow Road to the Blue church, a perfect photo opportunity. After some time for souvenir shopping, they will take you to the memorial of the landslide that hit the town in December of 2020.

Wilderness Center: Step back in time at the Wilderness Centre. Experience tranquillity and authenticity at this unique place. The aim with of the Wilderness Exhibitions is that one shouldn't feel like they are in a museum. Instead you should walk through an adventure, be moved, surprised and enlightened.

Vök Baths: Plunge into Iceland´s purest hot spring water and bathe in floating pools by Lake Urriðavatn . Hot water emerges from deep under the lake, causing the ice to melt in one particular spot, leaving melted ice holes in that area. Today, its purpose is not only to allow locals and guests alike to enjoy some rejuvenation, but the hot springs also supply hot geothermal water to the local community.

A charming port named after the Norse god of weather, strength, and growth, Thor. One of the world’s smallest capital cities, Tórshavn remains one of Europe’s least travelled destinations. Towering cliffs, craggy fjords and powerful waterfalls make up the wild landscape. Wander the cobbled alleyways admiring the coloured buildings and grassy roofs. Be taken back to the time that the Vikings ruled. Today, choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery.
 

Freechoice:
Tórshavn the Capital: This guided walking tour combines a visit to two of the city’s main attractions, the Tinganes Old Town and the National Museum, forming a perfect introduction to the city of Tórshavn. Drive along the scenic, ridge-top road to enjoy a photo stop at a viewpoint overlooking this colourful capital city. Visit the old part of the city ‘Tinganes’ before continuing to the National History Museum, bringing to life the past of the Faroes from the Viking Age to modern times.

Island of Vágar: Explore the villages on Vágar Island, appreciating the ever changing scenery. Learn about the island, its history and life here today. Drive through the villages of Sandavágur, where you’ll visit the Midvagur church and pass the largest lake in the Faroe Islands before reaching Vatnsoyrar. Arrive in Bøur, a little village with both old and new houses with green sod roofs and a charming old tar-blackened church.
 

Discovery:
Hiking in the Mountains: Drive along the Kaldbak fjord, enjoying the sight of cascading waterfalls and lazy sheep wandering about on the way to the columnar basalt of Streymoy sill. Join your local guide as you walk up the mountain towards the sill. Aadmire the splendid scenery of the rock formation and a beautiful scenery of the island of Vágar.

The most northerly point of the British Isles, Lerwick’s waterfront is lined with sandstone buildings dating back to the 18th century. The sound of traditional Shetland music can often be heard as you walk through the twisting lanes of this charming harbour town.
 

Freechoice:
Jarlshof and Southern Shores: Visit the remarkable archaeological site of Jarlshof.  The site was uncovered by a violent storm in the winter of 1896/7, revealing an extraordinary settlement site embracing at least 5,000 years of human history.  The site contains a remarkable sequence of stone structures – late Neolithic houses, a Bronze-Age village, an Iron-Age broch and wheelhouses, several Norse longhouses, a medieval farmstead, and the 16th-century laird’s house. Visit the remains of these village settlements with your local guide.

Scenic Shetland, Ponies and Shetland Jewellery: Travel North through the Tingwall Valley with its Norse heritage, visiting a herd of Shetland Ponies en route. Learn about the history and characteristics of this small and hardy pony, directly from a local breeder before embarking back onto the coach and continuing through the spectacular Shetland scenery. Visit a local the Shetland Jewellery workshop and see how the beautifully hand crafted, local jewellery is designed and made. On the way back to Lerwick, hear more of Shetland`s culture and heritage from your experienced local guide.

Walking Tour and Shetland Museum: For a wonderful insight into the lives and history of the people of Lerwick take a step back in time. This walking tour will take you through the colourful and cosmopolitan history of Lerwick. You will be transported through the centuries with lively tales of Lerwick's growth, merchant trading, fishing and shipping fleets and smugglers. Conclude your tour at the fascinating Shetland Museum which you can visit at leisure to learn more about Shetland’s heritage and culture.
 

Discovery:
Sumburg Head to Jarlshof Hike: Drive to the island’s most southerly point, Sumburgh Head, where you will see Shetland’s first lighthouse. Begin your hike towards the remarkable archaeological site of Jarlshof. Throughout your hike, watch the cliffs around Sumburgh Head, home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, shags and fulmars. The seas are also home to various animals and you may be lucky enough to see including harbour porpoises, white beaked dolphins, seals and whales.

Stromness is full of character, with winding streets stretching from the shoreline up the hillside, quaint alleyways waiting to be explored, and a landscape shaped by the sea. Stroll through the township to find the hidden gems, such as the finest crafts, textiles and jewellery in the small local shops. This long established seaport has attracted sailors for centuries, from Vikings to Captain Cook.
 

Freechoice:
Orkney Treasures: Uncover the treasures of Orkney, from the the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney; an area designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology, to the Standing Stones of Stenness, and the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae.

Orkney’s Wartime Legacy: Depart Orkney’s mainland and follow the coast of Scapa Flow to the smaller South Isles. Drive over the first of the Churchill Barriers commissioned during the Second World War to protect Scapa Flow from enemy invasion.  Visit the beautiful, hand-painted Italian Chapel resourcefully built by Italian prisoners of war out of scavenged construction material. Visit the WWII Ness Battery that played a crucial role in the defence of Scapa Flow in both World Wars.

Highlights of Orkney: Explore the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, a large ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5000 years, before continuing to Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands. After a briefing and orientation enjoy time at leisure to visit the St Magnus Cathedral, the magnificent sandstone structure that dominates the skyline of the town, relax with a hot beverage in a café or explore the craft shops selling local knitwear, pottery and artwork.

Fair Isle is Shetland's most southerly island and is the most remote inhabited island in the UK. Named by Norse settlers ‘the island of peace’, take the opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes of green fields, seaside cliffs and rocky coastlines. Fair Isle is a popular location for ornithologists due to its importance as a breeding ground for seabirds, and a stopping point for migrant species. 
 

Discovery: Join your discovery team in search of seabird, learning of the different species. Watch the horizon for a whales blow, or splashing of a seal swimming by. 

Set neatly between the mountains and the sea, Aberdeen's harbour is said to be ‘one of the most architecturally distinctive in Europe.’ Docking in the heart of the city, witness Aberdeen's famous stunning, sparkling, granite buildings and monuments shimmering in the sunlight and listen for the warming tones of Scottish dialect 'Doric' as you roam. Today, choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery.
 

Freechoice:
Aberdeen Highlights: Enjoy a panoramic tour of ‘The Granite City’ visiting some of Aberdeen’s most famous landmarks. Stroll through the beautiful gardens in Duthie Park, home to one of Europe’s largest indoor gardens. Visit the Kings College Chapel and discover its rich history, before marvelling at the intricate stone carvings and stained glass windows of the oldest church in Aberdeen.

Aberdeenshire Highland Cattle Farm: Drive to the Aberdeenshire Highland Cattle Ltd where you will meet the owner of this pedigree and prize-winning herd of cattle. Learn of the animal’s uniqueness and farming methods as she show cases her working farm. Enjoy a taste for yourself of what is considered to be the most delicious Premium Quality beef available, all thanks to the way she rears the cattle combined with the natural surroundings of the stunning Aberdeenshire countryside.

Atmospheric Castle Fraser: Visit Castle Fraser, one of Scotland’s grandest baronial tower houses. Owned by the Fraser family for all its 500-year history, it is unquestionably the country’s most elaborate Z-plan castle. Led by local experts, you’ll meet characters ranging from the castle’s founder, Michael Fraser, to remarkable 18th century lady laird Elyza, and her heir Charles – and his wooden leg.  Enjoy an overview of the castle from medieval times to its heyday as a beloved “old chateau” during the Victorian era.  Have exclusive viewings of some of the castle’s most prized artefacts ranging from fine paintings to Georgian furniture and engraved silverware.

Glen Garioch Distillery: Glen Garioch is the most easterly Scotch Whisky distillery in the world. Precious few whisky travelers venture this far east in pursuit of the perfect dram, but those who do never turn back. Enjoy a scenic drive through the stunning Scottish countryside towards the heart of the Valley of the Garioch. Glen Garioch is made the same way today as it has always been, but it never stops being fascinating. Experience the magical, unique distillery and warehouse and see time-honoured skills at work, touch and smell the natural ingredients used in its production, hear from the master craftsmen involved and, finally, taste the fruit of their labours. Complete your distillery tour with a taste of the award-winning Highland Single Malt Whisky.
 

Nestled between the Highlands and the Border Hills, Edinburgh is a gracious city noted for its superb skyline, its impressive collection of architecture and its beautiful vedant green parks. Disembark after breakfast and say farewell to your new friends.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.