Iceland, Faroe Islands & British Isles Cruise: From Viking Lands to Celtic Shores

Explore the North Atlantic on an 11-night luxury cruise from Reykjavik to Dublin. Discover Iceland's fjords, the colorful Faroe Islands, the Neolithic wonders of Orkney, and the awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway.


North Atlantic Isles
© SWA

Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Starts: Reykjavik, Iceland
Ends: Dublin, Ireland
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.


Included
Optional


Embark on an unforgettable Iceland and British Isles luxury cruise, sailing from Reykjavik to Dublin aboard a boutique expedition ship. This journey takes you through some of the most captivating destinations in the North Atlantic, following high-latitude coasts where glaciers, fjords, and shifting light set the pace. Tracing ancient Viking and Celtic shores, the voyage connects cultural landmarks and wild landscapes, starting with the Viking heritage of Reykjavik and the world's largest puffin colony on Heimaey. Explore the colorful clapboard warehouses of Tórshavn and the tiny coastal village of Elduvík in the Faroe Islands, opening exceptional paths for open-ended exploration and spontaneous discoveries.

The expedition continues through remote islands and characterful harbor towns rich in maritime heritage. Discover the ancient wonders of Britain's most remarkable archaeological sequences at Jarlshof in the Shetland Islands and the 5,000-year-old ceremonial Ring of Brodgar in the Orkney Islands. Sail past ancient castles and dramatic cliffs in the Sound of Mull, explore the iconic highland scenery of Glencoe, and step onto the breathtaking Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, a geological masterpiece of interlocking basalt columns. Throughout this odyssey, guests can engage in expert-led talks, join real-world environmental research via Citizen Science workshops, and enjoy premium amenities including a heated infinity pool and a Balinese spa.

Highlights:
Witness the world's largest Atlantic puffin colony and historical volcanic ruins on Heimaey Island.
Hike through the rolling green hills and turf-roofed villages of the remote Faroe Islands.
Explore prehistoric sites including the extraordinary Jarlshof in Shetland and the Ring of Brodgar in Orkney.
Visit Dunvegan Castle, seat of Clan MacLeod, and enjoy views of the beautiful Cuillin Mountains on Skye.
Walk along the world-famous Giant's Causeway and tour the inside of the iconic medieval Dunluce Castle.

Itinerary

© SWA
© SWA
© SWA

Day 1: Reykjavik
The capital of the Viking lands
Reykjavík, despite its small size, is the capital of Iceland. At the top of the town stands the distinctive Hallgrímskirkja church, designed by renowned Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson. The revitalised harbour area features the futuristic Harpa Concert Hall and the Maritime Museum, showcasing the city's cultural heritage. A trip to Reykjavík would be incomplete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon, famous for its therapeutic geothermal waters.

Day 2: Heimaey, Westman Island
The largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world
Ten million Atlantic puffins make Heimaey, a 13-square-km island in the Westman Islands off southern Iceland, the largest puffin colony in the world from mid-April until the beginning of August. Enjoy the included "Pompeii of the North" three-hour tour highlighting the island’s natural beauty and dramatic history. From the harbour, pass bird-filled sea cliffs to Herjólfsdalur Valley to see Viking ruins dating back to 900 AD. Drive along the west coast to see Elephant Rock and views toward volcanic Surtsey Island. At Stórhöfði (Great Cape), enjoy views of the puffin colonies, pass the Helgafell and Eldfell volcanoes, and visit the Eldheimar Museum.

Day 3: Eskifjordur
Traditional wooden houses and eastern fjords
Hólmatindur Mountain overlooks the town's red and white wooden houses beautifully set between towering mountains and the calm sea. Join the included "Enjoy Eskifjörður on Foot" 2.5-hour walking tour starting at the Maritime Museum, located in a historic 18th-century Danish trading building, and continuing along the shoreline to Randulff’s Sea House, built by Norwegian herring fishermen in the early 20th century. Optional tours include a 4.5-hour half-day 4x4 adventure to Mjóifjörður to visit Klifbrekkufossar waterfall, Brekka village, and the ruins of the Asknes whaling station, or a 2.5-hour small-group visit to meet Icelandic horses with local breeders, including stops at Hólmanes Peninsula and Bleiksárfossar Waterfalls.

Day 4: Torshavn
Grass-roofed quarters and Streymoy ridge drive
Cut adrift in the Atlantic, between Scotland and Iceland, the Faroes are a self-governing archipelago in the Kingdom of Denmark. On the southern tip of Streymoy, the lively capital of Tórshavn (Thor’s Harbour) charms with its rainbow-hued clapboard warehouses, grass-roofed wooden churches, and the quaint old quarter, Tinganes. Enjoy the included "Panorama Streymoy" 1-hour 50-minute coach tour traveling onto the scenic ridge-top road. Pause for a photo stop above Tórshavn, drive past sheep pastures and Norðradalur (North Valley) looking across to Koltur island, and view the fjords of Kaldbak and Kollafjørður. You can also join your Swan Hellenic Expedition Team for a guided hike.

Day 5: Elduvik
Zodiac landings and traditional chain dancing
Elduvík is a tiny coastal village on Eysturoy in the Faroe Islands, home to just 12 residents, where guests can admire turf-roofed houses, steep green slopes, and a narrow bay framed by dramatic cliffs. Enjoy the included "A Visit to Elduvík" cultural experience, setting out on a short guided village stroll with local pop-up guides sharing myths and stories. Experience the traditional Faroese Chain Dance with local dancers dressed in national costume, and gather in the village church for a short concert. During our visit, the ship will be at anchor, with landings and scouting by Zodiacs, alongside opportunities for kayaking in these sheltered waters.

Day 6: Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Ancient brochs and the 5,000-year sequence of Jarlshof
Lerwick, the main town of the Shetland Islands, offers a mix of colourful waterfront houses and stone lanes. Depart on the included 4.5-hour "Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head Bird Cliffs" tour. Pause to admire Mousa Broch, the tallest and best-preserved broch in the world, look for seals at Rerwick, and see views toward St Ninian’s Isle. Arrive at Jarlshof to explore an extraordinary sequence of settlements spanning more than 5,000 years, from Neolithic houses and Iron Age structures to Norse longhouses. Next, visit the RSPB Reserve at Sumburgh Head, built in 1821, where sea cliffs host large seabird colonies of puffins, guillemots, and shags. Optionals include a 4-hour guided hike on Mousa Island or a 4-hour cultural tour to Hamnavoe fishing village and Shetland Jewellery workshop.

Day 7: Stromness, Orkney Islands
The Neolithic heartland and Viking cathedrals
Stromness is a picturesque harbour town of narrow flagstone streets and old stone houses facing Scapa Flow. Enjoy the included 3-hour 45-minute "Heart of Neolithic Orkney" tour across Mainland into a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop at the impressive Ring of Brodgar, a vast ceremonial stone circle dating back nearly 5,000 years. Continue to Kirkwall for a guided visit to St Magnus Cathedral, built by the Vikings during their 500-year rule over the islands. Optional excursions include a 4-hour tour to the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, Skaill House manor built in 1620, and the Standing Stones of Stenness, or a 2.5-hour historical walking tour of Stromness including the Stromness Museum and the Pier Arts Centre.

Day 8: Portree, Isle of Skye
Clan MacLeod strongholds and the Cuillin mountains
Portree is a charming harbour town set against steep hills and colourful waterfront houses. Join the included 3.5-hour "Dunvegan Castle and The Cuillins" tour driving across the lovely Isle of Skye to its west coast to visit Dunvegan Castle, seat of the Clan MacLeod chiefs since the 13th Century. Explore this Hebridean stronghold, continuously owned and occupied by the same family over 8 centuries, viewing medieval heirlooms like the Dunvegan cup, the mysterious Fairy Flag, and Rory Mor’s cascade. Enjoy views of the beautiful Cuillin Mountains during the return journey. Optional tours include a 3.5-hour Northern Scenic Drive onto the Trotternish Peninsula visiting the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock cliff, and the Skye Museum of Island Life in Kilmuir, or a 3.5-hour guided tour and whiskey tasting at Talisker Distillery on Loch Harport.

Day 9: Cruising Sound of Mull & Fort William
The Sound of Mull and the scenic majesty of Glencoe
Savor morning views while cruising the Sound of Mull, one of Britain’s most beautiful stretches of water, showcasing ancient castles, beaches, and the Rubha nan Gall Lighthouse. Arrive in Fort William, nestled on Loch Linnhe's shores and serving as the gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak. Enjoy the included 3.5-hour "Glencoe Wonders, an adventure with a Highland Ranger" tour traveling south to the scenic majesty of Glencoe, paradise for walkers and scene of the infamous 1692 massacre. Visit the Glencoe visitor centre, discover Highland living inside a reconstructed Turf House, and meet a Ranger before driving past the pyramid-shaped Buachaille Etive Mòr mountain and the "Three Sisters" peaks. Optional activities include a 4.5-hour tour to Mallaig for a wildlife cruise on the MV Western Isles across Loch Nevis.

Day 10: Portrush
The Giant's Causeway columns and Titanic history
Portrush is a lively seaside town on Northern Ireland’s Atlantic coast. Join the included 3.5-hour "Antrim Coast & Giant's Causeway" tour, embarking on a scenic drive along the stunning Antrim coast. Stop at the world-famous Giant's Causeway to experience its striking basalt columns formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity, accompanied by an audiovisual presentation at the exhibition center. Next, enjoy an indoor visit to Dunluce Castle, an iconic medieval fortress standing dramatically atop a basalt outcrop surrounded by steep cliffs, once strategic to early Christians and Vikings. Optional excursions include a 7-hour day trip to Belfast to visit City Hall and the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction with lunch included, or a 3-hour 15-minute guided tour and whiskey tasting at the world-famous Old Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland.

Day 11: Douglas, Isle of Man
Castle Rushen and 19th-century Victorian steam trains
The Isle of Man is a self-governing kingdom in the Irish Sea designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Enjoy the included 3-hour "Steam Train & Castletown" tour, passing over the legendary Fairy Bridge to Castletown, the ancient capital tracing its origins to 1090. Spend free time exploring its narrow streets or visiting Castle Rushen, a medieval stronghold built around 1200 that served as a residence for the last Norse King of Man, featuring a turret clock presented by Queen Elizabeth I in 1597. Afterward, transfer to Castletown’s station to board a train on the 125-year-old Victorian railway, enjoying countryside views in carriages pulled by original 1890s steam engines back to Douglas. Optionals include a 4.5-hour "Vikings & Volcanoes Hike" around Scarlett Head, a 4-hour Fynoderee tasting combined with a ride on the Manx Electric Railway, or a 3-hour 45-minute Manx Food Trail visiting Ballacosnahan Farm and Peel fishing port.

Day 12: Dublin
Conclusion of the cruise in the Irish capital
Arrive in Dublin, capital of Ireland, where your luxury cruise concludes. Following disembarkation, explore this city that seamlessly blends grit and beauty with its Georgian squares, parks, and canals. Take time to independently discover its rich literary heritage, home to writers like Oscar Wilde and James Joyce, with attractions including the Trinity College Library housing the 9th-century Book of Kells, the James Joyce Centre, or the vibrant pub culture of Temple Bar and the Guinness Storehouse.

Itinerary

Day 1: Reykjavik
The capital of the Viking lands
Reykjavík, despite its small size, is the capital of Iceland. At the top of the town stands the distinctive Hallgrímskirkja church, designed by renowned Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson. The revitalised harbour area features the futuristic Harpa Concert Hall and the Maritime Museum, showcasing the city's cultural heritage. A trip to Reykjavík would be incomplete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon, famous for its therapeutic geothermal waters.

Day 2: Heimaey, Westman Island
The largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world
Ten million Atlantic puffins make Heimaey, a 13-square-km island in the Westman Islands off southern Iceland, the largest puffin colony in the world from mid-April until the beginning of August. Enjoy the included "Pompeii of the North" three-hour tour highlighting the island’s natural beauty and dramatic history. From the harbour, pass bird-filled sea cliffs to Herjólfsdalur Valley to see Viking ruins dating back to 900 AD. Drive along the west coast to see Elephant Rock and views toward volcanic Surtsey Island. At Stórhöfði (Great Cape), enjoy views of the puffin colonies, pass the Helgafell and Eldfell volcanoes, and visit the Eldheimar Museum.

Day 3: Eskifjordur
Traditional wooden houses and eastern fjords
Hólmatindur Mountain overlooks the town's red and white wooden houses beautifully set between towering mountains and the calm sea. Join the included "Enjoy Eskifjörður on Foot" 2.5-hour walking tour starting at the Maritime Museum, located in a historic 18th-century Danish trading building, and continuing along the shoreline to Randulff’s Sea House, built by Norwegian herring fishermen in the early 20th century. Optional tours include a 4.5-hour half-day 4x4 adventure to Mjóifjörður to visit Klifbrekkufossar waterfall, Brekka village, and the ruins of the Asknes whaling station, or a 2.5-hour small-group visit to meet Icelandic horses with local breeders, including stops at Hólmanes Peninsula and Bleiksárfossar Waterfalls.

Day 4: Torshavn
Grass-roofed quarters and Streymoy ridge drive
Cut adrift in the Atlantic, between Scotland and Iceland, the Faroes are a self-governing archipelago in the Kingdom of Denmark. On the southern tip of Streymoy, the lively capital of Tórshavn (Thor’s Harbour) charms with its rainbow-hued clapboard warehouses, grass-roofed wooden churches, and the quaint old quarter, Tinganes. Enjoy the included "Panorama Streymoy" 1-hour 50-minute coach tour traveling onto the scenic ridge-top road. Pause for a photo stop above Tórshavn, drive past sheep pastures and Norðradalur (North Valley) looking across to Koltur island, and view the fjords of Kaldbak and Kollafjørður. You can also join your Swan Hellenic Expedition Team for a guided hike.

Day 5: Elduvik
Zodiac landings and traditional chain dancing
Elduvík is a tiny coastal village on Eysturoy in the Faroe Islands, home to just 12 residents, where guests can admire turf-roofed houses, steep green slopes, and a narrow bay framed by dramatic cliffs. Enjoy the included "A Visit to Elduvík" cultural experience, setting out on a short guided village stroll with local pop-up guides sharing myths and stories. Experience the traditional Faroese Chain Dance with local dancers dressed in national costume, and gather in the village church for a short concert. During our visit, the ship will be at anchor, with landings and scouting by Zodiacs, alongside opportunities for kayaking in these sheltered waters.

Day 6: Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Ancient brochs and the 5,000-year sequence of Jarlshof
Lerwick, the main town of the Shetland Islands, offers a mix of colourful waterfront houses and stone lanes. Depart on the included 4.5-hour "Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head Bird Cliffs" tour. Pause to admire Mousa Broch, the tallest and best-preserved broch in the world, look for seals at Rerwick, and see views toward St Ninian’s Isle. Arrive at Jarlshof to explore an extraordinary sequence of settlements spanning more than 5,000 years, from Neolithic houses and Iron Age structures to Norse longhouses. Next, visit the RSPB Reserve at Sumburgh Head, built in 1821, where sea cliffs host large seabird colonies of puffins, guillemots, and shags. Optionals include a 4-hour guided hike on Mousa Island or a 4-hour cultural tour to Hamnavoe fishing village and Shetland Jewellery workshop.

Day 7: Stromness, Orkney Islands
The Neolithic heartland and Viking cathedrals
Stromness is a picturesque harbour town of narrow flagstone streets and old stone houses facing Scapa Flow. Enjoy the included 3-hour 45-minute "Heart of Neolithic Orkney" tour across Mainland into a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop at the impressive Ring of Brodgar, a vast ceremonial stone circle dating back nearly 5,000 years. Continue to Kirkwall for a guided visit to St Magnus Cathedral, built by the Vikings during their 500-year rule over the islands. Optional excursions include a 4-hour tour to the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, Skaill House manor built in 1620, and the Standing Stones of Stenness, or a 2.5-hour historical walking tour of Stromness including the Stromness Museum and the Pier Arts Centre.

Day 8: Portree, Isle of Skye
Clan MacLeod strongholds and the Cuillin mountains
Portree is a charming harbour town set against steep hills and colourful waterfront houses. Join the included 3.5-hour "Dunvegan Castle and The Cuillins" tour driving across the lovely Isle of Skye to its west coast to visit Dunvegan Castle, seat of the Clan MacLeod chiefs since the 13th Century. Explore this Hebridean stronghold, continuously owned and occupied by the same family over 8 centuries, viewing medieval heirlooms like the Dunvegan cup, the mysterious Fairy Flag, and Rory Mor’s cascade. Enjoy views of the beautiful Cuillin Mountains during the return journey. Optional tours include a 3.5-hour Northern Scenic Drive onto the Trotternish Peninsula visiting the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock cliff, and the Skye Museum of Island Life in Kilmuir, or a 3.5-hour guided tour and whiskey tasting at Talisker Distillery on Loch Harport.

Day 9: Cruising Sound of Mull & Fort William
The Sound of Mull and the scenic majesty of Glencoe
Savor morning views while cruising the Sound of Mull, one of Britain’s most beautiful stretches of water, showcasing ancient castles, beaches, and the Rubha nan Gall Lighthouse. Arrive in Fort William, nestled on Loch Linnhe's shores and serving as the gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak. Enjoy the included 3.5-hour "Glencoe Wonders, an adventure with a Highland Ranger" tour traveling south to the scenic majesty of Glencoe, paradise for walkers and scene of the infamous 1692 massacre. Visit the Glencoe visitor centre, discover Highland living inside a reconstructed Turf House, and meet a Ranger before driving past the pyramid-shaped Buachaille Etive Mòr mountain and the "Three Sisters" peaks. Optional activities include a 4.5-hour tour to Mallaig for a wildlife cruise on the MV Western Isles across Loch Nevis.

Day 10: Portrush
The Giant's Causeway columns and Titanic history
Portrush is a lively seaside town on Northern Ireland’s Atlantic coast. Join the included 3.5-hour "Antrim Coast & Giant's Causeway" tour, embarking on a scenic drive along the stunning Antrim coast. Stop at the world-famous Giant's Causeway to experience its striking basalt columns formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity, accompanied by an audiovisual presentation at the exhibition center. Next, enjoy an indoor visit to Dunluce Castle, an iconic medieval fortress standing dramatically atop a basalt outcrop surrounded by steep cliffs, once strategic to early Christians and Vikings. Optional excursions include a 7-hour day trip to Belfast to visit City Hall and the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction with lunch included, or a 3-hour 15-minute guided tour and whiskey tasting at the world-famous Old Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland.

Day 11: Douglas, Isle of Man
Castle Rushen and 19th-century Victorian steam trains
The Isle of Man is a self-governing kingdom in the Irish Sea designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Enjoy the included 3-hour "Steam Train & Castletown" tour, passing over the legendary Fairy Bridge to Castletown, the ancient capital tracing its origins to 1090. Spend free time exploring its narrow streets or visiting Castle Rushen, a medieval stronghold built around 1200 that served as a residence for the last Norse King of Man, featuring a turret clock presented by Queen Elizabeth I in 1597. Afterward, transfer to Castletown’s station to board a train on the 125-year-old Victorian railway, enjoying countryside views in carriages pulled by original 1890s steam engines back to Douglas. Optionals include a 4.5-hour "Vikings & Volcanoes Hike" around Scarlett Head, a 4-hour Fynoderee tasting combined with a ride on the Manx Electric Railway, or a 3-hour 45-minute Manx Food Trail visiting Ballacosnahan Farm and Peel fishing port.

Day 12: Dublin
Conclusion of the cruise in the Irish capital
Arrive in Dublin, capital of Ireland, where your luxury cruise concludes. Following disembarkation, explore this city that seamlessly blends grit and beauty with its Georgian squares, parks, and canals. Take time to independently discover its rich literary heritage, home to writers like Oscar Wilde and James Joyce, with attractions including the Trinity College Library housing the 9th-century Book of Kells, the James Joyce Centre, or the vibrant pub culture of Temple Bar and the Guinness Storehouse.


© SWA
© SWA
© SWA


INCLUSIONS

Your selected stateroom
All meals onboard
Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
24-hour room service
Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers
One selected shore excursion per port of call
All expedition landings
Entry level WI-FI (upgraded packages available)
Gym, sauna, pool
24/7 self service laundry
Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep
In polar regions: branded parka, yours to keep and use of rubber boot
Memory Package
Onboard gratuities & port taxes
Charter flights to the port of embarkation/disembarkation (Longyearbyen, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk)
Group return transfers from airport to cruise port and to the hotel (where included)
One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel (exemptions apply)

EXCLUSIONS

Upgraded or premium Wi-Fi packages.
Optional paid shore excursions outside the one selected per port of call.
Personal expenses, laundry services, and unscheduled spa treatments.
International connecting airfares to Reykjavik or from Dublin.
Personal travel or emergency medical insurance.


Dates & Rates


Ship: SH Diana | Date: 17 Aug 2026 - 28 Aug 2026 (5288)
Oceanview
$8,275
Balcony
$10,475
Junior Suite
$12,275

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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