Scotland and Faroes: Isles and Wonders

A 13-day expedition discovering the dramatic beauty and deep history of the North Atlantic. Explore the remote isles of Scotland and the towering cliffs of the Faroe Islands.


North Atlantic Isles
@ ACA

Duration: 13 days
Starts: Aberdeen, Scotland
Ends: Oban/Glasgow, Scotland
Language: English speaking voyage

This is a small-ship expedition aboard the Ocean Nova. The itinerary is an example only and is subject to changes due to weather, ice, government regulations, and community requests. The disembarkation includes a coach transfer from Oban to Glasgow.


Included


Set off on an extraordinary 13-day small-ship expedition, charting a course through the rugged beauty and rich history of the North Atlantic, from Scotland's sparkling granite city of Aberdeen to the towering cliffs of the Faroe Islands. This voyage is a deep dive into the remote island cultures, taking you to idyllic havens like Fair Isle and Foula, where traditional life and stunning birdlife thrive. You will immerse yourself in Faroese culture in Vágur, experiencing chain dancing and admiring the majestic Beinisvørð mountain.

The journey weaves through a fascinating blend of natural and ancient history. You'll visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wander through the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae. In the Outer Hebrides, you'll discover Gaelic strongholds and ancient Stone Age sites like the Calanais Standing Stones. The flexibility of the small ship and Zodiacs allows you to explore uninhabited islands and remote shorelines, searching out the rich marine and bird life, ensuring a truly profound adventure.

Highlights:
Explore the Heart of Neolithic Orkney (UNESCO site), including the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae.
Witness the towering cliffs of the Faroe Islands and immerse yourself in Faroese chain dancing.
Visit remote Scottish isles (Fair Isle, Foula, St. Kilda) known for vast seabird colonies.
Discover ancient Scottish sites like the Calanais Standing Stones and Dun Carloway Broch.
Cruise the Isle of Staffa and Iona, visiting Fingal's Cave and the historic Iona Abbey.

Itinerary

@ ACA
@ ACA
@ ACA

Day 1: Aberdeen, Scotland
Begin Your Adventure
The city retains its old-world charm and is a wonderful place for a walkabout. Aberdeen is famed for its forty-five parks, gardens, and floral displays.

Day 2: Fair Isle
Birdwatching and Serene Island Culture
Journey to charming Fair Isle, now an idyllic island colony of artists and shepherds. Keep your binoculars handy to spot some of the 350 bird species that the island boasts, including puffins and great skuas.

Day 3: Foula
Experience Charming Island Life
Call in at sweet and petite Foula, home to just a few dozen folks, many of whom preserve traditional methods of agriculture and subsistence. Keep an eye out for the Arctic terns, red-throated divers, and great skuas.

Day 4: Vágur, Suðuroy Island, Faroe Islands
Immerse Yourself in Faroese Culture
Visit Vágur, where the warm hospitality of its residents awaits you. Relish in the opportunity to witness Faroese chain dancing and share in stories of Vágur‘s captivating past.

Day 5: Western Faroe Islands
Hike the Remote and Wild
Take in the drama of Vágar, one of the remote Western Islands, where soaring cliffs kiss the sea and emerald valleys cradle charming villages. This is a place of quiet wonder, where nature’s raw beauty makes you humble.

Day 6: Orkney, Scotland
Visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site
Wander through the 4,000-year-old standing stone circle, the Ring of Brodgar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step back 5,000 years to the Neolithic village of Skara Brae and tour the Hall of Clestrain, childhood home of Arctic explorer John Rae.

Day 7: Stornoway, Lewis
Witness Modern and Ancient Scottish Culture
Visit Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, a Gaelic stronghold. Meander through the Calanais Standing Stones and experience the living history at Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, learning about the weaving of Harris Tweed.

Day 8: Outer Hebrides
Explore Uninhabited Isles
Reach out-of-the-way, uninhabited islands that are only accessible by Zodiac during an expedition landing. Take note of archaeological remains that reveal the oldest evidence of human habitation in Scotland.

Day 9: St. Kilda
Journey to St. Kilda UNESCO World Heritage Site
The St. Kilda archipelago was inhabited until 1930, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seabirds thrive on the island of Hirta, which is also home to feral sheep.

Day 10: Isle of Skye
Enjoy Photography, Birdwatching, and Hiking
Cruise the southwestern shore of this large island, keeping a keen eye out for species like common sandpiper and gannets. Choose the level of activity that suits you best for a walk, hike, or trek among the awe-inspiring Cuillin Hills.

Day 11: Iona and Staffa
Make a Pilgrimage to Iona Abbey and Fingal's Cave
Visit Iona, where St. Columba established his monastery. Take a Zodiac cruise at the Isle of Staffa, famed for basaltic formations and numerous caves, the best-known being Fingal’s Cave.

Day 12: Islay
Tour the Loch Finlaggan Historic Site
Explore the renowned Loch Finlaggan Historic Site, the ancient seat of the Lord of the Isles and Clan Donald. Delve into its captivating past and marvel at the artefacts on display in the site's museum.

Day 13: Oban/Glasgow, Scotland
Wave a Fond Farewell
Nestled on the west coast, Oban is a striking seaside town. Here, you’ll disembark and depart via coach to Glasgow.

Itinerary

Day 1: Aberdeen, Scotland
Begin Your Adventure
The city retains its old-world charm and is a wonderful place for a walkabout. Aberdeen is famed for its forty-five parks, gardens, and floral displays.

Day 2: Fair Isle
Birdwatching and Serene Island Culture
Journey to charming Fair Isle, now an idyllic island colony of artists and shepherds. Keep your binoculars handy to spot some of the 350 bird species that the island boasts, including puffins and great skuas.

Day 3: Foula
Experience Charming Island Life
Call in at sweet and petite Foula, home to just a few dozen folks, many of whom preserve traditional methods of agriculture and subsistence. Keep an eye out for the Arctic terns, red-throated divers, and great skuas.

Day 4: Vágur, Suðuroy Island, Faroe Islands
Immerse Yourself in Faroese Culture
Visit Vágur, where the warm hospitality of its residents awaits you. Relish in the opportunity to witness Faroese chain dancing and share in stories of Vágur‘s captivating past.

Day 5: Western Faroe Islands
Hike the Remote and Wild
Take in the drama of Vágar, one of the remote Western Islands, where soaring cliffs kiss the sea and emerald valleys cradle charming villages. This is a place of quiet wonder, where nature’s raw beauty makes you humble.

Day 6: Orkney, Scotland
Visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site
Wander through the 4,000-year-old standing stone circle, the Ring of Brodgar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step back 5,000 years to the Neolithic village of Skara Brae and tour the Hall of Clestrain, childhood home of Arctic explorer John Rae.

Day 7: Stornoway, Lewis
Witness Modern and Ancient Scottish Culture
Visit Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, a Gaelic stronghold. Meander through the Calanais Standing Stones and experience the living history at Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, learning about the weaving of Harris Tweed.

Day 8: Outer Hebrides
Explore Uninhabited Isles
Reach out-of-the-way, uninhabited islands that are only accessible by Zodiac during an expedition landing. Take note of archaeological remains that reveal the oldest evidence of human habitation in Scotland.

Day 9: St. Kilda
Journey to St. Kilda UNESCO World Heritage Site
The St. Kilda archipelago was inhabited until 1930, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seabirds thrive on the island of Hirta, which is also home to feral sheep.

Day 10: Isle of Skye
Enjoy Photography, Birdwatching, and Hiking
Cruise the southwestern shore of this large island, keeping a keen eye out for species like common sandpiper and gannets. Choose the level of activity that suits you best for a walk, hike, or trek among the awe-inspiring Cuillin Hills.

Day 11: Iona and Staffa
Make a Pilgrimage to Iona Abbey and Fingal's Cave
Visit Iona, where St. Columba established his monastery. Take a Zodiac cruise at the Isle of Staffa, famed for basaltic formations and numerous caves, the best-known being Fingal’s Cave.

Day 12: Islay
Tour the Loch Finlaggan Historic Site
Explore the renowned Loch Finlaggan Historic Site, the ancient seat of the Lord of the Isles and Clan Donald. Delve into its captivating past and marvel at the artefacts on display in the site's museum.

Day 13: Oban/Glasgow, Scotland
Wave a Fond Farewell
Nestled on the west coast, Oban is a striking seaside town. Here, you’ll disembark and depart via coach to Glasgow.


@ ACA
@ ACA
@ ACA


INCLUSIONS

Passage aboard the Ocean Nova
Applicable taxes and credit card fees
Complimentary expedition jacket
Special access permits, entry, and park fees
Expert expedition team
Guided activities
Sightseeing and community visits
All Zodiac excursions
Port fees
Pre-departure materials
Educational program
Interactive workshops
Evening entertainment
All shipboard meals
Internet access

EXCLUSIONS

Commercial and charter flights
Program enhancements/optional excursions
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
Possible fuel surcharges and administrative fees
Pre- and post-trip hotel accommodation


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ocean Nova | Date: 04 Jun 2026 - 16 Jun 2026 (3778)
C1 - Triple Cabin
$11,595
$8,117
C2 -Classic Twin
$13,595
$9,517
C3 - Explorer Twin
$14,795
$10,357
C4 - Explorer Double
$15,595
$10,917
C5 - Comfort Twin
$16,595
$11,617
C6 - Classic Single
$22,295
$15,607

* 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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