Cover Photo by Philipp Waldhauer on Unsplash
Get away from it all on a Northern Atlantic small-ship expedition, where the only things grabbing your attention will be dramatic mountains, waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. Turn on your out-of-office message, turn off your phone (well, except to take photos!) and experience Faroese culture and the wonders of Iceland and Scotland.
Here’s a look at what a Northern Atlantic small-ship cruise could look like. Of course, we can look for and tailor your voyage however you please, catering to your timeframe and personal interests and travel style.
Aberdeen, Scotland:
Get your bearings in old-world Aberdeen, strolling between historic granite buildings, sparkling in the sun due to their high mica content. There are 45 parks, gardens and flower displays here, so check out a few.
Photo by Susan Tuckey, Penguins2PolarBears
Orkney:
Sail to Orkney to visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can see the 4,000-year-old Ring of Brodgar. Visit Kirkwall and its massive, 12th-century St. Magnus Cathedral.
Photo by Mark Foster on Unsplash
Fair Isle:
Birders are in heaven in this quaint island community, a quiet colony of artists and shepherds. There are approximately 350 bird species here, including adorable puffins and great skuas.
Photo by Wynand van Poortvliet on Unsplash
Sumba, Suðuroy Island, Faroe Islands:
Go hiking in the foothills of Beinisword Mountain for panoramic views of the region, then visit the village of Sumba on Suðuroy Island to learn all about Faorese culture and chain dancing. Birding is great here, too, with European storm petrels and Atlantic puffins on display.
Photo by Sebastian Boring on Unsplash
Torshavn:
Spend some time searching for souvenirs and dining on local fare in Torshavn (“Thor’s Harbour), the Faroe Islands’ capital and a former Viking trading center. The Nordic House holds a treasured national art gallery.
Photo by Mélanie Martin on Unsplash
Western Faroe Islands: Move on to the western Faroes with their dramatic mountains and waterfalls, seemingly tailor made for hiking, birding and photography. Visit the charming villages of Eysturoy and Streymoy islands, connected by tunnels through the mountains and under the ocean floor. Don’t miss Mulafossur waterfall in Gasadalur, a small village of 20 residents reached by one of these modern tunnels.
Mykines Island: Another fun stop for birders, Mykines is the westernmost of the Faroe Islands. You can’t miss the tower columns of basalt jutting out of the ocean. The best birding is on the islet of Mykineshólmur. The entire island has been identified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.
Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) & Iceland:
Have your camera ready to capture the surreal volcanic landscapes of Vestmannaeyjar, off the south coast of iceland. Eons of geologic action, including two major eruptions in more modern times, have created 14 islands, rocks and skerries through which you can cruise by Zodiac. Look for the seabirds that nest in the steep rock faces along the cliffs.
Photo by Pedro Netto on Unsplash
Ready to go? Let’s chat and match you to the perfect northern Atlantic voyage for you. You can sign up to schedule a consultation or sign up for my weekly newsletter for more inspiration.