North Atlantic Expedition – Iceland, Faroes and Scotland

Embark in Reykjavík

Your expedition begins in Reykjavik, a city that rewards a longer look. Stroll Laugavegur for independent shops and coffee, take in the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, or lose an afternoon in the city's galleries and museums.

If you can, we highly recommend booking our pre-voyage programme, to explore the Blue Lagoon,

Þingvellir National Park, and Langjökull glacier.

From here, it’s time to board MS Fridtjof Nansen and get ready for departure.

Discover the town that defied a volcano

Our first stop is Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, off Iceland's south coast. In 1973 an eruption nearly buried the town, and the island still carries the evidence.

Visit Eldheimar, a museum built around an excavated house frozen mid-disaster, then hike to Stórhöfði, where around eight million puffins nest each summer, or climb Mount Eldfell for views of the town from the volcano that almost destroyed it.

Visit Iceland in miniature

Snæfellsnes is a peninsula of dramatic coastlines, volcanic peaks, lava fields, black sand beaches and traditional fishing villages, all set beneath the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano. It inspired Jules Verne's book, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, and it's often called Iceland in miniature because almost every landscape the country is known for can be found here in one compact stretch of coast.

From our port in Grundarfjörður, overlooked by the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, you can join excursions around the peninsula or explore the surroundings on foot.

Explore one of Iceland’s wildest islands

A serene sail through the Westfjords brings us to Vigur, a tiny island isolated beneath vast skies and surrounded by seabirds. Life here follows a slower rhythm, shaped by the sea, the seasons and generations of tradition.

Wander between historic buildings, watch puffins and eider ducks at close range, and learn how the island's small community still practises the centuries-old craft of eiderdown collection. Keep watch on the water too: whales are often spotted in the surrounding fjords.

Iceland's best whale watching spot

Today you'll discover Húsavík, a charming fishing town and one of the best places in the world to see whales. It looks out over Skjálfandi Bay, where humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, and even the elusive blue whale are regularly spotted.

On shore, the Whale Museum brings you closer to these giants, while the Exploration Museum tells a more unexpected story: in the 1960s, NASA sent 32 Apollo astronauts to train in the lunar-like lava fields nearby, preparing them to collect rock samples on the Moon. For something more relaxing, soak in the geothermal waters at GeoSea overlooking the bay, or end the day with a beer at the local microbrewery.

Exploring the fjord-cut coastline

Iceland's east coast is cut by deep fjords, lined with tumbling waterfalls and bird-filled cliffs. Quiet villages dot the shoreline, including Bakkagerði, known as Iceland's puffin capital, where nearby platforms at Hafnarhólmi let you watch Atlantic puffins nesting in their thousands.

Beyond the birds, this is a landscape steeped in folklore and drama. We might visit Álfaborg, the legendary 'elf rock' said to house the queen of the 'hidden people' – huldufólk – and look up at the jagged Dyrfjöll peaks and colourful rhyolite mountains framing the fjord. Thanks to our Zodiacs, we can reach stretches of this coastline that are otherwise inaccessible, exploring Iceland in true expedition style.

Relax at sea

As the Faroe Islands draw closer on the horizon, this is your day to enjoy the ship. Scan for wildlife from the deck, settle into the Explorer Lounge & Bar, or relax in the panoramic sauna or hot tub.

Visit the Science Center for insights into the destinations ahead, join a lecture from the Expedition Team, or pick up pointers on wildlife and landscape photography from our onboard expert.

The Faroese way of life

Hidden in a narrow fjord on the island of Eysturoy, Oyndarfjørður is a small village far from the Faroe Islands' well-trodden paths. A handful of families live here among turf-topped hills and weathered boathouses, and visitors are welcomed into the quiet rhythms of everyday Faroese life.

Walk alongside the streams that cut through the settlement, meet locals whose families have been here for generations, and learn how traditions have been shaped by centuries of isolation, fishing and life at sea. It's one of the most genuine encounters with the Faroes you can have.

A visit to Streymoy in the Faroe Islands

Founded by Norsemen in the 10th century, Tórshavn, Thor's Harbour, is one of Northern Europe's oldest capitals, set on Streymoy, the largest of the Faroe Islands.

Wander through cobbled alleyways lined with colourful turf-roofed houses, or visit the local museums to learn about the city's origins and the islands' flora, fauna, and geology. A short walk out of town brings you to Svartafoss, where a waterfall tumbles over mossy rocks. Along the seafront, look out for eider ducks and the distinctive Faroese starling with its beige-tipped wings.

Discover Norse heritage in Kirkwall

Today we visit Kirkwall, the vibrant, Viking-influenced capital of the Orkney Islands, easily explored on foot.

Start with the majestic St Magnus Cathedral, built from the region's distinctive red sandstone, and admire the stone ruins of the adjacent Earl's Palace, a once-grand Renaissance building. The Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae is also just a short bus ride away.

Whisky lovers will appreciate the excellent single malts from Highland Park and Scapa distilleries. If gin is more your thing, the Orkney Distillery produces small-batch spirits with local botanicals.

Atmospheric Edinburgh

As we sail south along Scotland's east coast, the morning is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Swap stories with fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge, relax in a hot tub on deck while scanning for seabirds and marine life, or join the Expedition Team for insights into the places we've visited so far.

We'll arrive and spend the night in Edinburgh, Scotland's storied capital. Dominated by its iconic castle, perched atop an ancient volcanic rock, Edinburgh is a city of contrasts: elegant Georgian crescents alongside the narrow closes of the medieval Old Town. From the bustling Royal Mile to the sweeping views from Arthur's Seat, there's no shortage of ways to explore centuries of Scottish history and tradition.

Exploring Ediburgh and relaxing at sea

You'll have time in the morning to explore Edinburgh at your leisure before we set sail south once again. As we continue along Britain's east coast, why not head to the wellness space, watch the scenery unfold from the infinity pool, or cosy up in a quiet nook with a book.

Cherish your last day

Our final day at sea takes us south along Britain's east coast and round into the English Channel to reach Portsmouth.

It's an opportunity to savour the last hours of expedition life: watch the coastline drift by from the observation deck, revisit favourite spots on board, or gather with fellow travellers to share highlights from the voyage. The Expedition Team will be on hand with a final recap of the wildlife, landscapes, and communities we've encountered along the way.

Disembark in the historic naval port

Your voyage comes to an end in Portsmouth. For centuries, this historic harbour has been one of Britain's most important naval ports, making it a fitting place to conclude our journey from the windswept landscapes of Iceland across the open North Atlantic.

Before heading home, take some time to explore Portsmouth's historic waterfront and maritime heritage. The port also offers excellent onward connections: direct trains to London, easy access to major airports within 90 minutes, and Southampton Airport just 30 minutes away. We hope the memories from this expedition stay with you, and to welcome you aboard again soon.