In the Wake of the Vikings: Orkney, Shetland & the Faroe Islands - 16 Days

From £7,086

Trip Snapshot

Age range

10 - 100

Start / End

  • Edinburgh
  • Tromsø

Physical rating

3/5

Group size

1 - 128

Meals included

44

Highlights

  • Unveiling Neolithic Secrets in the Orkney Islands: Step back 5,000 years into the past on the enchanting Orkney Islands. Explore UNESCO-listed wonders like the ancient village of Skara Brae and the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty and rich wildlife.
  • Shetland's Dramatic Shores and Viking Echoes: Immerse yourself in the rugged grandeur of the Shetland Islands, where dramatic landscapes meet a deep Viking and Scottish heritage. Discover ancient settlement sites, delve into local history, and cruise past stunning seabird colonies, keeping watch for diverse marine life.
  • The Spellbinding Faroe Islands, A Land of Green Hills and Waterfalls: Experience the otherworldly beauty of the Faroe Islands, a mystical archipelago defined by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and emerald-green valleys. Wander through charming grass-roofed villages, explore historical towns like Thorshavn, and connect with vibrant fishing traditions.
  • Norway's Fjordic Majesty and Charming Coastal Towns: Sail along Norway's spectacular southern coast, where iconic fjords carve through majestic mountainsides. Discover the vibrant cultural hubs of Bergen, Fosnavåg, and Trondheim, offering a perfect blend of scenic hikes, puffin sightings, and opportunities to embrace the serene beauty of Norwegian forests and lakes.
  • Arctic Wilderness and Viking Sagas in Northern Norway: Continue your journey into the Arctic wonders of Northern Norway. Witness vast puffin colonies on Lovund, explore the dramatic Lofoten Islands with their rich Viking history, and embark on an unforgettable evening cruise into the majestic Troll Fjord, culminating in the lively city of Tromsø.
  • An Epic Expedition Following Ancient Viking Routes: Embark on a grand 16-day marine adventure from historic Edinburgh to Arctic Tromsø, charting a course through the wild and windswept Scottish Isles, the mystical Faroe Islands, and along Norway's breathtaking coastline, where glaciers, fjords, and a profound Viking legacy await your discovery.
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What's inside the PDF

  • Day-by-day itinerary
    Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.
  • Packing & kit list
    Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.
  • What's included
    Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
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Summary

Set sail for a 16-day adventure through the wild and windswept corners of the North Atlantic — from the mystical Scottish Isles to the dramatic Faroe Islands and along the stunning coast of the Norwegian Sea. Follow the ancient paths of the Vikings, get up close to glaciers and fjords, and discover landscapes so surreal they feel otherworldly. Along the way, you’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spot wildlife on remote shores, and uncover the deep history woven into every rugged cliff and fishing village. Starting in storied Edinburgh and ending in Arctic Tromsø, this is the kind of journey that stays with you long after you’re home.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Edinburgh/Leith

    Arrive to Edinburgh and enjoy an included transfer to the ship. Embark aboard the Expedition in the afternoon and depart Leith shortly after. Please make sure you drop your checked luggage off at the meeting point between 9am - 12pm. A local representative will be in the luggage storage room. They can provide general information about the town or your embarkation process.

    All passengers will be transferred to the ship as a group for embarkation at 4pm. Please ensure that for embarkation you have your passport accessible (not in your luggage which is being transferred separately to the ship).

  • Day 2

    Orkney Islands

    Sail north to the Orkney Islands, known for their unique blend of rich history, gorgeous natural landscapes, and some of the oldest, best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe. Visit Kirkwall, the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ where a group of 5,000-year-old sites reside. Enjoy time to explore here and see places like Skara Brae and Maeshowe. Make sure to also search for a diverse array of wildlife. You will also be able to discover other important sites like, Scapa Flow and Ring of Brodgar.

  • Day 3

    Orkney Islands

    Sail north to the Orkney Islands, known for their unique blend of rich history, gorgeous natural landscapes, and some of the oldest, best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe. Visit Kirkwall, the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ where a group of 5,000-year-old sites reside. Enjoy time to explore here and see places like Skara Brae and Maeshowe. Make sure to also search for a diverse array of wildlife. You will also be able to discover other important sites like, Scapa Flow and Ring of Brodgar.

  • Day 4

    Shetland Islands

    Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes, deep Viking and Scottish heritage, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural traditions await. Over the course of the next two days the ship will visit different parts of the islands like Lerwic and Hermaness National Nature Reserve. Search for wildlife and see ancient Viking settlement sites like Jarlshof and Old Scatness, where you can walk among the ruins and imagine how communities lived during the Viking Age. Enjoy time on your own and choose to visit the Shetland Museum which has an incredible display of the human history of these islands. On the ship cruise in Hermaness look to spot gannets and basking sharks.

  • Day 5

    Shetland Islands

    Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes, deep Viking and Scottish heritage, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural traditions await. Over the course of the next two days the ship will visit different parts of the islands like Lerwic and Hermaness National Nature Reserve. Search for wildlife and see ancient Viking settlement sites like Jarlshof and Old Scatness, where you can walk among the ruins and imagine how communities lived during the Viking Age. Enjoy time on your own and choose to visit the Shetland Museum which has an incredible display of the human history of these islands. On the ship cruise in Hermaness look to spot gannets and basking sharks.

  • Day 6

    Faroe Islands

    Travel farther north to the mystical atmosphere of the Faroe Islands where steep cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush green hills await. Encounter traditional Faroese homes with grass roofs and close-knit communities with a strong emphasis on fishing and art. Over the next few days, spend time getting to know this stunning destination. Visit Suðuroy, the southernmost island with its own rich history and legends. Head ashore near the community of Vágur. Pass through other small communities and enjoy the landscape. Visit Thorshavn, the largest town on the islands, where you will be able to explore important historical sites on your own like Magnus Cathedral. And finally travel to Streymnes on the island of Streymoy and go by vehicle to Saksun, a small community to the Northwest where you will visit a heritage farm and admire the beautiful scenery. Spend a full day at sea when travelling between the Faroe Islands and Norway.

  • Day 7

    Faroe Islands

    Travel farther north to the mystical atmosphere of the Faroe Islands where steep cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush green hills await. Encounter traditional Faroese homes with grass roofs and close-knit communities with a strong emphasis on fishing and art. Over the next few days, spend time getting to know this stunning destination. Visit Suðuroy, the southernmost island with its own rich history and legends. Head ashore near the community of Vágur. Pass through other small communities and enjoy the landscape. Visit Thorshavn, the largest town on the islands, where you will be able to explore important historical sites on your own like Magnus Cathedral. And finally travel to Streymnes on the island of Streymoy and go by vehicle to Saksun, a small community to the Northwest where you will visit a heritage farm and admire the beautiful scenery. Spend a full day at sea when travelling between the Faroe Islands and Norway.

  • Day 8

    Faroe Islands

    Travel farther north to the mystical atmosphere of the Faroe Islands where steep cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush green hills await. Encounter traditional Faroese homes with grass roofs and close-knit communities with a strong emphasis on fishing and art. Over the next few days, spend time getting to know this stunning destination. Visit Suðuroy, the southernmost island with its own rich history and legends. Head ashore near the community of Vágur. Pass through other small communities and enjoy the landscape. Visit Thorshavn, the largest town on the islands, where you will be able to explore important historical sites on your own like Magnus Cathedral. And finally travel to Streymnes on the island of Streymoy and go by vehicle to Saksun, a small community to the Northwest where you will visit a heritage farm and admire the beautiful scenery. Spend a full day at sea when travelling between the Faroe Islands and Norway.

  • Day 9

    Faroe Islands

    Travel farther north to the mystical atmosphere of the Faroe Islands where steep cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush green hills await. Encounter traditional Faroese homes with grass roofs and close-knit communities with a strong emphasis on fishing and art. Over the next few days, spend time getting to know this stunning destination. Visit Suðuroy, the southernmost island with its own rich history and legends. Head ashore near the community of Vágur. Pass through other small communities and enjoy the landscape. Visit Thorshavn, the largest town on the islands, where you will be able to explore important historical sites on your own like Magnus Cathedral. And finally travel to Streymnes on the island of Streymoy and go by vehicle to Saksun, a small community to the Northwest where you will visit a heritage farm and admire the beautiful scenery. Spend a full day at sea when travelling between the Faroe Islands and Norway.

  • Day 10

    Southern Coast of Norway

    Spend a few days cruising along the southern coast of Norway between Bergen and Trondheim. The Norwegian coast is renowned for its stunning fjords and charming fishing villages. Enjoy time off the ship in Bergen, Fosnavåg, and Trondheim. Choose to hike, see puffins, or ride a cable car. There are plenty of opportunities to make your time here as active or relaxing as you choose. From museums to trails through Norwegian forests to small mountain lakes, these next few days will be full of adventure.

  • Day 11

    Southern Coast of Norway

    Spend a few days cruising along the southern coast of Norway between the Faroe Islands and Trondheim. The Norwegian coast is renowned for its stunning fjords and charming fishing villages. Enjoy time off the ship in Fosnavåg, and Trondheim. Choose to hike, see puffins, or ride a cable car. There are plenty of opportunities to make your time here as active or relaxing as you choose. From museums to trails through Norwegian forests to small mountain lakes, these next few days will be full of adventure.

  • Day 12

    Southern Coast of Norway

    Spend a few days cruising along the southern coast of Norway between the Faroe Islands and Trondheim. The Norwegian coast is renowned for its stunning fjords and charming fishing villages. Enjoy time off the ship in Fosnavåg, and Trondheim. Choose to hike, see puffins, or ride a cable car. There are plenty of opportunities to make your time here as active or relaxing as you choose. From museums to trails through Norwegian forests to small mountain lakes, these next few days will be full of adventure.

  • Day 13

    Northern Coast of Norway

    Continue north along the coast of Norway. Visit the island of Lovund and walk through a small Norwegian village out to their puffin colony. Learn more about the salmon industry here. Then, visit the Lofoten Islands that stretch dramatically out into the Norwegian Sea. See the Viking Museum here and learn about the area’s history and importance to the Viking Age. Enjoy an after-dinner ship cruise into Troll Fjord. Take advantage of a day to enjoy Tromsø, where you can hike, hop on a bus tour, or tour museums if you choose.

  • Day 14

    Northern Coast of Norway

    Continue north along the coast of Norway. Visit the island of Lovund and walk through a small Norwegian village out to their puffin colony. Learn more about the salmon industry here. Then, visit the Lofoten Islands that stretch dramatically out into the Norwegian Sea. See the Viking Museum here and learn about the area’s history and importance to the Viking Age. Enjoy an after-dinner ship cruise into Troll Fjord. Take advantage of a day to enjoy Tromsø, where you can hike, hop on a bus tour, or tour museums if you choose.

  • Day 15

    Northern Coast of Norway

    Continue north along the coast of Norway. Visit the island of Lovund and walk through a small Norwegian village out to their puffin colony. Learn more about the salmon industry here. Then, visit the Lofoten Islands that stretch dramatically out into the Norwegian Sea. See the Viking Museum here and learn about the area’s history and importance to the Viking Age. Enjoy an after-dinner ship cruise into Troll Fjord. Take advantage of a day to enjoy Tromsø, where you can hike, hop on a bus tour, or tour museums if you choose.

  • Day 16

    Tromsø

    Shortly after breakfast, disembark at the Port of Tromsø. From here, you will need to transfer to the airport for your departing flight.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Aboard the Expedition in triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 15 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 15, Lunches: 14, Dinners: 15

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Airport Transfers

    Arrival Only

    An airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • May 2027

    from £7,086

May 2027

1 departure

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  • Sunday 23 May 2027to Monday 7 Jun 2027
    6+ spaces of 128 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £7,086
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    Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
    Private Room from +£9,959
private departures available

Make this tour private

Every departure on this trip can be booked just for your own group — your dates, your people, the same expert local guides.

What changes when you go private

  • Travel with just your own group
    No other travellers on the trip — just the people you choose to bring
  • Travel on your schedule
    Pick your exact start date—no fixed group departures or rigid timetables.
  • Exclusively for your party
    Enjoy this handcrafted itinerary with a dedicated private guide just for you.
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Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • What kind of experience is "In the Wake of the Vikings" tour?

    This 16-day adventure sails through the North Atlantic, exploring the Scottish Isles, Faroe Islands, and the Norwegian Sea. You'll follow ancient Viking paths, see glaciers and fjords, discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spot wildlife, and uncover deep history in rugged cliffs and fishing villages.
  • What is the minimum and maximum age for participants on this tour?

    The tour is open to participants aged 10 to 100 years.
  • What is the group size for this expedition?

    The group size can range from 1 to 128 travellers.
  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    Accommodation is aboard the Expedition ship in triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites. All cabins and suites have en suite bathrooms and either a porthole or window. Cabins feature twin-size berths, while suites have one queen-size bed.
  • What meals are included during the tour?

    The tour includes 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches, and 15 dinners.
  • What is the physical rating for this trip?

    This trip has a physical rating of 3. It involves extended walks and light hiking on varied terrain, and requires guests to safely navigate ice, snow, uneven ground, and perform wet beach Zodiac landings (lifting leg over side, pushing up, standing during landing with no seating). The ship also has no elevator, requiring stair use.
  • What transportation methods are used during the tour?

    Transportation includes the Expedition ship, Zodiacs for landings, private vehicles for some excursions, and walking.
  • What is included in the tour price?

    The tour includes 15 nights aboard the Expedition, an arrival transfer, Zodiac excursions with an expert expedition team, lectures and educational programs, insulated waterproof boots (USA sizes 4-16), and an Expedition parka.
  • Are there any optional activities available on this trip?

    No optional activities are listed for this trip; all activities are included as part of the itinerary.
  • How does solo travel work for this tour?

    Solo travelers will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex at no extra cost. A "My Own Room" option is available for those who prefer a single room for all night stops, at an additional charge.
  • What is the staff-to-guest ratio on the expedition?

    There is one expedition team member for every 10 guests.
  • What are the tipping guidelines for the crew?

    The suggested tipping amount for the crew is USD $10-15 per person per day spent on board. Tips can be settled by major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, AMEX) through the ship's Purser.
  • What currency and payment methods are accepted on board the Expedition?

    The Expedition is a cashless ship. Major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, and AMEX) are accepted to clear incidental bills like bar tabs and laundry at the end of the cruise.
  • What should I know about currency and credit cards when ashore?

    Before and after the cruise, credit and debit cards are useful for cash advances, with Visa being widely accepted. However, it's recommended to carry a combination of US dollars cash and cards, as card functionality can vary overseas. A 5-10% fee may apply to credit card purchases.
  • Is laundry service available on board?

    Yes, laundry service is available to be serviced by the shipboard team at an additional charge.
  • What environmental initiatives are in place on the Expedition?

    The Expedition actively works to reduce single-use plastics, offering exceptional drinking water with refilling stations and providing a complimentary reusable water bottle. Guests are asked to bring plastics back to their home countries for recycling.
  • What are the main highlights of the destinations visited?

    Key highlights include experiencing the Scottish Isles, exploring fishing villages in the Faroe Islands, cruising Norway’s iconic fjords and dramatic waterways, discovering Lerwick’s Scottish and Scandinavian heritage, and witnessing breathtaking scenery along Norway’s rugged coastline.
  • Is travel insurance mandatory for this trip?

    Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD $200,000. Coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage is also strongly recommended.
  • Should I carry emergency funds?

    Yes, it is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances that might alter the planned route.
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