Scotland's crowning jewel

Discover the many charms of the much-loved city of Edinburgh  

Begin your voyage in beautiful Edinburgh, the UK’s second most visited city after London. With streets steeped in history and a thriving cultural scene, the Scottish capital offers the perfect balance between the traditional and contemporary. Take some time to explore this historic capital city before joining MS Maud to begin your adventure northwards. 

Once you've picked up your expedition jacket and settled into your cabin, you'll have a chance to meet your Expedition Team, who'll be your friendly hosts and knowledgeable guides. Then enjoy your first delicious dinner aboard the ship – your adventure has begun.

Highlights of Orkney

Discover the islands’ rich heritage, wildlife and whisky 

The Orkney Islands' largest town, Kirkwall, is a vibrant place influenced by every era from the Vikings to World War II. 

In the Norse town centre, visit the regal St Magnus Cathedral and the adjacent Earl’s Palace to see the stone ruins of this once-grand Renaissance building. Whisky aficionados will enjoy Kirkwall's Highland Park and Scapa distilleries’ sublime single malts. 

Delve into the past at the Neolithic settlement of Scara Brae and the mysterious Standing Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar – all part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. 

Sea birds such as puffins, gannets, guillemots, kittiwakes and eagles thrive around the Orkneys. Look out for dolphins, whales and orcas, too.

Far-flung Fair Isle

A scenic stop for bird lovers 

Your cruise continues to the Shetland Islands as we venture to remote Fair Isle, known for its birds and knitwear. 

A magnet for birders and wildlife photographers, the island is home to 27 bird species. It's a vital stop for migrating seabirds, drawn to the red sandstone cliffs, green fields and moors. 

We’ll attempt to land so you can join a clifftop hike to a spectacularly sited lighthouse with the Expedition Team. Gain fascinating insights into the life and history of the 65-strong island community at the local museum. You can support Fair Islanders by buying genuine Fair Isle knitwear direct from local makers. 

If landing isn’t possible, the scenic cruising is just as spectacular.

The capital of the Shetland Islands

Experience life in the capital of Scotland's most northerly inhabited isles 

We'll dock alongside Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, to explore this friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town. 

Navigate the narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops selling local whiskies, woollen sweaters and fudge. By the old waterfront, you’ll find the Shetland Museum, exploring the area's rich history. Nearby, see Fort Charlotte and the regal Town Hall. 

The wider island is home to remarkable Iron Age villages and the Croft House Museum, where you'll learn about the hard life of the local crofters. 

Keep your binoculars handy as you may spot grey and common seals along Lerwick's beaches, and local birdlife such as Red-throated Divers, redshanks and curlews.

The wild side of the Shetland Islands

Discover sea birds and Vikings in the Northern Shetlands 

The northern Shetland Islands represent the geographical extremity of the British Isles. In these remote areas, we’ll explore according to the conditions and where we find the best opportunities. 

We may visit charming Haroldswick on Unst, where the Vikings reputedly first made footfall in the British Isles. Home to a reconstruction of a Viking longhouse and ship, there’s also a burial mound thought to be the grave of King Harald Fairhair, the village’s namesake.  

We may also take to our small expedition boats, exploring hidden coves below towering cliffs. At the UK’s most northerly point, the cliffs of Hermaness National Nature Reserve shelter thousands of breeding seabirds including fulmars, puffins, shags and gannets, so be sure to bring your binoculars.

10th-century Tórshavn

A visit to Streymoy in the Faroe Islands 

On Streymoy, the largest of the Faroe Islands, is Tórshavn. Founded by Norsemen in the 10th century, Tórshavn – ‘Thor’s Harbour’ – is one of Northern Europe’s oldest capitals. 

Wander along winding cobbled alleyways and past colourful, turf-roofed houses. In the local museums, you’ll learn about the city’s origins and the flora, fauna and geology of the Faroe Islands. 

Just over a mile north of the town, the Svartifoss waterfall tumbles over mossy rocks. And as you walk along the seafront, look out for the Eider Drake, and the distinctive Faroese Starling, with its beige-tipped wings.

Remote Runavik

Explore wild and rugged Eysturoy island 

From Tórshavn, we’ll cruise across to the island of Eysturoy and tiny Runavík on the eastern side of the Skálafjørður fjord. This flourishing town has been a haven for ships for many centuries. The Vikings used to dock here too. 

Join the Expedition Team on a kayaking tour of Skálafjørður – at nine miles long, it’s the longest fjord in the Faroe Islands – or stretch your legs on one of the many hiking routes. You could follow the relatively easy path through the heather-rich moorland around Lake Toftavatn, known for its birdlife. Or why not hike up the nearby hill for astounding views of the surrounding green peaks.

A relaxing day at sea

Enjoy a relaxing day as we cruise towards Iceland 

As we sail to Heimaey, you'll have time to sit back and swap stories of your adventures so far. Keep your eyes peeled while on deck for some wonderful marine life and seabirds – you can even relax in the hot tub up there at the same time. 

Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center as they set the scene for the next leg of your journey in Iceland. Learn about the island's stunning landscapes, culture and beliefs – such as the Icelandic huldufólk – the ‘hidden people’.

Heimaey's explosive past

Whales, puffins, and a dramatic volcanic eruption 

The penultimate island on our isle-hopping expedition cruise is Heimaey, off the south coast of Iceland. It's the only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago.  

Heimaey has a fascinating history involving runaway slaves, murder, revenge, magic, and Barbary pirates, and it still bears the scars of a powerful volcanic eruption in 1973 that nearly destroyed the island.  

Visit the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary, and also hike to see puffins at Stórhöfði, where around eight million nest every summer. Be sure to check out the volcano, Eldfell – or ‘Fire Mountain’. It's well worth the effort to climb to its summit, offering incredible views of the town below.

Rekyjavik and beyond

Enjoy Reykjavik at your leisure 

As your island-hopping expedition cruise reaches its conclusion, you still have one last destination to explore – Iceland's art, culture and history-packed capital, Reykjavik. 

Stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and galleries, head to the striking Hallgrimskirkja cathedral or the fascinating Reykjavik Art Museum. There’s so much to see and do in this friendly, compact city. 

You can also join our Post-Programme to explore Iceland's beautiful south coast, with waterfalls, black sand beaches, geothermal springs and majestic mountains.