From Glasgow (United Kingdom) to Fort William, Portree, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Thornshavn (Faroe Islands) to Reykjavik (Iceland)
From Glasgow (United Kingdom) to Fort William, Portree, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Thornshavn (Faroe Islands) to Reykjavik (Iceland)
A phenomenon in nature occures when brilliant golden sunshine dances across misty, green glens to create a supremely rare effect of celestial light. The luxury of this luminosity is the inspiration for our journey from Scotland to Iceland with wild wonders in-between.
A phenomenon in nature occures when brilliant golden sunshine dances across misty, green glens to create a supremely rare effect of celestial light. The luxury of this luminosity is the inspiration for our journey from Scotland to Iceland with wild wonders in-between.
In our "dear green place", Glasgow, we seek the interlude of the modern and ancient sites from Loch Leven, where its castle once imprisoned Mary, Queen of Scots, to the "armadillo" performance arts centre designed by famed architect Lord Foster. We shop at charming Buchanan Street, comparable to London's West End, and tee off at two legendary golf courses in Ayshire: the Royal and the Turnberry. We follow a crinkled shoreline around a maze of islands to find Fort William. Considered the "outdoor capital of the UK", Fort William is the gateaway to the Ben Nevis Mountains and Scotland's prettiest glens including Glencoe and Glenfinnan, made even more Famous in the movies Skyfall and Harry Potter respectively.
The light in Skye is exceedingly remarkable and helps spotlight some of the most geologically diverse landmasses in the world. But perhaps the brightest star shines most kindly on its favourite resident, the Talisker whisky distillery. Rare and remarkable, the Orkney Islands exemplify the serenity of remoteness.
Once considered the "edge of the worls" the Shetland Islands mark the northernmost point in the United Kingdom, with a ruggedly beautiful landscape with the warmest people. Chasing the midnight sun, we call on the Faroe Islands, a fairytale of unfathomable allure that seems to come straigth out of a Jules Verne novel. Waterfalls plunge straight into the ocean, lakes sit atop sheer cliffs, green fjords dotted with jagged islands and a land where sheep outnumber people. Is there any wonder why the summer sun refuses to leave these islands?
Our journey's final salutation to the sun in Iceland begins enlightening experiences on the land.
| Day | Port | Arrival | Departure |
| 1st |
Glasgow (Greenock), United Kingdom |
- | 18:00 |
| 2nd |
Fort William, United Kingdom |
08:00 | 18:00 |
| 3rd |
Portree, United Kingdom |
07:00 | 17:00 |
|
4th |
Kirkwall, United Kingdom |
07:00 | 17:00 |
|
5th |
Lerwick (Shetland Islands), United Kingdom | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| 6th |
Thornshavn, Faroe Islands |
09:30 | 18:00 |
| 7th |
Sailing at Sea |
- | - |
| 8th |
Reykjavik, Iceland |
08:00 | - |
Day 1 | Saturday, 02/09/2023
Departure 18:00
Glasgow (Greenock), United Kingdom
Arrive in style to the haunting hum of a piper. Busting with colourful character and a cutting-edge arts scene, this vibrant city merges history and heritage with architecture and design, Visit Medieval spires, Victorian gems, Art Nouveau icons at art galleries and the museum at Kelvingrove. Set forth out of town to experience mythical landscapes; romantic yet rugged countryside where glacial lochs rest, small islands skirt and wildlife runs free. Known for courage, Glaswegians welcome with wee tales of clans kilts and crests.
Day 2 | Sunday, 03/09/2023
Arrival 08:00 Departure 18:00
Fort William, United Kingdom
Ben Nevis awaits you, whilst Fort William sits safely within the shadows. Boldly hike up the 2,000-foot heigths or rise up aboard the Nevis gondola for eye-watering panoramic views; miles of rolling hills dressed with dramatic mountain peaks that sink into the darkest depths of Loch Leven. Discover the town's life and history throuth the Commando Monument, fresh seafood, distilleries, cosy pubs and more ducks that you can imagine. And as you face the powerful vision that is Loch Ness, you'll understand why this location ruled for Bond and Braveheart.
Day 3 | Monday, 04/09/2023
Arrival 07:00 Departure 17:00
Portree, United Kingdom
Arrive at the sloping port of Portree, into the islands of the MacDonald clan. Wander through this wildlife haven where waterfalls tumble under shifting skies wide-eyed deer stand alert, sheep lazily graze and sea eagles swoop. Explore the painted buildings of the charming fishing town, the Talisker distillery and relax in the comfort of a cosy local pub. Capture all the visual treats of this little piece of paradise, for a whole host of new memories.
Day 4 | Tuesday, 05/09/2023
Arival 07:00 Departure 17:00
Kirkwall, United Kingdom
Orkney's capital and most southern isle is blessed with architectural wonders. Capture the true Viking spirit in the 'Church on the Bay'; visit grand sandstone seafront buildings, visit St Mangus Cathedral and smaller churches, the enigmatic Standing Stones of Stenness and other ancient sites. Play Ba, eat cream teas, shop local boutiques and watch fishing fleets depart the bay. Previously claimed to be the most beautiful Scottish high street, soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere and splendour of this royal Scottish Burgh.
Day 5 | Wednesday, 06/09/2023
Arrival 08:00 Departure 17:00
Lerwick (Shetland Icelands), United Kingdoms
Slowly explore this tiny harbour town surrounded by rugged Scottish terrain and native wildflowers. Wander to historical ruins, archaeological sites, the Shetland Croft House Museum and step back in time in the ancient capital, Scalloway. Amble along Da Street for local boutiques and listen to Celtic music where fiddlers tell tuneful tales. View the stunning Shetland archipelago as you spot porpoises, otters and seals. And then there's the ponies - animated short-legged, long fringed caricatures - like Lerwick, they're hardly yet gentle.
Day 6 | Thursday, 07/09/2023
Arrival 09:30 Departure 18:00
Thorshavn, Faroe Islands
Relax into the peaceful ambiance of this small capital city (named after Thot, Gof of Thunder), where neighbouring volcanic islands lie dormant, the sheep supply shops with jumpers. Discover churches, museums, rows of turf roofed houses and Faroese culinary delights. Hike out of the city or set off by boat to glimpse whales, dolphins and a real-life puffin paradise. With over 300 rainy days per year, and more ewes than people, you will return warm, but perhaps not dry.
Day 7 | Friday 08/09/2023
Sailing At Sea
At Sea
Day 8 | Saturday 09/09/2023
Disembarkation 08:00
Reykjavik, Iceland
Feel the magnetic lure of the adventure at the world's nothernmost capital. Mystical landscaped promise dramatic snow-capped volcanoes, ice fields and mountains for thrilling quests; explore by helicopter, ride Icelandic horses, zip through lava tunnels on super trucks and rocket across glaciers on snow scooters. Then slow down to visit a geothermal-fired bakery and greenhouse, soak in wellbeing springs, the blue lagoon or refresh at the nearby face mask bar. And as the nightlife beckons under the sun that barely sets, drink black death schnapps as a poetic reminder of Reykjavik's exhilarating activities.
Located in Lochaber in the West Highlands, the town is often described as the Outdoor Capital of the UK and is a popular base for weekend breaks and holidays in the Highlands.
From sandy beaches and dramatic hills to iconic films locations, castles and distilleries, there are plenty of things to do in Fort William. Take your time and explore the natural wonders of Lochaber, breathe the fresh mountain air and marvel at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You could climb Britain's highest mountain Ben Nevis, explore the wilds of Ardnamurchan and the West Highland Peninsulas, the cinematic landscapes of Glencoe or take a stroll by the sea along the Road to The Isles, with magnificent sunsets over the Isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna, Skye and the wilderness of Knoydart.
About 30 miles east of Greenock, Glasgow is known as the "Second City of the Empire". One of Britain's liveliest cities, a recent rejuvenation along with many priceless art collections draws visitors to the city center. From Glasgow, venture out into the rich farmland and salmon streams of the Lowlands, visit the scenic lochs, or spend time in the city's shopping districts and art galleries.
Kirkwall is the capital and administrative center of Orkney. It was founded around 1035 by the Vikings and the original city is one of the best preserved examples of an ancient Norwegian town. Its name comes from the old Norwegian dialect which means "church-Bay" and refers to a very old church.Explore the main street, visit the shops with the unique handicrafts and the cozy cafe.
Lerwick is a bustling, cosmopolitan seaport with services and amenities only usually found in much larger places on the British mainland. The extensive leisure and entertainment facilities provide warm hospitality to visitors. The old waterfront is thronged with pleasure boats, visiting yachts, historic craft and working fishing boats. There's a variety of lively bars and clubs, ranging from popular "theme" bars to more traditional hostelries. Visitors can explore a surprisingly wide range of well-stocked shops. Lerwick also has an outstanding Museum and Archives, incorporating an art gallery.
Reykjavik is a perfect town, with plenty of room, clean air, vibrant culture and beautiful environment. The southernmost capital of the world has it all. To enrich your knowledge of the Norwegian and Icelandic culture, visit the National Museum and the wooden buildings of the old city of Reykjavik. Afterwards leave the city behind and drive across landscapes of fire, ice and geysers to indulge in spas, that steam gushes.Don't miss such an ethereal experience.
It is the largest and northernmost island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Inhabited since the Mesolithic period, has a fascinating history that includes the period of the Norwegian domination and of Clans.
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