On these Timeless sailings, cruise between Scotland and Iceland with visits to Ireland and the Faroe Islands en route, for volcanoes, lochs, fjords and fascinating Viking heritage. Timeless Explorations blend cultural curiosity, immersive experiences and serene relaxation, with one included activity per guest in every port and one or more guest lecturer on board.

Highlights of the main itinerary include: The UNESCO-listed Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Giant’s Causeway, the Highlands, the Calanais Standing Stones and more. Included excursions are sure to delight, with options such as a hike in the Faroe Islands, experiencing the three sites of the Golden Circle from Reykjavik, and traveling to Eldfell volcano from Heimaey.

The alternative Discoveries cruise, Wild Archipelagoes of the North Atlantic, does not visit Ireland, and instead adds stops in the Faroe Islands. On this itinerary, experience four wild archipelagos of the North Atlantic: The Hebrides, the Shetland Islands, the Faroe Islands and the Westman Islands, as well as Scottish lochs and Icelandic shores. Discoveries include a mix of curated shore excursions and naturalist-guided activities.

Passage on this cruise is aboard either 264-guest L’Austral (capped at 200 guests for her Arctic cruises), or a high-end Explorer vessel with a capacity of 184 guests: Le Bellot or Le Laperouse. These luxury French expedition ships offer refined and attentive service, a plethora of onboard activities and unrivaled elegance. Appreciate understated sophistication, an international feel and top-notch guides aboard these small expedition vessels. Explore magical landscapes off the ship, then return on board for 5-star hotel service and a plethora of activities such as performances, culinary tastings and enriching lectures.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Iceland cruisesNorthern Europe cruises and Arctic cruises.

11-Day Wild Lands of Scotland, the Faroe Islands & Iceland Itinerary

Glasgow, ScotlandReykjavik, Iceland

The 11-day Wild Lands itinerary travels north from Glasgow, Scotland to Reykjavik, Iceland. Wild Lands departures uniquely visit Belfast, Ireland. These Timeless departures include one excursion per guest in every port, plus one or more onboard expert lecturer.

Route map of Wild Lands of Scotland, the Faroe Islands & Iceland cruise northbound from Glasgow, Scotland to Reykjavik, Iceland with visits to Ireland & the Faroe Islands.

In the heart of the Clyde Valley, the bustling city of Glasgow contrasts starkly with the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. Scotland’s biggest city overflows with landmarks from its extensive artistic heritage and outstanding architectural tradition. The city’s checkerboard layout makes walking through the major pedestrian thoroughfares easy: go with the flow and let the lively street atmosphere take you past the many Victorian monuments. Don’t miss the collections on display in the numerous museums and art galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an outstanding example.

ACCOMMODATIONS Le Bellot
MEALS Dinner

The capital city of Northern Ireland is located on the very tip of Belfast Lough, in the northeast of the Emerald Isle. Along the waterfront, the building shaped like a fragmented liner is none other than the Titanic Belfast, a homage to the famous transatlantic liner, with full-scale reconstructions making for an insightful experience of the Belle Epoque. In the historical center, you’ll also travel back in time when you see the majestic Edwardian columns of the City Hall, and the imposing neo-gothic towers of Queen’s University for example. The carved wooden façades of the Victorian pubs will certainly entice you in for a pint of beer or chilled cider.

ACCOMMODATIONS Le Bellot
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A port town on the eastern shore of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is sometimes described as the Outdoor Capital of the UK.  Because it sits at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, and is in close proximity to the dramatic landscape of Glencoe, it is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers. For those looking for a less adventurous experience, the nearby Ben Nevis Distillery offers tours and tastings, and Old Fort and Old Inverlochy Castle are interesting historical sites.

ACCOMMODATIONS Le Bellot
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Discover Lewis, the largest island of the Hebrides, considered to be the cradle of Gaelic culture. Here, the peat- and heather- covered valleys and lochs stretch on to infinity, and numerous bird colonies have taken up residence in the long, jagged coastlines where. Not far from Stornoway, the island’s main town, built by the Vikings in the 9th century stands one of Scotland’s most prominent prehistoric sites: The Standing Stones of Callanish. Dating back to more than 3,000 years B.C., these imposing stones placed in a cruciform pattern were laid out according to the moon and stars and their main purpose was to keep track of seasonal cycles, as this was essential for farmers at the time.

ACCOMMODATIONS Le Bellot
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Suduroy Island, literally South Island, has one of the smallest populations in the Faroe Islands. It has sheer cliffs along its western face. The island is an important breeding ground for seabirds, including northern fulmars, black-legged kittiwakes, Atlantic puffins and guillemots. You will be guided through the island, exploring its authentic villages with black, tarred-wood churches typical of the Faroe Islands, as well as its hiking trails lined with peat fields and stone sheepfolds. Sheep are indeed omnipresent throughout the Faroe Islands—in fact, there are more sheep than humans—and they add to the charm of these wild landscapes.

ACCOMMODATIONS Le Bellot
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Faroe Islands, an archipelago formed by volcanic rock, reveal an incredible diversity of reliefs where the sea is ubiquitous: you’ll sail past stone pinnacles and unique coastlines. To the west of the island of Vagar stand Thindolmur and Drangarnir, rocky outcrops that marine erosion have detached from the coast, thus forming independent islets known as stacks. The impressive Traelanipa cliff, also known as Slave Cliff, stands 466 feet (142m) high. It overlooks the superb Lake Sorvagsvatn. Located 98 feet (30m) above sea level, this is the archipelago’s largest lake. On the island of Streymoy, you’ll be able to spot guillemots, screeching fulmars or penguins, nesting in the welcoming crevices of the Vestmanna cliffs.

Streymoy Island is the largest and most populated of the Faroe Islands, with 22,500 inhabitants. Lying between Scotland and Iceland, the 18-island Danish archipelago boasts natural wonders that will fascinate lovers of the great outdoors. Here, the hilly green landscapes stand in contrast with the huge basalt cliffs and the invigorating air shifts with the moods of the ocean. To the north, the small village of Saksun, with its traditional grass-covered rooftops, has 14 inhabitants. In the curve of a magnificent natural amphitheater, it overlooks a fjord with a lagoon: an idyllic setting in a secluded and peaceful environment. To the west, in Vestmanna, myriad birds nest in the crags along the eroded and vertiginous cliff faces.

ACCOMMODATIONS Le Bellot
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Djúpivogur is a small town and municipality located on a peninsula in the Austurland in eastern Iceland. The coastline consists of three magnificent fjords, Berufjörður, Hamarsfjörður and Álftafjörður, which create a striking landscape to explore. On land, the town is shadowed by Búlandstindur, a pyramid-shaped basalt mountain peaking at 3,500 feet (1,069m), making for an incredible sight. Numerous local legends surround this mountain, which is said to grant wishes during the summer solstice.

ACCOMMODATIONS Le Bellot
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Westman Islands were formed from a succession of underwater eruptions and consist of 15 islands and around 30 islets. As you will discover, Heimaey has a rich history and captivating landscapes. Dominated by the Eldfjall, it’s the only island in the chain that is inhabited. This exceptional site has a very pronounced relief, taking in vertiginous cliffs, reefs, sea caves and surf. Raise your eyes and you will be able to admire the spectacular dives of the Gannets.

This land seated off the southern coast of Iceland is the largest of the Vestmann islands, and is the only inhabited island in the archipelago. The steep Edfell volcanoes and the green prairies of Herjólfsdalur offer rich contrast of nature. On the Stórhöfði road, look out over grey sand beaches and cliffs carved out by the Arctic ocean. From here, you can also see the bronze landscapes of the mountaintops. You could visit Eldheimar, an ultra-modern and interactive museum which traces the volcanic eruption has experienced Heimaey in 1973.

ACCOMMODATIONS Le Bellot
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Make an early morning arrival into Iceland’s capital, which stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the Pearl of Reykjavík, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical center, where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.

ACCOMMODATIONS Le Bellot
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembark at 8:00am in Iceland’s capital, which stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the Pearl of Reykjavík, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical center, where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.

ACCOMMODATIONS n/a
MEALS Breakfast

Included

An excursion in every port of call and Zodiac cruises; all meals while on board the ship; captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner; “open bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands); evening entertainment and events; room service; highly qualified bilingual French/English expedition team; lectures presented by the expedition team; park entry fees into protected areas; complimentary unlimited Wifi on board; port fees and taxes (except for child passengers–see Families & Children); gratuities.

Exclusions

Optional add-on excursions or packages; ground services before or after the cruise; visa expenses; possible immigration reciprocity taxes; luggage handling; beverages beyond those in Inclusions; laundry, hair salon, spa treatments, onboard medical consultations and other personal charges; cancellation, luggage, assistance, repatriation, medical and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations beyond 14 days after booking confirmation are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
365 days or more – $250
364 to 211 days – 10% of total trip cost
210 to 91 days – 100% of deposit
90 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The 11-day Wild Lands of Scotland, the Faroe Islands & Iceland cruise begins in Glasgow, Scotland (GLA) and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Recommended flight arrival and departure times are specific to each voyage; consult your Adventure Specialist for guidelines relating to your departure. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Optional activities on your 11-day Wild Lands of Scotland, the Faroe Islands & Iceland cruise include practicing photography, Zodiac cruising, walking, hiking and museum visits. Optional added-cost excursions (one per person, per port of call is included) are available on certain days and may be pre-booked from two months to one week prior to departure, or booked on board; these excursions may require a minimum group size. In addition to these off-ship excursions, a multitude of onboard activities keep guests engaged, including live music, dance and theater; spa treatments; exercise and stretching classes; specialty food, wine and cocktail tastings; organized games; and lectures by guides and possible special guests.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. This supplement may vary depending on cabin category and remaining capacity per departure. A willing-to-share program is not available. Triple and quadruple rates may be available in select cabin categories; contact AdventureSmith for details.

Families & Children

Children 3 years and older at time of travel are welcomed on this cruise. Children under 18 years old at time of travel may receive special discounts when sharing a cabin with two full-fare adults. A child sharing a cabin with a single adult is considered to be a paying adult. Contact AdventureSmith for details.

Travel Insurance

A medical form for all travelers is required for every departure. Travelers are also highly encouraged to have full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

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Learn About The Luxury Small Ships On Your Itinerary

The Le Bellot is a modern, luxury expedition ship cruising the Arctic and Caribbean. She offers an upscale onboard ambiance, impressive service, and an engaging expedition program of both onboard lectures and off-ship excursions.

Expedition Ship 184 GUESTS 430 FEET

The L'Austral is a sophisticated, luxury expedition ship cruising routes worldwide. Enjoy her chic-yet-casual private yacht atmosphere created by a blend of precious materials, discreet elegance and gastronomic delights, paired with an engaging program of lectures and adventure activities.

Expedition Ship 264 GUESTS 466 FEET

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