The Orkney and Shetland Islands offer their visitors spectacular nature, remarkable bird life and fascinating history. For the collector of remote islands this is a unique opportunity to reach several exciting islands such as Fair Isle, Out Skerries or Papa Stour.
Walk up Meall Mor, the highest point on the Tanera Mor island to be rewarded with a magnificent view.
Find the ruins from a stone house called Taigh Beannaichte (Blessed House)
Travel to the 5 000-year-old village of Skara Brae and see the remarkable dwellings that were revealed from beneath the sand dunes by storms only 160 years ago
See the Ring of Brodgar a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5 000 years
Explore in the hanseatic city of Bergen, surrounded by high mountains and deep fjords
Find the ruins from a stone house called Taigh Beannaichte (Blessed House)
Travel to the 5 000-year-old village of Skara Brae and see the remarkable dwellings that were revealed from beneath the sand dunes by storms only 160 years ago
See the Ring of Brodgar a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5 000 years
Explore in the hanseatic city of Bergen, surrounded by high mountains and deep fjords
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
Summer Isles & Handa
We sail towards the Summer Isles and go ashore on the largest and the only inhabited island of the archipelago Tanera Mor. Those who walk up Meall Mor, the highest point on the island, will be rewarded with a magnificent view. We also visit the little post office that has issued its own postage stamps since 1970. Later, we reach the small island Handa. During the summer season the islands dramatic sandstone cliffs become home to an estimated 100 000 breeding seabirds such as puffins, razorbills and guillemots.
Sula Sgeir
The uninhabited and remote Island of Sula Sgeir is located in the midst of the sea and is known for its bustling birdlife. Here, you also find the ruins from a stone house called Taigh Beannaichte (Blessed House). If the sea is calm we might also get a chance to explore some of the caves along the coast.
North Rona
East of Sula Sgeir lies North Rona. Even more isolated and remote than St Kilda it is also very hard to find on a map. North Rona is said to have been the home of Saint Ronan in the 8th century. A small Christian oratory that probably dates back to the same period stands almost intact. Today, grey seals and sea birds are the only inhabitants on the island.
Stromness & Kirkwall
In a private bus from the charming town of Stromness we travel to the 5 000-year-old village of Skara Brae and see the remarkable dwellings that were revealed from beneath the sand dunes by storms only 160 years ago. This is the heart of Neolithic Orkney, designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. Today it is western Europes best preserved prehistoric village. We continue to the Ring of Brodgar a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5 000 years. Our day ends in Kirkwall, where we visit the beautiful St. Magnus Cathedral.
Fair Isle
Located halfway between Orkney and Shetland, this small island claims to be the best place to find rare birds in Britain with at least 27 first records and also hosts a famous bird observatory. Fair Isle is a also a traditional knitting technique used to create patterns with multiple colours.
Hermaness
The moorland and the dramatic cliffs of Hermaness are home to gannets, cormorants, guillemots and puffins. Here, you also find a large colony of great skuas, known as the flying pirates. Even the giants are said to have settled here. Unfortunately a giant called Herman, the namesake of the island, is said to have been lured away by a mermaid...
Papa Stour
The islands eroded, volcanic cliffs form an interesting coastline consisting of cliff ledges, stone columns, arches, blowholes and caves. The most famous cave is Kirstan Hol and during a calm day it is possible to sail through its labyrinths. On the island you also find several Neolithic graveyards and what is said to be the remnants of a 13th century house that belonged to Duke Hakon.
Out Skerries
If you look at a map it may be difficult to imagine that this small island is inhabited, but these four square kilometers of rock and pasture boast of more than 70 residents. The dramatic landscape, the birdlife and the interesting history make a visit here unforgettable.
Noss
In the 1850s some 20 people lived on the island, but today it does not have any permanent inhabitants (not counting the sheep that graze here). The scenic sandstone cliffs of Noss are home to an array of nesting seabirds and if lucky we might see porpoise and otter in the surrounding waters.
Stockholm
| Launched | 1953 |
|---|
The M/S Stockholm is a classic vessel built in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. In 1999 she was totally refitted and started her career as a comfortable polar passenger ship. The M/S Stockholm exclusively carries a maximum of 12 passengers in outside twin cabins, all with upper and lower berth and private facilities. She is a marvellous piece of maritime history with beautiful brass details and pine decks. No wonder the M/S Stockholm is loved by so many!
On board the ship you will enjoy delicious meals in the company of likeminded travellers who enjoy the natural world, and who are as fascinated by the Arctic as you will be. The food on board is of a high standard. All wine, beer and drinks are included in the trip fare. With such a small party on board, this is like travelling on a private yacht. An entirely different experience and perspective to that of a larger and more conventional vessel! The M/S Stockholm is also ideal for private parties who wish to explore the Svalbard archipelago.
The owner, Captain and crew of the ship have long experience in Arctic waters, and are actively involved in making expeditions in tune with nature conservation. The crew onboard M/S Stockholm are great enthusiasts of the unique wildlife and unspoilt nature too, so do not be surprised if you suddenly see the chef ashore taking photographs or studying birds, whenever his time permits. The genuine curiosity of the crew is a prerequisite for expedition cruises of this kind. A trip on board M/S Stockholm in these northern waters, with its unique wildlife and pristine nature is anexperience of a lifetime, simply hard to beat.
