Embark on a breathtaking journey through the wild and picturesque landscapes of Scotland, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland. Your adventure begins with a visit to Oban, a charming seaside town surrounded by dramatic shores and countryside. Discover the Isle of Skye’s majestic Cuillin Hills, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Continue to Barra, where history comes alive with Kisimul Castle and the cultural legacy of Clan MacNeil. Explore Stornoway’s ancient Calanais Standing Stones and the traditional blackhouse village on the Isle of Lewis, immersing yourself in the rich heritage of the Hebrides.
Sail across the North Atlantic to the Faroe Islands, where rugged cliffs, lush valleys, and colorful villages reveal a unique culture and dramatic natural beauty. Highlights include Vágur’s towering sea cliffs, Tórshavn’s Viking history, and the tranquil village of Elduvík. Conclude your journey in Iceland, marveling at Heimaey’s volcanic landscapes and abundant seabirds before exploring the vibrant city of Reykjavík. This expedition blends stunning scenery, captivating wildlife, and rich cultural experiences, creating unforgettable memories at every stop.
- Isle of Skye's Majestic Landscapes: Explore the dramatic Cuillin Hills and spot remarkable bird species like puffins and razorbills while enjoying activities tailored to hikers, photographers, and birdwatchers.
- Faroe Islands’ Rugged Beauty: Discover the towering cliffs and charming villages of Vágur and Elduvík, immersing yourself in unique Faroese culture, breathtaking views, and abundant wildlife.
- Iceland’s Volcanic Marvels: Witness the volcanic wonders of Heimaey in the Westman Islands, home to puffin colonies and fascinating geological formations, before concluding in the vibrant capital of Reykjavík.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Begin Your Adventure
After a day of independent exploration in Glasgow, you’ll transfer to the Oban port by bus and embark for an evening departure.
Nestled on the west coast, Oban is a striking seaside town surrounded by miles of dramatic shores and beautiful countryside.
Enjoy Photography, Birdwatching, and Hiking
Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or birder, you will love a visit to Skye.
Cruise the southwestern shore of this large island keeping a keen eye out for species like common sandpiper, oystercatcher, gannets, and razorbills. Delight in the opportunity to witness these remarkable creatures in their natural environment and add unique sightings to your birdwatching list.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Skye's mountainous landscapes and choose the level of activity that suits you best for a walk, hike, or trek among the awe-inspiring Cuillin Hills, one of Britain's finest mountainscapes.
Explore Barra’s Rich Past
Barra is the ancestral island of Clan MacNeil whose chiefs were based at Kisimul Castle, which still sits, impressively intact, a few hundred yards offshore from the pleasant village of Castlebay. Alexander, Lord of the Isles, granted the MacNeils the island in 1427, and a century later the clan was accused of launching piratical raids on English shipping endeavours. Barra was later the home of writer Compton Mackenzie, who used the setting for his novel (later a movie) Whisky Galore.
Today, Barra remains a vibrant island community, shaped by its Gaelic heritage and time-honoured traditions. Discover a welcoming atmosphere celebrated for its cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, including white sandy beaches and rolling green hills.
Witness Modern and Ancient Scottish Culture
Visit Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, a Gaelic stronghold and the capital of the largest of the Hebrides. Browse charming shops to purchase the island’s famous tweed.
Meander through one of Britain’s most important Stone Age sites, the Calanais Standing Stones, which are said to be giants who were punished by St. Kieran for refusing to convert to Christianity.
Experience the living history at Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, where you can learn about a typical crofting township of the last century. Explore the blackhouses and traditional activities, including the weaving of the famous Harris Tweed.
Discover Dun Carloway Broch, a uniquely Scottish site perched on a rocky mound. See this ancient structure, standing at an impressive nine metres tall.
Search for Marine Life
Enjoy a day at sea as we sail toward the Faroe Islands. Enrich your journey with insightful presentations and workshops led by our expert expedition team, deepening your understanding of the region's landscapes, wildlife, and culture.
Relax on deck and keep an eye out for marine life, seabirds, and the ever-changing seascape. With a bit of luck, you might spot Risso’s dolphins—recognizable by their pale-grey bodies—or other cetaceans like bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, or even a minke whale. Seabirds often grace these waters, too, so stay alert for northern gannets, guillemots, Atlantic puffins, fulmars, and skuas gliding above the waves.
Immerse Yourself in Faroese Culture
Visit Vágur, where the warm hospitality of its 1,300 residents awaits you. Relish in the opportunity to witness Faroese chain dancing and share in stories of Vágur‘s captivating past.
Enjoy the abundance of birdlife that the island boasts.
Let your senses feast on the view of Suðuroy’s towering west side. Admire majestic cliffs, stunning mountains, sea stacks, and the magnificent Beinisvørð mountain as it stands tall from afar.
See for yourself why the island is famed for its dramatic cliffs towering over the North Atlantic and enjoy this paradise for birds, including European storm petrels and Atlantic puffins.
Visit Galleries, Shops, and Restaurants
Explore the splendid little city of Tórshavn (“Thor’s harbour”), the Faroe Islands’ capital and a former Viking trading centre.
Stroll through the enchanting streets of the old town, where you'll discover a treasure trove of galleries, charming shops, and restaurants.
Admire the buildings with their grass roofs and black timber façades, offering a glimpse into traditional Faroese architecture and culture.
Get a Glimpse Into Charming Island Life
Experience the tranquil charm of Elduvík, a village of just twelve residents, nestled at the end of a lush valley on Eysturoy's northeast side.
Wander through this picturesque community on a guided tour exploring the colourful houses that surround the church and old schoolhouse. Learn about its rich history and enduring traditions, getting a glimpse into Faroese life.
Take in a different perspective on a valley hike where stunning views of the surrounding mountains and fjord unfold.
Savour traditional Faroese flavours with local tastings, then step inside the village church to listen to enchanting tales and timeless hymns in this space, inaugurated in 1951.
Hike the Remote and Wild
Take in the drama of Vágar, one of the remote Western Islands, where soaring cliffs kiss the sea and emerald valleys cradle charming villages. This is a place of quiet wonder, where every path leads to a new story, and nature’s raw beauty makes you humble.
Learn On Board
Deepen your understanding of the environment, cultures, and history of the region as we steam across the North Atlantic towards Iceland.
Enjoy workshops and presentations, watch a documentary, and get out on deck!
Marvel at Volcanic Landscapes
Vestmannaeyjar lies off the south coast of Iceland and comprises fourteen islands, numerous rocks, and skerries. Only the largest island, Heimaey, is inhabited.
Numerous species of seabirds, including the famous puffin, nest in the steep rock faces along the ocean cliffs. The volcanically active area has seen two major eruptions in recent times: the formation of the island of Surtsey in 1963, and the Eldfell eruption ten years later that destroyed much of Heimaey.
Wave a Fond Farewell
Complete your journey in Reykjavík, Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital that was established in the year 874 CE.
Food, culture, and nightlife abound, while the National Culture House preserves treasures like the Poetic Edda and the Norse Sagas in their original manuscripts.
Disembark in the morning and say your farewells in what is widely considered one of the cleanest, greenest cities in the world.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Ocean Nova
| Ice Class: | Ice 1B, E0 (Hull Ice 1A) |
|---|---|
| Cabins | 37 |
The ice-strengthened 73 metre long expedition ship Ocean Nova was built in Denmark in 1992 with high ice class to serve Greenland’s west coast. In 2004 to 2005 she was completely refurbished and has now a career as a small and comfortable expedition ship. The Ocean Nova accommodates 86 passengers in single, double and triple cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities. The double cabins have either twin beds. The triple cabins have upper and lower beds. In your cabin you will also find a desk with chair and ample storage space for clothes and equipment.
In the dining room you are treated to delicious meals in between landings and in the panorama lounge you can enjoy a drink with a breathtaking view of the surrounding polar landscape. This is where on board specialists entertain and educate you with lectures on polar biology, history, geology and conservation. There is also a library with panoramic views and a good selection of polar books. On board there is a satellite phone, gym and medical doctor. Passengers are welcome on the bridge around the clock and there is always something to see or search for from the spacious observation decks. The ship has North European officers and there is a friendly and informal atmosphere on board. Travelling with this small expedition ship offers an entirely different experience and perspective than you can get on a larger and more conventional cruise ship.
Cabins are spread over two decks and include cabins for the single traveller, double and triple cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities. The comfortable dining room located on the Upper deck seats all passengers in a single sitting and offers delicious meals with a mixture of table service and buffet. The informal dining arrangement adds to the friendly atmosphere onboard and meals are a great chance to discuss all you have seen with your fellow travellers, and for the expedition team to share their knowledge.
With one of the highest ice classes (1B) and a 2000 hp diesel engine, Ocean Nova is a small but sturdy expedition vessel just as at home in the icy waters of Svalbard as she is in a tranquil Scottish loch. The ship has a crew of 34, including North European officers, whose prime concern is your safety as well as ensuring wildlife sightings and weather conditions are maximised. For your safety there are two fully enclosed lifeboats and a medical clinic onboard.
_sandrawalser.ch.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
