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Climb aboard the Ocean Endeavour for an unforgettable, 11-day expedition across the North Atlantic, tracing the coastlines of Scotland, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland. In partnership with Adventure Canada, we're setting out to explore the Orkney and Shetland Isles, rich with relics of prehistoric societies and stunning landscapes, including a world-famous artists’ community and colonies of bright-billed puffins. As we traverse the Faroe Islands, we’ll watch cliffs come to life with the beating wings of spectacular seabirds, glimpse staggering columns of basalt towering above the ocean, and wander small villages clinging to tiny islands. We’ll witness the active and vital Earth up close once we arrive at Iceland, exploring a new volcanic island, several snaking sea caves, and a town nearly destroyed by a volcano just decades ago. With a rich variety of programming and activities available both onboard and on land, each day can be as active or relaxing as you'd like it to be.
Note: This trip is not exclusive to Atlas Obscura. Our small group of Atlas Obscura travelers will be joining around 180 adventurers from all across the world.
Arrive in Aberdeen, a charming city perched on Scotland’s northeastern coast overlooking the North Sea. The city is famed for its parks, gardens, and historic stone buildings made from quarried granite that sparkle like silver due to high levels of mica in the stone. We’ll gather in the afternoon to board our ice-class expedition vessel, the Ocean Endeavour, and set out into the North Sea. You’ll have time to settle into your cabin aboard our floating home, enjoy the sauna and spa, and head to the deck to breathe in some fresh sea air.
Cabin, Ocean Endeavour
Welcome Dinner
Today it’s off to Orkney, a small island off the north coast of mainland Scotland—and a gateway to ancient realms. After anchoring, we’ll explore the ancient village of Skara Brae and visit the prehistoric standing stones of Stenness and Brogdar. We’ll wander neolithic ceremonial sites, villages, and burial chambers dating back to 8,000 years ago, then head to Stromness, a charming port town that was the last European port of call for Hudson’s Bay Company ships and for the lost Franklin Expedition of 1845.
Cabin, Ocean Endeavour
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our destination today is Fair Isle, once a post for Viking warriors. Today the island is home to a small colony of about 60 artists and shepherds, many of whom have settled here to to contribute to the island’s world-famous tradition of producing woolen handicrafts. As you explore the island, keep your eyes peeled for small puffins, great skuas gathered in impressive numbers, and more, as Fair Isle boasts over three hundred and fifty species of birds. Consider paying a visit to the local museum, where you can browse photographs and artifacts and learn about the island’s history and heritage.
Cabin, Ocean Endeavour
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we’ll set out for Suduroy Island, famed for its dramatic, craggy cliffs that tower over the North Atlantic. This island (one of the Faroe Islands) is a paradise for birds such as northern fulmars, black-legged kittiwakes, Atlantic puffins, and black guillemots. Wander through Sumba, which supports a population of around 239 people. Inhabited since the seventh century, the village has been a longtime stronghold of Faroese chain dancing, a centuries-old living tradition still practiced throughout the islands. Consider hiking through the foothills of the nearby Beinsvoro Mountain, where the summit promises breathtaking views of the emerald land, crashing ocean, and jagged cliffs.
Cabin, Ocean Endeavour
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Torshavn, which translates to “Thor’s harbor,” is the Faroe Islands’ capital and largest town. With a population of 19,000, this former Viking trading center is full of wondrous natural and historic gems worth exploring. Consider checking out the National Art Gallery or meandering along the nature trails that snake around it. Perhaps pay a visit to Nordic House, arguably one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture, or drop by the town’s stunning cathedral dating back to 1788. Poke around Torshavn’s many shops full of exquisite handicrafts, tuck into a hearty meal at a local restaurant, or warm up over a pint at a cozy pub.
Cabin, Ocean Endeavour
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The northwestern shores of the Eysturoy and Streymoy islands are home to some of the most striking coastlines on the planet. Wander Eysturoy’s mythical landscape, with gentle estuaries and jagged, oddly shaped cliffs rising out of the ocean. Hike amidst rolling, emerald grass as far as the eye can see and stroll along sweeping sandy beaches. Keep your camera close by in preparation to spot some spectacular birds. There will be lots of opportunities to document the islands’ surreal landscapes and magnetic wildlife throughout the day.
Cabin, Ocean Endeavour
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll spend another day exploring Eysturoy and Streymoy. Charming villages connected by high-tech tunnels that snake through mountains and beneath the ocean floor are a unique and startling feature of Faroese life. Spend the day exploring these villages, rocky trails, shorelines, and waterfalls. The tumbling waterfall at Gasadalur can be reached by walking through one such tunnel. Alternatively, you can take an old switchback trail once used by the local postman over the mountain to access the magnificent natural spectacle.
Cabin, Ocean Endeavour
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mykines is the westernmost of the Faroes and a geological marvel. Massive columns of basalt known as the Stone-wood tower nearly 100 feet above the ocean. On the western end of the island, connected by a 130-foot footbridge, lies the islet Mykinsholmur, famed for its sea stacks, columns of vertical rock shaped by millennia of wind and water. The island has been classified as an Important Bird Area for its large numbers of puffins and gannets, guillemots, razorbills, northern fulmars, Manx shearwaters, European storm petrels, European shags, and black-legged kittiwakes. Spend the day birdwatching, glimpsing geological wonders, or exploring the island’s century-old lighthouse.
Cabin, Ocean Endeavour
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we’ll enjoy a relaxing, full day at sea. Spend the day attending workshops and classes, delving into the shipboard library, and learning from onboard educators. It will be a great opportunity to take what you’ve been learning to the deck, where we’ll be on the lookout for grey seals, long-finned pilot whales (which are actually dolphins), and multiple species of seabirds.
Cabin, Ocean Endeavour
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Just off the south coast of Iceland, Vestmannaeyjar is an archipelago made up of 14 islands, numerous rocks, and skerries. While only the largest island, Heimaey, is inhabited by humans, you can find numerous species of seabirds, including the ever-charismatic puffin, nesting in the steep cliff faces overlooking the ocean across the archipelago. Vestmannaeyjar is a volcanically active region, and it’s seen two major eruptions recently. The first eruption led to the formation of the island of Surtsey in 1963, and 10 years later, another destroyed much of Heimaey and nearly blocked its harbor. As we explore the archipelago today, we’ll delve into the geological history of this dynamic region.
Cabin, Ocean Endeavour
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On our final day, we’ll arrive at Reykjavik, Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital. With a name meaning “steamy bay,” reflective of the steam that arose from the city’s geothermal area, Reykjavik is believed to have been home to Iceland’s first permanent settlement, established in 874 A.D. Powered entirely by geothermal energy, it’s among the cleanest and greenest cities in the world. In the summer months, you’ll find that the city stays alive well into the wee hours of the night, when locals and visitors alike make the most of the midnight sun. Consider visiting the Culture House, home to many cultural and historic artifacts such as treasures like the Poetic Edda, and the Norse Sagas in their original manuscripts. After disembarking the Ocean Endeavour around mid-morning and exploring the city at your own pace, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow seafaring companions and head home. Until the next adventure!
Breakfast
The total cost of your trip depends on the type of cabin you select. Cabin costs vary, from the Quad ($3,995 per person) to the Suite ($13,595 per person). The most popular cabin types are the Interior Twin ($6,295) and the Comfort Twin ($9,595). Please contact us for a full list of cabin types and prices.
There are a number of single cabins available for solo travelers where a single supplement is not required. Please contact us to confirm availability.
With the Early Booking Discount, you will receive 15% off your cabin cost (available until October 31, 2020). By booking with Atlas Obscura, you will also receive an additional 5% off your discounted rate.
There are 10 cabin types available to choose, including quads, suites, and twins. All cabins have private baths. Exterior cabins have windows while interior cabins do not. If you’d like more detailed information and/or photographs of the different cabin types and layouts, please contact us.
Kayaking: Explore at water level in small groups with our experienced kayak guides. We offer double kayaks, as well as the essential gear for safety and comfort.
Biking: Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, an independent explorer, or are keen to cover more ground, bikes offer an opportunity to experience communities and landscapes at your own pace. We carry a fleet of Kona mountain bikes. These multi-geared, all-purpose bikes are available during select community excursions.
Aberdeen Add-Ons: If you'd like to arrive early and spend a few extra days in Aberdeen, we'd be happy to help with booking and scheduling additional activities. Please contact us for more information on extra nights and add-ons.
This expedition can be as leisurely or active as you’d like it to be. Excursions off-ship are optional, but they’re often the most exciting part of the day. Please note that many on-shore excursions require getting in and out of inflatable boats (Zodiacs)—an activity that's comparable to getting in and out of a pick-up truck. Some destinations can present lengthy hikes over variable terrain, without any rest facilities onshore. For any biking and kayaking (available at a supplementary cost), basic experience and some physical fitness is required.
Our trip begins with a welcome dinner onboard the ship on Day 1. If traveling internationally, you should plan to arrive in Aberdeen, Scotland one day prior to embarkation as international flights will be limited and subject to delays. If you are arriving by train, car, or domestic flight, then you should plan to arrive no later than 12 p.m. on Day 1 prior to the afternoon's embarkation.
Our trip concludes in Reykjavik after breakfast on Day 11. Disembarkation from the vessel will take place between 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. If leaving Reykjavik directly after our trip, we recommend departing no earlier than 2 p.m.; note that the airport is a long drive from the pier. If you'd like to extend your trip, we’re happy to provide suggestions for things to do and see in the city on your own.
Because of the exploratory nature of these voyages, we do not have a rigidly set itinerary. The final decisions on our daily program will make the best use of local ice and weather conditions, spontaneous opportunities, and wildlife. The notes in this itinerary are designed to give you a good idea of our intentions, and what your days will look like, but there will very likely be some changes.
It's common to have beautiful, sunny days with temperatures reaching a high of 65°F. In the Arctic, we can also experience temperatures close to 30°F. Zodiac rides can be quite chilly, and you should be sure to bring waterproof garments. When you're on land and walking around, it usually gets quite warm, and people tend to take off layers.
Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated, though in most cases ingredients can't be substituted or omitted from particular dishes. If you have a severe allergy, please contact us to find out if this is the right trip for you.