In the Wake of the Vikings: Orkney, Shetland & the Faroe Islands

October 26, 2026

Set sail for a 16-day adventure through the wild and windswept corners of the North Atlantic — from the mystical Scottish Isles to the dramatic Faroe Islands and along the stunning coast of the Norwegian Sea. Follow the ancient paths of the Vikings, get up close to glaciers and fjords, and discover landscapes so surreal they feel otherworldly. Along the way, you’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spot wildlife on remote shores, and uncover the deep history woven into every rugged cliff and fishing village. Starting in storied Edinburgh and ending in Arctic Tromsø, this is the kind of journey that stays with you long after you’re home.

May 23 - June 07, 2027
From $12,399CAD per person

Day 1 - Edinburgh / Leith

Arrive to Edinburgh and enjoy an included transfer to the ship. Embark aboard the Expedition in the afternoon and depart Leith shortly after.

Meals Included - Dinner

Today's activities

Arrival Transfer

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Embarkation of the Expedition
Leith
In the afternoon, join your fellow passengers to take your group transfer and begin your journey on the Expedition. Please refer to your welcome letter or the joining instructions posted in the lobby of the start hotel. Make sure you have your passport handy as you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 2 - 3 Orkney Islands

Sail north to the Orkney Islands, known for their unique blend of rich history, gorgeous natural landscapes, and some of the oldest, best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe. Visit Kirkwall, the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ where a group of 5,000-year-old sites reside. Enjoy time to explore here and see places like Skara Brae and Maeshowe. Make sure to also search for a diverse array of wildlife. You will also be able to discover other important sites like, Scapa Flow and Ring of Brodgar.

Meals Included - Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Today's activities

Zodiac Excursion
Scotland
Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather conditions.

Expedition
Leith - Kirkwall
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Day 4 - 5 Shetland Islands

Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes, deep Viking and Scottish heritage, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural traditions await. Over the course of the next two days the ship will visit different parts of the islands like Lerwic and Hermaness National Nature Reserve. Search for wildlife and see ancient Viking settlement sites like Jarlshof and Old Scatness, where you can walk among the ruins and imagine how communities lived during the Viking Age. Enjoy time on your own and choose to visit the Shetland Museum which has an incredible display of the human history of these islands. On the ship cruise in Hermaness look to spot gannets and basking sharks.

Meals Included - Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Today's activities

Expedition
Shetland Islands - Orkney Islands
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Zodiac Excursion
Scotland
Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather conditions.

Day 6 - 10 Faroe Islands

Travel farther north to the mystical atmosphere of the Faroe Islands where steep cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush green hills await. Encounter traditional Faroese homes with grass roofs and close-knit communities with a strong emphasis on fishing and art. Over the next few days, spend time getting to know this stunning destination. Visit Suðuroy, the southernmost island with its own rich history and legends. Head ashore near the community of Vágur. Pass through other small communities and enjoy the landscape. Visit Thorshavn, the largest town on the islands, where you will be able to explore important historical sites on your own like Magnus Cathedral. And finally travel to Streymnes on the island of Streymoy and go by vehicle to Saksun, a small community to the Northwest where you will visit a heritage farm and admire the beautiful scenery. Spend a full day at sea when travelling between the Faroe Islands and Norway.

Meals included - Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Today's activities

Faroe Island Land Excursions
Faroe Islands
Known for its green landscapes, dramatic scenery, and abundant birdlife, the Faroe Islands often feel like another world entirely. Spend a few days traveling between the islands onboard the ship. Disembark the ship in a few different places and get an authentic sense of the wide scale of beauty evident in this stunning landscape.

Expedition
Shetland Islands - Faroe Islands
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Day 11 - 12 Southern Coast of Norway

Spend a few days cruising along the southern coast of Norway between the Faroe Islands and Trondheim. The Norwegian coast is renowned for its stunning fjords and charming fishing villages. Enjoy time off the ship in Fosnavåg, and Trondheim. Choose to hike, see puffins, or ride a cable car. There are plenty of opportunities to make your time here as active or relaxing as you choose. From museums to trails through Norwegian forests to small mountain lakes, these next few days will be full of adventure.

Meals included - Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Today's Activities

Zodiac Excursion
Norway
Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather conditions.

Expedition
Norway - Norway
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Day 13 - 15 Northern Coast of Norway

Continue north along the coast of Norway. Visit the island of Lovund and walk through a small Norwegian village out to their puffin colony. Learn more about the salmon industry here. Then, visit the Lofoten Islands that stretch dramatically out into the Norwegian Sea. See the Viking Museum here and learn about the area’s history and importance to the Viking Age. Enjoy an after-dinner ship cruise into Troll Fjord. Take advantage of a day to enjoy Tromsø, where you can hike, hop on a bus tour, or tour museums if you choose.

Meals Included - Breakfast | Llunch | Dinner

Today's Activities

Zodiac Excursion
Norway
Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather conditions.

Expedition
Trondheim - Tromsø
Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Day 16 Tromsø

Shortly after breakfast, disembark at the Port of Tromsø. From here, you will need to transfer to the airport for your departing flight.

For guests departing on disembarkation day, G Adventures will provide a complimentary transfer at 8:00am to the airport. For guests who are planning on staying in Norway post trip, taxis will be available for hire at the port to transfer them to their accommodations. All transfer arrangements will be confirmed while on board prior to departure, to ensure that all needs are met. Please do not book onward travel prior to 12:00pm.

Meals Included - Breakfast

Today's activities

Departure Day

 

Follow in the wake of the Vikings and discover the breathtaking beauty of Orkney, Shetland & the Faroe Islands! Call us today to start planning your unforgettable Nordic adventure!

Categories:adventure travel