15 Days Luxury Iceland & British Isles Cruise - Edinburgh to Reykjavik

Edinburgh is to London as poetry is to prose, as Charlotte Bronte once wrote. One of the world's stateliest cities and proudest capitals, it's built - like Rome - on seven hills, making it a striking backdrop for the ancient pageant of history. In a skyline of sheer drama, Edinburgh Castle watches over the capital city, frowning down on Princes Street's glamour and glitz. But despite its rich past, the city's famous festivals, excellent museums and galleries, as well as the modern Scottish Parliament, are reminders that Edinburgh has its feet firmly in the 21st century. Nearly everywhere in Edinburgh (the burgh is always pronounced burra in Scotland) there are spectacular buildings, whose Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian pillars add touches of neoclassical grandeur to the largely Presbyterian backdrop. Large gardens are a strong feature of central Edinburgh, where the city council is one of the most stridently conservationist in Europe. Arthur's Seat, a mountain of bright green and yellow furze, rears up behind the spires of the Old Town. This child-size mountain jutting 822 feet above its surroundings has steep slopes and little crags like a miniature Highlands set down in the middle of the busy city. Appropriately, these theatrical elements match Edinburgh's character - after all, the city has been a stage that has seen its fair share of romance, violence, tragedy, and triumph. Modern Edinburgh has become a cultural capital, staging the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe Festival in every possible venue each August. The stunning Museum of Scotland complements the city's wealth of galleries and artsy hangouts. Add Edinburgh's growing reputation for food and nightlife and you have one of the world's most beguiling cities. Today the city is the second most important financial center in the United Kingdom, and the fifth most important in Europe. The city regularly is ranked near the top in quality-of-life surveys. Accordingly, New Town apartments on fashionable streets sell for considerable sums. In some senses, the city is showy and materialistic, but Edinburgh still supports learned societies, some of which have their roots in the Scottish Enlightenment. The Royal Society of Edinburgh, for example, established in 1783 "for the advancement of learning and useful knowledge," remains an important forum for interdisciplinary activities. Even as Edinburgh moves through the 21st century, its tall guardian castle remains the focal point of the city and its venerable history. Take time to explore the streets - peopled by the spirits of Mary, Queen of Scots; Sir Walter Scott; and Robert Louis Stevenson - and pay your respects to the world's best-loved terrier, Greyfriars Bobby. In the evenings you can enjoy candlelit restaurants or a folk ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee, a traditional Scottish dance with music), though you should remember that you haven't earned your porridge until you've climbed Arthur's Seat. Should you wander around a corner, say, on George Street, you might see not an endless cityscape, but blue sea and a patchwork of fields. This is the county of Fife, beyond the inlet of the North Sea called the Firth of Forth - a reminder, like the mountains to the northwest that can be glimpsed from Edinburgh's highest points, that the rest of Scotland lies within easy reach.

The Isle of May in Scotland is owned and managed by Scottish Natural Heritage as a National Nature Reserve and is an important breeding ground for approximately one-quarter of a million seabirds. In fact, over 40,000 puffin burrows have been counted as occupied. Not only kittiwakes, shags, eiders, and guillemots but also Razorbills, Arctic Terns, Sandwich Terns, Common Terns, Lesser Gulls, Herring Gulls, and Great Black-backed Gulls nest here. The island is located roughly four nautical miles off the coast of mainland Scotland and is used by biologists for surveying migrating passerines and for ringing breeding seabirds to better study their movements and breeding success. While hosting an impressive array and quantity of seabirds, the island itself is small at only 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles) long, and less than half a kilometer (one-third of a mile) wide.

Scattered just off the northern tip of Scotland, Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney Islands - a scenic archipelago of fascinating, dual heritage. The Viking influence is deep, while a prehistoric past and World War history add to the endless stories that these dramatic islands have to tell. Sparse and beautiful, let the sweeping seascapes of frothing waves, and dance of the northern lights, enchant you as you explore. Windswept beaches are inhabited by whooping swans, while grassy cliffs hide puffins amid their wavy embrace. Sea caves and crumbling castles - and the dramatic meeting of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean add to the romantic beauty of these lands, which may be physically close to the UK, but feel an entire world away. The sandstone St. Magnus Cathedral is the centerpiece of Orkney's main town - a place of winding lanes and atmospheric walks - and Britain's northernmost cathedral is a masterpiece that took 300 years to complete. Started in 1137, the beautiful cathedral is adorned with mesmerizing stain-glass windows and has been evocatively named the Light of the North. Look down over the ruined Bishop's and Earl's Palaces nearby from the tip of the cathedral's tower. Or, test out the islands' history-rich distilleries, which produce smokey single malts - said to be the best in the world. You can also venture out to Europe's best-preserved Stone Age Village, at the extraordinary World Heritage Site of Skara Brae, which offers an unparalleled vision into prehistoric life.

Lying mid-way between Shetland and the Orkney islands, Fair Isle is a tiny jewel in the sea. Famous for birds, knitwear and historic shipwrecks, the island offers a warm and friendly welcome to visitors. With a population of only around 70 people this island is truly a beautiful setting and is one of Britain’s most successful communities. View the cloudy light turquoise water as it drifts out to sea beneath the breathtaking Sheep Rock, rising over 100 meters, which is almost an isle of its own. Fair Isle’s oceanic climate brings stormy but mild winters, in summer, you can expect rapid changes in the weather, sparkling sunshine can be followed by a thick blanket of mist and fog, and this makes the isle a truly inspiring area. Over the centuries the island has changed hands many times and was named the island of peace by Norse settlers. The isle has been a useful landmark for shipping but in storms and fog it is highly dangerous creating over 100 known shipwrecks such as the Spanish armada flag ship “El Gran Grifon”.

Exploring the sandstone cliff faces of the Isle of Noss will reveal ledges loaded with gannets, puffins, guillemots, shags, kittiwakes, Razorbills, fulmars, and Great Skuas. The island was recognized as a National Nature Reserve in 1955, and has one of Europe's largest and most diverse seabird colonies. Sheep have grazed the inland hillsides of Noss since the late 1800s and early 1900s when around twenty people lived on the island to manage the sheep farm. Along with the sheep, shaggy Shetland ponies graze the windblown slopes of Noss.

The unexplored, unspoilt and frankly unbelievable Faroe Islands are the enigma of the travel industry. Sandwiched in between two rather more seductive countries – Norway and Iceland, this little cluster of 18 islands is overlooked by many. More fool them we say, as the Faroe Islands are as fascinating as they come. Runavik, on the southern tip of, the Faroe’s second-largest isle, Eysturoy is the epitome of off the beaten track travel. One step off the ship and you will be engulfed by some quite staggering, magnificent and untouched nature. Unsurprisingly, outdoor pursuits are a big thing here: hiking of all levels is recommended in order to experience the very grandeur of the landscape (the beautiful lake Toftavatn offers spectacular views), but if that is too strenuous, boat trips in traditional Faroese wooden boats are not only a chance to see the scenery from the water, but a thrilling adventure too. If the weather isn’t being too friendly – an occupational hazard in the Faroe Islands – then head to one the local museums to learn all about the history of this island. Often housed in restored farmhouses or parsonages, visitors get a chance to see how the Faroese used to live. While you are there, ask one of the locals to tell you one of the region’s fascinating legends; like many Nordic countries, the inherent belief in elves, undersea creatures and “rocking stones” (yes, really) is taken as gospel truth. The coasts of Eysturoy could be considered an Important Bird Area. Binoculars at the ready!

Surrounded by the mountains of Hægstafjall, Økslin, Loysingafjall, and Moskurfjall, Vestmanna sits quietly on the banks of Streymoy, on the North Atlantic Ocean. With 1,200 inhabitants, the colorful little village itself is lovely; a few shops and cafes selling locally made cakes and handicrafts, as well as the island’s native seafood soup dish. While those wishing to stretch their legs will enjoy the surrounding area for its stunning countryside, Vestmanna’s main attraction is beyond any doubt its bird cliffs. You don’t have to be a birder to appreciate these magnificent cliffs, although if you are the cliffs are the stuff of dreams. At almost 700 meters high (and six kilometers long), the cliffs rise steeply out of the water and are covered with tens of thousands of seabirds, zooming through the air, swooping into the water and nesting in the crevices. The near-vertical cliffs are home to numerous species including kittiwakes, Common Guillemots, Black Guillemots, and the oh-so-charismatic Atlantic Puffin. Visually, they are stunning: waterfalls thunder into the sea, cliff tops cut jagged lines into horizon and the whole landscape seems straight out of Jurassic Park. Dressed in a cloak of mist and emerald green moss, to say that the feeling is otherworldly is an understatement. To gauge the true beauty of the region, one must take to the sea. The experience of sailing under the cacophonic cliffs, juxtaposed by the silence of calm caves is simply unforgettable.

A world of tumbling waterfalls and colorful creativity, Seydisfjordur is Iceland at its most epic and eccentric. A spectacular fjord lends the town its name, and the structures are dwarfed by this majestic setting, as they huddle around its glassy waters. Sail around the fjord, head out on a kayak amid the scenery, or venture to meet puffins and other nesting birds settled on sharp cliffs. Encounter sea lions, or try some fishing as you immerse yourself in this highlight of the wild and wonderful Eastfjords. Herring fishing sustained this settlement founded by Norwegians in 1848, leading to a town of colorful wooden buildings, which gleam white against the moody scenery's palette, providing a spirit-lifting splash of color during the harsh winter months. A rainbow pathway leads to a pretty, pastel-blue church and there's more local art and culture to unravel at Skaftfell, which displays bright and bold contemporary art. Its bistro also serves up a perfect caffeine hit and refreshments. Waiting on the open jaws of the Seydisfjordur, this is a gloriously picturesque town, and the steep fjord banks reflect beautifully on the smooth waters below. The snow-capped Bjolfur mountain stands above the town and invites you to crunch along hiking trails amid untouched nature - rewarding with mesmerizing views across the fjord and town below. These hills can literally sing thanks to a unique sculpture - which resonates with a traditional five-tone harmony. The remote and gorgeous Skalanes Nature Reserve is a major draw, with 47 bird species resting on its dramatic bird cliff, along with countless plant varieties.

Located in the very northernmost reaches of Iceland, Raufarhöfn sits within touching distance of the Arctic Circle. This small, unassuming town, known as the Arctic Circle Village, was once a bustling hub of the herring trade until its decline in the 1970s. This proximity to the Arctic Circle - just a few miles offshore - provides Raufarhöfn with long summer days, dark winters, and intense prolonged sunsets and sunrises. This ethereal setting is the ideal location for an ode to Iceland's rich folk traditions. Just outside the town, the Arctic Henge, a colossal modern monument inspired by ancient pagan traditions, awaits. The brainchild of a local visionary Erlingur Thoroddsen, the stone circle here was designed by Icelandic artist Haukur Halldórsson. The series of tapering archways and concentric stone circles span 52 meters in diameter and carefully integrates inspirations from the Eddic poem Völuspá and Norse mythology. Composed of vast basalt stones, the henge aligns with celestial events and dramatically frames the midnight sun's majesty, serving as a pagan calendar. A truly unique site in Iceland; it's hard not to feel a profound sense of awe at this latitude as the stone circle glows in honeyed daylight, casting beautiful shadows all around.

There's simply nowhere better than Husavik - the European capital of whale watching - for getting up close and personal with the majestic giants of the ocean. Feel the awe as whales breach the waves around you, before gulping in air and plunging away with almighty tale flicks. Pretty Husavik is framed by the majestic Húsavíkurfjall mountain, which swells up behind, creating a stunning backdrop for the town's tiny wooden warehouses, cherry red houses, and undulating fishing ships. The little wooden church has been a beacon of light, guiding tired fishermen back to the shores of Iceland's oldest settlement, since 1907. Let the wind rip through your hair and the sea speckle your face, as you ride waves out among the region's almighty marine creatures, who throw their weight around so spectacularly. Sail among gentle giants in Shaky Bay, spotting humpbacks, minke whales, and the world's biggest - blue whales. You may also see teams of smaller white-beaked dolphins skipping across the waves, displaying the full range of acrobatic skills. The town's whale museum is an interesting journey through Iceland's relationship with the sea giants, while its restaurants serve up local specialties - taste juicy reindeer burger and plokkfiskur, a buttery mash of local fish. Hikes into the surrounding countryside can take you up around Lake Botnsvatn, to views down from the slopes of the Húsavíkurfjall - where purple-spired lupin flowers spill down amongst the emerald slopes. From the summit, look out over views of the bay, reaching out to the crumpled snowy peaks beyond. Or feel the full force of this land of natural power, at Dettifloss Waterfall, one of Europe's most powerful, thrashing flumes.

Enjoy a rejuvenating glimpse into northern Iceland's immense beauty. Sitting on the Skagafjörður Fjord's eastern edge, Hofsós was one of Iceland's oldest trading stations, and the colorful village has successfully retained its unique historical charm. The scenic fjord's waters are punctuated by a trio of stark islands, which beckon birdwatchers and folklore enthusiasts alike - spot puffins and seabird colonies amid the artfully sculpted rock formations and cathedral-like cliffs. The Hofsós swimming pool is one of Iceland's most beautiful opportunities for a dip. Sink into the warm pool waters and drift toward the infinity edge, where it appears as though you could swim out into the breathtaking fjord waters towards the distant mountain border. Close to the pool is a set of basalt rock columns stacked up like natural organ pipes. Dry off ahead of a visit to Hofsós's thoughtful museum, which details the stories of the thousands of Icelanders who emigrated to North America in the 1800s, seeking an escape from the challenging life at the time, which was wrought by a cycle of volcanic eruptions and perilous famines. Nearby, you can also find a small, almost camouflaged surprise blending into the surrounding mountains - the oldest church in Iceland. The stunning setting and turf-clad wooden chapel propose a peaceful moment of contemplation and tranquility.

Drangey Island, famed as the refuge of Iceland's most notorious outlaw - Grettir the Strong - stands as a commanding fortress of rock in the tranquil waters of Skagafjörður. A stark interruption to the expansive, open views of the fjord, this natural citadel is also a stronghold for dozens of nesting seabird colonies. This dramatic island, which towers 180 meters high, is a lasting remnant of a 700,000-year-old volcano - although Icelandic folklore dictates that the island formed when two trolls and their cow were petrified by the morning sun's rays while attempting to traverse the fjord. The island's lore runs deep, and Drangey is intrinsically intertwined with tales from the 'Grettis Saga'. Drangey Island was Grettir's last escape, and he spent his final three years in exile here alongside his brother Illugi before finally succumbing to his enemies. Today, the only outlaws to be found running amok are the hordes of curious puffins and other seabirds, such as white-bellied guillemots and diving gannets, which thrive on the steep, sheer cliffs. Below, in the deep fjord waters, the sounds of whale song reverberate, and gentle giants like humpbacks and minkes frequent these waters.

Join the list of adventurers and explorers who have crossed the Arctic Circle's threshold to enter one of the most enchanting realms on Earth. Grímsey Island, the northernmost inhabited land in Iceland, features a unique landmark - a movable stone orb that marks the precise location of the Arctic Circle at 66 degrees and 34 minutes north latitude. This innovative monument moves to reflect the shifting nature of the Arctic Circle, which migrates northward each year due to the Earth's axial tilt. Time is running out to witness this phenomenon on Grímsey, as the circle gradually drifts away from the island. Located 25 miles north of Iceland's mainland, Grímsey Island is a small, steep-sided land coated with a rich covering of emerald-green grass. It is home to just a few traditional fishing families and is dominated by hundreds of thousands of seabirds, which add a lively dash of colour and chaos. During the summer, the island basks in 24 hours of sunlight, casting an ethereal glow, while winter's dark skies come alive with the Northern Lights's interplay of colour. The island's Atlantic puffins steal the spotlight with their brilliantly bright beaks, feet, and photogenic poses. These charming birds, and droves of other seabirds, nest on the steep cliffs that also provide sanctuary to species like Black-Legged Kittiwakes, Thick-Billed Murres, and Northern Fulmars. Watch out for Arctic terns dive-bombing from above into waters rich with marine life like whales and dolphins.

Almost swallowed whole by the scenic embrace of Iceland's Westfjords, tiny Djupavik enjoys a starkly beautiful location, which echoes with forgotten industry. This northwestern haven is often cut off by winter's heavy snows and reachable only by a winding road, adding to the aura of distant adventure. The ceaseless murmur of Djúpavíkurfoss waterfall calls visitors ashore to a small huddle of cherry red houses trimmed in cream beside the glistening fjord waters. Set in one of the most sparsely populated regions on the island, the shore is dominated by an incongruous, sprawling factory. When built, it was the largest concrete structure in Iceland and a state-of-the-art hub of advanced automation and entrepreneurship. Now hauntingly silent, the abandoned herring factory, which dates back to 1934, serves as an eerie reminder of the once-thriving trade that sprung up in an unlikely manner in this far-flung corner of Iceland. Explore the remains, including the rusting ship that once served as a dormitory for the factory's male workers and now rests forlornly near the water. Nowadays, the factory's shell has been carefully and creatively repurposed as an evocative art gallery and hotel. Hikers can wander amid the fjord's beautiful setting, with trails offering explorations of the tumbling waterfall behind and widescreen views of the picturesque, moody Reykjarfjörður fjord scenery below.

Although the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is further north across the Isarfjardardjup, Bolungarvik is Westfjords’ and Iceland’s northernmost town. Despite its relative isolation, Bolungarvik has been settled for hundreds of years and is already mentioned in the settlement period of Iceland. Located next to rich fishing grounds and the cove of the same name, Bolungarvik has always been a place for fishermen and one of the town’s attractions is a replica of an old fishing station. Just to the northwest is Bolafjall Mountain which blocks off the wind and swells from the Atlantic Ocean. The view from the top (at 638 meters above sea level) not only covers Bolungarvik and the surrounding valleys and mountains but also several fjords and the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Although only 950 residents call Bolungarvik their home, this is the Westfjords’ second biggest town. There even is a nine-hole golf course (par 71) with 18 sets of tees.

Vigur Island is the second largest island in the Isafjardardjup Fjord, measuring two kilometers in length by 400 meters in width. It is home to a single sheep farming family, which ferries the sheep in summer across to the mainland, so that the Eider Ducks nesting on the island will not be disturbed. One of the export articles from this small island was eider down and one can still see where the Eider Ducks nest and how the down is collected and cleaned. The small settlement of a few houses is on the southern side, next to a small rocky beach, a concrete wall, and floating pier. On approach grey seals can often be seen on the otherwise seaweed-covered boulders. Apart from the grey of the basalt and green of the grass, lichens add a splash of color. A path has been prepared and the grass cut, so that visitors can leisurely walk across the island to take in the beautiful scenery and to observe the large colony of Arctic Terns, Black Guillemots, and Atlantic Puffins usually only seen during the summer months. A meticulously preserved historical landmark, a small windmill dating back to the 1840s was still in use in 1917 to grind wheat imported from Denmark. Viktoria House, one of the preserved wooden farmhouses dating back to 1862, is used as a café where home-baked cakes and cookies are offered to guests. One of Europe’s smallest post offices can be found here, too.

Iceland is well-known for its spectacular waterfalls. The iconic Dynjandi waterfall, located in the Westfjords region, is regarded as one of Iceland’s most impressive and majestic waterfalls. At the top, the cascading water is roughly 100 feet wide and tumbles down about 330 feet into the fjord. Its name Dynjandi means, “the thundering one” and its vast size, enormous sound, and sheer force is overwhelming. It has also been nicknamed, “The Bridal Veil” because of the way the water sprays and spreads over the rocks.

The capital of Iceland's land of ice, fire, and natural wonder, Reykjavik is a city like no other - blossoming among some of the world's most vibrant and violent scenery. Home to two-thirds of Iceland's population, Reykjavik is the island's only real city, and a welcoming and walkable place - full of bicycles gliding along boulevards or battling the wind when it rears up. Fresh licks of paint brighten the streets, and an artistic and creative atmosphere embraces studios and galleries - as well as the kitchens where an exciting culinary scene is burgeoning. Plot your adventures in the city's hip bars and cozy cafes, or waste no time in venturing out to Iceland's outdoor adventures. Reykjavik's buildings stand together - below the whip of winter's winds - together with the magnificent Hallgrímskirkja church, with its bell tower rising resolutely over the city. Iceland's largest church's design echoes the lava flows that have shaped this remote land and boasts a clean and elegant interior. The Harpa Concert Hall's sheer glass facade helps it to assimilate into the landscape, mirroring back the city and harbor. Its LED lights shimmer in honor of Iceland's greatest illuminated performance - the northern lights. Walk in the crusts between continents, feel the spray from bursts of geysers, and witness the enduring power of Iceland's massive waterfalls. Whether you want to sizzle away in the earth-heated geothermal pools or hike to your heart's content, you can do it all from Reykjavik - the colorful capital of this astonishing outdoor country.

Itineraries are subject to change.