Expedition Wild Scotland and Iceland: Spheres of Discovery - Beautiful, Close, Unspoilt

With untamed power, the Atlantik forms a stage for breathtaking natural spectacles in Northern Europe - and the box seats for this are on board the HANSEATIC nature. Beautiful, close, magical - from the Irish Sea to Iceland, a journey full of contrasts lies ahead of you: imposing and lovely, barren and inviting, lonely and full of life. Now in summer, the north is lush and fresh. Seabirds welcome their offspring. The days are nice and long and the nights are almost light. This makes remote islands and magnificent landscapes dream destinations for nature lovers and a paradise for ornithologists. How diverse will the realm of kings and clans be? Where do testimonies of moving history crown your landings with the Zodiacs? When cruising the Scottish islands, curiosity and that first expedition feeling mix.

Deep bays such as the wild and romantic Loch Linnhe alternate with narrow straits. One of these is the Corran Narrows, where the HANSEATIC nature makes perfect use of its advantages as a small expedition ship. This will take you far into picturesque landscapes to reach Fort William. This cosy town is overlooked by Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. Unlock the secrets of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle1 from here. Even if Nessie doesn't show herself: The castle ruins from the 14th century. The 18th century church is an extraordinary photo motif. Alternatively, the viewpoint offers an impressive view of the Hogwarts Express travelling over the Glenfinnan Viaduct1.

The Inner and Outer Hebrides offer special adventure days. The manoeuvrable HANSEATIC nature is completely in its element in the rugged islands off the coast of Scotland. Pristine landscapes open up before you as you land on Iona and learn fascinating facts about the cradle of Scottish Christianisation. Lunga is a refuge for numerous seabird species. From the Zodiac you can observe puffins, among other things 

Your journey continues spectacularly on the St Kilda archipelago, whose black rocks rise steeply from the surf. The most remote islands in Great Britain bear witness to their former inhabitants with the ruins of old stone houses. Today, they are a breeding ground for seabirds and you will go on a hike with your experts to explore them. The Isle of Lewis emphasises the diversity of Scotland with its striking Bergen, tranquil lochs and beautiful beaches. The magic of the landscape is matched by the mysticism surrounding the creation of the Callanish1 stone circles, which take you back almost 4,000 years in time. On a scenic drive to Harris1 you will capture the most beautiful motifs of the home of the tweed. In Culture, Coast & Castle1, you will discover exciting facts about Tweed and the mysterious ‘Bridge to Nowhere’.

Iceland puts an exclamation mark behind Europe's character landscapes. Volcanic, icy, untamed - an exciting world of contrasts. The fishing village of Seydisfjördur at the end of a deep fjord invites you to take a stroll through its historic wooden buildings.  Or take a hike into the Vestdalur valley1 and enjoy the diversity of plants and the roar of the waterfalls. You can also reach some beautiful hiking trails individually from the ship. The enchanted side of the region unfolds in Bakkagerdi. According to legend, the fairy queen reigns over the bird cliff, where numerous puffins practise their flying skills. Djupivogur in the East Fjords has a close connection to the sea thanks to its long fishing tradition and is the starting point for a jeep tour to the Valley of Waterfalls1.

On Heimaey, the only permanently inhabited Westman Island, the volcano Eldfell last erupted in 1973 and covered the land with lava flows. Volcanic activity also plays a part in cruising off Surtsey - a final mosaic piece in the kaleidoscope of your journey. You will be envied for the diverse insights into the natural and cultural treasures. 

Itineraries are subject to change.