One Ocean Expeditions

Islands of the North Atlantic Journey to New Worlds - A Trans-Atlantic Epic 22 nights

This epic trans-Atlantic journey combines two incredible voyages – 'Scotland, Faroes & Iceland: Footsteps of Vikings and Gaels' and the 'Path of the Vikings: Iceland, Greenland & Canada' to create one true Viking saga.

For more than a millennium, people from Scandinavia and Europe struck out to the west crossing the Atlantic Ocean on voyages of discovery. Vikings sailed in their longboats conquering and settling parts of modern-day Great Britain, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland and made it as far as Canada's east coast. On this epic saga, you will discover diverse cultures, remarkable people, fantastic wildlife encounters, spectacular scenery and most of all, a rich history dating back 1000 years.

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Journey to New Worlds - A Trans-Atlantic Epic

Starting Rate: N/A

Number of Nights: 22

Departs from: EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

Returns to: SYDNEY, NOVA SCOTIA

Experiences:

Available Dates:


Day by Day: What you can experience: Journey to New Worlds - A Trans-Atlantic Epic

Please note this is a SAMPLE ITINERARY and subject to change. Reference the full trip notes for your chosen departure details. Follow the path of the Vikings, explorers and adventurers to the New World and visit some of the most important locations which have shaped history and the world as we know it today.

Commencing in Scotland, we visit delightful coastal towns, exploring on shore in small groups learning about the rich history. The remote Faroe Islands provide some of the most dramatic scenery imaginable with an almost fairy-tale landscape. Iceland is home to a unique culture that can trace its origin directly to the arrival of the Vikings through language and traditions. Greenland introduces us to a whole new world – of mountainous terrain, deep fjords, glaciers and icebergs and colourful fishing villages. After three incredible weeks, we eventually make landfall in North America – on the island of Newfoundland | Please note this is a SAMPLE ITINERARY and subject to change. Reference the full trip notes for your chosen departure details.



Day 1

Edinburgh (Leith)

Your voyage begins in Edinburgh, Scotland’s picturesque capital city. This afternoon, we board our home for the next 22 nights – RCGS Resolute. On...

Your voyage begins in Edinburgh, Scotland’s picturesque capital city. This afternoon, we board our home for the next 22 nights – RCGS Resolute. Once onboard you will meet the expedition team and set sail.




Day 2

Aberdeen, Scotland

We wake up cruising the stunning east coast of Scotland ready for our first historical destination, Aberdeen. For many, a visit to Dunnottar Castle...

We wake up cruising the stunning east coast of Scotland ready for our first historical destination, Aberdeen. For many, a visit to Dunnottar Castle is a must. The medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland is steeped in history. For those wanting to stretch their legs, a stunning and undulating coastal path will take you 3km north to the town of Stonehaven.




Day 3

Orkney Islands, Scotland

Today we reach the Orkney Islands. Many are uninhabited, allowing us to truly enjoy the local wildlife, including seals, and prolific birdlife. Ork...

Today we reach the Orkney Islands. Many are uninhabited, allowing us to truly enjoy the local wildlife, including seals, and prolific birdlife. Orkney is considered to be the best place in the UK for viewing seabirds. Experience the unique culture, heritage and traditions by visiting one the museums, galleries or craft workshops.




Day 4

Stornoway, Hebrides, Scotland

The Scottish Western Isles of the Outer Hebrides are a diverse chain of inter-connected islands with their own unique way of life. A highlight of o...

The Scottish Western Isles of the Outer Hebrides are a diverse chain of inter-connected islands with their own unique way of life. A highlight of our visit will be a trip to the 5000-year old Standing Stones at Callanish.




Day 5

Unst, Shetland Islands

A unique place of peace, pure air and wide-open spaces, visitors to Unst in the Shetlands savour the wildlife, the birdlife and the warm community ...

A unique place of peace, pure air and wide-open spaces, visitors to Unst in the Shetlands savour the wildlife, the birdlife and the warm community spirit.




Day 6

Torshavn, Faroe Islands

By morning we have arrived in the Faroe Islands - a group of 18 rocky, volcanic islands situated between Iceland and Norway. Visitors are drawn to ...

By morning we have arrived in the Faroe Islands - a group of 18 rocky, volcanic islands situated between Iceland and Norway. Visitors are drawn to the islands’ mountains, valleys, grassy heathland and steep coastal cliffs. We begin our time exploring in Tórshavn, the tiny capital of the Faroe Islands.




Day 7

Miovagur, Mykines, Faroe Islands

Today we will visit Sørvágsvatn, the largest lake on the islands. Dubbed “the lake over the ocean” due to an optical illusion, the lake appears to ...

Today we will visit Sørvágsvatn, the largest lake on the islands. Dubbed “the lake over the ocean” due to an optical illusion, the lake appears to hover in mid-air. The famous Bøsdalafossur waterfall provides a great hiking excursion and Mulafossur Waterfall is best viewed by sea. We then visit Mykines island which provides some of the best bird watching in the Faroe Islands.




Day 8

Seydisfjordur, Iceland

A place of singing waterfalls and interesting characters, Seydisfjordur is a welcoming town with a rich history. Experience the flourishing art sce...

A place of singing waterfalls and interesting characters, Seydisfjordur is a welcoming town with a rich history. Experience the flourishing art scene, enjoy local cuisine or experience the delightful hiking trails. One of the highlights to be sure will be a pleasant hike down ‘Waterfall lane’. A slightly longer hike brings us to a lookout with glorious views. The Skaftfell Center for Visual Arts provides us with a great alternative to the outdoors, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Icelandic culture.




Day 9

Djupivogur, Icealand

Our next stop will take us to the small fishing village of Djupivogur located on the Bulandsnes Peninsula. The scenic landscape immediately draws y...

Our next stop will take us to the small fishing village of Djupivogur located on the Bulandsnes Peninsula. The scenic landscape immediately draws your eye up to Bulandstindur, a pyramid-shaped mountain towering over the town.




Day 10

Reynisdrangar, Iceland

Just east of the outskirts of Vik lies one of Europe's biggest Arctic tern breeding grounds. To the south of Reynisfjall mountain, a spectacular se...

Just east of the outskirts of Vik lies one of Europe's biggest Arctic tern breeding grounds. To the south of Reynisfjall mountain, a spectacular set of rock columns called Reynisdrangar, rise majestically out of the Atlantic Ocean. These towering, spiky rock formations jut out from the ocean 66 meters (217 ft) into the air. Our approach by sea will give a unique perspective and the chance to view this spectacular landmark in small groups, perfect for bird viewing and exploring through your lens.




Day 11

Heimaey, Westman Islands

Leaving the shores of the mainland, we journey into the North Atlantic to the tiny, but beautiful, Westman Islands. Rich in volcanic history and kn...

Leaving the shores of the mainland, we journey into the North Atlantic to the tiny, but beautiful, Westman Islands. Rich in volcanic history and known as a ‘modern Nordic Pompeii’, Heimaey’s once-solitary volcano, Helgafell (or “Holy Mountain”) created the island in an eruption 7,000 years ago. The seabird life in the Westman Islands is abundant and we are on the lookout for whales and seals. One major highlight is a visit to Storhofoi, the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world.




Day 12

Reykjavik, Iceland

This morning we are in Reykjavik, Iceland's capital city. You will say farewell to many of your fellow passengers as they disembark at the completi...

This morning we are in Reykjavik, Iceland's capital city. You will say farewell to many of your fellow passengers as they disembark at the completion of their journey across from Scotland. There will be an opportunity to go ashore and explore the city for the day before re-boarding the ship this afternoon.




Day 13 & 14

At Sea - Iceland to Greenland

We awaken to the open waters of the Denmark Strait which separates Iceland from Greenland. Our onboard experts educate us with a series of presenta...

We awaken to the open waters of the Denmark Strait which separates Iceland from Greenland. Our onboard experts educate us with a series of presentations about the environment, the wildlife and history and the locations we hope to visit in Greenland in the coming days.




Day 15

Prince Christian Sound, Greenland

The coast is in sight and the ship navigates towards the entrance of Prince Christian Sound, providing a spectacular welcome to Greenland. The soun...

The coast is in sight and the ship navigates towards the entrance of Prince Christian Sound, providing a spectacular welcome to Greenland. The sound separates the mainland from the island archipelago that forms the southern tip of the country. Mountains tower around us and waterfalls tumble down the steep cliffs as the Captain carefully navigates through the passage.




Day 16

Tasermiut Fjord & Nanortalik

For many, today may well be a highlight of the trip. Tasermiut Fjord has a well-known reputation as 'the Patagonia of the North' due to the towerin...

For many, today may well be a highlight of the trip. Tasermiut Fjord has a well-known reputation as 'the Patagonia of the North' due to the towering rock formations that surround the narrow waters. The highest peak is over 1800m and has a sheer granite face of more than a kilometre. This is nature at her most powerful. We return to the small town of Nanortalik and venture into the pretty harbour in the Zodiacs for a stroll through the colourful houses in town.




Day 17

Narsarsuaq

This is quintessential Greenland. As we navigate the ship further into the fjord system, we are awestruck by the beauty. Not surprisingly, the Viki...

This is quintessential Greenland. As we navigate the ship further into the fjord system, we are awestruck by the beauty. Not surprisingly, the Vikings were just as impressed and Narsarsuaqand surrounds are among the most historically significant locations in the country. The Brattahlid open-air museum is a fascinating spot and features a reconstructed church and Viking longhouse.




Day 18

Bredefjord & Narsaq

The coast of western Greenland is famous for icebergs and we observe several glaciers at close quarters when navigating the ship along Bredefjord. ...

The coast of western Greenland is famous for icebergs and we observe several glaciers at close quarters when navigating the ship along Bredefjord. At the end of a remote arm of the fjord are two giant glaciers, known locally as ‘the twins’. We navigate in the Zodiacs to get a better view of the glacial face and delight at the endless photo opportunities the ice sculptures provide us. This afternoon we visit the small community of Narsaq.




Day 19

At Sea - Davis Strait

While sailing south towards Newfoundland our onboard experts will recap on our adventures in Greenland and prepare us for the days ahead. This is a...

While sailing south towards Newfoundland our onboard experts will recap on our adventures in Greenland and prepare us for the days ahead. This is an important migration corridor for birds and whales, and we keep our eyes out for signs of wildlife from the outer decks. Large icebergs of all shapes drift on the currents of the Davis Strait and while these won't be your first iceberg sightings, seeing them in open water is an impressive sight.




Day 20

L’Anse aux Meadows

Having arrived in Newfoundland, our excursion this afternoon tells a story a thousand years in the making. We board the Zodiacs for a short cruise ...

Having arrived in Newfoundland, our excursion this afternoon tells a story a thousand years in the making. We board the Zodiacs for a short cruise to the rocky shoreline. A millennium ago, Viking long-ships would have been found along this same beach. L’Anse aux Meadows is one of Canada’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.




Day 21

Woody Point - Gros Morne National Park

Today we find ourselves anchored in majestic Bonne Bay, just offshore from the small community of Woody Point, the gateway into the southern reache...

Today we find ourselves anchored in majestic Bonne Bay, just offshore from the small community of Woody Point, the gateway into the southern reaches of Gros Morne National Park. This is a Registered Historic District with several significant structures along the waterfront. Gros Morne is best known for the World Heritage-listed Tablelands and is celebrated for its unique geology and exceptional scenery.




Day 22

Cape North, Nova Scotia

Overnight we have crossed the broad Gulf of St Lawrence, which separates Newfoundland from Nova Scotia. Our final day will be spent exploring the n...

Overnight we have crossed the broad Gulf of St Lawrence, which separates Newfoundland from Nova Scotia. Our final day will be spent exploring the northern reaches of Cape Breton. Cape North is a small community situated on the famous Cabot Trail and is a gateway into the Highlands National Park. There are some excellent hiking opportunities here. Tonight, our chefs have prepared a special farewell dinner attended by the Captain of the ship. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate and reflect on a memorable journey as we sail to the final port of Sydney.




Day 23

Sydney, Nova Scotia

This morning we enter the port of Sydney, situated on the north coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Our fabulous trip comes to an end and we reflect...

This morning we enter the port of Sydney, situated on the north coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Our fabulous trip comes to an end and we reflect on the truly memorable journey. We disembark in the morning and, while some of us will head to the airport, many will add a few extra days in Nova Scotia to enjoy the hospitality, culture and renowned seafood.


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Dates and Rates

The following departures are available for this voyage

All prices are listed in USD. Single supplement: 1.5 for the twin occupancy cabins and 2 for the suites (single supplements not available for the triple share cabins).
Sea Kayaking on the Scotland, Faroe Islands and Iceland departure: USD695. On our Scotland & Ireland Golf Expedition departure, Sea Kayaking is complimentary.

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