Cruise the North: Iceland, Faroe Islands and British Isles

Expedition highlights

Europe from the water is a rhythm of UNESCO shores, historic ports, and walks that bring you close to local life, landscapes, and old time legends.

Historical Landmarks

Step into old quarters, forts, and UNESCO listed waterfronts, with guided walks that explain how each port shaped Europe’s story.

Guided Walks

Join paced walks through old quarters, waterfronts, and coastal paths, with time for photos and the details you would miss alone.

Fjords and Mountain Coastlines

Sail into steep walled fjords and along rugged mountain shores, where waterfalls, glaciers, and shifting northern light create some of Europe’s most dramatic scenery.

Viking and Celtic Heritage

Connect the dots between Norse sagas and Celtic legends in places where language, craft, and identity still feel distinct.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

The first days follow Iceland's southern coast, from Reykjavík to the puffin colonies of Heimaey and the glacial edges of Djúpivogur. The ship then crosses to the Faroe Islands for two stops — ancient Funningur and the colourful capital Tórshavn — before moving south through the British Isles: Lerwick, Kirkwall, and two days in Edinburgh. A day at sea bridges the final leg to Amsterdam

NOTE: This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

Overview

Day 1. Reykjavik

Reykjavík, despite its small size, is the capital of Iceland. At the top of the town stands the distinctive Hallgrímskirkja church, designed by renowned Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson. The revitalised harbour area features the futuristic Harpa Concert Hall and the Maritime Museum, showcasing the city's cultural heritage. A trip to Reykjavík would be incomplete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon, famous for its therapeutic geothermal waters

Day 2. Heimaey, Westman Island

Ten million Atlantic puffins make Heimaey, a 13-square-km island in the Westman Islands off southern Iceland, the largest puffin colony in the world from mid-April until the beginning of August. Despite a population of 4,000 people, puffins have even been spotted in the town of Vestmannaeyjar. The fascinating Eldheimar museum charts the story of the town’s devastation by lava from the Eldfell volcano in 1973. Nearby is Vestmannaeyjar Bird Cliff

Day 3. Djupivogur

With Viking-era origins, Djupivogur, a tranquil fishing village with fewer than 500 residents, is renowned for its unhurried pace of life and the art installation 'The Eggs at Merry Bay,' featuring 34 granite eggs representing local bird species. Nearby, Vatnajökull National Park, covering 14 percent of Iceland, offers a wild expanse with Europe's largest ice cap, Vatnajökull Glacier, thundering glacial rivers and active volcanoes

Day 4. Funningur

Cloaked in Faroese legend as the site where the first Viking settler, Grímur Kamban, made landfall over 1,200 years ago, Funningur is one of the archipelago's most ancient and atmospheric villages. Just seventy souls live here, nestled between cascading streams and the deep waters of Funningsfjørður, beneath the shadow of Slættaratindur — the highest peak in the Faroe Islands. A turf-roofed church, colourful houses, and a profound sense of stillness make it one of the most quietly unforgettable corners of these islands

Day 5. Torshavn

Cut adrift in the Atlantic, between Scotland and Iceland, the Faroes are a self-governing archipelago in the Kingdom of Denmark. On the southern tip of Streymoy, the largest of the 18 islands, the lively little capital of Tórshavn (Thor’s Harbour) charms with its rainbow-hued clapboard warehouses, grass-roofed wooden churches and the quaint old quarter, Tinganes. Off the radar for many, the Faroes are fast becoming known for their scenery

Day 6. Lerwick, Shetland Islands

Lerwick is the capital of Shetland, shaped by sea routes, Norse heritage, and a coastline that always pulls your eye outward. The town's stone streets and natural harbour speak to centuries of seafaring, while the moorland, inlets, and wildlife beyond its edge make even the simplest outing feel like an expedition. Archaeological sites, sea cliffs, and seabird colonies define this far-northern corner of Britain — remote, elemental, and quietly compelling

Day 7. Kirkwall, Orkney

The ancient capital of Orkney, Kirkwall is a compact and characterful town dominated by the magnificent red sandstone St Magnus Cathedral — one of the finest medieval buildings in northern Europe, founded in 1137. The Orkney Islands sit at a remarkable crossroads of Viking and Pictish history, and nowhere is that layered past more tangible than here, where Norse street names run alongside world-class museums and the extraordinary Neolithic landscape of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney — a UNESCO World Heritage site — lies just minutes away

Days 8-9. Edinburgh

One of Europe's most dramatic capital cities, Edinburgh rises around a volcanic crag crowned by its medieval castle, its skyline unchanged in centuries. The Royal Mile connects two royal palaces through a dense layering of history, while the Georgian elegance of the New Town and the panoramic views from Calton Hill reveal a city of extraordinary contrasts. Beyond the city, Scotland's landscape and deep past continue to unfold — castles, battlefields, and royal estates that bring the country's story vividly to life

Day 10. Day at sea

Spend your day at sea enjoying the facilities available onboard. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the hot tub while taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts

Day 11. Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a gorgeous Dutch city where a boat cruise along the canals gets to the heart of things. Yet, the magic also unfolds while strolling through narrow streets and crossing the hundreds of bridges. It houses a treasure trove of fabulous art museums, including the Rijksmuseum, adorned with Dutch Masters, conveniently located near the Van Gogh Museum. To the south, picturesque stretches of countryside with windmills line the canals

Endless ways to spend your day

There’s no such thing as a typical day with Swan Hellenic. We bring you endless possibilities to tailor every moment to your interests and mood, so you’ll always have your dream day on board.

SH Diana at a Glance

Boutique Cruising

SH Diana’s bespoke interiors are spacious and tasteful, with plush furnishing, and floor-to-ceiling windows that give you unobstructed views of some of the world’s most incredible landscapes. Bold clean lines blend with wood, metal and natural fabrics to create casual comfort.

Culinary Excellence

Outstanding food is all part of your boutique travel experience. Get ready to explore gastronomic excellence as Swan Hellenic’s world-renowned chefs take you on an international culinary journey

Beauty & Spa

Choose from beauty and wellness treatments, including Balinese inspired massages and body care. It is an easy way to reset between landings.

Fitness & Sauna

Our state-of-the-art gym has everything you’ll need for an invigorating workout, from cardio machines to stretch bands and free weights. Enjoy sessions with personal trainers and relax in sauna with a view.

Onboard Discoveries

Immerse yourself in the nature, history and culture of every locale you visit on your cruise with special briefings, lectures and presentations. Our experienced expedition guides are sure to make your time on board both fascinating and informative.

Engaging Environment

Whether you’re seeking a moment of quiet reflection, a chance to recharge your batteries, or an opportunity to investigate the wonders of the natural world, the SH Diana has a variety of relaxing and rejuvenating spaces to help make your voyage with us truly unforgettable.

Personal Service

Swan Hellenic is all about personal service and genuine hospitality. Our warm and welcoming crew aim to please, and nothing more than to give you the best experience possible.

Your Home Away from Home

Relax in the understated elegance of your stateroom or suite. A sophisticated blend of muted tones, natural textures and intuitive technology, the Scandi-inspired design seamlessly blends the natural world with exceptional comforts.