Whiskey, Fire & Ice

Welcome to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Spread out under the gaze of its ancient castle, the city is an inspiring blend of history, culture and nature. It’s said to have more pubs per capita than anywhere else in the UK, so take some time to join the locals for a pint. Transfer to Leith where you’ll board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. Meet the Captain, crew and Discovery Team, and settle into your spacious suite. Join your fellow guests at the Sky Bar for a glass of Champagne before setting sail. Please book your flight to arrive into Edinburgh prior to 02:00 PM.

Founded approximately 1000 years ago, Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney Islands, just off the northern tip of the Scottish mainland. A Viking spirit still runs through the town, centred around the grand St Magnus Cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Wander the charming streets lined with quaint shops and cosy cafes, and soak up the early summer sunshine in pretty Tankerness House Gardens. Dive into Orkneys rich heritage at the Orkney Museum or go all the way back to prehistoric times at the world-famous Neolithic sites of Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar.

The most northerly point of the British Isles, the Shetland Islands sit almost 200 kilometres off the north coast of mainland Scotland. Lerwick is the island group’s only town and has a charming waterfront lined with sandstone buildings dating back to the 18th century. This is the place where Norse heritage meets Scottish charm. Listen out for the sound of traditional Shetland music as you walk through the twisting lanes and bustling market square of this pretty harbour town.

Named after Thor, the Norse god of weather, strength, and growth, Tórshavn is one of the world’s smallest capital cities in one of Europe’s least travelled destinations. The Faroe Islands offer a captivating blend of Scandinavian culture and breathtaking natural beauty. Wander down cobbled alleyways between colourful buildings with grassy roofs and imagine life in Viking times. Towering cliffs, craggy fjords and powerful waterfalls create a wild landscape. Stand on your private verandah this afternoon as Scenic Eclipse sails out through the majestic Djupini Channel, known for its dramatic cliffs rising up to approximately 1,000 meters above sea level.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as you make your way north towards Iceland. Perhaps ask your butler to bring breakfast to your suite, to be enjoyed as you watch the icy ocean slip from your private verandah. Then explore some of the indulgent spaces on board, from the welcoming Observation Lounge to the indulgent Senses Spa# with its sauna and heated therapy lounge.  Have your camera ready for the spectacular views as we sail into Seyðisfjörður this evening. Scenic Eclipse will be docked here overnight, so youll have ample time to explore local delights. 

In a country with an abundance of natural drama, Seyðisfjörður may steal the show. Set at the mouth of a beautiful fjord, this is East Iceland’s heart of culture, heritage and hospitality – and then there’s the architecture. The centre of town is known for 19th-century timber houses perched on the side of the lagoon, built by fisherfolk when the region was booming. There’s plenty of culture to go with the small-town country charm, complemented by plentiful wildlife, including reindeer and porpoises drawn by the verdant setting of cascading waterfalls and snow-capped mountains.

Nestled on the edge of Shaky Bay, Húsavík has a long history and was the first place in Iceland to be settled. In the year 860, a Swedish Viking and his crew built Iceland’s first house here as they wintered on the island. Today, it’s known for its colourful houses, unique museums and stunning peaks across the bay, making it one of the prettiest fishing villages in the northeast. It’s considered the Whale Capital of Iceland, and you can spot various species breaching from the deep blue waters regularly between May and September, while pods of dolphins frolic year-round.

Grímsey is a small island north of the Icelandic mainland, home to only 100 people and one million seabirds. Nesting on the high cliffs that surround the whole island, the chatter of seabirds here is constant, especially during the 24 hours of sunshine in summer. This green, grassy outcrop straddles the Arctic Circle, making it one of the few places on earth where you can cross over the Arctic Circle on foot – truly a once in a lifetime experience. Enjoy this unique opportunity to experience the magic of the far north and leave footprints on the edge of the world.

Weather permitting, today we visit the jewel of the Westfjords, Dynjandi Waterfall. Feel the freezing mist on your face as you admire the cascading bridal veil falls and discover why it was nicknamed ‘the thunder’. Tumbling down seven tiers over 100 metres, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Later this afternoon we will sail past the towering Látrabjarg bird cliffs. This dramatic promontory is the westernmost point of Iceland and is one of the largest bird cliffs in Europe. It’s home to millions of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, fulmar, guillemot, kittiwakes and more, who nest in the cliff with their chicks.

Grundarfjörður is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Icelands stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Surrounded by towering mountains and pristine fjords, Grundarfjörður offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and Icelandic charm. Explore the quaint streets lined with colourful houses, or venture into the nearby wilderness to discover hidden waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. Make sure you catch a glimpse of the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, a favourite among photographers and nature enthusiasts.

The earth is always rumbling beneath Iceland. Today, you’ll see a perfect example of nature’s ability to both create and destroy. When the volcano Eldfell, meaning ‘Hill of Fire’, erupted here in 1973, parts of the island were covered in lava and ash, sealing them in a virtual time capsule. Walking through the town, you’ll be able to see signs of the eruption and fallout.  Keep your eyes open for our black and white friends, with more Atlantic puffins nesting here than anywhere else in the world.

Your voyage concludes in Reykjavik this morning. This busy, buzzy capital has a captivating creative soul, vibrant nightlife and a population of cool, quirky Reykvíkingurs. Stay longer to explore its stylish restaurants, chic boutiques, innovative galleries and fascinating museums.   After one final breakfast on board, you’ll disembark your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Farewell the crew and your fellow guests, taking with you a wealth of memories from an unforgettable voyage.  Please book your flight to depart out of Reykjavik after 12:00 PM. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. #Spa treatments at additional cost. Please note the itinerary is a guide and may be subject to changes for operational reasons. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.