fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Faroe Islands, Iceland, Spitsbergen Island Hopping in and around the Arctic

Faroe Islands, Iceland, Spitsbergen Island Hopping in and around the Arctic

From AUD $10,815

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print

Description

Island adventures Our springtime adventure starts in Bergen, Norway, before sailing to Lerwick in Scotland’s Shetland Isles. From there, we travel to the green Faroe Islands, then cross to the north coast of Iceland. We finish our expedition cruise in Longyearbyen after sailing to scenic Spitsbergen in the High Arctic, in all its untouched glory. 
 Keep watch for wildlife The pristine waters and stunning islands on this North Atlantic island-hopping adventure are home to all kinds of wildlife. We’ll look out for birds, whales and more along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic – but elusive – polar bear as we sail the waters near Spitsbergen. 

Trip Name
Faroe Islands, Iceland, Spitsbergen Island Hopping in and around the Arctic
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 100 metres Passenger Capacity: 335 Built / refurbished: 2009 / 2016 MS Spitsbergen is an intimate expedition vessel named after the largest island in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, designed for deep exploration of remote polar and subpolar regions. Rebuilt in 2016 and extensively refurbished in 2025, the ship combines modern expedition capability with Scandinavian simplicity and elegance. With capacity for just 150 guests, enhanced manoeuvrability, and a compact size, she can access narrow fjords, secluded coastlines, and landing sites beyond the reach of larger ships, offering a highly immersive style of exploration supported by an experienced Expedition Team of naturalists and guides. Life onboard is calm, functional, and closely connected to the surrounding environment, with panoramic windows, open decks, and interiors inspired by the sea. Facilities include an Explorer Lounge and Bar, a central Science Centre for lectures and workshops, regionally inspired dining venues, and wellness spaces such as a panoramic sauna, fitness room, and outdoor hot tubs. Accommodation ranges from comfortable cabins to spacious Expedition Suites with private balconies, balancing practicality with understated comfort. MS Spitsbergen operates as a true floating basecamp, prioritising access, education, and meaningful engagement with some of the world’s most remote landscapes.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Beginning in Bergen
 Explore UNESCO-listed Bryggen and mountain peaksYour adventure begins in the charming city of Bergen. Surrounded by seven mountains and the sea, Norway's old capital is also one of its most picturesque cities. If you have time before boarding the ship, why not stroll through the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, with its colourful wooden wharfs dating back to the 18th century. Across from Bryggen, you'll find the city's famous fish market. You can even take the funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløyen for a refreshing hike and amazing views of the city, the mountains and sea beyond.  
Day 2 - Day 2 The Shetland Islands
 Explore Scotland's northernmost townWelcome to the Shetland Islands. Lerwick, the capital, is a friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town set in beautiful scenery.  Navigate the narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops selling local whiskies, woollen sweaters and fudge. By the old waterfront, you’ll find the Shetland Museum, showcasing Pictish carvings and lace shawls. Nearby you can see Fort Charlotte and the regal-looking town hall.  Keep your binoculars handy to scan for grey and common seals along Lerwick's beaches, as well as local birdlife such as Red-throated Divers, redshanks and curlews.  
Day 3 - Day 3 10th century Tórshavn
 A visit to Streymoy in the Faroe Islands Tórshavn is located on Streymoy, the largest of the Faroe Islands. Founded by Norsemen in the 10th century, Tórshavn – Thor’s Harbour – is one of Northern Europe’s oldest capitals. Wander through the cobbled alleyways and delight in the colourful, turf-roofed houses found here. In the local museums, you can learn about the city’s origins and the flora, fauna and geology of the Faroe Islands.  About half a mile out of town, the Svartafoss waterfall tumbles over mossy rocks. And as you walk along the seafront, look out for Eider Ducks and the distinctive Faroese Starling with its beige-tipped wings 
Day 4 - Day 4 Peaceful, tiny Elduvík
 Surround yourself with the sounds of Faroese natureToday we’ll stop to explore the tiny village of Elduvík, with just 23 inhabitants. Set in the Funningsfjørður inlet in the Faroe Islands. Elduvík is split in two by the river Stórá. While small, Elduvík comes complete with a school, church, dock and pier. From the pier, enjoy the view across the sparkling waters to the nearby island of Kalsoy – it’s astonishingly peaceful here. As you walk through the village's charming streets, listen for the songs of seabirds, bleating sheep, and waves coming to shore from the fjord. You'll notice that the roofs of many houses are built in the traditional Icelandic style: covered in grass instead of slate, offering much-needed insulation and protection against the weather.  
Day 5 - Day 5 A day at sea
 Enjoy a relaxing day as we cruise towards Iceland As we sail to Bakkagerði, you'll have time to sit back and swap stories of your adventures with your new friends. Keep your eyes peeled while on deck for some wonderful marine life. Or why not relax in a hot tub and watch for seabirds at the same time. Join the Expedition Team in the Science Center as they set the scene for the next leg of your expedition in northern Iceland. Learn about the island's stunning landscapes, cultures and beliefs. 
Day 6 - Day 6 Magical Bakkagerði
 Look for elves in natural beautyYour Iceland cruise continues to Bakkagerði, a tiny, remote settlement.  According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of local land spirits or elves, known as huldufólk, meaning 'hidden people'. Walk around town to explore this magical place.  The area around Bakkagerði is a popular hiking area. You can join the Expedition Team to walk through lush, green valleys and gorgeous scenery among colourful rhyolite rocks.    The coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eiders and puffins. We may also visit the Atlantic Puffin colony on Hafnarhólmi – a true gem for nature lovers and wildlife photographers. 
Day 7 - Day 7 Whale watching in Húsavík
 Iceland's best whale watching spot Today you’ll discover Húsavík, a fascinating small town that's one of the best places in the world from which to see whales.  Húsavík looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphin, harbour porpoise and even the elusive blue whale. If you’re  lucky, you might see one or more of these giants at sea. Learn more about them at Húsavík’s Whale Museum.  The town’s Exploration Museum has a section dedicated to space. As Húsavík's geology resembles lunar rocks, NASA sent astronauts from their Apollo space missions to train here.  You can also enjoy the geothermal waters at Geosea, which overlooks Skjálfandi bay, and refresh with a beer at the local microbrewery. 
Day 8 - Day 8 Akureyri and Goðafoss
 See dramatic moonscapes and waterfallsGaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. It’s also known as a great place to spot humpbacks and minke whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.  Iceland’s 'Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the fjord base. Here, you can enjoy the oasis of a botanical garden, and visit top-notch eateries and museums.  A little further afield, you can witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You can also keep an eye out for Eider and Harlequin Ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's more active volcanic areas. 
Day 9 - Day 9 Relax and learn at sea
 Time to relax and discover what adventures lie ahead As we cross the Arctic Circle and head towards Jan Mayen, you’ll enjoy a day at sea. There's plenty to do on board. Scan for marine wildlife from the deck, enjoy the panoramic sauna or soak in a hot tub, or simply relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, a great place to read or watch the world glide by. Visit the Science Center for insights into the destinations ahead on your island-hopping expedition cruise. Enjoy a fascinating lecture from the Expedition Team or help collect important data and contribute to Citizen Science projects.  Photography enthusiasts can pick up some pointers on how to capture wildlife and landscapes from our onboard photographer.  
Day 10 - Day 10 Volcanic Jan Mayen
 Visit an active volcano that's a haven for birdlifeJan Mayen has no permanent residents and visits to the island are rare. In fact, we're one of the few to attempt landings here. If conditions allow, you’ll be setting foot in one of Earth’s most remote places. Jan Mayen’s surreal, moss- and lichen-streaked landscape is dominated by the Beerenberg volcanic cone. It's the world's northernmost active volcano and last erupted in 1985. You won’t see land mammals here, but the island is designated an Important Bird Area, supporting large populations of Northern Fulmars, Brünnich’s Guillemots and Little Auks. Look out for abundant marine life in the surrounding waters too, including whales and seals. 
Day 11 - Day 11 Enjoy a day at sea
 A peaceful interlude in your adventureSpend the day at your leisure as we sail deeper into the Arctic towards the Svalbard archipelago. Savour the quiet moments, simply appreciating the peaceful feeling of being at sea. This is a rare opportunity to disconnect and get a break from the modern world. Feeling active? You can enjoy a workout in the gym or simply relax in the panoramic sauna while gazing out at the view. As ever, our Expedition Team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and offer insights about these Arctic islands.  
Day 12 - Day 12-14 Scenic Spitsbergen
 A land of spectacular beautySvalbard’s largest island Spitsbergen showcases Arctic beauty in its untouched glory; a wilderness of steep mountains, glaciers, and beautiful islands. Over the next three days, you'll explore some of the world's most dramatic fjords, listening for the creaks of glaciers as they calve icebergs into the sea.    Delight in the rare chance to seek the region’s apex predator, the magnificent polar bear, in its natural environment following the sea-ice edge hunting for seals.  We’ll take advantage of every opportunity to land, taking expedition boats ashore for exploring. If we can, we’ll launch our kayaks to enjoy the scenery in near-perfect silence. 
Day 13 - Day 15 Longyearbyen
 A last day at the top of the worldYour Arctic adventure ends in Longyearbyen, where you’ll catch your flight back to Oslo.  You'll return home knowing more about Arctic animals, history, polar ice, and climate change than when you arrived – and with memories of an incredible experience. 
Day 14 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
16-05-202730-05-2027AUD $10,815Polar Inside. From
16-05-202730-05-2027AUD $12,653Polar Outside. From
16-05-202730-05-2027AUD $15,141Arctic Superior. From
16-05-202730-05-2027AUD $18,385Expedition Suite. From

Inclusions

    • Explore five beautiful islands across four countries and three archipelagos with stunningly wild landscapes.
    • Keep watch for spectacular wildlife in this birdwatching and whale-watching paradise as we sail deep into the Arctic.
    • We’ll attempt to land at Jan Mayen, home to the world’s northernmost active volcano.

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Norway
More of activity:
Arctic Cruises