Northern England, the Scottish Isles & Iceland

Meet in York

Your cruising holiday begins in the historic city of York, where you meet your group and Tour Manager at your hotel. Enjoy some time to get acquainted with the city ahead of our first dinner together at the hotel.

On Day 2 We discover much of the city's long and fascinating story on a guided walking tour of its main attractions. These include the incomparable Minster, which is one of Europe's largest and most ornate Gothic cathedrals, and the Shambles, a quaint street of cobbled streets and beautiful, overhanging, timber- framed houses that has remained almost unchanged since the Middle Ages.

Following the tour, you have the chance to continue sightseeing at your own pace. Perhaps venture to the fantastic Railway Museum? Located in a convenient and apt position next to York's beautiful Victorian railway station, enjoy exploring the multitude of locomotives that this wonderful museum has on offer.

The Settle-Carlisle Railway

After breakfast this morning, we transfer by coach to Settle railway station where we take a journey on the famous Settle-Carlisle Railway (Standard Class). The 72-mile route is regularly voted one of the world's top railway journeys, and for good reason.

Enjoy the marvellous passing scenery of the North of England, from rolling verdant hills to wild and windy moorlands. Continuing into Cumbria, we change in Carlisle to the Hadrian's Wall Line. On arrival in Hexham we continue by coach to Northumberland, where we stay at Linden Hall Hotel.

Alnwick Castle and Lindisfarne

This morning we enjoy a guided tour around the beautifully landscaped Alnwick Gardens as well as impressive Alnwick Castle. Famous as a filming location for Downton Abbey, we are treated to a 'behind the scenes' tour of the imposing structure.

We cross the wild Northumberland countryside to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne on Day 5, taking a journey into Britain's spiritual heritage with a visit to the island's famous priory. In the afternoon we continue to Bamburgh, a scenic coastal town dominated by its magnificent Castle since the 12th century.

Cruising aboard the Magellan

We leave Northumberland today, travelling by coach to Newcastle where we board our cruise ship for the next 12 nights, the fantastic CMV Magellan, enjoying a welcome drink on arrival. We begin our journey northwards in the afternoon, spending Days 7 and 8 at sea cruising towards the remote Faroe Islands.

Torshavn and Seyðisfjörður

This morning we reach Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands' vibrant capital. Although one of the world's smallest capitals, Tórshavn is packed with an array of attractive, varied architecture. Perhaps take the optional tour to some of the islands' coastal villages, or the excursion to visit the grottoes around the sheer rock walls of the Vestmanna sea cliffs.

We arrive into Iceland on Day 10, mooring in Seyðisfjörður a small fishing and farming town named after the fjord on which it is situated. While in Seyðisfjörður, you can join and optional excursion that leads you on a guided tour of the town or perhaps head out into the wilderness to explore Skálanes Nature Reserve.

Akureyri and Ísafjörður

We glide into Akureyri today. Here, you could join one of the many optional excursions that start from here; discover Goðafoss, or even head across Skjalfandi Bay for a chance to see Minke, Humpback and even mighty Blue whales.

On Day 12 we reach Ísafjörður. Surrounded by towering mountains, basalt crags and majestic fjords, Ísafjörður is a great starting point for many optional trips such as a boat trip onto the fjord or a visit to the nearby Arctic Fox Research Centre and Museum.

Reykjavik

We arrive into Reykjavik this morning, the world's most northerly capital. There is an option to visit the famous and beautiful Blue Lagoon whilst here. This incredible lagoon is beloved by visitors from all around the world thanks to its geothermic properties and it's breathtakingly blue surface. You spend two days in this lovely city.

At sea

The next couple of days are spent cruising the open waters of the North Sea. You can spend time on deck keeping an eye out for wildlife, or relax on board, making the most of the Magellan's facilities.

The Shetland and Orkney Islands

Today we arrive in Lerwick - the largest town in the Shetland Islands, Britain's northernmost outpost. Day 18 takes us to Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands. On Day 19 we disembark in Newcastle, taking the train (First Class) back to York where your tour ends.

Please note

Optional shore excursions are not included in the price of your tour and are payable locally.

Departure Times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.