Northern Shores & Celtic Coasts – Reykjavík to Lisbon

Start in the land of Ice and Fire  Your expedition starts in the cool capital of Reykjavík. There’s plenty to see and do here, with art, history, and an exciting food scene to enjoy. Stroll along the city’s main street Laugavegur with its boutiques and galleries, admire the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, and peruse Reykjavík Art Museum. You can even seek out a heittur pottur, or geothermal pool – literally a 'hot pot' – an important part of Icelandic culture. If you have the time, we recommend booking a pre-voyage programme with us and discovering some of Iceland’s natural highlights before your cruise begins. 

Towards Scotland Departing Reykjavík, we’ll spend two days at sea as we sail towards Scotland. Make the most of this relaxing time and enjoy the ship’s facilities, from the hot tubs and cosy bar to the ocean views from the spacious Observation Deck.  During the journey, the Expedition Team will lead a number of lectures and workshops, giving fascinating insight into the days ahead. 

Local life on Lewis  Welcome to Stornoway, gateway to Scotland’s wild Outer Hebrides. Once a Viking settlement, today the town has a beautiful waterfront with museums, galleries, cafés, and shops. Head for Lewis Castle, and venture further to visit folk museums, ancient sites, and workshops where Scotland’s most unique and precious fabric – Harris Tweed – is woven.  You may also choose to take a walk around the Hebrides’ least hilly island, spotting red deer, eagles, otters, gannets, and butterflies as you go. 

Whisky, walks and white-tailed eagles Today we arrive at the picturesque fishing port of Tobermory, located on the Isle of Mull. Your guide will bring the port to life, retelling stories of its past and present as you take in the brightly coloured Georgian houses that line the waterfront.  As you stroll the harbour, take the opportunity to try a dram of whisky, or venture along the wooded coastal path for views across the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, the most westerly point on the British mainland. You may spot white-tailed eagles soaring above you as you take a walk with the Expedition Team along the coast. You’ll also have the chance to visit one of the historic castles that guarded the region when the Lord of the Isles ruled here in the 12th century. 

Gateway to the Giant’s Causeway   Welcome to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. Once a powerhouse of shipbuilding and industry, the city is perhaps best known as the birthplace of the famous ocean liner, the Titanic. Today, the Titanic Museum is one of the city’s top attractions – but do take some time to stroll around the revitalised waterfront, markets, and neighbourhoods, appreciating the Victorian architecture and lively pub scene.   Beyond the city, dramatic coastlines, green hills and historic sites – including the Giant’s Causeway – offer a glimpse into the landscapes that have shaped Ireland’s story for centuries.  

Manx heritage on an isolated island  Head to the Observation Deck for the scenic approach to Douglas, capital of the Isle of Man. Today, we’ll immerse ourselves in the island’s Celtic and Viking heritage, and visit the eerie Peel Castle, originally a Viking stronghold that’s now said to be haunted. Elsewhere, we’ll visit the Manx Museum – which details the island’s 10,000 years of history – gaze up at the murals of St Thomas’s Church and learn how Douglas evolved into a Victorian tourist resort. 

Coastal trails and cathedrals in Wales Located part way between the Preseli Hills and the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales is the charming coastal town of Fishguard. Today, you can take a stroll around the original hamlet and pretty boat-filled harbour in Lower Fishguard before taking in the spectacular sea views from the ‘Main Town’ on the clifftop.   From there, you may choose to walk further, skimming the coastline along the Pencaer Peninsula, known as Strumble Head, in search of wildlife. The ruins of Fishguard Fort at Castle Point are also a must-visit, as is St David’s Cathedral, Britain’s most ancient cathedral settlement that dates back 14 centuries. 

A paradisical archipelago  Just 30 miles off the tip of Cornwall, England, are the enchanting Isles of Scilly. This photogenic archipelago is home to small islands where pristine beaches are lapped by dazzling blue waters. We’ll anchor the ship and head ashore by local boats, giving you the chance to explore more fully. If conditions allow, we'll split our time here. Perhaps we'll visit Tresco's white sand beaches and the sub-tropical blooms of its 19th century Abbey Gardens, head to tranquil St Agnes on the wild Atlantic edge, or wander the charming streets of Hugh Town on St Mary's. 

 Sailing south to Portugal  We’ll spend the next two days at sea as we make our way to Portugal. Join the Expedition Team’s fascinating lectures, before delicious dining experiences in the ship’s restaurants followed by post-supper drinks in the bar. The following day, head to the observation deck to watch the ocean landscape drift by. Or you may prefer to simply find a quiet corner to read, lulled into deep relaxation by the hypnotic sounds of the water. 

The city of white and blue wonders  The lighthouse of Leça, the Boa Nova Chapel and the golden sands of Praia Azul are just some of the sights you can take in as we dock in Leixões, Portugal. From here, it’s a short drive to Porto, so hop on the shuttle bus to explore the city’s UNESCO-listed historic centre. Take your time exploring the hilly city on foot, pausing at pastel houses, colourful tiled façades and street art murals, before seeking out ornate churches and panoramic views across the Douro River.   Sample wine at the port cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia and snack on local petiscos, meaning small plates, for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll continue sailing south. 

The trip concludes in Portugal’s colourful capital Lisbon marks the end of your expedition. As you bid farewell to MS Fram, the Expedition Team and your fellow travellers, we hope you leave with lasting memories of your voyage.   Be sure to leave time to explore Lisbon itself – the buzzy Portuguese capital is rich in history and culture. Take a stroll along its hilly cobbled streets, hop on a canary-yellow tram to take in a panoramic viewpoint and tuck into flaky pastel de nata (custard tarts) freshly made at the city’s decades-old bakeries.  Embrace the opportunity to explore the districts of Baixa, Bairro Alto and Chiado, where fado music floats out of the open doors of bars and cafes, and pause for a drink at one of the city’s many lively squares. Just outside of the city you can visit the impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites of Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.