Swan Hellenic offers three itineraries across Iceland and the British Isles. The voyages delve deep into the captivating culture and histories of the Celts and Vikings, engrossed in the incredible natural world that was their home. SH Vega, the boutique ice-class ship, will host the voyages.
Celt and Viking Cruises Itineraries
Spirit of the Celts
This itinerary is an 11-night voyage from 24 May to 4 June 2024. It sails from Portsmouth, England, to Fowey in Cornwall, Tresco in the Scilly Isles, Bantry, Dingle, Galway and Killybegs in Ireland, Iona, Stornoway, Loch Ewe and Oban in Scotland. Followed by Portrush and Rathlin Island in Northern Ireland before arriving in Dublin, Ireland.
Each destination offers a wealth of experiences, but two standouts include the ancient Callanish Stones on Lewis and Harris, built 500 years before Stonehenge, and the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway on the Causeway Coast, Ireland’s leading tourist attraction with 40,000 basalt formations.
In the Wake of Celts and Vikings
This itinerary is a 12-night voyage from 4 June to 16 June 2024. SH Vega sets sail from Dublin to Iona, Portree on the Isle of Skye, Ullapool, Stromness on Orkney, Lerwick on Shetland, and Torshaven, port capital of the Faroe Islands, before disembarking on a semi-circumnavigation of Iceland which calls at Djupivogur, Grimsey Island, Akureyri, Isafjordur, Vigur Island, Dynjandi waterfall, Latrabjarg cliffs and Reykjavik.
Skara Brae in Orkney shines as one of Northern Europe’s most well-preserved Neolithic villages, older even than Stonehenge and the Giza pyramids. Meanwhile, Grimsey hosts over one million seabirds, providing unforgettable encounters, while Akureyri boasts vast landscapes featuring breathtaking canyons and waterfalls.
Iceland in Depth
The final voyage is an 8-night voyage from 16 June to 24 June 2024. This itinerary departs from Reykjavik for a circumnavigation of the island, exploring the likes of Dynjandi waterfall, Isafjordur and the Westfjords region, Vigur Island, the seabird paradise of Grimsey, then Hrisey Island, which is farmed for its traditional Icelandic crafts and wildlife. Afterwards, known as the ‘Capital of the North’, Akureyri has incredible surroundings, the art port of Seydisfjorour and the charming village known for fishing, Djupivogur. Continued to Heimaey, home to the world’s largest puffin colony, then SH Vega will disembark in Reykjavik.
The Chief Commercial Officer of Swan Hellenic, Patricia Lantorno, said, “The myths and legends of the Celts and Vikings have long exerted a fascination as strong as that of the otherworldly landscapes and rich wildlife of the regions where they lived. These three cultural expedition cruises have been crafted by our experts to provide an immersive experience of every aspect. We’re extremely proud of the result, knowing the unforgettable moments that will await our guests as they voyage in the sophisticated casual ambience of SH Vega, with its gourmet dining and designer amenities.”
