Expedition Cruise: Shetlands and Orkneys

Welcome on board for a summer journey in extraordinary sailing waters. What to expect on this voyage: Two wonderful island groups off the north coast of Scotland, surrounded by crystal clear waters. Breathtaking coastal landscapes, amazing wildlife, ancient archaeological sites, beautiful beaches. Between start and destination, you will experience relaxing days at sea, feel the fresh North Sea wind and enjoy an interesting and exciting mix of time on shore, island explorations and nature as well as long periods of sailing by day and sometimes by night!

This is where you will go on board: Lerwick, Shetland / Scotland

Our crew will welcome you on board in the largest city of the Shetland Islands. With a stop on the Scottish mainland, you can travel to the nearby Sumburgh Airport from many cities. We will be happy to assist you with the individual planning of your arrival and departure. If you have any questions, please contact us in good time. Embarkation takes place at 19:00 hours. Afterwards, there will be dinner together in the comfortable lounge, where you will soon feel at home and be able to find your way around the Eye of the Wind's deck – and you will quickly get to know your fellow sailors.

Before you set sail on your cruise, we recommend a longer stay here on the northernmost British island, which lies 160 kilometres off the Scottish mainland. The port city of Lerwick is full of narrow lanes that branch off from Commercial Street with its myriad shops. Victoria Pier is a hub of activity in summer, when sailboat races and regattas take place in the harbour. Throughout the year, the city centre is host to street markets and live concerts. Our tip: A visit to the Shetland Museum and Archives is free.

On the Shetlands, no point is further than three miles from the sea. You will have trouble finding any tartan and bagpipes – instead, it is the Viking tradition that is still celebrated here. The islands are best known for their ponies and the fine knitwear made of merino sheep's wool with the traditional Fair Isle patterns. If you want to extend your stay in the Shetlands by a few days, be sure to bring along photographic equipment: Moussa Island is home to large bird colonies – at the Sumburgh Head lighthouse, the adorable puffins often fly in front of the lens, and in the numerous small bays, you will be able to watch the seals if you are patient enough.

All hands on deck or all laid back – the choice is yours! After receiving safety instructions and an introduction to sailing from the ship's crew, you will soon be able to take part in the sailing yourself. To be at the helm, keeping a wind-powered tall ship on course, is a unique holiday experience – especially under a starry night sky. Active assistance on deck is always voluntary, and our regular crew explains every step. Of course, you can just enjoy watching the sailing manoeuvres and the traditional seamanship in action.

Our sailing waters: The North Sea between the Shetlands and Orkneys

The Shetlands consist of more than 100 small and large islands and are populated by three times more sheep than people. The uninhabited islands are home mainly to seals and seabirds. From Lerwick, we will take a southbound course along the varied coastline. Depending on the progress of our journey, there are a number of possibilities to go on shore and explore the nature there. The decision on which port or mooring spot to call on in the evening is usually made by the captain on the same day, and depends on the wind and weather conditions and the current – whenever possible, your wishes will be taken into account, too.

A stop is planned on Fair Isle – a little gem midway between Shetland and Orkney. Only five by three kilometres in extension, the impressive cliffs on the west coast rise to almost 200 metres. The green Atlantic island is famous for its bird colonies, knitwear and historic shipwrecks. Around 70 inhabitants share the island, which is owned by the National Trust for Scotland, with countless birds. In summer, the oceanic climate often creates rapid changes of weather, in which fog is quickly followed by sunshine.

This is where you will disembark: Kirkwall, Orkney / Scotland

When we arrive in Kirkwall, you might get the impression that we have set anchor somewhere in Scandinavia. The landscape of the archipelago is characterised by a gentle, green, hilly landscape, traversed by blue fjords and bordered by sharp-edged cliffs and steeply sloping coasts. The bustling capital of Orkney has its origins in an old Norse settlement of the 11th century, with narrow main roads, mysterious lanes and only a few small houses around the port. Today, Kirkwall is a vibrant place with restaurants, museums, pubs and shops. The red sandstone cathedral of St Magnus, which is visible for miles around, is the impressive architectural centre of the city. Many historic sites invite you to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the island. Make the most of your stay by searching for traces of centuries-old burial sites, stone circles (right) and relics from the Viking Age. In Kirkwall itself, a visit to the 12th-century Earl's and Bishop's Palaces (bottom right) is a must for visitors. Our tip: How about a taste of the northernmost Scottish Whisky? – At Highland Park Distillery, you can see the entire manufacturing process from malting to distillation.

Seven good reasons to go

• Discovery cruise through the world of the Norwegian fjords ... aboard a windjammer!
• Balanced ratio between sailing time at sea and shore leave 
• Attractive and easily accessible starting and destination ports: Stavanger and Bergen 
• The Fjordland coastal region: a magical, fabulous sailing area with great natural impressions 
• Sailing and manoeuvering on a 100-year-old windjammer – you may participate actively! 
• Excellent onboard cuisine, delicious meals from morning to evening 
• Our friendly crew ensures a feel-good atmosphere on board 

Services included 

• 7 nights' accommodation aboard the Tall Ship Eye of the Wind. 
• Accommodation in a comfortable double cabin with hot and cold running water, shower, toilet, and air conditioning (single cabin surcharge). 
• Full board (including all meals, soft drinks, coffee & tea). 
• Lounge with TV/DVD and extensive on-board library. 
• The tour price includes VAT. 

Not included 

• Arrival and departure transfers
• shore excursions 
• alcoholic beverages. 

We gladly assist you in the individual planning of your arrival and departure. Please contact us if necessary in a timely manner. 

Please consider the following notes on the itinerary The indicated ports are optional. The ship's management reserves the right to change the itinerary at short notice depending on wind and weather conditions. The steep banks of the fjords usually provide for a considerable wind cover. For this reason, some distances may be covered most likely by the use of the engine and without the sails being set.

one of the last traditional sailing ships of our time! The hundred-year-old brig Eye of the Wind will take you to the most enchanting sailing areas and the most beautiful harbours. Find out for yourself about the charm of this magnificent ship as part of an attractive theme trip, high-quality leadership training, a corporate event or an individual charter. Previous sailing experience is not required in order to sail on our windjammer. Relax under the sails in harmony with nature and the sea.

"Let your spirit set sail!"