Setting of from Scotland’s stylish city of culture, get to know your expedition ship and crew.

Glasgow is an elegant city filled with splendid Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture. If you have time before embarkation, discover its museums, galleries, and lively spots to eat, drink, and shop.

Then, your comfortable expedition ship MS Spitsbergen will be waiting for you. Our friendly Expedition Team will be on hand to greet you. After attending a safety briefing and settling in, sit down for a welcome dinner to launch the cruise.

Pre-Program
Want to further explore Glasgow and Edinburgh? We recommend extending your stay by booking our optional Pre-Program, which includes an overnight stay in Edinburgh. You’ll see the main sights of Glasgow and beautiful Edinburgh Castle.

See dramatic mountains and wild landscapes on beautiful Arran.

Warmed by the North Atlantic Current, the sheltered Isle of Arran is a haven for wildlife. As you travel around the island, keep an eye out for Scotland’s ‘big five’ wildlife draws: Golden Eagles, red deer, red squirrels, otter, and seals.

Feel like stretching your legs? Take the popular Goatfell hiking trail and visit Brodick Castle to get a sense of the aristocratic life of yesteryear. Discover Neolithic treasures across Machrie Moor and sample distinctive malt whisky in the local distillery.

Explore colorful Tobermory and discover its quiet delights.

Tobermory is the main town on the Isle of Mull. As you get close to the waterfront, you'll be greeted by a row of distinctive brightly-colored Georgian houses. Explore this small town, packed with cafés, restaurants, and handicraft stores. It even has its own whisky distillery.

If conditions allow, we’ll go to Loch Sunart, a beautiful seawater loch that few others visit. As a Scottish government Marine Protected Area (MPA), the clear waters here shelter a rich ecosystem and are a stronghold for otters. This is also a great place for spotting dolphins and porpoises.

Visit Scotland’s outdoor adventure hub and take in the surrounding beauty.

After sailing into Loch Linnhe, we’ll arrive at Fort William. The town is known as the ‘outdoor capital of the U.K.’ and is a magnet for hikers, bikers, climbers, and skiers. As you’ll see, it’s nestled among some spectacular Highland scenery.

The town’s whisky distillery offers its take on the national drink, and a scenic short walk awaits you at Glen Nevis. You can also visit Glen Coe, a valley formed from volcanic activity, sculpted by glaciers, and designated an area of outstanding natural beauty and a National Scenic Area of Scotland.

Set foot on Scotland’s west coast in the small and charming town of Oban.

The ‘Gateway to the Isles’, Oban reached its heyday when the railway arrived, adding to its life as a busy fishing port. Victorian buildings cluster round the port, while ferries come and go, heading out to the distant Hebrides.

A 20-minute walk from town passes beaches and through woodland to reach Dunollie Castle, ancient seat of the Clan Chiefs. Fancy a wee dram? Tiny Oban Distillery is one of the smallest—and one of the oldest!—in Scotland.

Idyllic Islay is an island paradise of wildlife, whisky, and wool garments

Islay (pronounced “eye-la”) isn’t called the ‘whisky island’ by coincidence. There are nine working distilleries here, and their peaty single malts are sold around the world. One of the larger islands, there are 130 miles of coastline here, along with numerous quiet, sandy beaches.

Islay is also a wildlife paradise with over 200 species of birds. These include Golden Eagles, oystercatchers, gannets, and Hen Harriers. What’s more, the mystical past is present in ancient monoliths, Celtic crosses, and a stone circle.

Finish off where you started … But why not stay a bit longer?

Our island-hopping expedition ends where we started: in Glasgow. Even though you’ve enjoyed wonderful experiences on your expedition, why not linger on a while? Catch some of the things you missed before you set sail.

Post-Program
If you want to fully explore Glasgow and Edinburgh, we recommend extending your stay by booking our optional Post-Program. An overnight in Edinburgh will allow you to see the main sights of Glasgow, as well as the majestic Edinburgh Castle.