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

Glasgow is an elegant city filled with splendid Victorian and Art Nuveau 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. Your 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.

Step out onto small Portrush and see a giant natural wonder.

Portrush is a resort town that’s been popular since Victorian times. It features several fantastic walking itineraries and this section of coast features long sandy beaches. Birders should trek up to Ramore Head, just north of the town. A big draw is the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, which contains around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns rising mysteriously from the coast. All the while, the Dunluce Castle ruins sit dramatically at the top of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic, provide a stunning backdrop to this region’s savage beauty.

Roam Northern Ireland’s historic industrial city and discover its proud heritage.

Famed as the birthplace of the Titanic, Northern Ireland’s capital is a city of industry and elegance. Wander the Titanic Quarter and walk the Maritime Mile, a waterfront trail that showcases Belfast’s proud seafaring history.

Elegant Victorian architecture abounds here. Admire the detailed mosaics of St. Anne’s Cathedral and the majestic façade of the Grand Opera House. Climb Cave Hill, near Belfast Castle, for great city views.

There are tasty treats and great handicrafts for sale at St George’s Market, and the Ulster Museum will delight history buffs.

Explore the capital of the Isle of Man, a hotbed for Celtic and Viking heritage.

The scenic approach to Douglas is not to be missed! We’ll head ashore to explore the capital of the Isle of Man; learn about the island’s Celtic and Viking heritage; trace its transformation into a Victorian tourist magnet; and discover its stunning, rugged coastline.

There’s so much to see and do in Douglas. Visit the Manx Museum, check out the murals in St. Thomas’ Church, and discover the impressively spooky Peel Castle, which was originally a Viking stronghold and is now said to be haunted.

Discover the lively city on the Liffey River, famed for its culture.

Founded by Vikings, and later becoming the Kingdom of Dublin, Ireland’s capital has a remarkable history. But as one of Europe’s most youthful cities, ‘Dubs’ is also a lively cultural center of live music and pubs, and a very modern tech hub.

Today, you’ll explore this fascinating city and visit places such as Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland. Here, you’ll can see the medieval manuscript the Book of Kells. Dublin Castle is also worth a visit—and don’t forget to sample a pint of Guinness!

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 deers, red squirrels, otters, and seals.

Feel like stretching those legs? Try the popular Goatfell hiking trail and visit Brodick Castle to understand 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 many quiet delights.

Tobermory is the main town on the Isle of Mull. As you approach the waterfront, a row of distinct and brightly colored Georgian houses will come into view. 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 Marine Protected Area, the clear waters 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 discover 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 Scottish Highland scenery.

The town’s whisky distillery offers its take on the national drink, and a scenic short walk awaits us 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.

Experience Scotland’s west coast in this small and charming town.

The little town of Oban is called ‘Gateway to the Isles’. It reached its heyday when the railway arrived, adding to its life as a busy fishing port. The port is surrounded by a cluster of Victorian buildings, as ferries come from and go to the Hebrides.

A 20-minute walk from town passes beaches and through woodland to reach Dunollie Castle, the ancient seat of the Clan Chiefs. Fancy a wee dram? The 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 ‘whisky island’ by coincidence. There are nine working distilleries here, and their peaty single malts are sold around the world. One of the larger isles, 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, its mystical past is present in ancient monoliths, Celtic crosses, and a stone circle.

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

Our island-hopping expedition ends where we started: in Glasgow. Even though you’ve spent the past 10 days enjoying wonderful experiences, why not stay and catch some of the things you may missed before you set sail.