Embarking in Glasgow

Explore the city of Charles Rennie Macintosh

A former industrial powerhouse, Glasgow has reinvented itself as a cultural hotspot, packed with museums, galleries and parks. You can spend some time getting to know the city, and discover the splendid Art Nouveau architecture of Charles Macintosh, before your expedition cruise.

MS Spitsbergen, one of our smaller ships built for close exploration, will be waiting for you. Settle in to your cabin and explore the ship, before meeting your Expedition Team who will be your guides on your adventure ahead. Enjoy your first dinner aboard as we sail towards the Irish sea and Belfast.

Elegant Belfast

Discover Northern Ireland's capital

We sail into Belfast, a city with a proud seafaring history, and the birthplace of the Titanic. History buffs will enjoy Ulster Museum and Belfast Castle, while nature lovers can visit the Botanic Gardens.

Stroll the cobbled streets of the chic Cathedral Quarter, with its elegant Victorian architecture, and pop inside St Anne’s Cathedral to see its wonderful mosaics. In Donegall Square, you'll find the historic landmarks of City Hall and the Grand Opera House, with its beautiful façade.

You can join optional excursions to the famous hexagonal basalt columns of The Giant’s Causeway, Gobbins Coastal Path or to the Titanic Quarter.

**Note: Docked in port**

Enigmatic Isle of Man

Explore this independent island kingdom

As we approach the Isle of Man, you’ll be struck by the imposing ruins of Peel Castle above the pretty seaside town that bears its name. Ask the Expedition Team about Moddey Dhoo, said to haunt the castle!

You'll have plenty to see on Peel, the 14th century former Manx capital. Car lovers will enjoy its vintage car museums – a nod to the island's modern racing heritage.

You can visit the House of Manannan – an homage to the mythical sea god Manannán mac Lir – to discover more about the island’s Celtic, Viking and maritime past. And don't leave before trying the local split kipper at the harbour smokehouse.

**Note: Anchored at sea.**

Islay's whisky and nature

Fire up your spirit of discovery on 'whisky island'

Islay is the proud home of world-famous peaty single malts – but that's far from the only reason to visit. You'll discover fascinating ancient monoliths and the enigmatic settlement of Finlaggan.

Today, Islay is a wildlife paradise, home to over 200 species of birds – including oystercatchers, gannets and Golden Eagles. From its sandy beaches, you can sometimes spot dolphins and basking sharks.

The town of Bowmore is bursting with arts and crafts – and tartan from the local woollen mill. Of course, no trip to Islay is complete without a 'wee dram' from one its nine distilleries, including Laphroaig and Ardbeg.

**Note: Anchored at sea.**

West coast exploration

Experience charming Oban, Tobermory or Loch Sunart

We continue our cruise towards Oban. Today, we'll make the most of local opportunities along the western coast of Scotland, where there are many beautiful places to explore.

We might visit Oban's busy fishing port, Dunollie Castle and Oban Distillery. Or sail to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull – a charming fishing port, instantly recognisable by its brightly coloured Georgian houses.

Depending on conditions, we'll take out small expedition boats to explore Loch Sunart – a Marine Protected Area known for otters, dolphins and porpoises. One thing’s for sure, your expert Expedition Team will make it an extraordinary day.

**Note: Docked in port**

Hebridean Islands

Iona's sacred abbey and Fingal's Cave on Staffa

Your Scottish Isles adventure continues to Iona, off the coast of Mull in the Inner Hebrides. You can visit the restored 6th century abbey, one of Scotland's oldest and most sacred Christian pilgimage sites. Or enjoy a hike with the Expedition Team up Dun I for breathtaking views of St Columba's Bay and sip from the 'Well of Eternal Youth'.

Next, we sail to the Treshnish Isles – home to Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills and Atlantic grey seals. At nearby Fingal's Cave, you'll marvel at the hexagonal basalt columns, amazing natural acoustics, and mesmerising coloured waters.

**Note: Anchored at sea.**

Isles of Skye and Canna

Beaches, bird colonies and wild scenery

We sail to Loch Scavaig on the Isle of Skye, where dramatic scenery surrounds you. 'The wildest scene in the Highlands' – that's how the Victorian poet Lord Tennyson described Loch Coruisk and the surrounding craggy peaks of Cuillin Mountains. We'll don our hiking boots to explore the loch together with the Expedition Team.

Our next stop is the Isle of Canna. Here, you'll find historic settlements and beautiful beaches. The spectacular sea stacks of Dun Mor and Dun Beag are home to a colony of breeding puffins, while fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, Razorbills and shags nest in the cliffs.

**Note: Anchored at sea.**

Wild St Kilda

Discover the untamed beauty of St Kilda

A visit to this UNESCO double World Heritage Site is an unforgettable experience. If conditions allow, we'll spend the day here.

One of Europe's most important seabird colonies, St Kilda's volcanic outcrops are home to thousands of nesting seabirds, including Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and over 60,000 pairs of Northern Gannets.

In 1930, St Kilda’s last residents asked to be evacuated due to the island's wild and exposed conditions. Explore the abandoned village and see the distinctive ‘cleits’ – circular stone buildings used to store peat, eggs and smoked puffin – before returning to the comfort of your ship.

**Note: Anchored at sea.**

Stornoway and Less Castle

Experience the Gaelic culture of the Hebrides

Our expedition cruise arrives at Stornoway, the capital of the Isle of Lewis and Harris. As you explore its harbour, keep an eye out for seals, red deer, eagles and otters. You'll enjoy a visit to the Gothic-style Lews Castle with its immense grounds full of trails and fantastic views.

Further afield, take in the 5,000-year-old Callanish standing stones and Carloway Broch, the best preserved fort in Scotland. Enjoy coastal walks along the stunning Dalmore, Dalbeg or Garry beaches. And pick up a memento made from the Harris Tweed that's woven here.

*Note: Docked in port**

Highlights of Orkney

Learn about Kirkwall's Norse heritage

Today we cruise to the Orkney Islands' largest town. You'll explore Kirkwall, a vibrant, Viking-influenced place that's still compact enough to cover on foot.

Visit the regal St Magnus Cathedral, made from distinctive local red sandstone, and the adjacent Earl’s Palace to see the stone ruins of this once-grand Renaissance building.

Whisky aficionados will enjoy Kirkwall's Highland Park and Scapa distilleries for their sublime single malts. If you fancy something different, Orkney Distillery produces Kirkjuvagr gin from Orcadian botanicals.

**Note: Docked in port**

Far-flung Fair Isle

A scenic stop for bird lovers

Your cruise continues in the Shetlands, as we visit Fair Isle, Britain's most remote island, known for its birds and knitwear.

A magnet for birders and wildlife photographers, the island is home to 27 bird species. It's a vital stop for migrating seabirds, drawn to the red sandstone cliffs, green fields and moors.

You can join an optional hike along breathtaking clifftop trails with the Expedition Team. Gain fascinating insights into the life and history of the 65-strong island community at the local museum. You can support Fair Islanders by buying genuine Fair Isle knitwear direct from local makers.

**Note: Anchored at sea.**

The Shetland Islands

Discover Scotland's most northerly inhabited isles

On our final day of Scottish exploration, we'll dock alongside Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, to explore this friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town, set in stunning scenery.

Navigate the narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops selling local whiskies, woollen sweaters and fudge. By the old waterfront, you’ll find the Shetland Museum, exploring the area's rich history. Nearby you can see Fort Charlotte and the regal Town Hall.

The wider island is home to remarkable Iron Age villages and the Croft House Museum, where you'll learn about the hard life of the local crofters.

**Note: Docked in port**

Arrival in Bergen, Norway

Visit Bergen's UNESCO-listed Bryggen

Our Scottish Isles expedition cruise reaches its finale in Bergen, one of Norway's most beautiful cities. After you disembark MS Spitsbergen in the morning, we recommend spending some time exploring before returning home.

Visit UNESCO-listed Bryggen district and its colourful wooden wharfs and artisanal boutiques. Across from here, you'll find the city's famous fish market.

Round off your trip by taking the funicular up to Mount Fløyen for spectacular views of the acclaimed seven mountains, the port and the sea beyond. You can also book our optional Post-Programme, taking in the city and its surroundings.