Glasgow, Alongside, Full day

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

Glasgow is an elegant city filled with splendid architecture in the Victorian and Art Nouveau styles. If you have any time prior to embarkation you’ll discover its museums, galleries, and lively spots to eat, drink and shop.   

When you’re done, your comfortable expedition ship MS Spitsbergen will be waiting for you. You’ll be greeted by your friendly Expedition Team and after attending a safety briefing and settling in, you’ll sit down to a welcome dinner to mark the start of the cruise.  

Pre-Programme  Want to really explore Glasgow and Edinburgh? Then we recommend extending your stay by booking our optional Pre-Programme that includes an overnight in Edinburgh. You’ll be able to see the main sights of Glasgow as well as the beautiful Edinburgh Castle.

A microcosm of Scotland

See dramatic mountains and wild landscapes on beautiful Arran.

Warmed by the North Atlantic Drift, the sheltered isle of Arran is a haven for wildlife. As you travel around the island, see if you can spot Scotland’s ‘Big Five’ wildlife draws: the Golden Eagle, red deer, red squirrel, otter and seal.  

Fancy some walking? Try the popular Goat Fell hiking trail, and visit Brodick Castle to get a sense of the aristocratic life of yesteryear. Discover Neolithic treasures across Machrie Moor, and sample the distinctive malt whisky of the local distillery.

Colourful fishing port

Explore colourful Tobermory and discover its many modest 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-coloured Georgian houses. Explore this small town, packed with cafés, restaurants, and craft 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. It’s also a great place for spotting dolphins and porpoises.

Scottish Highlands adventure town

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

After sailing into Loch Linnhe we arrive at Fort William. The town is known as ‘Britain’s Outdoor Capital’ and is a magnet for hikers, bikers, climbers, and skiers. As you’ll see, it’s set amidst some spectacular Highland scenery.  

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

Gateway to the Isles

Set foot on Scotland’s west coast in this small and charming town. 

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

A 20-minute walk from town goes past beaches and through woodland to the castle Dunollie, an 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.

Scottish island life, distilled

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

Islay (pronounced eye-la) isn’t called ‘Whisky Island’ for nothing. There are nine working distilleries here, and you’ll find their peaty single malts sold around the world. One of the larger isles, there are 130 miles of coastline and numerous quiet sandy beaches. 

Islay is also an island of wildlife, with over 200 species of birds including Golden Eagles, oystercatchers, gannets, and Hen Harriers. What’s more, the mystical past is present here, with ancient monoliths, Celtic crosses, and a stone circle all visible.

Return to Glasgow

Finish off where you started – but why not stay a bit longer?  

Our island-hopping expedition ends where we started out, in Glasgow. We know you’ll have had some wonderful experiences on your expedition, but why not linger a while and see some of the things you may have missed before you set sail.  

Post-Programme If you want to fully explore Glasgow and Edinburgh, we recommend extending your stay by booking our optional Post-Programme. With an overnight in Edinburgh, you’ll be able to see the main sights of Glasgow as well as the majestic Edinburgh Castle.