Embark from Glasgow (Greenock)

Start in Scotland’s stylish city of culture

A former industrial powerhouse, Glasgow has reinvented itself as a cultural hot spot, packed with museums, galleries, and parks. Discover the splendid Art Nouveau architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh before your expedition cruise begins.

MS Spitsbergen, one of our smaller vessels and built for close up exploration, will be waiting for you. Explore the ship before meeting the Expedition Team, your guides for your adventure ahead. Enjoy your first dinner aboard as we set sail.

Northern Ireland’s Portrush

Little Portrush has a giant natural wonder.

Portrush is a resort town that’s been popular since Victorian times. This section of coast features long sandy beaches, and there are several walks you can go on from here. Birdwatchers should trek up to Ramore Head, just north of the town.

The UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway crowns this stretch of Northern Ireland’s coast, with around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns rising mysteriously from the sea. Meanwhile, the Dunluce Castle ruins sit dramatically at the top of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic, providing a stunning backdrop to this region’s savage beauty.

Elegant Belfast

Discover Northern Ireland’s energetic capital

We sail into Belfast, a city with a proud ship-building 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 beautiful mosaics. In Donegall Square, you’ll find the historical landmarks of City Hall and the Grand Opera House, with its beautiful façade.

Enigmatic Isle of Man

Explore Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man.

The scenic approach to Douglas is not to be missed! We head ashore to explore the capital of the Isle of Man. Learn about the island’s Celtic and Viking heritage, trace its development as a Victorian tourist resort, and see 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.

Lively Dublin

Experience the many charms of Ireland’s capital.

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

Today, you can explore this fascinating city. Visit places like Dublin Castle and Trinity College, home to the medieval manuscript the Book of Kells.

Visit the nearby coastal area for a beach clean-up, where you can learn about the surrounding area and the wildlife that calls it home.

Beautiful Isle of Arran

Enjoy spotting wildlife on Arran

Welcome to the Isle of Arran, known for its heather-cloaked landscapes. It’s the perfect place for a scenic hike. Why not try the popular Goat Fell trail and see if you can spot Scotland’s ‘Big Five’ – the golden eagle, red deer, red squirrel, otter, and harbor seal, all of which can be found on Arran.

Explore the woodland and gardens of Brodick Castle and marvel at the Neolithic treasures and huge upright slabs at the Machrie Moor Stone Circle. No stop here would be complete without visiting the Isle of Arran Distillery to taste their distinctive malt.

A delightful sound

Prepare for the dreamy beauty of the Sound of Mull.

Brightly colored Georgian houses line the waterfront in the picturesque fishing port of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Learn about the local heritage at the whisky distillery and Mull Museum, or stroll around the loch in Aros Park and see the Baliscate Standing Stones.

The Isle of Mull is a magnet for birders, with the highest breeding density of golden eagles in Europe. Meanwhile, white-tailed eagles can often be seen soaring above the coast. We’ll also explore Loch Sunart, a protected marine area known for otters, dolphins, and porpoises, then stop by Mingary Castle.

Britain’s outdoor capital

See why Fort William is an outdoor adventure hub.

After sailing into Loch Linnhe, we arrive at Fort William. The town is known as the ‘Britain’s Outdoor Capital’ and it’s 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. Nearby is the beautiful valley of Glen Coe, which was carved out of the landscape by glaciers and volcanic activity. Glen Coe is designated a National Scenic Area, but also has a history that’s integral to the story of Scotland.

Idyllic Oban

Set foot on Scotland’s west coast in this tiny town

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 around 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, the ancient seat of the clan chiefs. How about a cocktail? Tiny Oban Distillery is one of the smallest – and one of the oldest! – in Scotland.

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. Here, you’ll discover fascinating ancient monoliths and the enigmatic settlement of Finlaggan.

Today, Islay is a wildlife paradise, with over 200 species of birds. These include oystercatchers, gannets, and golden eagles. From its sandy beaches, you can sometimes spot dolphins and basking sharks.

Port Ellen is the gateway to three of the island’s nine distilleries. Of course, no trip to Islay is complete without a ‘wee dram’ from a famous and historic whisky producer, including Laphroaig or Ardbeg.

Back to Glasgow (Greenock)

Round off your adventure in Glasgow

Your Scottish Isles expedition cruise ends in Glasgow. In the harbor, you’ll find the striking Riverside Museum and the tall ship Glenlee beside it. Admire the Gothic architecture of Glasgow Cathedral and view eclectic art and natural history at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum before heading home. It’s an excellent way to round off your adventure.