Scotland’s Hidden Landscapes: The Shetlands, Orkneys and Hebrides to Glasgow
11-day all-inclusive expedition cruise through Scotland’s Atlantic isles from Glasgow (Fairlie)
The 10-night British Isles voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen sails from Bergen to Glasgow, calling at Lerwick, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Tobermory, Baile Mor, Iona and Islay, with 2 days at sea.
- Explore Scotland’s remote and rugged islands, from Shetland and Orkney to the Hebrides.
- Discover Gaelic culture, local communities, and Scotland’s whisky-making heritage.
- Uncover Neolithic stone circles and Viking ruins, while spotting seals and migratory birds amid autumn’s wild beauty.
You sail aboard MS Spitsbergen. After being completely rebuilt for exploration travel with a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior design, MS Spitsbergen joined our fleet in 2016. As one of our smaller expedition vessels, it offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience. On board: Indoor gym; Sauna with outside view; Outdoor hot tubs; Observation decks; Explorer lounge and bar; Onboard shop; Expedition Team; Restaurant Aune.
- 28 Sep 2027 – 08 Oct 2027
from $8,561 pp twin share / $14,553 pp sole use *
Additional Pricing Information
- Polar Inside from $8,561 pp twin share
- Polar Outside from $9,620 pp twin share
- Arctic Superior from $11,088 pp twin share
- Expedition Suite from $14,349 pp twin share
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Bergen
Start in colourful and picturesque Bergen
You’ll embark your ship MS Spitsbergen in Bergen. Surrounded by mountains and the sea, the old capital is one of Norway’s most picturesque cities. The colourful wooden wharfs of UNESCO-listed Bryggen line the harbour. Known as the city of Seven Mountains, the peaks of Mount Floyen and Mount Ulrikren give panoramic views over the town, harbour and coastal waterways. Get to know the ship before meeting the Expedition Team – your guides for the adventure ahead. Enjoy your first onboard dinner as we set sail.
Day 2 – Arran in autumn
Discover ‘Scotland in miniature’
Welcome to Arran, an island cloaked in heather. Known as ‘Scotland in miniature’, Arran’s varied landscape is split by the Highland Boundary Fault, giving the island its distinctive highland peaks in the north and lush lowlands in the south. Explore on foot for views towards the craggy summit of Goat Fell, Arran’s highest peak. Across the island, woodland and open hillsides take on autumn colours, adding another layer to the scenery. Arran is also home to Scotland’s ‘Big Five’: golden eagles, red deer, red squirrels, otters, and harbour seals. Keep watch for them as you explore.
Day 3 – Manx island heritage
Explore an island shaped by Celts and Vikings
Arriving in Douglas, you’ll discover an island with its own language, traditions, and distinctive Manx identity. The Isle of Man and its surrounding territorial waters form a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognised for their natural environments and cultural heritage.
Day 4 – Belfast’s maritime stories
A warm Irish welcome
Northern Ireland’s capital combines a proud industrial heritage with lively neighbourhoods and striking architecture. In the Titanic Quarter, discover the waterfront where RMS Titanic was built, then follow the Maritime Mile to explore more of Belfast’s seafaring story.
Day 5 – Islay’s whisky and nature
Fire up your spirit of discovery on ‘Whisky Island’
Islay, the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’, is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides. It’s the proud home of world-famous peaty single malts, but that’s far from the only reason to visit.
Enjoy the company of your fellow travellers and the Expedition Team as you explore the coastline on foot. From its sandy beaches, you can sometimes spot dolphins and basking sharks.
Join a local guide on a heritage walk, and of course, no trip to Islay is complete without a wee dram from one of the island’s famous and historic whisky producers, such as Laphroaig or Ardbeg.
Day 6 – Mull’s colourful fishing port
Get ready for the dreamy beauty of the Sound of Mull
Brightly coloured Georgian houses line the waterfront in the picturesque fishing port of Tobermory, located on the Isle of Mull. As we explore, your local guide will bring the port to life with stories of its vibrant past and present.
Learn about the local heritage at the Mull Museum, try a dram of local whiskystroll the harbour, or walk along the wooded coastal path, with views across the Ardnamurchan Peninsula.
On a walk with the Expedition Team, watch for white-tailed eagles soaring above the coast. While here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of the historic castles that guarded these waterways when the Lord of the Isles ruled the region in the 12th century.
Day 7 – Expedition Day
Get close to dramatic scenery and wonderful wildlife on Skye
We plan to explore the Isle of Skye, where dramatic scenery surrounds us. “The wildest scene in the Highlands” is how the Victorian poet Lord Tennyson described Loch Coruisk and the surrounding craggy peaks of the Cuillin Mountains. Depending on conditions, we’ll put on our hiking boots to explore the loch with the Expedition Team.
Day 8 – Into the Highlands
Explore the land of munros
Sailing along Loch Linnhe brings us to Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis. With mountains, lochs, and walking trails close by, the town is a gateway to the landscapes of the western Highlands. Discover the town and its surroundings, or explore the region’s whisky-making heritage at Ben Nevis Distillery, on the outskirts of Fort William. Further afield, Glen Coe reveals a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity and sculpted by glaciers. To the west, the Glenfinnan Viaduct curves across the hillside on 21 arches, while the nearby Glenfinnan Monument commemorates those who supported the Jacobite Rising of 1745.
Day 9 – Oban’s harbour charm
Discover Oban’s harbour and Highland hospitality
Set around a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay, Oban is known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’. Ferries come and go from its busy harbour, connecting this west-coast town with communities across the Hebrides. Stroll along the Corran Esplanade, taking in the waterfront’s Victorian architecture and views across the bay. There’s time to enjoy the town’s cafés, shops, and Highland hospitality as you explore. For a wider perspective, make your way uphill to McCaig’s Tower. Inspired by classical architecture, this distinctive landmark overlooks the harbour, with views towards the islands beyond.
Day 10 – Tranquil Isle of Bute
Explore Bute’s coast and grand island heritage
Set in the Firth of Clyde, Bute combines gentle coastal scenery with a rich architectural heritage. We plan to step ashore in Rothesay, where the seafront recalls the days when Clyde paddle steamers brought holidaymakers to the island. Discover the moated medieval Rothesay Castle, closely associated with the Stewart dynasty. Down by the harbour, the remarkably ornate Victorian public toilets, commissioned in 1899, offer an unexpected glimpse of the town’s seaside heyday.
Day 11 – Back to Glasgow
Farewell to Scotland
Your expedition comes to an end at Fairlie, where you’ll disembark MS Spitsbergen on the shores of the Firth of Clyde. Say goodbye to the crew and Expedition Team before continuing your journey home.
Highlights
- Cabin of your choice with all-day coffee, tea and soft drinks
- Complimentary Wi-Fi and a reusable Ocean Bottle to refill on board
- Professional photos of your trip taken by the onboard photographer
11-day all-inclusive expedition cruise through Scotland’s Atlantic isles from Glasgow (Fairlie)
The 10-night British Isles voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen sails from Bergen to Glasgow, calling at Lerwick, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Tobermory, Baile Mor, Iona and Islay, with 2 days at sea.
- Explore Scotland’s remote and rugged islands, from Shetland and Orkney to the Hebrides.
- Discover Gaelic culture, local communities, and Scotland’s whisky-making heritage.
- Uncover Neolithic stone circles and Viking ruins, while spotting seals and migratory birds amid autumn’s wild beauty.
You sail aboard MS Spitsbergen. After being completely rebuilt for exploration travel with a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior design, MS Spitsbergen joined our fleet in 2016. As one of our smaller expedition vessels, it offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience. On board: Indoor gym; Sauna with outside view; Outdoor hot tubs; Observation decks; Explorer lounge and bar; Onboard shop; Expedition Team; Restaurant Aune.
Inclusions
- A stay in a cabin of your choice.
- All day coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
- A complimentary reusable Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home.
- Wind and waterproof expedition jacket.
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
Exclusions
- International flights
- Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
FAQs
MS Spitsbergen
After being completely rebuilt for exploration travel with a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior design, MS Spitsbergen joined our fleet in 2016. As one of our smaller expedition vessels, it offers a comfortable and intimate sailing experience.
On board: Indoor gym; Sauna with outside view; Outdoor hot tubs; Observation decks; Explorer lounge and bar; Onboard shop; Expedition Team; Restaurant Aune; Brygga Bistro; Wi-Fi.
Polar Inside
Our cosy Polar Inside cabins feature
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Double beds and some have additional Pullman beds.
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All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
- K2D – Larger inside cabin: no window, double bed, 15–20 m².
Polar Outside
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Most of our Polar Outside cabins onboard MS Spitsbergen have double beds. Some include a single or double sofa bed and two Pullman beds (upper/lower berths).
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All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
- O3 – Outside cabin: window, two pullman beds, upper/lower berths, 13–14 m².
- O2D – Outside cabin: window, double bed, 13–14 m².
- J2D – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 11–12 m².
Arctic Superior
Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic Superior cabins.
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They feature double beds, some with a sofa bed.
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All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
- QJ – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 14–18 m².
- YA – Wheelchair-accessible cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 18 m².
- P2D – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, double bed, 11 m².
- U2D – Outside cabin: window, double bed, 13–14 m².
Expedition Suite
Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen and reserve one of our Expedition Suites.
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Spacious, serviced, and with bed combinations for up to four people, these well-appointed apartments offer special features such as private balconies, expansive windows, and minibars (charges apply).
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Suites feature double beds, some with a seating area, some with a sofa bed or a Pullman bed.
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All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, tea-making facilities, and a single-serve coffee machine. Naturally, the accommodation includes a full range of premium facilities including daily turn-down service and laundry.
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Champagne on ice and a platter of delicacies are provided for your enjoyment as you set sail.
- MX – Owners Suite: private balcony, double bed, sofa bed, 32–33 m².
- MG – Grand Suite: private balcony, double bed, sofa bed, 28–29 m².
- Q2 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 16–17 m².
- Q3 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 22–23 m².
- Q4 – Mini Suite: window, double bed, 21–22 m².
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 11 days and 10 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 28 Sep 2027 and 08 Oct 2027, subject to live availability.
Can I travel solo?
Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: HX ExpeditionsFine Print
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