Spend ten nights aboard Hurtigruten’s MS Spitsbergen on a cruise where wildlife spotting, beach landings, guided hikes and sea kayaking adventures await

Explore the wild beauty of Scotland's west coast on an adventure cruise that takes you to 12 of Scotland's islands, from Isle of Arran in the south all the way north to St Kilda - home to one of Europe's most important seabird colonies - and Stornaway, where Harris Tweed is from.

The cruise itinerary is thoughtfully designed to maximise your time on the islands, and there are plenty of excursions included in your cruise to explore historic sites and beautiful gardens, and enjoy nature landings and hikes.

Some highlights of the trip include a visit to the Isle of Arran and the woodland and gardens of 16th-century Brodick Castle, the Isle of Iona, settled in 563 AD by the Irish missionary, St Colomba, with a much-restored abbey, and St Kilda, a wild archipelago and UNESCO double World Heritage Site.

Onboard, the onboard Expedition Team deliver lectures that make this cruise educational and exciting and gives you a chance to learn more about the Scottish waters and the nature and wildlife you'll encounter on the voyage.

Book the 20 April 2024 departure and receive a £171pp* discount. Price listed includes discount.

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Price includes

  • Spend 10 nights cruising aboard MS Spitsbergen with breakfast, lunch, dinner and beverages included during meal times (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water)
  • See the spectacular island scenery and charming towns of the Inner and Outer Hebrides
  • Taste authentic Scottish whiskies from the barrel at various distilleries in Islay
  • Visit Loch Coruisk, one of Scotland's most beautiful freshwater lakes
  • Spot amazing bird and wildlife in St Kilda and the Treshnish Isles
  • Go on a range of other included excursions

Availability

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Itinerary

  1. Day
    1
    Board MS Spitsbergen
    Glasgow, United Kingdom

    Our voyage starts in Glasgow. Meaning 'Dear Green Place' in Gaelic, Glasgow boasts over 90 parks and gardens. Famous for its Victorian as well as art nouveau architecture, it is home to such institutions as the Scottish Ballet, Opera and National Theatre. You'll board MS Spitsbergen and have plenty of time to settle in.

    Meals - Dinner
  2. Day
    2
    Isle of Arran
    Arran, United Kingdom
    Warmed by the North Atlantic Drift, this sheltered island with its high peaks, is a haven for wildlife. Hike through the dramatic lanscape, explore the woodland and gardens of 16-century Brodick Castle and enjoy a visit to the island's distillery for a taste of their distinctive malt.
    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  3. Day
    3
    Islay
    Islay, United Kingdom

    Once the seat of the MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles, this is 'whisky island', world-renowned for its peaty single-malt whiskies and many distilleries. As a stop-off for wintering geese and migrating birds, there is good bird spotting. In the charming little town of Bowmore, there are a handful of small shops, an interesting round church with no corners, plus superb cliff-top walks and a well-known golf course. You'll visit the Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg whisky distilleries on a coastal walk from Port Ellen.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  4. Day
    4
    Isle of Gigha
    Isle of Gigha, United Kingdom

    Tiny Gigha (pronounced Gee'a) is the 'Good Isle' and is owned by the islanders. Dairy cows produce a distinctive cheddar-type cheese, whilst Achamore House, set in fifty acres of woodland gardens, was once the home of Sir James Horlick who created a colourful and impressive display of rhododendrons.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Day
    5
    Isle of Iona & Treshnish Isles
    Isle of Iona, United Kingdom

    World-famous for its religious connections, Iona was settled in 563 AD by the Irish missionary, St Colomba. The much-restored Abbey still remains a place of pilgrimage and peace. Wide views from the beach, known as 'The Bay at the Back of the Ocean' stretch west towards the Outer Hebrides.

    We will explore Treshnish Isles, a group of distinctive volcanic islands which are home to a wealth of wildlife, from nesting puffins to colonies of kittiwakes, razorbills, guillemots and Atlantic grey seals.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  6. Day
    6
    St Kilda
    St Kilda, United Kingdom
    Any visit to this distant and wild archipelago, with its breathtaking sea cliffs, is totally weather-dependent. As a UNESCO double World Heritage Site and the 'jewel in the crown' of the National Trust for Scotland, it is an unforgettable experience. The outlying stacs and islands, which are the remains of a volcanic crater, provide ledges for thousands of nesting seabirds. Minke whales are frequently seen around the swirling waters of the archipelago.

    Once home to Britain's most remote island community, it was evacuated in 1930 at their own request after 5,000 years of continuous habitation. The tiny museum that remains is a record of how hard life was on this exposed island.
    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Day
    7
    Stornoway and Shiant Isles
    Shiant Isles, United Kingdom

    Originally a Viking settlement, Stornoway is the main town of the Western Isles and the capital of the Isle of Lewis, which is the largest and most northerly of the Outer Hebrides. A bustling harbour and waterfront with museums and art galleries are overlooked by the handsome Lews Castle which we invite you to explore with us.

    Late afternoon we will explore the Shiant Isles. Privately owned since 1937, this tiny archipelago set in the midst of the Minch, the area of sea between the Outer Hebrides and Skye, has numerous colonies of nesting seabirds.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Day
    8
    Loch Scavaig and Isle of Eigg
    Eigg, United Kingdom

    Surrounded by the high peaks of the Skye Cullins, Loch Scavaig leads to one of the most romantic and dramatic lochs in Scotland - freshwater Loch Coruisk. Painted by Turner and a popular destination for the Victorians, this is a powerful landscape promising great hiking and kayaking.

    We head to the Isle of Eigg to spend the rest of our day on this craggy island. Settled since prehistoric times, it was once the seat of the Lord of the Isles, but is now owned by its inhabitants. The island has Iron Age forts, a 6th-century church, and turbulent clan history with a massacre of 395 MacDonalds in a sea-shore cave. Rising sheer above the island is the crest of the 'Sgurr of Eigg' offering a great hike and stunning views across the waters of the Minch to the Outer Hebrides.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  9. Day
    9
    Sound of Mull
    Sound of Mull, United Kingdom

    We will be anchored in the Sound of Mull which will enable us to explore the fascinating town of Tobermory as well as Loch Sunart.

    The Isle of Mull is a large island of sweeping moors, tiny hamlets and castles. Recognised as the island's capital, Tobermory is a delightful deep-water fishing port where brightly painted Georgian houses ring the tiny bay. Nestled under the steep hillsides, the town has a good variety of cafés and restaurants, book shops, craft shops, a tiny museum and an ancient distillery.

    Stretching inland opposite Tobermory and protected by the rugged point of Ardnamurchan, lies Britain's most westerly mainland point, Loch Sunart. The deep, quiet waters of this long loch offer sheltered kayaking, while the loch shores provide superb walking, perhaps to the recently established distillery.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  10. Day
    10
    Isle of Colonsay
    Isle of Colonsay , United Kingdom

    Home to over 200 bird species, including the rare and elusive corncrake, this is a gentle island of woods and pretty beaches, such as Kiloran Bay, and with Scalasaig being the main settlement. Colonsay House is home to exotic gardens and the surrounding woods, moors and fields have over 400 species of flora. The island offers easy walking and kayaking in the surrounding waters.

    Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  11. Day
    11
    Disembark MS Spitsbergen
    Glasgow, United Kingdom

    Our voyage ends back in Glasgow, home to more than 20 museums and galleries, including the magnificent Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the Riverside Museum. Many of these are housed in distinctive Victorian buildings, some designed by renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. This is definitely a city you'll want to explore more before you head home.

    Meals - Breakfast

Accommodation

MS Spitsbergen

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MS Spitsbergen, named after the crown jewel of Arctic Norway, is the perfect vessel for exploring Scotland's smaller islands

Recently refurbished MS Spitsbergen is finished to a high standard and features comfortable, modern public areas and cabins. The vessel's fresh Scandinavian design reflects a colour palette derived from the sea. She is modern and environmentally progressive, and plans are in place to reduce emissions and fuel consumption more. The new ship's maneuverability and optimal size make her quite suitable for exploring polar waters.

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This tour is operated solely by TS Tours
TS Tours is acting as agent for Hurtigruten. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Hurtigruten.

Founded in 1893, Hurtigruten are the world's leading experts in cruises along the Norwegian fjords. Hurtigruten is ABTA-bonded and all trips are ATOL-protected.
TS Tours Ltd specialises in creating bespoke tours, cruises and rail journeys in the company of experts. Its exclusive trips combine unique experiences as well as access to inspirational people. All trips are ATOL-protected and financially bonded.

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Availability

Call now to book 02039932958
Quote ref: HURTIHEBRIDES