Scottish Isles, Arctic Circle & Svalbard
Highlights
- Explore Scotland’s storied isles—from sacred Iona Abbey to the 5,000-year-old Callanish Stones and the seabird cliffs of St Kilda.
- Sail Norway’s fjord-lined coast, discovering vibrant Ålesund and the dramatic peaks and fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands.
- Venture into the High Arctic, from the seabird cliffs of Bear Island to glacier-lined bays like Samarinvågen en route to Longyearbyen.
This remarkable expedition traces a fascinating maritime corridor from Scotland’s ancient Atlantic outposts to the icy wilderness of the High Arctic. Beginning in the vibrant port city of Glasgow, your voyage quickly immerses you in the cultural and natural treasures of Scotland’s remote western islands. Walk among the sacred tranquility of Iona Abbey, marvel at the cathedral-like basalt formations of Fingal’s Cave, and step back thousands of years at the enigmatic Callanish Stones. On the dramatic archipelago of St Kilda, immense seabird colonies swirl above towering sea cliffs, while abandoned stone dwellings reveal the extraordinary story of the islanders who once called this remote outpost home.
Sailing onward into Norwegian waters, the landscapes transform into a breathtaking tapestry of fjords, fishing villages, and alpine peaks. The Art Nouveau charm of Ålesund provides a colorful contrast to the rugged coastlines that follow, while places like Smøla and Brønnøysund reveal Norway’s enduring maritime traditions and abundant birdlife. Further north, the iconic scenery of the Lofoten Islands unfolds in dramatic fashion—jagged mountains rising from deep-blue fjords, colorful fishing villages clinging to sheltered bays, and narrow waterways such as Trollfjorden where white-tailed eagles often soar overhead.
As the journey continues beyond Tromsø and toward Europe’s northernmost settlements near Nordkapp, the sense of entering the true Arctic grows stronger. Seabird colonies flourish on offshore islands, reindeer roam tundra landscapes, and the daylight of the northern summer bathes the region in long, golden hours ideal for exploration and wildlife observation.
The final stretch leads into the remote reaches of the Barents Sea, where the isolated cliffs of Bear Island teem with thousands of nesting seabirds. In the glacier-carved fjords of southern Svalbard—such as Samarinvågen—you may witness calving ice fronts, drift...
Standard Activities
About the Scottish Isles, Arctic Circle & Svalbard
This remarkable expedition traces a fascinating maritime corridor from Scotland’s ancient Atlantic outposts to the icy wilderness of the High Arctic. Beginning in the vibrant port city of Glasgow, your voyage quickly immerses you in the cultural and natural treasures of Scotland’s remote western islands. Walk among the sacred tranquility of Iona Abbey, marvel at the cathedral-like basalt formations of Fingal’s Cave, and step back thousands of years at the enigmatic Callanish Stones. On the dramatic archipelago of St Kilda, immense seabird colonies swirl above towering sea cliffs, while abandoned stone dwellings reveal the extraordinary story of the islanders who once called this remote outpost home.
Sailing onward into Norwegian waters, the landscapes transform into a breathtaking tapestry of fjords, fishing villages, and alpine peaks. The Art Nouveau charm of Ålesund provides a colorful contrast to the rugged coastlines that follow, while places like Smøla and Brønnøysund reveal Norway’s enduring maritime traditions and abundant birdlife. Further north, the iconic scenery of the Lofoten Islands unfolds in dramatic fashion—jagged mountains rising from deep-blue fjords, colorful fishing villages clinging to sheltered bays, and narrow waterways such as Trollfjorden where white-tailed eagles often soar overhead.
As the journey continues beyond Tromsø and toward Europe’s northernmost settlements near Nordkapp, the sense of entering the true Arctic grows stronger. Seabird colonies flourish on offshore islands, reindeer roam tundra landscapes, and the daylight of the northern summer bathes the region in long, golden hours ideal for exploration and wildlife observation.
The final stretch leads into the remote reaches of the Barents Sea, where the isolated cliffs of Bear Island teem with thousands of nesting seabirds. In the glacier-carved fjords of southern Svalbard—such as Samarinvågen—you may witness calving ice fronts, drifting floes dotted with seals, and a rich Arctic ecosystem alive with little auks, guillemots, and perhaps even beluga whales. Zodiac cruises and guided shore landings led by expert naturalists bring you close to these wild landscapes, while enriching talks on board deepen your understanding of the region’s geology, wildlife, and exploration history.
This voyage is particularly rewarding during the Arctic summer, when extended daylight illuminates spectacular coastlines and wildlife activity is at its peak—from massive seabird colonies in Scotland and Norway to thriving marine life in the waters of Svalbard. Between excursions, guests can relax aboard the expedition vessel, enjoying panoramic views, engaging lectures, and the camaraderie that naturally forms among fellow explorers.
Perfect for travelers drawn to both culture and wilderness, this itinerary offers a rare opportunity to experience the North Atlantic as a continuous story—from ancient Celtic heritage and Viking-era coastlines to the pristine glaciers and wildlife of the High Arctic. By journey’s end in Longyearbyen, you will have sailed deep into one of the world’s most storied and spectacular maritime frontiers—an adventure that leaves many travelers with the profound satisfaction of having followed the edge of Europe all the way to the Arctic realm.
Itineraries
Glasgow
We begin our expedition in the charming Scottish town of Glasgow. Board Aqua Lares and settle into your luxurious suite, prepared for an adventure into the Arctic Circle.
Inclusion: Dinner
Iona & Staffa
St Kilda
Callanish, Isle of Lewis
Mousa Broch
Ålesund
Smøla
Brønnøysund
Reine, Lofoten & Trollfjorden
Tromsø
Gjesvær& Skarsvåg (Nordkapp)
Rantalabukta (Reinøya)
Bear Island
Samarinvågen
Disembarkation: Longyearbyen
This itinerary travels southbound, beginning in Longyearbyen and concluding with disembarkation in Glasgow.
Longyearbyen
We begin our expedition in Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world. Soak in the stark beauty of the surrounding mountains before boarding Aqua Lares and setting sail into the frozen wilderness.
Inclusion: Dinner
Samarinvågen
Bear Island
Rantalabukta (Reinøya)
Skarsvåg (Nordkapp) & Gjesvær
Tromsø
Trollfjorden& Reine, Lofoten
Brønnøysund
Smøla
Ålesund
Mousa Broch
Callanish, Isle of Lewis
St Kilda
Staffa & Iona
Disembarkation
What's Included
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Onboard meals.
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House wines and beer.
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Non-alcoholic drinks.
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Laundry service.
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High-speed WiFi.
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Kayaking and paddleboarding equipment.
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All excursions.
What's Excluded
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Mandatory travel insurance.
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All air tickets.
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Visas.
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Transfers.
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Spirits anad premium wines.
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Boutique purchases.
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Spa services.
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Guide and crew gratuities.
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