Scottish Isles & Norwegian Arctic
Highlights
- Step ashore on remote St Kilda, where seabird-filled cliffs and abandoned stone homes tell stories of life on the Atlantic’s edge.
- Uncover Scotland’s ancient past at the windswept Callanish Stones and the remarkably preserved Iron Age tower of Mousa Broch.
- Sail Norway’s wild coast—from Lofoten’s colorful fishing villages to Trollfjorden’s towering cliffs, home to eagles and seals.
Embark on a captivating expedition voyage tracing the rugged edge of the North Atlantic, sailing from Scotland’s storied western isles to the dramatic fjords and Arctic gateway of northern Norway. Beginning in the cultural hub of Glasgow and concluding in the vibrant polar city of Tromsø, this immersive journey blends wild landscapes, deep history, and thriving coastal cultures in one unforgettable passage toward the Arctic.
Early in the voyage, Scotland’s Hebridean islands reveal layers of history and myth. Walk among the serene abbey grounds of Iona—a cradle of early Christianity in Scotland—and witness the geological wonder of Fingal’s Cave on the island of Staffa. Further north, remote outposts like St Kilda and the Shetland Islands unveil windswept cliffs alive with seabirds, ancient ruins, and powerful reminders of the resilience of communities that once lived on the edge of the Atlantic world.
Crossing the North Sea, Norway’s breathtaking coastline unfolds in a tapestry of fjords, fishing villages, and island-dotted seascapes. Wander the elegant Art Nouveau streets of Ålesund, cruise past the scattered islets of Smøla—a stronghold for majestic white-tailed eagles—and discover the maritime heritage of Brønnøysund. The voyage crescendos amid the alpine drama of the Lofoten archipelago, where jagged peaks rise directly from the sea and traditional fishing villages like Reine offer postcard-perfect scenes of Arctic Norway. Cruising into the narrow, cathedral-like Trollfjorden by Zodiac or tender places you within arm’s reach of towering cliffs and the wildlife that thrives in this pristine environment.
Throughout the journey, life aboard your expedition vessel is equally enriching. Days are punctuated by expert-led excursions, scenic cruising, and opportunities to explore remote shores by tender, while onboard lectures from historians and naturalists deepen your appreciation of the landscapes, wildlife, and ancient c...
Standard Activities
About the Scottish Isles & Norwegian Arctic
Embark on a captivating expedition voyage tracing the rugged edge of the North Atlantic, sailing from Scotland’s storied western isles to the dramatic fjords and Arctic gateway of northern Norway. Beginning in the cultural hub of Glasgow and concluding in the vibrant polar city of Tromsø, this immersive journey blends wild landscapes, deep history, and thriving coastal cultures in one unforgettable passage toward the Arctic.
Early in the voyage, Scotland’s Hebridean islands reveal layers of history and myth. Walk among the serene abbey grounds of Iona—a cradle of early Christianity in Scotland—and witness the geological wonder of Fingal’s Cave on the island of Staffa. Further north, remote outposts like St Kilda and the Shetland Islands unveil windswept cliffs alive with seabirds, ancient ruins, and powerful reminders of the resilience of communities that once lived on the edge of the Atlantic world.
Crossing the North Sea, Norway’s breathtaking coastline unfolds in a tapestry of fjords, fishing villages, and island-dotted seascapes. Wander the elegant Art Nouveau streets of Ålesund, cruise past the scattered islets of Smøla—a stronghold for majestic white-tailed eagles—and discover the maritime heritage of Brønnøysund. The voyage crescendos amid the alpine drama of the Lofoten archipelago, where jagged peaks rise directly from the sea and traditional fishing villages like Reine offer postcard-perfect scenes of Arctic Norway. Cruising into the narrow, cathedral-like Trollfjorden by Zodiac or tender places you within arm’s reach of towering cliffs and the wildlife that thrives in this pristine environment.
Throughout the journey, life aboard your expedition vessel is equally enriching. Days are punctuated by expert-led excursions, scenic cruising, and opportunities to explore remote shores by tender, while onboard lectures from historians and naturalists deepen your appreciation of the landscapes, wildlife, and ancient cultures encountered along the way.
This voyage offers the rare satisfaction of connecting the cultural heart of Scotland with the wild beauty of Norway’s Arctic coast—sailing waters shaped by Viking explorers, ancient island communities, and some of Europe’s most dramatic seascapes. Guests return home not only with remarkable photographs and wildlife encounters, but with the enduring sense of having followed a historic maritime pathway into the northern world.
Perfect for curious travelers drawn to both culture and wilderness, this expedition blends archaeology, seabird-rich cliffs, Nordic coastal life, and spectacular fjords—an inspiring journey through the North Atlantic that leaves you with a profound appreciation for the timeless allure of the far north.
Itineraries
Embarkation
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
Ny-Alesund
Smøla
Brønnøysund
Reine, Lofoten & Trollfjorden
Disembarkation
This itinerary travels southbound, beginning in Tromsø and concluding with disembarkation in Glasgow.
Embarkation
Our journey begins in Tromsø, located 300 kilometers above the Arctic Circle and commonly known as the ‘Paris of the North’. Board Aqua Lares and settle into your luxurious cabin as we set sail into the wilderness
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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