Scotland's Hidden Landscapes: The Shetlands, Orkneys and Hebrides to Glasgow

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.

Follow in the wake of Vikings

Sail across the North Sea towards Shetland, following in the wake of the Norse seafarers who once travelled these waters. With the open sea stretching around you, join the Expedition Team's talks to discover the islands' Viking heritage, rich wildlife, and rugged landscapes.

At this time of year, the North Sea can be unpredictable, adding a sense of adventure to the crossing. By the time you reach Shetland, you'll have a deeper understanding of the history and natural wonders that await

Discover the Norse roots of Scotland's most northerly inhabited isles

Delve deeper as we spend time discovering more of the Shetland Islands. The capital Lerwick is a friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town set in beautiful scenery. Navigate the narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops selling local whiskies, woollen sweaters and fudge. By the old waterfront, you'll find the Shetland Museum, showcasing Pictish carvings and Shetland lace shawls. Nearby you can see 17th century Fort Charlotte and the regal-looking town hall. Keep your binoculars handy to scan for grey and common seals along Lerwick's beaches, or discover the many layers of history at Jarlshof, a Neolithic and Norse settlement. We'll also attempt to explore other areas in the Shetland, weather permitting. Perhaps land at the UK's most northerly point, Unst. Often a first landfall for travelling Norsemen, Unst is rich in Viking and Norse heritage and remains.

Wander through historic Kirkwall

Discover Kirkwall town, the heart of the Orcadian archipelago. This vibrant place has influences from every era from the Vikings to World War II. Visit the regal 12th century St Magnus Cathedral, built when Orkney was part of the Kingdom of Norway. Whisky aficionados may also enjoy Kirkwall's Highland Park and Scapa distilleries' sublime single malts. Delve into ancient times at the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar – all part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site.

Across northwest of Scotland

Discover a wild landscape of ancient mountains, deep glens, and sheltered sea lochs along Scotland's northwest coast. Depending on the conditions, your Captain and Expedition Leader may choose to cruise along the spectacular coastline or head out to explore by Zodiac. We may also visit Ullapool, a picturesque fishing village on the shores of Loch Broom. Founded as a herring port in 1788, it's a lovely place to explore on foot, with the option to walk up Ullapool Hill for sweeping views across the loch and surrounding hills.

Experience 'Scotland's Stonehenge' and find your tweed

The next stop is Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides. We'll visit Gothic-style Lews Castle, with its trails and fantastic views. Lewis is also home to 'Scotland's Stonehenge', the 5,000-year-old Callanish Standing Stones, You'll also experience surviving legacies such as the art of crafting Harris Tweed. Stornoway is the heart of the Outer Hebrides where Gaelic culture and heritage thrive through centuries old traditions and Gaelic is an integral part of island life.

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 whisky, stroll 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 may have the opportunity to see one of the historic castles that guarded these waterways when the Lord of the Isles ruled the region in the 12th century.

See Iona's sacred abbey

Your adventure continues to Iona, off the coast of Mull in the Inner Hebrides. You can visit the restored 6th century abbey, one of Scotland's oldest and most sacred Christian pilgrimage sites. Join the Expedition Team for a hike or enjoy a walk at your leisure to the aptly named 'Bay at the Back of the Ocean'. This sweeping white sand bay faces the wild Atlantic Ocean head-on and is fringed with machair, a typical grassy vegetation of the Hebrides.

Fire up your spirit of discovery on 'Whisky Island'

Known as the 'Queen of the Hebrides', Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, famed for its peaty single malts and rugged coastal landscapes. We'll walk along the island's wild shores, keeping an eye out for grey and harbour seals among the rocks. You can also discover Islay's rich heritage on a guided walk with a local expert. And, of course, no visit to Islay would be complete without sampling a wee dram at one of its renowned whisky producers, such as Laphroaig or Ardbeg.

Your island-hopping odyssey comes to an end Glasgow (Fairlie)

Wander the small community of Fairlie before making your way back to vibrant Glasgow as the final stop of your island-hopping odyssey. Its impressive fishing and shipping heritage is manifest in the Victorian architecture of the west end of town. It's well worth exploring this area some more if you have time before you head home.