Cruise · HX Expeditions · 10 nights

Scotland's Hidden Landscapes - The Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland to Bergen

Expedition jacket and water bottle included
Professional photos of your journey captured
Comfortable and intimate sailing experience

$15,763 pp twin share

$26,797 pp solo share

10 nights

Enquire

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Scotland's Hidden Landscapes - The Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland to Bergen

Scotland's Hidden Landscapes - The Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland to Bergen – route map

Sailing through the Hebrides

Islay's whisky and nature

The spirit of Iona

Expedition day

Stalwart Stornoway

Enigmatic Orkney

Far-flung Fair Isle

Shetland Uncovered

Disembark in Bergen

MS Spitsbergen

Cruise Snapshot

10 Nights

Discover Scotland's wild and enchanting archipelagos on an all-inclusive 11-day British Isles expedition cruise from Glasgow to Bergen

Explore dramatic landscapes, spot puffins and dolphins, and witness other wildlife across Scotland's rugged archipelagos.
Uncover Neolithic settlements, Celtic and Norse heritage, and rich Scottish culture on island communities.
Sail aboard the intimate expedition vessel MS Spitsbergen with onboard amenities like a gym, sauna, and hot tubs.

Trip Details

Departs: 6 May 2027
Returns: 16 May 2027
Ship: MS Spitsbergen
Operator: HX Expeditions

11‑day all‑inclusive British Isles expedition cruise from Glasgow to Bergen

The 10-night British Isles voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen sails from Glasgow to Bergen, calling at Islay, Baile Mor, Iona, Staffa, St. Kilda Archipelago, Stornoway, Kirkwall, Papa Westray, Fair Isle, Sumburgh and Lerwick.

Discover Scotland’s wild and enchanting archipelagos as you sail from Glasgow (Fairlie) through the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland Islands to Bergen in Norway.
Uncover Neolithic settlements, Celtic and Norse heritage, and rich Scottish culture on island communities like Islay, Iona and Fair Isle.
Explore dramatic landscapes, spot puffins and dolphins, and witness other wildlife across Scotland's enchanting, rugged archipelagos.

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.

$15,763

pp twin share

$26,797

pp solo share

Enquire

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

6 May 2027

Returns

16 May 2027

Duration

10 nights

From pp twin share

$15,763 pp

From pp solo cabin

$26,797 pp

06 May 2027 - 16 May 2027
from $15,763 pp twin share / $26,797 pp sole use *

Additional Pricing Information

Arctic Superior from $15,763 pp twin share
Polar Outside from $16,574 pp twin share
Expedition Suite from $32,677 pp twin share

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Life in transit

MS Spitsbergen

Details · HX Expeditions

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.

Guests: 150
Gross tonnage: 7,344
Speed: 14.5 knots
Length: 100 m
Launched: 2009
Beam: 18 m
Deck plans: 6

MS Spitsbergen · Deck plans

Deck 8

Source: HX Expeditions, captured 16 September 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Embark in Glasgow (Fairlie)
Start in Scotland's vibrant city of culture
A former industrial powerhouse, Glasgow has reinvented itself as a cultural hot spot, packed with museums, galleries, and parks. Discover the splendid Art Nouveau architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh before your expedition cruise begins.
You’ll embark your ship MS Spitsbergen in Fairlie, a small community outside of Glasgow. Lying on the shores of the Firth of Clyde and nestled against a backdrop of the North Ayrshire Hills, this area is known for coastal towns that boast both Viking heritage and scenic walks.
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.
2
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, with rugged uplands and coastline. The island is the proud home of world-famous peaty single malts – but that's far from the only reason to visit.
Islay is a wildlife haven, home to over 200 species of birds – including oystercatchers, gannets and Golden Eagles. 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, including Laphroaig and Ardbeg.
3
The spirit of Iona
See Iona's sacred abbey and Fingal's Cave on Staffa
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 enigmatically 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.
If conditions allow, we’ll also sail to Staffa. We’ll attempt to take our small boats for a closer look at Fingal's Cave, marvelling at the hexagonal basalt columns, superb natural acoustics and mesmerising, coloured waters.
4
Expedition day
Explore the tranquil islands of the Outer Hebrides
Today we plan to explore the Outer Hebrides and attempt a landing at one of the many tiny islands. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will choose the best landing site depending on the conditions of the day.
The mighty wind and waves of the Atlantic have carved sheltered harbours here, allowing settlements to arise as far back as the Neolithic period. Perhaps we’ll visit a remote community and get insight into their way of life, or head to a pristine white sand beach for a nature landing or hike. We may also take our small boats for some coastal cruising in search of wildlife such as puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes and seals.
5
Stalwart Stornoway
Experience ’Scotland’s Stonehenge’ and find your tweed
We travel next to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. The island has strong Gaelic traditions and is the home of the famous Harris Tweed cloth. Sometimes referred to as Eilean an Fhraoich, or ‘Heather Isle’, this beautiful island has one of Europe’s largest blanket bogs, serving as both a unique ecosystem and a huge carbon sink.
While here, we’ll visit Gothic-style Lews Castle with its trails, fantastic views and fascinating museum showcasing Hebridean history and heritage. Lewis is also home to 'Scotland's Stonehenge', the 5,000-year-old Callanish Standing Stones, and Dùn Carloway, the best-preserved Iron Age broch in Scotland.
6
Enigmatic Orkney
Days 6–7
Discover Norse heritage and wild outpost islands
Uncover thousands of years of history as we spend two days exploring the storied Orkney archipelago.
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. You’ll also discover Kirkwall, the archipelago’s largest town. This vibrant place has influences from every era from the Vikings to World War II. Visit the regal 12th century St Magnus Cathedral and the adjacent Earl’s Palace to see the stone ruins of this once-grand Renaissance building. Whisky aficionados may also enjoy Kirkwall's Highland Park and Scapa distilleries’ sublime single malts.
On your second day in Orkney, your Expedition Team will attempt to take you to explore one of the northern Orcadian islands, such as Papa Westray or Westray, in search of historic treasures and a wealth of nature and wildlife. These islands are outposts against the wild Atlantic, framed with rocky sea cliffs where seabirds nest and pristine sandy beaches. They’ve provided shelter for mankind and nature across the millennia
8
Far-flung Fair Isle
A scenic stop for bird lovers
Your cruise continues to the Shetland Islands as we venture to remote Fair Isle, known for its birds and knitwear.
A magnet for birders and wildlife photographers, the island is home to 27 bird species. It's a vital stop for migrating seabirds, drawn to the red sandstone cliffs, green fields and moors.
We’ll attempt to land so you can join a clifftop hike to a spectacularly sited lighthouse with the Expedition Team. Gain fascinating insights into the life and history of the 65-strong island community at the local museum. You can support Fair Islanders by buying genuine Fair Isle knitwear direct from local makers.
If landing isn’t possible, the scenic cruising is just as spectacular.
9
Shetland Uncovered
Days 9–10
Discover the Norse roots of Scotland's most northerly inhabited isles
We cruise northwest to spend a day and a half 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, as well as local birdlife such as Red-throated Divers, redshanks and curlews. You can also choose to visit the Sumburgh Head cliffs where you’ll find a cacophony of breeding seabirds, or discover the many layers of history at Jarlshof, a Neolithic and Norse settlement.
We’ll also attempt to 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. If we can, we’ll walk to the wild cliffs of the Hermaness National Nature Reserve, shelter to thousands of breeding seabirds including fulmars, puffins, shags and gannets.
11
Arrival in Bergen, Norway
Visit Bergen's UNESCO-listed Bryggen district
Having followed the trail of Norse history through the Scottish Isles back to its homeland, your cruise now reaches its finale in Bergen, one of Norway's most beautiful cities. You’ll have experienced so much of these wondrous isles on your journey and you’ll treasure the memories for years to come.
After you disembark MS Spitsbergen in the morning, we recommend spending some time exploring on your own before you return home. Why not visit the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district with its colourful wooden wharves and artisanal boutiques. Across from here, you'll also find the city's famous fish market.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

A stay in a cabin of your choice.
All day coffee, tea and soft drinks.
Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests.
A complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home.
A wind and waterproof expedition jacket.
Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer.

Not included

International flights
Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timingsTravel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

MS Spitsbergen

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

Double beds and some have additional Pullman beds.
All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a TV, a safe, European two-pin plug sockets, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

I2D – Inside cabin: no window, double bed, 9–14 m².
K2D – Larger inside cabin: no window, double bed, 15–20 m².

Polar Outside

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).
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.
J3 – Outside cabin: window, limited view or no view, two pullman beds, upper/lower berths, 11–12 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.

They feature double beds, some with a sofa bed.
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.

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).
Suites feature double beds, some with a seating area, some with a sofa bed or a Pullman bed.
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.
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.

From the operator