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Peregrine Travel Centre

The Scottish Isles – Highlights of the Hebrides

The Scottish Isles – Highlights of the Hebrides

From AUD $3,672

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Description

Heather, history and highland scenery 
From Glasgow (Greenock) you’ll voyage to the wild and remote Hebridean Islands and discover rugged landscapes draped in heather, white sand beaches and picturesque historic towns. Heading towards Fort William, you’ll be immersed in awesome Highland scenery featuring soaring mountains and glacier-carved valleys. 
Ancient sites, undisturbed wildlife and unique whiskies 
From Arran to Mull and Islay, you’ll visit ancient castles and standing stones and taste Scotland’s cultural notes with whisky. On your journey, you’ll encounter birdlife like puffins and eagles, and as you gaze over the sea, look out for the dolphins and basking sharks that thrive in these cool waters.  

Trip Name
The Scottish Isles – Highlights of the Hebrides
Days
7
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 100 metres Passenger Capacity: 335 Built / refurbished: 2009 / 2016 MS Spitsbergen is named after the crown jewel of Arctic Norway – the Svalbard archipelago and its biggest island, Spitsbergen.  After complete reconstruction, MS Spitsbergen joined the Hurtigruten fleet in 2016. The ship features high technical standards as well as 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 we plan further improvements that will reduce emissions and fuel consumption even more. The new ship’s maneuverability and optimal size make her quite suitable for exploring polar waters.  Expedition team on board MS Spitsbergen has its own on-board Expedition Team and serves as a university at sea. Interesting lectures inside the ship as well as out on the sun deck make this an exciting and educational journey. Topics depend on the season and the waters we sail in. The Expedition Team host a lecture programme and evening gatherings daily. Out on deck you can participate in live points of interest to learn more about the nature, culture and other phenomena we encounter along the coast. In addition, the Expedition Team will introduce you to the uniquely Norwegian notion of `friluftsliv´ (outdoor life), and encourage you take part in `friluftsliv´ hikes and activities during the journey. Our dedicated Expedition Teams have one mission: to enhance your experience by engaging you and interpreting the nature, wildlife, and culture you encounter during the voyage. Read more about our Expedition Teams here.  Ship facilities Expedition Team - Explorer bar - Panoramic lounge – Explorer lounge - Compass Service Centre - Brygga bistro - Shop - Torget main dining - Wi-Fi - Sauna - Fitness room - Lift - Hot tub - Guest launderette - Panoramic deck 8 - Outside bar for events, decks 7 & 8

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Embark from Glasgow (Greenock)
 Start in Scotland's stylish city of cultureA former industrial powerhouse, Glasgow has reinvented itself as a cultural hotspot, packed with museums, galleries and parks. Discover the splendid Art Nouveau architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh before your expedition cruise begins. You’ll embark in Glasgow (Greenock) where MS Spitsbergen, one of our smaller vessels purpose-built for close-up exploration, will be waiting for you. Get to know the ship before meeting the Expedition Team – your guides for the adventure ahead – and enjoy your first dinner aboard as we set sail.   
Day 2 - DAY 2 Beautiful Isle of Arran
 Enjoy wildlife spotting on ArranWelcome to the Isle of Arran, known for its heather-cloaked landscapes.  Why not try a hike with views of the craggy peaks of Goat Fell and see if you can spot Scotland’s ‘Big Five’: the Golden Eagle, red deer, red squirrel, otter and harbour seal, all of which can be found on Arran. Explore the woodland and gardens of Brodick Castle, and marvel at the Neolithic treasures and huge upright slabs at the Machrie Moor Stone Circle. Your stop wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Isle of Arran Distillery and a taste of their distinctive malt. 
Day 3 - DAY 3 Expedition day
 Explore the tranquil southernmost islands of the Outer HebridesToday, we’ll explore the southernmost islands of the Outer Hebrides. We’ll attempt a nature landing on the white sand beaches of Vatersay, located at the beginning of the renowned Hebridean Way. The mighty wind and waves of the Atlantic have carved sheltered harbours here, allowing settlements to arise as far back as the Neolithic period. Explore the rich history and admire the tranquil beauty of this tiny island, before heading south to remote Mingulay. Abandoned by its resident population a century ago, Mingulay is home to some of the largest bird colonies in the Hebrides. Puffins, guillemots, fulmars, kittiwakes and more make their nests across the island, including on the towering Carnan Cliffs, a protected breeding area. If conditions allow, we’ll take our small expedition boats around the island on the lookout for some of these magnificent birds. 
Day 4 - DAY 4 Mull’s Colourful Fishing Port
 Get ready for the dreamy beauty of the Sound of MullBrightly coloured Georgian houses line the waterfront in the picturesque fishing port of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Learn about the local heritage at the Mull Museum, try a dram of local whisky, stroll around the loch in Aros Park or  pay a visit to the Baliscate Standing Stones.  The Isle of Mull is a magnet for birders. It has the highest breeding density of Golden Eagles in Europe, and White-tailed Eagles can often be seen soaring above the coast. We may also explore Loch Sunart, a Marine Protected Area known for otters, dolphins and porpoises. 
Day 5 - DAY 5 Britain’s outdoor capital
 See why Fort William is an outdoor adventure hubAfter sailing into Loch Linnhe, we arrive at Fort William. The town is known as ‘Britain’s Outdoor Capital’ and it’s a magnet for hikers, bikers, climbers and skiers. As you’ll see, it’s set amid some spectacular Highland scenery.  The town’s whisky distillery offers its take on the national tipple, and a scenic walk awaits you at Glen Nevis. Nearby is the beautiful valley of Glen Coe, which was carved out of the landscape by glaciers and volcanic activity. Glen Coe is designated a National Scenic Area, but also has a dramatic history that’s integral to the story of Scotland. 
Day 6 - DAY 6 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.  Port Ellen is the gateway to three of the island’s nine distilleries. Of course, no trip to Islay is complete without a 'wee dram' from one of these famous and historic whisky producers, including Laphroaig and Ardbeg. 
Day 7 - DAY 7 Back to Glasgow (Greenock)
 Experience the culture of Scotland's citiesYour adventure to the wild Scottish Isles ends back in Glasgow (Greenock).  Lying on the shores of the Firth of Clyde with views across to the high hills of Argyll, Glasgow’s 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. 
Day 8 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
02-04-202508-04-2025AUD $3,672Polar Inside. From
02-04-202508-04-2025AUD $4,333Polar Outside. From
02-04-202508-04-2025AUD $4,994Arctic Superior. From
02-04-202508-04-2025AUD $6,463Expedition Suite. From

Inclusions

    • Discover highlights of the Hebrides and Scottish Highlands, including Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis, on this expedition cruise from Glasgow (Greenock).
    • Experience rugged landscapes, remote beaches and historic towns in the Inner and Outer Hebrides, and marvel at spectacular Highland scenery on the mainland.
    • Seek out Atlantic seabirds and marine life as we explore the Sound of Mull, Vatersay in the Outer Hebrides, Islay and more.

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