Cruise · HX Expeditions · 10 nights

The Scottish Isles – Island Hopping in the Hebrides

Expedition Team guides leading walks and island explorations
Unlimited all-day coffee, tea and soft drinks included
Complimentary Ocean Bottle and waterproof expedition jacket included

$9,114 pp twin share

$15,950 pp solo share

10 nights

Enquire

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The Scottish Isles – Island Hopping in the Hebrides

The Scottish Isles – Island Hopping in the Hebrides – route map

Embark in Glasgow (Fairlie)

Beautiful Isle of Arran

Islay's whisky and nature

Sustainable Isle of Gigha

Mull’s colourful fishing port

Expedition day

Stalwart Stornoway

Isles of beauty

The spirit of Iona

Colonsay birds and blooms

Back to Glasgow

MS Spitsbergen

When & how much

Choose your departure

9 departures

Cruise Snapshot

10 Nights

A 10-night expedition island-hopping voyage round the Scottish Hebrides aboard MS Spitsbergen, departing and returning to Glasgow

Island hopping around the remote Scottish Hebrides from Glasgow
Atlantic seabirds, marine life and Neolithic and Viking sites
Intimate sailing aboard a smaller, fully rebuilt expedition vessel

Trip Details

Departs: Fri 14 Apr 2028
Returns: Mon 24 Apr 2028
Embarks: Glasgow
Ship: MS Spitsbergen
Operator: HX Expeditions

11‑day all‑inclusive Scottish Isles Expedition Cruise round-trip from Glasgow

The 10-night British Isles voyage aboard MS Spitsbergen sails round trip from Glasgow, calling at Brodick, Isle of Arran, Islay, Ardminish, Gigha Island, Tobermory, Vatersay, Mingulay, Stornoway, Shiant Isles, Loch Scavaig and Eigg.

Discover some of Scotland's most remote, romantic, and rugged Hebridean islands on this odyssey from Glasgow (Fairlie).
Encounter Atlantic seabirds and marine life as we island hop around Islay, Mull, Staffa, the remote coast of Skye, and the Outer Hebrides.
Explore Neolithic circles, Viking ruins, and fishing villages shaped by centuries of life at the edge.

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.

$9,114

pp twin share

$15,950

pp solo share

Enquire

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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)
Fri 14 Apr
Your expedition begins on Scotland's west coast 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
Beautiful Isle of Arran
Sat 15 Apr
Discover Arran’s Grandeur Welcome to Arran, an island cloaked in heather. Known as ‘Scotland in miniature’, Arran’s varied landscape is split by the Highland Boundary Fault, giving the island its distinctive highland peaks in the north and lush lowlands in the south. 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. While here, discover the grandeur of Brodick Castle, and explore the gardens which will be brimming with spring life.
3
Islay's whisky and nature
Sun 16 Apr
Fire up your spirit of discovery on 'Whisky Island' Islay, the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’, is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides. It’s the proud home of world-famous peaty single malts, but that's far from the only reason to visit. Enjoy the company of your fellow travellers and the Expedition Team as you explore the coastline on foot. 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, such as Laphroaig or Ardbeg.
4
Sustainable Isle of Gigha
Mon 17 Apr
Discover a slice of paradise in the Hebrides Our Scottish isles cruise continues to tiny Gigha (pronounced ‘Gee-a’), a sandy slice of paradise in the Hebrides. Community-owned since 2002, when it was bought by its 163 residents, the island has a strong sense of local stewardship and sustainability. It’s well worth sampling the fresh local seafood, such as Gigha halibut and oysters. At only seven miles long, the main way to get around Gigha is on foot or by renting a bike. Visit the woodland gardens of Achamore House and admire the colourful rhododendrons. Then explore white sandy coves and the turquoise waters along the coast.
5
Mull’s colourful fishing port
Tue 18 Apr
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 whiskystroll 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’ll have the opportunity to visit one of the historic castles that guarded these waterways when the Lord of the Isles ruled the region in the 12th century.
6
Expedition day
Wed 19 Apr
Upplev vackra Sound of Mull Vid vattnet i den pittoreska fiskehamnen Tobermory på Isle of Mull ligger många färgglada georgianska hus. En guide från trakten berättar mer om hamnens fascinerande historia och moderna betydelse. Fördjupa dig ännu mer i öns historia under ett besök på Mull Museum, prova traktens whisky, promenera runt sjön i Aros Park eller beundra utsikten över Ardnamurchan-halvön under en vandring på den skogbevuxna kustleden. Isle of Mull är ett populärt resmål bland fågelskådare. Många av Europas kungsörnar häckar här och det finns även chans att få se havsörn. Passa även på att besöka en av de historiska borgar som vakade över vattenvägarna när Lord of the Isles, öarnas herre, härskade över området på 1100-talet.
7
Stalwart Stornoway
Thu 20 Apr
Utforska de fridfulla öarna i Yttre Hebriderna Idag går vi i land på en av de många småöarna i Yttre Hebriderna. Kaptenen och expeditionsledaren väljer den bästa landstigningsplatsen beroende på vädret för dagen. Här har Atlantens mäktiga vindar och kraftiga vågor gröpt ur naturhamnar som har gjort att bosättningar uppstått ända sedan yngre stenåldern. Kanske besöker vi ett avlägsen by och lär oss mer om deras sätt att leva, eller så går vi i land på en orörd sandstrand och vandrar. Vi kan även ge oss ut i våra små båtar och spana efter djur som lunnefåglar, grisslor, tretåiga måsar och sälar längs kusten.
8
Isles of beauty
Fri 21 Apr
Get close to dramatic scenery and wonderful wildlife on Skye and the Small Isles We’ll sail to Loch Scavaig on the Isle of Skye, where dramatic scenery surrounds us. “The wildest scene in the Highlands” is how the Victorian poet Lord Tennyson described Loch Coruisk and the surrounding craggy peaks of the Cuillin Mountains. We'll put on our hiking boots to explore the loch with the Expedition Team. Our next stop is the remote Isle of Eigg, home to incredible wildlife. You might spot golden and white-tailed eagles, rred-throated divers, stonechats, seals, dolphins, and porpoises. Stroll along the white sands of Laig Bay to the quartz beach where the sand sings.
9
The spirit of Iona
Sat 22 Apr
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 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. If conditions allow, we’ll also sail to Staffa. We’ll attempt to take our Zodiacs for a closer look at Fingal's Cave, marvelling at the hexagonal basalt columns, superb natural acoustics, and mesmerising, coloured waters.
10
Colonsay birds and blooms
Sun 23 Apr
Immerse yourself in unspoilt island beauty Take a coastal walk on the Isle of Colonsay and enjoy breathtaking views from Kiloran Bay and Plaide Mhòr. Or if you’re lucky enough to be in a kayak, you may catch sight of whales, porpoises and dolphins. Flora thrives on Colonsay, with over 400 species of plants present. You’ll see some of them in the woodland gardens of Colonsay House. It's a paradise for birdwatchers, with choughs, Red Northern Divers, eagles, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and shags among the birds you can spot. Later in the spring, be sure to listen out for the rattle of the elusive corncrake.
11
Back to Glasgow
Mon 24 Apr
Your island-hopping odyssey comes to an end in Scotland’s vibrant city Your adventure to the wild Scottish Isles ends back in 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.

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
Travel 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.

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