HX Hurtigruten Expeditions: The Scottish Isles - Island Hopping in the Hebrides

11-day itinerary

Day 1: Embark in Glasgow

Once a thriving industrial hub, Glasgow has transformed into a vibrant cultural destination, brimming with museums, galleries, and green spaces. Before your expedition cruise begins, take in the stunning Art Nouveau designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Your journey starts in Fairlie, a charming coastal village just outside Glasgow. Set along the shores of the Firth of Clyde with the North Ayrshire Hills as its backdrop, this region is renowned for its Viking heritage and picturesque seaside towns.

After boarding MS Spitsbergen, take time to explore the ship before meeting the Expedition Team – your expert guides for the voyage ahead. Then, enjoy your first onboard dinner as we set sail into adventure.

Day 2: Isle of Arran

Welcome to the Isle of Arran, a land of rolling heather-clad hills and rugged beauty. Embark on a hike with breathtaking views of Goat Fell’s craggy peaks, and keep an eye out for Scotland’s ‘Big Five’ – Golden Eagles, red deer, red squirrels, otters, and harbour seals, all of which call Arran home.

Wander through the enchanting woodlands and gardens of Brodick Castle, then step back in time at Machrie Moor, where ancient Neolithic stone circles and towering monoliths stand in silent mystery. No visit is complete without stopping by the Isle of Arran Distillery to sample their renowned malt whisky.

Day 3: Islay’s Whiskey

Islay, known as the ‘Queen of the Hebrides,’ is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, boasting dramatic coastlines and rugged uplands. While it’s best known for its world-famous peaty single malts, there’s much more to discover.

A haven for wildlife, Islay is home to over 200 bird species, including oystercatchers, gannets, and majestic Golden Eagles. From its sandy shores, you might even glimpse dolphins or basking sharks in the surrounding waters.

Day 4: Sustainable Isle of Gigha

Today, your Scottish isles cruise brings us to the charming island of Gigha, a tiny gem in the Hebrides with sandy shores and a warm community spirit. Owned by its 163 residents since 2002, the island thrives on a sustainable local economy. Be sure to sample its renowned seafood, including Gigha halibut and fresh oysters.

Stretching just seven miles in length, Gigha is best explored on foot or by bike. Wander through the serene woodland gardens of Achamore House, where vibrant rhododendrons bloom. Then, discover the island’s pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, such as Bàgh Rubha Ruaidh and Bàgh na Dòirlinne.

Day 5: Mull’s colourful fishing port

The charming fishing port of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull is instantly recognizable by its brightly coloured Georgian houses lining the waterfront. Immerse yourself in local history at the Mull Museum, savour a dram of the island’s whisky, take a scenic stroll around the loch in Aros Park, or visit the ancient Baliscate Standing Stones.

A paradise for birdwatchers, Mull boasts the highest breeding density of Golden Eagles in Europe, while White-tailed Eagles frequently glide along the coastline. You may also venture to Loch Sunart, a designated Marine Protected Area, where otters, dolphins, and porpoises thrive in its sheltered waters.

Day 6: Expedition day

Today, you’ll be exploring the southernmost Outer Hebrides.

Land on Vatersay’s white-sand beaches, the gateway to the Hebridean Way. Shaped by Atlantic winds, this island has sheltered settlements since the Neolithic era. After taking in its history and beauty, the expedition heads south to the remote Mingulay.

Abandoned a century ago, Mingulay is now a haven for seabirds, with vast colonies of puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes nesting on its towering Carnan Cliffs. If conditions allow, you’ll have the opportunity to take small expedition boats to explore the island’s rugged shores and incredible wildlife.

Day 7: Stornoway

Next, arrive in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis and Harris, famed for its Harris Tweed. Explore Lews Castle’s Gothic charm and scenic trails, then visit the 5,000-year-old Callanish Standing Stones and Dùn Carloway, Scotland’s best-preserved Iron Age broch.

You’ll also cruise the wild Shiant Isles, a key seabird breeding ground in the Minch Strait. Look for European Shags, Common Eiders, Northern Fulmars, and Great Skuas nesting on volcanic cliffs or gliding over the waves.

Day 8: Isles of Beauty

Sail to Loch Scavaig on the Isle of Skye, where rugged beauty will surround you. Lord Tennyson called Loch Coruisk and the Cuillin Mountains “the wildest scene in the Highlands.” With your Expedition Team, hike along the loch’s stunning shores.

Next, visit the remote Isle of Eigg, a haven for wildlife. Keep an eye out for Golden and White-Tailed Eagles, Red-Throated Divers, seals, dolphins, and porpoises. Walk the white sands of Laig Bay to the singing quartz beach or hike up An Sgùrr for breath-taking views.

Day 9: Iona’s spirit

Your journey continues to Iona, a serene isle off Mull’s coast. Visit the restored 6th-century abbey, one of Scotland’s oldest Christian pilgrimage sites, or hike up Dùn I for stunning views of St Columba’s Bay – and a sip from the ‘Well of Eternal Youth.’

Next, sail to the Treshnish Isles, home to Atlantic Puffins, razorbills, and grey seals. Nearby, explore Fingal’s Cave, where hexagonal basalt columns, natural acoustics, and shimmering waters create a truly magical sight.

Day 10: Colonsay birds and blooms

Explore the Isle of Colonsay on a coastal walk, taking in stunning views from Kiloran Bay and Plaide Mhòr. If you’re kayaking, keep an eye out for whales, porpoises, and dolphins.

Home to over 400 plant species, Colonsay’s flora flourishes, especially in the woodland gardens of Colonsay House. Birdwatchers can spot choughs, Red-Throated Divers, eagles, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and shags. Listen carefully – you might hear the distinctive rattle of the elusive corncrake.

Day 11: Back in Glasgow

Your journey through the wild Scottish Isles concludes in Glasgow (Fairlie).

Nestled along the Firth of Clyde with views of Argyll’s hills, Glasgow’s rich fishing and shipping heritage is reflected in its grand Victorian architecture. If time allows, take a moment to explore this vibrant city before heading home.

MS Spitsbergen