Scottish Isles, Arctic Circles & Svalbard – 15 Day Cruise

We begin our expedition in the charming Scottish town of Glasgow. Board Aqua Lares and settle into your luxurious suite, prepared for an adventure into the Arctic Circle. ​

Today, we discover Iona, a small island with a profound spiritual legacy as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland, home to a historic abbey set amid tranquil landscapes. After lunch, head to Staffa, famous for its hexagonal basalt columns and dramatic sea caves, including the legendary Fingal’s Cave. ​

We land on the remote archipelago of St Kilda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Towering cliffs host vast seabird colonies, while the remains of stone houses tell of a community that once thrived in this isolated environment. The islands’ raw beauty mixed with their rich cultural past makes them one of Scotland’s most extraordinary destinations.​

On the Isle of Lewis, we explore the Callanish Stones, a prehistoric circle dating back over 5,000 years. Standing on a windswept moor, these enigmatic stones evoke the mysteries of Scotland’s ancient past.​

We sail into Scotland’s Shetland Islands to visit Mousa Broch, a remarkably preserved Iron Age stone tower. The site offers insight into Scotland’s early history, while the surrounding coastline offers the opportunity to encounter to seabirds and seals.​

Arrive in Ålesund, renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture. Colorful buildings and sweeping coastal views make this one of Norway’s most distinctive urban landscapes.​

Wake up to views of the low-lying islands and open seascapes which define Smøla. The scattered islets provide habitat for rich birdlife, including white-tailed eagles. Small fishing hamlets along the coast give a glimpse into Norway’s enduring maritime way of life.​

Nestled on the Torget peninsula, Brønnøysund is framed by mountains and islands. Offshore lie natural wonders such as the Torghatten granite dome and the Vega Archipelago, recognized for their geology and cultural history. The town itself reflects Norway’s close connection to the sea and coastal traditions.​

Wake up to views of Reine in the Lofoten Islands, where jagged peaks, deep-blue fjords, and colorful fishing villages reflect the region’s rich maritime heritage and traditional way of life. After lunch, we continue to Trollfjorden, a narrow, majestic fjord flanked by sheer cliffs rising up to a staggering 1,000 meters. Tender excursions bring you close to soaring eagles and curious seals along the fjord’s dramatic shoreline.​

We return to Tromso as the ship replenishes itself for the next leg of the journey. Take the day to unwind on board Aqua Lares. Enjoy the social spaces at your leisure, whether it be sipping cocktails in the lounge, a workout in the open air, or a soothing spa treatment. Later in the day, we greet the new guests joining the expeditions onwards. ​

The day begins with an exploration of Gjesvær, setting out by tender to Gjesværstappan, where puffins, gannets, and kittiwakes gather in one of Europe’s largest seabird colonies. In the afternoon, we continue to Skarsvåg, one of Europe’s northernmost villages, where wild reindeer wander past clusters of colorful houses.​

Step ashore on Reinøya, a secluded island once used by Sami herders for reindeer grazing. Join our expert naturalist guides on walks across raised beaches to witness remarkable geological formations.​

Today, we head out on excursions along the remote cliffs of Bear Island, home to vast colonies of puffins, guillemots, and fulmars. Enjoy close encounters with the destination's remarkable population of seabirds while out on a tender exploration. Learn more about the island’s unique ecology from our naturalist guides. ​

Begin the day exploring Samarinvågen, where a calving glacier fills the bay with ice floes that serve as haul-out sites for bearded seals. Watch seabirds such as little auks, Brünnich’s guillemots, and king eiders, and with luck, glimpse a beluga. ​

Bid farewell to Aqua Lares and the crew after a hearty breakfast on board. ​

Itineraries are subject to change.