2 April 2023

Set sail from Scotland’s stylish city of culture and get to know your expedition ship and crew 

Glasgow is an elegant city filled with splendid architecture in the Victorian and Art Nouveau styles. If you have any time prior to embarkation you’ll discover its museums, galleries, and lively spots to eat, drink and shop.  

When you’re done, your comfortable expedition ship MS Spitsbergen will be waiting for you. You’ll be greeted by your friendly Expedition Team and after attending a safety briefing and settling in, you’ll sit down to a welcome dinner to mark the start of the cruise. 

Pre-Programme 

Want to really explore Glasgow and Edinburgh? Then we recommend extending your stay by booking our optional Pre-Programme that includes an overnight in Edinburgh. You’ll be able to see the main sights of Glasgow as well as the beautiful Edinburgh Castle. 

3 April 2023

Step out into little Portrush and see a giant natural wonder 

Portrush is a small resort town that’s been popular since Victorian times. From here there are several walks you can go on, and this section of coast features long sandy beaches. Birders should trek up to Ramore Head, just north of the town.

A big drawcard is the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns rising mysteriously from the coast. Meanwhile the Dunluce Castle ruins, set dramatically atop cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, provide a stunning backdrop to the wild beauty of this region. 

4 April 2023

Roam Northern Ireland’s historic industrial city and discover its proud heritage. 

Famed as the birthplace of the Titanic, Northern Ireland’s capital is a city of industry and elegance. Wander the Titanic Quarter and walk the Maritime Mile, a waterfront trail showcasing Belfast’s proud seafaring history.   

Elegant Victorian architecture abounds here. Admire the detailed mosaics of St Anne’s Cathedral, and the majestic façade of the Grand Opera House. Climb Cave Hill, near Belfast Castle, for great city views.  

There are tasty treats and great handicrafts for sale at St George’s Market, and the Ulster Museum will delight history buffs. 

5 April 2023

Explore the capital of the Isle of Man, a hotbed of Celtic and Viking heritage   

The scenic approach to Douglas is not to be missed! We head ashore to explore the capital of the Isle of Man; learn about the island’s Celtic and Viking heritage, trace its development as a Victorian tourist resort, and see its stunning rugged coastline.   

There’s so much to pack into your day in Douglas. Visit the Manx Museum, check out the murals in St Thomas’s Church and discover the impressively spooky Peel Castle, originally a Viking stronghold and now said to be haunted. 

6 April 2023

Explore Fishguard and see its Iron Age settlements and the idyllic Dyffryn Fernant gardens. 

Nestled between the Preseli Hills and the Pembrokeshire coast is the charming Welsh coastal town of Fishguard. You’ll find the original hamlet and harbour in Lower Fishguard, and spectacular sea views from the ‘Main Town’ on the clifftop.  

Explore the ruins of Fishguard Fort at Castle Point, and spot marine life on a coastal walk along the Pencaer Peninsula. Get a feel for life in the neolithic inside the reconstructed roundhouses of Castell Henllys – while the Dyffryn Fernant gardens are a horticultural gem not to be missed. 

7 April 2023

Discover the lively city on the River Liffey, famed for its cultural contributions. 

Founded by Vikings, and later becoming the Kingdom of Dublin, Ireland’s capital has a remarkable history. But as one of Europe’s most youthful cities, ‘Dubs’ is also a lively cultural centre of live music, pubs and a very modern tech hub.  

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this fascinating city, visiting such places as Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland. Here, you’ll see the medieval manuscript the Book of Kells. Dublin Castle is also worth a visit, and don’t forget to sample a pint of Guinness. 

8 April 2023

Finish off where you started – but why not stay a bit longer? 

Our island-hopping expedition ends where we started out, in Glasgow. We know you’ll have had some wonderful experiences over the past 10 days, but why not linger a while and see some of the things you may have missed before you set sail. 

Post-Programme 

If you want to fully explore Glasgow and Edinburgh, we recommend extending your stay by booking our optional Post-Programme. With an overnight in Edinburgh, you’ll be able to see the main sights of Glasgow as well as the majestic Edinburgh Castle.