Svalbard Arctic Circle & Scottish Isles

We begin our expedition in Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world. Soak in the stark beauty of the surrounding mountains before boarding Aqua Lares and setting sail into the frozen wilderness.​

We arrive in Bellsund to explore Calypsobyen, a former coal mining settlement and beluga hunting station that operated in the early 20th century. Here, scattered ruins and weathered structures stand as silent witnesses to the industrial era that once brought life to this remote corner of Svalbard, creating a stark contrast between natural beauty and manmade history.​

In the morning, we explore Gnålodden, home to one of Svalbard’s best-known trapper’s cabins, set beneath towering cliffs alive with seabirds. The site offers a vivid glimpse into the lives of those who endured the harsh Arctic wilderness. After lunch, we arrive at Sørkapp, the southernmost point of Spitsbergen. This remote and rarely visited cape reveals stark Arctic landscapes where glaciers meet the sea and seabirds such as kittiwakes nest along coastal cliffs.​

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. ​​

Step ashore at Bleik, a fishing village set along one of Norway’s longest white-sand beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for sperm whales attracted to the surrounding waters’ rich feeding grounds, while just offshore, the triangle-shaped island of Bleiksøya hosts one of Norway’s largest puffin colonies.​

Savor a final breakfast on board before parting ways with Aqua Lares and the crew in Tromsø, the “Gateway to the Arctic.

Wake up to views of 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. After lunch, we continue to Nusfjord, one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fishing villages nestled within the Lofoten Islands. Traditional red rorbuer cabins line the harbor, set against dramatic mountain peaks that rise steeply from the fjord—a scene that has remained largely unchanged since the 19th century.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 arrive at Luskentyre Beach on Harris, where white sands stretch along turquoise waters beneath the dramatic peaks of the Outer Hebrides. Later, 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.

Today, we discover Staffa, famous for its hexagonal basalt columns and dramatic sea caves, including the legendary Fingal’s Cave. After lunch, head to 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.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast onboard before disembarking Aqua Lares in Glasgow.