Northern Europe & Scandinavia

Scotland's Hidden Landscapes

Name: Scotland's Hidden Landscapes
Brand: HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)
Price: 7759 USD
Availability: InStock

11‑day all‑inclusive British Isles Expedition Cruise from Glasgow to Bergen

From$10,552per personSign in to see your member priceTaxes includedSave up to 25% with our 130th Anniversary OffersStarting tier sold outAI PickThis near-sold-out Spitsbergen expedition pairs Islay's distilleriesAI Pick11-day HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) voyage

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Route Map

Gallery

11 photos

Voyage Overview

11‑day all‑inclusive British Isles Expedition Cruise from Glasgow to Bergen

Voyage Highlights

Celtic coasts to Norse shores

Exploring the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland Islands before crossing to Norway, this journey unveils the many layers of history and culture that define this region. You’ll walk in the footsteps of Neolithic civilisations at sites such as Stornoway’s Callanish Standing Stones and Skara Brae in Orkney. You’ll also experience unique culture shaped by Celtic and Norse legacies, which comes to life in architecture, language and renowned textiles like Fair Isle knitwear.

Scotland’s rugged isles in spring

You'll be inspired by the rugged beauty of these archipelagos, carved by the Atlantic’s mighty power. From mystical moorlands and basalt columns to craggy cliffs and sweeping white-sand beaches, each island has a distinctive character. On this spring voyage, you’ll experience a landscape awash with colour with several expedition days to discover hidden bays and rarely visited islands, looking out for seabirds and dolphins along the way.

Destinations

British Isles Northern Europe & Scandinavia

Language Services

English

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Before the cruise

Day-by-day stops

After the cruise

Please Note

All planned activities are subject to weather conditions Excursions and activities are subject to change Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)

Food & Beverages

Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, wine, beer, and spirits
Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)

HX Expedition Gear

Wind and waterproof expedition jacket
A complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home

Ship Facilities

Use of sauna, hot tubs, fitness room, lounges and more

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported

Extras

Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
Range of included activities

Onboard Activities

In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by our knowledgeable Expedition Team
Use of our Science Centre, including the library and advanced biological and geological equipment
The Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
An onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
Daily briefing with the Expedition Team about the plans for the next day

Landing Activities

Escorted landings with small expedition boats
Necessary equipment for activities, such as walking poles, will be provided on board on loan. Your HX travel documents will have a recommended packing list.
Expedition photographer on hand to assist you

International flights
Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timingsTravel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
International flights to/from your home country are not included.

Ship

MS Spitsbergen

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)

Rebuilt in 2016 and extensively refurbished in 2025, MS Spitsbergen combines modern expedition capability and adaptability with elegance and simplicity. With space for just 150 guests, she offers a relaxed, intimate atmosphere that speaks to Scandinavian style — and the agility to access remote places larger ships can’t.

Passengers150

Tonnage7,344 GT

Built2009

Decks6

View Ship Details

Deck Plans

Onboard Facilities

Onboard Life

Live Position

Islay - Port Ellen—Islay Heritage Walk

Join a local guide for a heritage walk and discover more about Islay whiskey, local history and island life. Whiskey Island On this heritage walk through Islay’s Port Ellen toward Laphroaig Distillery, you’ll learn about the island’s famous whiskey, history and modern-day island life. Admire the coastal views at the picturesque inlet of Sròn Dubh, visit the MacDougall monument, which sits atop a grassy mound overlooking the sea, and see the iconic white storehouses of the Laphroaig Distillery, which is renowned for its peaty, smoky malts. Duration: 3h00 Difficulty: Level 2: Moderate—some mobility needed Booking code: INCL-ISY1 Highlights: • Discover the history, heritage and culture of Islay with the help of your local guide. • Admire the coastal views at the picturesque inlet of Sròn Dubh • See the iconic white storehouses of the Laphroaig distillery, which is known for its peaty, smoky malts. Practical information: • Remarks/requirements: Please wear warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable walking shoes. • Walking or Activity information: Involves moderate physical activity on relatively level surfaces and gentle terrain. There is approximately 3.7 mi of walking. • Wheelchair accessible: No • Language Availability: English

Included

Islay - An Islay Distillery

Visit one of Islay’s fine whisky distilleries, where they’ve been making whisky for as long as 200 years. Enjoy a ‘wee dram’ Islay is known for its malt whiskies with nine working distilleries. The rugged conditions found on the island give its whisky the distinctive strong, peaty and smoky characteristics. Visit one of the distilleries and discover more about the whisky making process with a guided tour, and of course, a tasting. While on this beautiful island, you can also admire the abundance of wildlife, from otters to Golden Eagles. Duration: 2 hrs Booking code: E-ISY4 Min. number: 10 traveller(s) Highlights: • Experience a historic distillery and see their traditional whisky-making methods. • Sample the typical whisky of Islay and delve into the different characteristics. • Scout for an abundance of wildlife, from seals and otters to geese and Golden Eagles. • Admire the stunning scenery along Islay’s 130-mile-long coastline. Practical information: • Remarks/requirements: Please note the numbers on whisky tours are extremely limited. The name of the distillery will be confirmed on board. Please wear warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable walking shoes. • Walking or Activity information: Involves moderate physical activity on relatively level surfaces and gentle terrain. • Wheelchair accessible: No • Language Availability: English

$98

Kirkwall on Foot

Join your guide for a walking tour and see some highlights of Kirkwall. Depart on foot with your guide from the picturesque harbor in Kirkwall and stroll along the ancient shoreline of Kirkwall, which dates to when the town was first founded by the Vikings. The shoreline is now a lovely flagstone street which runs from the harbor to the center of town. En route, hear stories of bygone times in Kirkwall. Arrive at St. Magnus Cathedral, a beautiful red and yellow sandstone building that dominates the skyline of Kirkwall, and learn about its 850-year history. Next, visit the neighboring Earl’s and Bishop’s Palaces, once belonging to Earl Patrick Stewart, who used forced labor to build the Earl’s Palace. Your walking tour ends at the Orkney Museum, where you will have free time to visit the museum, browse the shops, and stroll back to the ship at your leisure. Duration: 1h30 Difficulty: Level 2: Moderate - some mobility needed Booking code: INCL-KIR1 Highlights: • Free time in Kirkwall • St. Magnus Cathedral • Earl’s and Bishop’s Palace • Orkney Museum Practical information: Practical information: • Language: English. • Remarks/requirements: Appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. • Walking information: This is a walking tour and guests will be walking for the majority of the duration of the tour. • Wheelchair accessible: No.

Included

Fair Isle Island Visit

Enjoy a guided walk to the bird cliffs, and drink tea with lovely locals. 60 people and millions of birds Discover the beautiful Fair Isle, situated approximately halfway between Orkney and Shetland. Visit this bird haven where more than 345 bird species have been recorded. During your visit, you will be warmly welcomed by islanders. Scout the stores for knitted crafts with distinctive knitting patterns originating here. Duration: 4h Difficulty: Level 3: Active - good mobility needed Booking code: INCL-FIE1 Highlights: • Join a guided walk to the bird cliffs, hosting an interesting diversity of Fair Isle birds • See some of the 200 flowering plants, and the rare wren and field mouse • Experience a small community rich in cultural heritage, spirit and wildlife • Explore the local museum, and enjoy tea and home-baking with the islanders in the community hall Practical information: Practiacal information: • Included: Refreshments. • Language: English. • Remarks/requirements: Appropriate waterproof clothing and comfortable walking boots. • Walking information: Approximately 1.5 miles. • Wheelchair accessible: No.

Included

Lerwick—Lerwick Walking Tour

Enjoy a tour of Lerwick’s scenic town center and learn about its enthralling history and local life. Lerwick’s Lodberries Enjoy a walking tour of Lerwick’s historic town center, featuring sandstone buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Learn about the colorful history of the remote Shetland capital as your tour takes you past the Old Tolbooth, the lodberries, and the grand town hall. After your guided tour, enjoy some free time to browse the local shops or visit impressive 18th-century Fort Charlotte overlooking the Sound of Bressay. Duration: 1h15 Difficulty: Level 2: Moderate—some mobility needed Booking code: INCL-LER1 Highlights: • Learn about the history and people of Lerwick—the only town in the Shetland Islands. • See the old town’s beautiful buildings, such as the Old Tolbooth from 1770 and Lerwick Town Hall. • See the lodberries (houses, stores, and piers with thick, sea-battered walls) that line the shores. • Enjoy some free time to visit impressive Fort Charlotte, which was built in 1652, or wander the charming high street. Practical information: • Remarks/requirements: Please wear warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable walking shoes. • Walking or Activity information: Involves moderate physical activity over relatively level surfaces and gentle terrain; includes some steep streets and steps. There is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes of walking. • Wheelchair accessible: No • Language Availability: English

Included

Stornoway—Ancient Lewis and Blackhouse Village

Visit ancient Iron Age sites, and former crofting settlements on the Isle of Lewis. The Callanaish Stones Discover Gaelic culture and history on Lewis. We will visit Dun Carloway Broch, an example of Iron Age architecture only found in Scotland with views over the Isle of Lewis. Then step back in time as we explore Gearrannan Blackhouse Village—a formerly abandoned crofting settlement perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. From here, it’s a short walk to beautiful Dalmore and Dalbeg beaches Duration: 3hrs 45min Difficulty: Level 2: Moderate—some mobility needed Booking code: E-STO2 Min. number: 25 traveller(s) Highlights: • Visit Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, which was once a crofting settlement on the edge of the Atlantic. • See Dun Carloway Broch, a uniquely Scottish Iron Age construction, perched atop a mound of rock. Practical information: • Remarks/requirements: Please wear warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable walking shoes. • Walking or Activity information: Involves moderate physical activity on relatively level surfaces and gentle terrain. Includes a short uphill path at Dun Carloway and some steps at Callanaish. • Wheelchair accessible: No • Language Availability: English

$103

Lerwick - Jarlshof and Hoswick

Enjoy Lerwick, the capital of Shetland. Pass though the rural township of Fladdabister and admire views of the magnificent Mousa Broch, then visit the remarkable Jarlshof archeological site. Depart through Shetland’s capital, Lerwick, as you begin your trip to the island’s southernmost point. En route, pass through the rural townships of Fladdabister and pause to admire views (conditions permitting) of the magnificent Mousa Broch, the tallest and best-preserved broch in the world. Continue southward down the west coast and pass St. Ninian’s Isle, where the famous Pictish silver hoard, dating from the 9th century, was found in 1958. Continue south to the remarkable Jarlshof archeological site. The site was uncovered after a violent storm in the winter of 1896–1897. It revealed an extraordinary settlement site that exhibits human history stretching back at least 5,000 years. The site contains a remarkable sequence of stone structures, including late Neolithic houses, a Bronze-Age village, an Iron-Age broch and wheelhouses, several Norse longhouses, a medieval farmstead, and a 16th-century laird’s house. Visit the remains of these village settlements with your guide to make the most of your time here. Our tour continues a short distance to the small historic village of Hoswick, complete with a visit to Hoswick Visitor Centre. Better understand the history and culture of Shetland from its informative and interpretive displays. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to purchase an original Shetland garment from the wide variety on sale in the knitwear shop! Then you will return to Lerwick while our guide explains more about these islands. Keep your eyes peeled for Shetland’s famous ponies on the way back. Duration: 4h Difficulty: Level 1: Easy - suitable for most people Booking code: E-LER5 Highlights: • Pass through the rural townships of Fladdabister. • Remarkable Jarlshof archeological site • Hoswick Visitor Centre Practical information: Practical information: • Language: English. • Remarks/requirements: Appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. • Walking information: Some uneven ground and steps • Wheelchair accessible: No.

$124

Iona Abbey

Enjoy a leisurely visit to Iona Abbey and learn about the history of St Columba. In the footsteps of Christianity Discover Iona Abbey at your own pace, the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. Learn how this came about with St Columba’s arrival in CE 563 and the founding of the abbey. Today, Iona remains a place of pilgrimage and spirituality. Visit the cloisters, the impressive collection of over 180 medieval carved stones and crosses, and the graveyard, where many early Scottish, Irish and French kings are buried. Duration: 2h Difficulty: Level 2: Moderate - some mobility needed Booking code: INCL-ION1 Highlights: • Explore Iona Abbey at your leisure and delve into its history as a pilgrimage site. • See an impressive collection of over 180 medieval carved stones and crosses. • Discover how St Columba brought Christianity to Scotland. Practical information: • Remarks/requirements: Please wear warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable walking shoes. • Walking or Activity information: Involves moderate physical activity on relatively level surfaces and gentle terrain.Gentle uphill to the Abbey, approx. 0.25 mi. • Wheelchair accessible: No • Language Availability English

Included

Kirkwall - Skara Brae & Ring of Brodgar

Visit the extraordinary UNESCO-listed Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae, the best-preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe. Visit Orkney’s largest island, Mainland, which is rich in prehistoric archaeology.See the 5,000-year-old Ring of Brodgar, part of UNESCO’s Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. Your journey of discovery continues to Skara Brae, where you can see the fascinating remains of the Neolithic village uncovered by a fierce storm in 1850. See artifacts including tools, beads and pottery in the visitor center, and visit the grand 17th century Skaill House, which is also located on the site. Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes Booking code: E-KIR12 Min. number: 25 traveller(s) Highlights: • Discover the monuments of Orkney’s Neolithic heartland. • Stand among the 5,000-year-old standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar. • Explore the renowned Skara Brae, the remarkably well-preserved Neolithic village, and see the 17th century mansion, Skaill House. Practical information: Practical Information • Remarks/requirements: Please wear comfortable walking shoes, warm layers and a waterproof coat. • Walking or Activity information: Involves moderate physical activity on relatively level surfaces and gentle terrain. There is a 0.3-mile walk to/from the visitor center to reach Skara Brae, and there is some rough ground at Ring of Brodgar. • Wheelchair accessible: No • Language Availability: English

$110

Lerwick - Sumburgh Head Bird Cliffs

See Shetland’s oldest lighthouse and an abundance of seabirds on a tour to Mainland’s southern tip. Duration: 4.5 hours Difficulty: Level 2: Moderate - some mobility needed Booking code: E-LER7

$103

Lews Castle Walk

Learn about the Isle of Lewis on a guided walk to Lews Castle and explore Museum nan Eilean at your leisure. Gothic drama Join your knowledgeable guide on a walk to Lews Castle. Along the way, you’ll hear about the characters and past events that have shaped Stornoway and the Isle of Lewis, and learn about modern-day island life. When we arrive, you can explore at your own pace. Admire the castle’s turrets and towers and enjoy spectacular views over Stornoway and beyond. Then visit the Museum nan Eilean at your leisure and learn about the heritage of the Outer Hebrides. Duration: 2h45 Difficulty: Level 3: Active - good mobility needed Booking code: INCL-STO1 Highlights: • Enjoy a guided walk to the impressive, Gothic-revival Lews Castle. • Hear fascinating stories about the area’s rich history from your local guide. • Explore the castle and Museum nan Eilean at your own pace, admiring the breathtaking views and delving into the history of the Outer Hebrides. Practical information: • Remarks/requirements: Please wear warm, waterproof clothing and comfortable walking shoes. • Walking or Activity information: Involves moderate physical activity on relatively gentle terrain, includes some uneven, sometimes wet ground, and some steps. Approx. 1.25 mi of walking each way. • Wheelchair accessible: No • Language Availability: English

Included

Current Offers

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Booking & Cancellation Policies

Children Policy

Children: 5–15 years Child discount: 20%

Third Person Policy

Child discount: 50%

Cancellation Policy

120+ days before departure: 25% penalty 90–119 days before departure: 40% penalty 58–89 days before departure: 70% penalty 44–57 days before departure: 90% penalty 0–43 days before departure: 100% penalty For departures from 1 April 2027 onwards: 90 or more days | 15% 60-89 days | 50% 30-59 days | 75% Less than 30 days | 100%

Wi-Fi & Communications

See General Terms & Conditions PDF (guestAgreementPdf) — HX consolidates all specific policies (cancellation / name change / children / third person / onboard charges) into a single T&Cs document.

Your booking is made with Gvoya — the terms shown above are the Gvoya platform terms applied to this voyage. Full details: Booking Terms·Cancellation Policy