THE SCOTTISH ISLES – ISLAND HOPPING IN THE HEBRIDES (SPITSBERGEN)
This is a truly varied expedition cruise with many beach landings. Go on guided walks on remote islands and explore lonely beaches at your own pace, all the while immersing yourself in the wild beauty of the surroundings. Leaving Glasgow, our first island will be Arran, known as a microcosm of Scotland and a great contrast to the next – the wild, whisky island of Islay with its many distilleries. Voyaging west, the wildlife of the Treshnish Isles will be a splendid sight - bustling with seals, before the towering sea cliffs of the St. Kilda archipelago, teeming with nesting seabirds from puffins to predatory skuas, provide an unforgettable experience. We call at Stornoway to see the tough and unique Harris Tweed being woven, have a special pub visit in the bustling tiny port of Tobermory, capital of the Isle of Mull which also has an enticing range of craft shops and seafood. We walk the shores of one of ITINERARY Scotland’s most dramatic lochs, Loch Coruisk, surrounded by lofty mountains. We can hike island peaks for views stretching Day 1 ‘Dear Green Place’ over the seas, kayak in sheltered lochs, or simply stroll Our voyage starts in Glasgow. Meaning ‘Dear Green Place’ in Gaelic, Glasgow delightful gardens. These are all ‘ours’ for exploring. boasts over 90 parks and gardens. Famous for its Victorian as well as art nouveau architecture, it is home to such institutions as the Scottish Ballet, Opera and National Theatre. This is definitely a city you’ll want to explore more before you board MS Spitsbergen.
Day 2 A Microcosm of Scotland Warmed by the North Atlantic Drift, this sheltered island with its high peaks, is a haven for wildlife. Dramatic mountains, a distinctive distillery and good hiking all add to a microcosm of Scotland. Brodick town has its 16th century red-sandstone castle whilst the ruined castle of Lochranza was once a royal hunting lodge.
Day 3 Land of Scottish Whisky Once the seat of the MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles, this is ‘whisky island’, world renowned for its peaty single-malt whiskies and many distilleries. As a
0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com stop-off for wintering geese and migrating birds, there is good bird spotting. In the Outer Hebrides. A bustling harbour and waterfront with museums and art the charming little town of Bowmore, there are a handful of small shops, an galleries are overlooked by the handsome Lews Castle which we invite you to interesting round church with no corners, plus superb cliff-top walks and a well explore with us. Further afield are mills and cottages where hard-wearing known golf course. Harris Tweed is woven. There are tiny folk museums, the world-famous Callanish Standing Stones, and the mysterious Carloway Broch - the best Day 4 ‘The Good Isle’ preserved fort in Scotland dating back more than 2,000 years. Late afternoon we explore the Shiant Isles. Privately owned since 1937, this tiny archipelago Tiny Gigha (pronounced Gee’a) is the ‘Good Isle’ and is owned by the set in the midst of the Minch, the area of sea between the Outer Hebrides and islanders. Dairy cows produce a distinctive cheddar-type cheese, whilst Skye, has numerous colonies of nesting seabirds. Puffins, razorbills, shags, Achamore House, set in fifty acres of woodland gardens, was once the home eider ducks and guillemots all throng the surrounding waters, perching on of Sir James Horlick who created a colourful and impressive display of volcanic ledges above basking sharks and seals. rhododendrons. Day 8 The Beauty of Loch Coruick Day 5 Pilgrims and Puffins Surrounded by the high peaks of the Skye Cullins, Loch Scavaig leads to one World famous for its religious connections, Iona was settled in 563 AD by the of the most romantic and dramatic lochs in Scotland – freshwater Loch Irish missionary, St Colomba. The much-restored Abbey still remains a place Coruisk. Painted by Turner and a popular destination for the Victorians, this is of pilgrimage and peace. Wide views from the beach, known as ‘The Bay at a powerful landscape promising great hiking and kayaking. We head to the the Back of the Ocean’ stretch west towards the Outer Hebrides. We will Isle of Eigg to spend the rest of our day on this craggy island. Settled since explore Treshnish Isles, a group of distinctive volcanic islands which are home prehistoric times, it was once the seat of the Lord of the Isles, but is now to a wealth of wildlife, from nesting puffins to colonies of kittiwakes, razorbills, owned by its inhabitants. The island has Iron Age forts, a 6th century church, guillemots and Atlantic grey seals. Fingal’s Cave, immortalised by and turbulent clan history with a massacre of 395 MacDonalds in a sea-shore Mendelssohn’s glorious ‘Hebrides Overture’, is on the cave-riddled island of cave. Rising sheer above the island is the crest of the ‘Sgurr of Eigg’ offering a Staffa. The basalt columns here are a northern extension of the Giant’s great hike and stunning views across the waters of the Minch to the Outer Causeway. Discovered by the Vikings, visited by Sir Joseph Banks, and viewed Hebrides. by Queen Victoria, Sir Walter Scott and Samuel Johnson, this is one of Scotland’s most famous islands. It is best viewed from the sea where the Day 9 The Clash of Clans colour of the waters within the cave and its rising columns are at their most impressive. We will be anchored in the Sound of Mull which will enable us to explore the fascinating town of Tobermory as well as Loch Sunart. The Isle of Mull is a Day 6 Reclaimed by Nature large island of sweeping moors, tiny hamlets and castles. Recognised as the island’s capital, Tobermory is a delightful deep-water fishing port where Any visit to this distant and wild archipelago, with its breathtaking sea cliffs, is brightly painted Georgian houses ring the tiny bay. Nestled under the steep totally weather-dependent. As a UNESCO double World Heritage Site and the hillsides, the town has a good variety of cafés and restaurants, book shops, ‘jewel in the crown’ of the National Trust for Scotland, it is an unforgettable craft shops, a tiny museum and an ancient distillery. Stretching inland experience. The outlying stacs and islands, which are the remains of a opposite Tobermory and protected by the rugged point of Ardnamurchan, lies volcanic crater, provide ledges for thousands of nesting seabirds. Minke Britain’s most westerly mainland point, Loch Sunart. The deep, quiet waters of whales are frequently seen around the swirling waters of the archipelago. this long loch offer sheltered kayaking, while the loch shores provide superb Once home to Britain’s most remote island community, it was evacuated in walking, perhaps to the recently established distillery. Guarding the entrance 1930 at their own request after 5,000 years of continuous habitation. The tiny of the loch stands 13th century Mingary Castle, once the stronghold of the museum that remains is a record of how hard life was on this exposed island. MacIains. The castle has been frequently fought over, changing hands many times between the Macdonald and Campbell clans. Day 7 Capital of the Outer Hebrides Originally a Viking settlement, Stornoway is the main town of the Western Isles Day 10 The Birds and the Bees and the capital of the Isle of Lewis, which is the largest and most northerly of
0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com Home to over 200 bird species, including the rare and elusive corncrake, this is a gentle island of woods and pretty beaches, such as Kiloran Bay, and with Scalasaig being the main settlement. Colonsay House is home to exotic gardens and the surrounding woods, moors and fields have over 400 species of flora. The island offers easy walking and kayaking in the surrounding waters.
Day 11 ‘Dear Green Place’ Our voyage ends back in Glasgow, home to more than 20 museums and galleries, including the magnificent Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the Riverside Museum. Many of these are housed in distinctive Victorian buildings, some designed by renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. This is definitely a city you’ll want to explore more before you head home.
Please Note: Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.
0800 945 3327 (within New Zealand) | +64 (0) 3 365 1355 | 1800 107 715 (within Australia) [email protected] | wildearth-travel.com YOUR SHIP: SPITSBERGEN
YOUR SHIP: Spitsbergen
VESSEL TYPE: Expedition
LENGTH: 100 metres
PASSENGER CAPACITY: 335
BUILT/REFURBISHED: 2009 / 2016
MS Spitsbergen is named after the crown jewel of Arctic Norway - the Svalbard archipelago and its biggest island, Spitsbergen. culture and other phenomena we encounter along the coast. In After complete reconstruction, MS Spitsbergen joined the addition, the Expedition Team will introduce you to the uniquely Hurtigruten fleet in 2016. The ship features high technical Norwegian notion of `friluftsliv´ (outdoor life), and encourage standards as well as comfortable, modern public areas and you take part in `friluftsliv´ hikes and activities during the cabins. The vessel's fresh Scandinavian design reflects a colour journey. palette derived from the sea. She is modern and Our dedicated Expedition Teams have one mission: to enhance environmentally progressive, and we plan further improvements your experience by engaging you and interpreting the nature, that will reduce emissions and fuel consumption even more. The wildlife, and culture you encounter during the voyage. Read new ship's maneuverability and optimal size make her quite more about our Expedition Teams here. suitable for exploring polar waters. Ship facilities Expedition team on board Expedition Team - Explorer bar - Panoramic lounge - Explorer MS Spitsbergen has its own on-board Expedition Team and lounge - Compass Service Centre - Brygga bistro - Shop - Torget serves as a university at sea. Interesting lectures inside the ship main dining - Wi-Fi - Sauna - Fitness room - Lift - Hot tub - as well as out on the sun deck make this an exciting and Guest launderette - Panoramic deck 8 - Outside bar for events, educational journey. Topics depend on the season and the decks 7 & 8 waters we sail in. The Expedition Team host a lecture programme and evening gatherings daily. Out on deck you can participate in live points of interest to learn more about the nature,
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