Day 10 - Colonsay
At last some proper Scottish weather! For the first time in our trip we had rain during our visit to Colonsay. However this was not an obstacle for many of you to go out and enjoy the walk to the Colonsay Garden. Some others decided to wait a bit for the shuttle to get there and enjoy the surroundin...
Day 9 - Iona
Later on this day we visited Iona and its famous Abbey and Nunnery. Another afternoon with great weather to visit this small community right in front of the Mainland. Inside the Abbey you marveled at its gardens, tombs and monuments along with all the history and the importance for the history of th...
Day 9 - Staffa
This morning you went out four your first small boat cruising around the Isle of Staffa. We circumnavigate the whole of it and saw its remarkable basalt columns and the famous Fingal's Cave. In the water we saw a big number of puffins that come to this place to nest during the summer season. A great...
Day 8 - Isle of Eigg
After lunch, we visited the small community of Eigg. Many of you joined our geologist to gain insights into the volcanic origins of this island. Others chose to explore the community independently, immersing themselves in the unique local way of life. The nice weather continued and many also enjoyed...
Day 8 - Loch Scavaig
This morning we were welcomed by a very light rain for the very first time in our trip. And the place couldn't have been better! Loch Scavaig looked mysterious and majestic with these conditions. Of course the rain didn't last a long time and then we return to our "usual" weather. We had the opportu...
Day 7 - Shiant Isles
...and we were able to enjoy the calm waters and perfect weather in front of the Shiant Isles. Their basaltic columns formation and its abundant colonies of puffins, razorbills, black guillemot and even a couple white-tailed eagles gave us the opportunity to have a glance at the wildlife that this c...
Day 7 - Stornoway
During the morning we were docked in Stornoway in Lewis and Harris and most of you went out on a walk to the Lews Castle. Some of you decided to go further west of the island and visit the amazing Callanish Standing Stones and the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village. After luchtime, we depart to go south...
Day 6 - Tobermory, Isle of Mull
Our navigation took us today to the colorful and picturesque town of Tobermory in the Isle of Mull. Its unique houses were visible already from our ship and certainly got brighter as we approached them with our expedition boats. Some of you went out on an early kayak adventure. And since we spent a...
Day 5 - Ardminish, Isle of Gigha
Today we visited the Isle of Gigha and its particular community, who are the owners of their isle since 2002. We visited the Achamore Gardens on a lovely stroll along these very welcoming roads and paths. Some of you went for the longer mile and took a hike to the southwestern part of the isle and s...
Day 4 - St Kilda
Today for the first time in the season we were able to land in St Kilda. One of the highlights of the Scottish Isles and certainly a once-in-a-life-time experience for many of you. The feeling of being on such an isolated place, imagining how the life must have been is really breathtaking. The weath...
Day 3 - Port Ellen, Islay
Today we visited Port Ellen on the Isle of Islay. We tendered you ashore and it was possible to join the Expedition Team on a hike to the lighthouse or visit Ardbeg or Lagavulin distilleries. Many of you helped cleaning up a beach collecting quite a lot of trash on this Earth Day!
Day 2 - Brodick, Isle of Arran
Today we were anchored in Brodick, shuttling with the zodiacs. We offered a visit to Brodick Castle, which overlooks the Firth of Clyde and offers marvelous views. Some of you walked with the Expedition Team along the Fisherman's Walk, and some enjoyed the Glen Rosa walk with a local guide. In the e...
Day 1 - Embarkation in Greenock
Welcome on board MS Spitsbergen! Today we started our adventure exploring the British Isles, enjoying the rich landscapes, history and culture that this region offers. From rugged coastlines to charming villages, we are certain each day will bring new discoveries. The crew of the MS Spitsbergen is c...