Scottish Isles, Arctic Circles & Svalbard - 15 Day Cruise

Description

This 14-night itinerary explores Svalbard’s polar wilderness, Norway’s dramatic coastlines, and Scotland’s remote isles. Expect a journey defined by ice, sea, and pristine frontiers – from glacier-filled bays where walrus haul out, seabirds gather in vast colonies, and polar bears roam the ice edge, to Bear Island’s soaring cliffs alive with puffins and guillemots, and the jagged peaks of the Lofoten Islands. Along Norway’s fjord-lined shores, colorful towns such as Ålesund reflect centuries of maritime tradition. In Scotland, prehistoric stone circles, Iron Age towers, and UNESCO-protected St Kilda — famed for its seabirds and dramatic landscapes — reveal the stories of past civilizations, while Staffa and Iona captivate with their basalt cliffs, sea caves, and spiritual heritage.

Trip Name

Scottish Isles, Arctic Circles & Svalbard - 15 Day Cruise

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Superyacht Passenger Capacity: 30 Length: 77 meters Aqua Lares is a 77-metre superyacht offering an exclusive way to explore the Seychelles and Tanzania, available for both full charters and individual cabin bookings. With just 15 bespoke suites and a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, it provides an intimate small-ship experience that blends five-star comfort with adventurous discovery. Purpose-built for exploration, the yacht visits biodiversity hotspots such as Aldabra and La Digue, as well as remote islands like the African Banks that are normally out of reach for larger vessels. Its interiors combine European sophistication with African craftsmanship, creating a relaxed yet refined atmosphere across six decks. On board, guests can enjoy fine dining, a spa, a jacuzzi, and inviting lounges while watching the Indian Ocean drift by. Days can be spent snorkelling pristine reefs, paddling secluded lagoons, or tracing the spice routes that once connected these shores. Evenings invite sunset cocktails on the Sun Deck or stargazing from a daybed on the Heli Deck. Whether seeking adventure or tranquillity, Aqua Lares delivers a world-class floating safari through East Africa’s most captivating seascapes.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 The Arctic Circle Glasgow

We begin our expedition in the charming Scottish town of Glasgow. Board Aqua Lares and settle into your luxurious suite, prepared for an adventure into the Arctic Circle.

Day 2 - Day 2 The Arctic Circle Iona & Staffa

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

Day 3 - Day 3 The Arctic Circle St Kilda

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.

Day 4 - Day 4 The Arctic Circle Callanish, Isle Of Lewis

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.

Day 5 - Day 5 The Arctic Circle Mousa Broch

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.

Day 6 - Day 6 The Arctic Circle Ålesund

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.

Day 7 - Day 7 The Arctic Circle Smøla

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.

Day 8 - Day 8 The Arctic Circle Brønnøysund

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.

Day 9 - Day 9 The Arctic Circle Reine, Lofoten & Trollfjorden

Wake up to views of Reine in the Lofoten Islands, where jagged peaks, deep-blue fjords, and colorful fishing villages reflect the region’s rich maritime heritage and traditional way of life. After lunch, we continue to 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.

Day 10 - Day 10 The Arctic Circle Tromsø

We return to Tromso as the ship replenishes itself for the next leg of the journey. Take the day to unwind on board Aqua Lares. Enjoy the social spaces at your leisure, whether it be sipping cocktails in the lounge, a workout in the open air, or a soothing spa treatment. Later in the day, we greet the new guests joining the expeditions onwards.

Day 11 - Day 11 The Arctic Circle Gjesvær & Skarsvåg (Nordkapp)

The day begins with an exploration of Gjesvær, setting out by tender to Gjesværstappan, where puffins, gannets, and kittiwakes gather in one of Europe’s largest seabird colonies. In the afternoon, we continue to Skarsvåg, one of Europe’s northernmost villages, where wild reindeer wander past clusters of colorful houses.

Day 12 - Day 12 The Arctic Circle Rantalabukta (Reinøya)

Step ashore on Reinøya, a secluded island once used by Sami herders for reindeer grazing. Join our expert naturalist guides on walks across raised beaches to witness remarkable geological formations.

Day 13 - Day 13 The Arctic Circle Bear Island

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.

Day 14 - Day 14 The Arctic Circle Samarinvågen

Begin the day exploring Samarinvågen, where a calving glacier fills the bay with ice floes that serve as haul-out sites for bearded seals. Watch seabirds such as little auks, Brünnich’s guillemots, and king eiders, and with luck, glimpse a beluga.

Day 15 - Day 15 The Arctic Circle Longyearbyen

Bid farewell to Aqua Lares and the crew after a hearty breakfast on board.

Day 16 - Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Bear Island, Gjesværstappan, and St Kilda deliver peak seabird concentrations across the North Atlantic and Arctic.
Lofoten, Trollfjorden, and Norway’s fjord coast provide high-impact coastal scenery paired with traditional fishing culture.
Svalbard’s glacier bays and pack-ice margins maximise encounters with polar bears, walruses, seals, and Arctic fox.