Explore the Arctic and northern Scotland on a 15-day expedition aboard Aqua Lares. Begin in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and visit Samarinvagen, Bear Island, Reinoya, Skarsvag, and Gjesvaer for wildlife and seabird encounters. Continue to Tromso, Trollfjorden, Reine, Bronnoysund, Smola, and Alesund to experience fjords, coastal towns, and rich maritime heritage. Discover Scotland’s Shetland Islands at Mousa Broch, the Callanish Stones on Lewis, St Kilda’s UNESCO archipelago, Staffa’s sea caves, and the spiritual island of Iona. End in Glasgow after Arctic and Scottish exploration.
Highlights
Observe Samarinvagen’s glacier, seals, seabirds, and possible belugas
Discover Bear Island cliffs hosting puffins, guillemots, and fulmars
Walk Reinoya’s raised beaches and witness unique geological formations
Visit Skarsvag to see wild reindeer near Europe’s northernmost village
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Start your expedition in Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town. Take in the dramatic mountain scenery before boarding Aqua Lares and venturing into the Arctic wilderness.
Start the day at Samarinvågen, where a calving glacier scatters ice floes used by bearded seals. Observe seabirds including little auks, Brünnich’s guillemots, and king eiders, and possibly spot a beluga.
Today, 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 your naturalist guides.
Step ashore on Reinoya, a secluded island once used by Sami herders for reindeer grazing. Join your expert naturalist guides on walks across raised beaches to witness remarkable geological formations.
The day begins with an exploration of Skarsvag, one of Europe’s northernmost villages, where wild reindeer wander past clusters of colorful houses. In the afternoon, continue to Gjesvaer and set out by tender to Gjesvaerstappan, where puffins, gannets, and kittiwakes gather in one of Europe’s largest seabird colonies.
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, greet the new guests joining the expeditions onwards.
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, continue to 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.
Nestled on the Torget peninsula, Bronnoysund 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 Smola. 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 Alesund, renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture. Colorful buildings and sweeping coastal views make this one of Norway’s most distinctive urban landscapes.
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, 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.
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, 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.
Day 15: Glasgow | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Enjoy a hearty breakfast onboard before disembarking Aqua Lares in Glasgow.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$28,4202-3 travelers
Category V
Ranging from 140 to 194 sq ft (13–18 sqm)
These suites are located across two decks—the Upper Deck and the Main Deck—and offer twin beds or a bunk bed, a bathroom, and either three large portholes or two large portholes.
Category IV
Ranging from 172 to 226 sq ft (16–21 sqm)
These suites are located on two decks—the Owner’s Deck and the Main Deck—and offer a double or twin bed, or a king bed, a bathroom, and either three or five windows.
Category III
Ranging from 269 to 301 sq ft (25–28 sqm)
Located on the Upper Deck, these suites feature a double bed, a private bathroom, and two large portholes.
Category II
Ranging from 226 to 322 sq ft (21–30 sqm)
Category II suites are spread across three decks — the Bridge Deck, Owner’s Deck, and Upper Deck — and feature a king bed or either a double or twin bed, a private bathroom, and three windows or three large portholes.
Owner Suite 105
420 sq ft (39 sqm)
Owner’s Suite 105 is on the Main Deck, has a double bed and a double Murphy bed, a private bathroom, and three large portholes for ocean views.
Owner Suite 104
592 sq ft (55 sqm)
Owner Suite 104, the second-largest Owner’s Suite on Aqua Lares, is located on the Main Deck and offers spacious comfort with a double bed, a double Murphy bed, a bathroom, and four large portholes.
Owner Suite 303
710 sq ft (66 sqm)
Aqua Lares’ largest Owner’s Suite stands in a league of its own — offering exceptional space, thoughtful design, and an unparalleled sense of luxury living at sea. The suite features expansive 6 windows, a bathroom, a King Bed and Sofa Bed, comfortable sitting room, and interiors inspired by the vibrant archipelagos of East Africa.
Notes
All rates listed are per person based on double occupancy.
20% off published rates for children aged 5-11 years old.
Single supplement - 25% in addition of adult rate on all departures.
Initial deposit is $1000, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
