7 Night Shetlands Orkneys and Hebrides Cruise from Glasgow

In the heart of the Clyde Valley, the bustling city of Glasgow contrasts starkly with the wild beauty of the surrounding countryside. Scotland's biggest city overflows with landmarks from its extensive artistic heritage and outstanding architectural tradition. The city's checkerboard layout makes walking through the major pedestrian thoroughfares easy: go with the flow and let the lively street atmosphere take you past the many Victorian monuments. Don't miss the collections on display in the numerous museums and art galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an outstanding example.

Loch Linnhe is located in the Scottish Highlands, stretching between the Isle of Mull and Fort William. Sail in the heart of picturesque landscapes and admire the formations of the magnificent mountains and valleys surrounding the loch, including the famous Ben Nevis. The pure waters of Loch Linnhe are teeming with marine life; harbor seals may be found among its faithful inhabitants.

A port town on the eastern shore of Loch Linnhe, Fort William is sometimes described as the "Outdoor Capital of the UK". Because it sits at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, and is in close proximity to the dramatic landscape of Glencoe, it is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers. For those looking for a less adventurous experience, the nearby Ben Nevis Distillery offers tours and tastings, and Old Fort and Old Inverlochy Castle are interesting historical sites.

Nestling in the crux of a gorgeous bay, Portree reflects the magnificence of the grandiose Isle of Skye as well as being its main town. Apart from the charm of its colourful houses, the town's outstanding location on the banks of a loch makes it a very pleasant place to be. From its colourful harbour bustling with local craftsmen's shops, you can take in a stunning view of the surrounding hills. Before trekking through the wilderness and drinking in the natural beauty of the Isle of Skye, check out some of the beautiful images in the Aros Centre.

Discover Lewis, the largest island of the Hebrides, considered to be the cradle of Gaelic culture. Here, the peat- and heather-covered valleys and lochs stretch on to infinity, and numerous bird colonies have taken up residence in the long jagged coastlines where. Not far from Stornoway, the island's main town built by the Vikings in the 9th century, stands one of Scotland's most prominent prehistoric sites: the Standing Stones of Callanish. Dating back to more than 3,000 years BC, these imposing stones placed in a cruciform pattern were laid out according to the moon and stars and their main purpose was to keep track of seasonal cycles, as this was essential for farmers at the time.

Capital of the Orkney archipelago, Kirkwall, is an ideal stopover before continuing on to the Northern Isles. Sheltered in a wide bay, the lively town welcomes visitors with its charming paved alleyways, edged by old houses and craft shops. Tankerness House, the oldest homestead in the town, is a must-see landmark. But the true architectural treasure is its remarkable cathedral. And because whisky is inseparable from Scotland's identity, stop at the Highland Park Distillery for a highly instructive visit.

The small and charming capital of the Shetland Islands, with a seafront of old houses and narrow streets, offers travellers old districts and a warm port atmosphere. Geopark Shetland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located to the north. Incredibly well-preserved archaeological sites and ruins prove that the islands' occupation dates back to the first Neolithic colonies. The Shetland Museum and Archives recounts the Shetlands' history of heritage and culture: Lerwick's abundant waters were even fished by the Dutch in the past.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship's upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Situated on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth opposite to Rosyth, the great city of Edinburgh has served as Scotland's capital since the 15th century. Although no longer the largest city in the country, it remains the political, religious, and cultural focus of Scottish pride. Edinburgh Castle, in the very center of the city, is one end of the world-famous Royal Mile that leads through the Old Town to the Palace of Holyrood, the Queen's official residence in Scotland. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a wonderful place to shop and to sample local delicacies, like haggis and the whisky for which Scotland is renowned.