The Scottish Isles: An Expedition Through History & Highlands

Embark aboard the Expedition in the afternoon and depart Greenock in the late afternoon. Arrival transfer included.

Sail to the Isle of Lunga, which is part of the Treshnish Isles and known for its diverse wildlife, especially its large breeding colony of puffins. The landscape offers a rugged and wild experience with no man-made facilities. The perfect destination for an immersion into nature. Half the group will start with the zodiac cruise near the cliffs and the other will walk up the hillside to where the puffins are, then the groups will switch. Then, travel to the Isle of Iona, known as the “cradle of Christianity” home to the famous Iona Abbey, and an ideal place to learn more about Scotland’s rich history. Visit the Abbey on a guided tour and see for yourself.

The ship will sail to Hirta, the largest and most hospitable island of the St Kilda archipelago. You’ll stop here briefly for a visit to the remains of the village and church, where you will learn about the last Hiortans who were evacuated from here in 1930 after years of struggling to live on the island. Cruise along the coast of the islands here and pay a visit to the tallest sea stack in Britain, known as Stac Lee. Home to northern gannets and other bird species, Stac Lee offers stunning views of the surrounding archipelago and ocean.

Search the dramatic cliffs at Duncansby Head and Dunnet Head for puffins, fulmars, and Guillemot. Visit Thurso today, the northernmost town on the mainland of Scotland. During your stop here, there are plenty of options to choose from including, the Caithness Horizons Museum, the Wolfburn Distillery, and the ruins of Thurso Castle. Enjoy the charm of this town surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Today the ship will head to Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay, part of the Orkney Islands, where there is a distinct sense of community, ancient sites, diverse wildlife and stunning coastal scenery. The first stop is able to be explored by foot or bike. Look out for puffins, seals, and other birdlife, and perhaps visit the oldest surviving house in Northern Europe. FInish up in North Ronaldsay, an excellent spot for stargazing. Choose to visit the island's lighthouse, the North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory, or learn how traditional farming practices contribute to its community’s unique character.

Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes, rich Viking heritage, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural traditions await. Over the course of the next three days the ship will visit different parts of the islands like Foula, Papa Stour with its population of 15 people, Hermaness National Nature Reserve, and Lerwick. Spend the days searching for wildlife and seeing ancient Viking settlement sites as you delve deeper into the history of the Shetland Islands.

Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes, rich Viking heritage, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural traditions await. Over the course of the next three days the ship will visit different parts of the islands like Foula, Papa Stour with its population of 15 people, Hermaness National Nature Reserve, and Lerwick. Spend the days searching for wildlife and seeing ancient Viking settlement sites as you delve deeper into the history of the Shetland Islands.

Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes, rich Viking heritage, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural traditions await. Over the course of the next three days the ship will visit different parts of the islands like Foula, Papa Stour with its population of 15 people, Hermaness National Nature Reserve, and Lerwick. Spend the days searching for wildlife and seeing ancient Viking settlement sites as you delve deeper into the history of the Shetland Islands.

Pass back through the Orkney Islands and stop to visit Kirkwall, the ‘Heart of Neolitic Orkney’ where a group of 5,000-year-old sites reside. Enjoy time to explore on land and see places like Skara Brae and Maeshowe.

Shortly after breakfast, disembark at the Port of Leith. From here, you will need to transfer to Edinburgh Airport for your departing flight.