The Scottish Isles: An Expedition Through History & Highlands image
Operated by G Adventures

The Scottish Isles: An Expedition Through History & Highlands

From
Price on request
Duration
10 days
Countries
United Kingdom
Activity
easy

The adventure

Climb aboard for an unforgettable expedition through the wild, windswept Isles of Scotland. Starting near Glasgow, you’ll sail along the rugged northeast and northwest coasts, weaving through some of Europe’s most enchanting and remote islands before wrapping up in historic Edinburgh. Think dramatic cliffs, misty hills, and ancient landscapes that feel straight out of folklore. Keep your eyes peeled for incredible wildlife — especially seabirds — and soak up the rich traditions, bold flavours, and untamed beauty that make Scotland feel like its own magical world.

At a glance

Duration
10 days
Route
Glasgow → Leith
Countries
United Kingdom
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Sailing & Marine, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

The Scottish Isles: An Expedition Through History & Highlands image

Day by day

Ruins of Hardknott Fort with a mountainous backdrop in England's Lake District.
Your journey through

United Kingdom

Day 1Embark aboard the Expedition in the afternoon…Please make sure you drop your checked luggage off at the meeting point between 9am - 12pm. A local representative will be in the luggage storage room. They can provide general information about the town or your embarkation process. All passengers will be transferred to the ship as a group for embarkation at 4pm. Please ensure that for embarkation you have your passport accessible (not in your luggage which is being transferred separately to the ship).
Please make sure you drop your checked luggage off at the meeting point between 9am - 12pm. A local representative will be in the luggage storage room. They can provide general information about the town or your embarkation process. All passengers will be transferred to the ship as a group for embarkation at 4pm. Please ensure that for embarkation you have your passport accessible (not in your luggage which is being transferred separately to the ship).
Day 2Sail to the Isle of Lunga
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.
Day 3The ship will sail to Hirta
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.
Day 4Search the dramatic cliffs at Duncansby Head…
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.
Day 5Today the ship will head to Papa Westray…
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.
Day 6Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes
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.
Day 7Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes
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.
Day 8Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes
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.
Day 9Pass back through the Orkney Islands and stop…
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 perhaps see Skara Brae.
Day 10Shortly after breakfastLeithFor guests departing on disembarkation day, G Adventures will provide a complimentary transfer at 8:00am to Edinburgh International Airport from the port. For guests who are planning on staying in Edinburgh post trip, taxis will be available for hire at the port to transfer them to their accommodations. All transfer arrangements will be confirmed while on board prior to departure, to ensure that all needs are met. Please do not book onward travel prior to 12:00pm.
Scenic view of Leith canal with reflections and modern buildings at sunset.Leith
For guests departing on disembarkation day, G Adventures will provide a complimentary transfer at 8:00am to Edinburgh International Airport from the port. For guests who are planning on staying in Edinburgh post trip, taxis will be available for hire at the port to transfer them to their accommodations. All transfer arrangements will be confirmed while on board prior to departure, to ensure that all needs are met. Please do not book onward travel prior to 12:00pm.
Map showing Leith

Discover United Kingdom

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Scenic view of Whernside in Yorkshire Dales, lush green fields and stone walls under cloudy skies.
Peaceful clean river flowing near green farm fields and hills against cloudy sky
Beautiful landscape of Talisker Bay, Isle of Skye, Scotland with reflections and rolling hills.
View of the London Eye with vibrant autumn trees reflecting in a serene park lake.
Passenger ferry with flag of England moored on rippling water near coast against green hills covered with grass in nature
Operated by G Adventures

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