Expedition Through the Scottish Isles: Where Land Meets Legend

The adventure

The Isles of Scotland are the stuff of legend — dramatic coastlines, ancient stories, and a culture all their own. On this 10-day expedition cruise through the Shetland, Orkney, and Hebrides islands, you’ll experience it all. Starting in Glasgow and journeying northward, you’ll sail through wild, remote landscapes teeming with seabirds, history, and rugged beauty. From the craggy cliffs of St. Kilda to the white-sand beaches of the Shetlands, each island has its own vibe and its own story to tell. With every Zodiac ride and misty horizon, you’ll fall a little more under Scotland’s spell.

At a glance

Where you'll go

Day by day

Your journey through

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Showing Days 1-7

10-day itinerary

Day 1Arrive to Glasgow and enjoy an included transfer…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).

Glasgow

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 north to the Orkney Islands

Sail north to the Orkney Islands, known for their unique blend of rich history, gorgeous natural landscapes, and some of the oldest and best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe. Stop to visit Kirkwall, the ‘Heart of Neolithic Orkney’ where a group of 5,000-year-old sites reside. Enjoy time to explore here and perhaps see Skara Brae. Make sure to also search for a diverse array of wildlife.

Day 3Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes

Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes, rich Viking and Scottish 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 Lerwick, Hermaness National Nature Reserve, Papa Stour with its population of 15 people, and Foula. Search for wildlife and see ancient Viking settlement sites. Then, sail south to the Orkneys once again and visit North Ronaldsay and Papa Westray, where you will be able to search for puffins and seals.

Day 4Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes

Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes, rich Viking and Scottish 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 Lerwick, Hermaness National Nature Reserve, Papa Stour with its population of 15 people, and Foula. Search for wildlife and see ancient Viking settlement sites. Then, sail south to the Orkneys once again and visit North Ronaldsay and Papa Westray, where you will be able to search for puffins and seals.

Day 5Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes

Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes, rich Viking and Scottish 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 Lerwick, Hermaness National Nature Reserve, Papa Stour with its population of 15 people, and Foula. Search for wildlife and see ancient Viking settlement sites. Then, sail south to the Orkneys once again and visit North Ronaldsay and Papa Westray, where you will be able to search for puffins and seals.

Day 6Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes

Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes, rich Viking and Scottish 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 Lerwick, Hermaness National Nature Reserve, Papa Stour with its population of 15 people, and Foula. Search for wildlife and see ancient Viking settlement sites. Then, sail south to the Orkneys once again and visit North Ronaldsay and Papa Westray, where you will be able to search for puffins and seals.

Day 7Search 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.

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