The Scottish Isles: An Expedition Through History & Highlands
- Trip code: 425X007
- Dauer: 10
- Stil: Marine
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.
Übersicht
Accommodation
Aboard the Expedition in triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 9 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed
Checklist
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Expedition:
• Binoculars (highly recommended)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Credit cards (Please note the Expedition is cashless and only accepts credit cards for payment.)
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Drybag (To protect your camera and belongings on Zodiac landings)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Recommended for Antarctic camping)
• Fleece jacket or warm layer
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear (good gripping) (Please note that open toed shoes are not allowed in public spaces on the Expedition.)
• Hat
• Long pants/jeans
• Moisturizer/lip balm
• Moneybelt
• Motion sickness tablets
• Outlet adapter (Electricity onboard is 220AC electrical outlets, with European 2 pin round holes, as well as 110-volt shaving sockets in the bathroom for electric razors only.)
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Scarf (Or neck warmer.)
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Sunblock (Antarctica is a desert!)
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Thermal base layer
• Thermal underwear
• Toiletries (Shampoo and shower gel are provided aboard the Expedition.)
• Walking poles (if desired)
• Warm hat
• Warm waterproof gloves
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof pants (Mandatory for all Zodiac landings)
• Wool/Heavy socks
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Group Leader
One expedition team member per 10 guests
Group Size Notes
Max 128 aboard the Expedition
Highlights
Cruise by Zodiac through iconic highlights of the Scottish Isles, Spot seabirds and other wildlife along remote coastlines, Step into the past at charming villages and ancient sites in the Hebrides and beyond, Gain insight through onboard lectures and expert-led briefings, Sail past mist-shrouded islands and uncover the legends that bring them to life
Introduction
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
Meals Included
9 Frühstück, 8 Mittagessen, 9 Abendessen
Meal Budget
Optional Activities
Keine optionale Aktivitäten
Start / Finish
Glasgow nach Leith
Transport
Expedition, Zodiac, private vehicle, walking
What's Included
9 nts aboard the Expedition. Arrival transfer. Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team. Lectures and educational programs. Insulated, waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16. Expedition parka
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 10 years for this trip
Itinerary
Day 1 Glasgow/Greenock
Embark aboard the Expedition in the afternoon and depart Greenock in the late afternoon. Arrival transfer included
Day 2 Greenock/Hebrides
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 3 Hebrides/St. Kilda Archipelago
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 4 St. Kilda Archipelago/Thurso
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 5 Orkney Islands
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 6 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
Day 7 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
Day 8 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
Day 9 Kirkwall/Orkney 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
Day 10 Leith/Edinburgh
Shortly after breakfast, disembark at the Port of Leith. From here, you will need to transfer to Edinburgh Airport for your departing flight
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Glasgow/Greenock
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 ensure your flight arrives by 1pm at the latest in order to be on time for today's 4pm embarkation
Day 2 Greenock/Hebrides
Day 3 Hebrides/St. Kilda Archipelago
Day 4 St. Kilda Archipelago/Thurso
Day 5 Orkney Islands
Day 6 Shetland Islands
Day 7 Shetland Islands
Day 8 Shetland Islands
Day 9 Kirkwall/Orkney Islands
Day 10 Leith/Edinburgh
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.
