Wild Scotland

Wild Scotland 12 days

Prices From £10,295pp
May to June | 11 nights

Up To 15% Discount!

No Solo Supplement!

Wild Scotland 12 days

Aboard: Greg Mortimer Sylvia Earle

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Scotland’s wild islands, from the rugged shores of the Hebrides, inhabited for over 8,000 years, to the lush Orkney Islands, where ancient Neolithic and Viking landmarks offer a glimpse into lost civilisations. Glide along sea-carved coastlines on Zodiac cruises, keeping an eye out for dolphins and seals, and capturing photos of seabirds in one of Europe’s largest colonies. Explore quaint villages, engage with the welcoming locals, and perhaps partake in a wee dram of Scotland’s finest whisky.

From brochs to lochs, and ancient sites to modern harbours, this promises to be the ultimate exploration of these fascinating, naturally beautiful and historically rich lands.

Various departures available aboard two vessels. Routes may vary slightly. Please enquire for full dates and rates.

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Scotland's remote and rugged landscapes, exploring by land and sea
  • Marvel at Britain’s highest sea cliffs at the UNESCO World Heritage site of St Kilda
  • Uncover the rich history of the Shetland Islands and visit Jarlshof, one of the most remarkable Neolithic sites in the British Isles
  • Explore the beautifully restored 6th-century abbey on Iona, one of Scotland's most revered Christian pilgrimage destinations
  • Spot majestic wildlife, including Golden and White-Tailed Eagles, Red-Throated Divers, seals, dolphins, and porpoises, on the scenic Isle of Eigg
  • Embark on thrilling Zodiac cruises to navigate wild cliffs, towering sea stacks, and hidden caves
  • Join the locals for a lively evening at a pub on Papa Westray, enjoying traditional Scottish music and dance over a few drinks
  • Kayaking options available (fees apply)
  • Resident photography guide

What's Included

  • One night's accommodation in Edinburgh pre-voyage with breakfast and half-day tour
  • Road transfer from Edinburgh to Troon for embarkation
  • Full board accommodation on board ship with daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
  • Wines, beers and soft drinks with dinner
  • Captain's Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Zodiac landings and excursions
  • Programme of expert lectures
  • Loan of rubber boots
  • Complimentary 3-in-1 polar jacket

Up To 15% Discount!

Book select departure dates by December 31st and receive up to 15% discount!

Offer applicable when booked before 1st January 2025

Applies to new bookings in select cabins, is subject to availability, cannot be combined with any other offer, and may be withdrawn at any time. Full terms & conditions apply. / Available on selected dates/vessels.

No Solo Supplement!

The first 10 solo travellers to book select 2026 departures will get a dedicated solo stateroom with no single supplement! (usual supplement is 50%!)

Offer applicable when booked before 1st April 2025

Applies to new bookings on select departure dates. Subject to availability and is not combinable with any other offer. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Full terms and conditions apply. / Available on selected dates/vessels.

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Edinburgh
1Day

Edinburgh

Arrive independently to Edinburgh and join your transfer from the airport to your group hotel for your included overnight stay.



Troon - Embark
2Day

Troon - Embark

After breakfast this morning you can enjoy an included half-day Edinburgh sightseeing tour before transferring to Troon Port for embarkation. Your expedition team will welcome you aboard and you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before attending some important briefings. We will set sail along Scotland's northwest coast in the evening as you meet the rest of your expedition team and crew at the welcome dinner.



Inner Hebrides
3 - 4Days

Inner Hebrides

Our first adventure will see you enjoy 2 days of exploration around the fascinating Inner Hebrides archipelago. These couple of days promise a diverse experience, from golden beaches to jagged peaks, and from serene lochs to picturesque villages. Each day will offer unique landscapes and wildlife opportunities, including possible sightings of whales, dolphins, otters, and rare basking sharks. We will hope to visit an island reserve inhabited by red deer and white-tailed sea eagles, and may explore remote lochs beneath some of Britain’s most untamed mountains and wander between unusual rock formations. Hikers can explore panoramic views from the summits, while those who have chosen to kayak will have the chance to paddle through narrow waterways and circumnavigate tiny islets.

One of the highlights will be the visit to Iona, a small island known as the birthplace of Christianity in Britain and the burial site of early Scottish kings. We will explore its rich history and follow in the footsteps of St. Columba, who arrived in 563 CE. Another unforgettable stop will be on Staffa, home to Fingal’s Cave, where we may explore the basalt pillars that inspired Mendelssohn’s Hebridean Overture and observe the local puffin population. We hope to explore the cave on foot and by Zodiac boat.

Further explorations will take us to the Isle of Eigg for scenic hikes among wildflowers, and the rugged Cuillin Hills on the Isle of Skye, considered one of Britain’s most untamed mountain ranges. Adventurous hikers can trek to Loch Coruisk, while kayakers can paddle around lochs including Scavaig and Coruisk, and explore an abandoned shark fishing station on the island of Soay, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Cuillins.

Outer Hebrides
5 - 6Days

Outer Hebrides

Leaving the Inner Hebrides behind, we now move on to explore the Outer Hebrides. Also known as the Western Isles, this archipelago stretches for 209 kilometres and is a delight to explore. Upon arrival here we will head towards the largest of the islands, Isle of Lewis, where we will make our way to the renowned Calanais (or Callanish) Standing Stones, a fascinating feature of the island that dates back to around 3,000 BCE and is a must-see for archaeology enthusiasts.

We then make our way, weather permitting, to the remote archipelago of St Kilda to uncover some of the wonders of this unique World Heritage site and learn about its intriguing history. Today will also be an excellent one for the birdwatchers among us as the isles are home to Europe’s most important seabird colony and Britain’s highest sea stacks.

Kirkwall
7Day

Kirkwall

Today will be one for the history enthusiasts as we arrive in Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands, to uncover its rich historical wonders. Upon arrival here you will notice the striking contrast between the relatively modern harbour and the narrow winding streets and lanes of the old town which have remained untouched over the centuries. There are two included excursions today for you to choose from, depending on your interests and fitness levels, both of which will take you into the rich farmland, rolling hills, dramatic cliffs and historic sites of the West Mainland area.

The first excursion option is the “Orkney Treasures – Skara Brae” tour which will take you through the serene countryside and into the heartland of the Orkney’s to discover its abundance of prehistoric archaeology. Along your journey you will pass the awe-inspiring Standing Stones of Stenness and stop at the famous Ring of Brodgar before making your way to the ancient village of Skara Brae, a fascinating settlement that dates back around 5000 years. Here you can delve into the rich history of the settlement and learn all about its past at the fantastic visitor centre. The remarkable dwellings here were unveiled from beneath the sand dunes by storms just 150 years and are a delight to explore. Nearby you can also visit the historic manor of Skaill House to learn all about the tales of its 400-year legacy.

The second option is “The Heart of Neolithic Orkney” tour which will also take you into the World Heritage Site of the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney, visiting the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness, and the ancient Neolithic village of Barnhouse where you can enjoy a walk among the houses to learn about everyday lives of the Neolithic people who built these structures, and visit a serene bird hide nestled along Harray Loch. Your tour will conclude with a visit to the famous St Magnus Cathedral.

Papa Westray & Shetland Islands
8 - 10Days

Papa Westray & Shetland Islands

On day 8 we will explore more of the Orkneys as we arrive at the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray where we will be welcomed by the friendly locals and enjoy the lively Scottish dance and folk ensemble, "Poor Man's Corner," as we mingle and enjoy a few drinks in the local pub. We will also have chance to visit the earliest known house in Northern Europe which was occupied by Neolithic farmers over 5,000 years ago.

We then make our way to the Shetland Islands to enjoy an exploration of Britain’s most northerly islands. The islands enjoy almost 24 hours of daylight in summer so we will have plenty of time for exploration of the archipelago’s wonderful nature reserves and archaeological sites.

Areas we plan to visit include Lerwick, the Shetland’s capital, where you can take a guided walking tour of the town to hear stories of smugglers, fisherman, Vikings and fictional detectives, learn all about its history and see its most iconic buildings. We will then move on to the National Nature Reserve of Noss Island to see its mile-long seabird cliffs filled with around 150,000 birds and chicks in the breeding season, and the seals and otters that are often spotted here.

We will also visit Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, one of Shetland's best preserved and most complex archaeological sites, and Mousa Broch on the small uninhabited island of Mousa, the best preserved of Scotland’s 570 brochs.

Fair Isle
11Day

Fair Isle

Our final stop will bring us to the wonderful Fair Isle, midway between Orkney and Shetland. Home to a major European ornithological research station, and famous for its knitwear and historic shipwrecks, Fair Isle is a stunning spot surrounded by impressive cliffs and beautiful coastline. The isle is home to around 70 people who mainly live in traditional crofts, and we will be warmly welcomed by some of these hospitable villagers as we make land to enjoy a walk or hike around.

The island is a birdwatcher’s paradise, and as we explore and soak up the scenery we may head to the cliffs to look for breeding fulmars, guillemots, gannets, kittiwakes, shags, puffins and more. The isle is also known for its flowering plants and holds over 250 species including alpine species, rare orchids, wetland flowers and common wildflowers. There will also be chance to visit the island’s museum, and time to browse the surrounding waters in search of the grey and common seals, harbour porpoises, orcas, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins and Atlantic white-sided dolphins that are often spotted here.

 Aberdeen
12Day

Aberdeen

Your journey concludes in the mainland city of Aberdeen, where you will disembark early morning and bid your fellow travellers farewell before taking your included transfer to the airport for your onward or homeward journey.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Greg Mortimer
Luxury vessel

Greg Mortimer

The brand new (2018-19) “Greg Mortimer” is a purpose-built expedition vessel capable of negotiating the strongest winds and waves, and has been built to world-class polar standards. The Greg Mortimer redefines expedition cruising for the future, utilising the ULSTEIN X-BOW, a cutting edge nautical technology which allows for gentle travel and motion at sea, reduced vibrations, improved comfort and safety on board, virtual anchoring, lower fuel consumption and lower air emissions.

Robust, powerful, and built with passengers’ comfort and safety at the forefront of design, the Greg Mortimer features a modern ice-strengthened hull at ice class 1A, four sea-level launching platforms for fast and efficient access to Zodiacs, a custom-built activity platform, the most up-to-date and concise safety features including the latest ‘return to port’ technology, and has been built to meet and exceed the strict environment standards of the Polar Code, for non-intrusive and low-impact voyages.

For exceptional at sea wildlife and scenery viewing opportunities the ship has custom-built hydraulic platforms offering unobstructed views, an indoor observation lounge, side viewing platforms and an outdoor top deck which allows for 360-degree views.

With space for 132 passengers the ship has 80 well designed staterooms with en-suite bathrooms, ranging from porthole to balcony categories, a large dining room/restaurant with family style dining, a spacious lecture room, a well stocked library, Wellness Centre complete with gym equipment, sauna and spa, a multimedia room and a fully-stocked medical centre.

Sylvia Earle
Luxury vessel

Sylvia Earle

Setting sail for her maiden voyage in December 2022, this outstanding purpose-built expedition vessel honours the long-standing conservation efforts of the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. Capable of negotiating the strongest winds and waves, the vessel has been built to world-class polar standards and utilises the ground-breaking ULSTEIN X-BOW technology which allows for faster, more comfortable travel, improved safety, reduced emissions and lower fuel consumption. The vessel boasts one of the lowest polluting marine engines in the world and also utilises virtual anchoring to protect the sea floor.

In terms of safety, the ship will feature industry-leading safety technology that exceeds the requirements for a ship of this size and will also feature world class return-to-port equipment and a fully-stocked medical clinic.

In terms of comfort onboard, the Sylvia Earle will be hard to beat. The vessel features a distinctive Glass Atrium Lounge at the bow of the ship with a stunning panoramic view on both port and starboard side, a swimming pool and jacuzzi where you can admire impressive scenery while watching the world go by. A gym, sauna and wellness centre add to the luxury touches onboard and there are various places to relax after a long day of adventures including a beautiful library and a number of bars, lounges and observation areas. Delicious meals will be served in the elegant dining room and presentations will be provided in the state-of-the-art lecture theatre.

With capacity for 132 passengers, the ship has 74 elegantly designed staterooms with en-suite bathrooms, ranging from porthole to balcony categories. Each cabin features stylish design, a flat screen TV, large comfortable beds, windows or balconies and closet spaces.

Please note - for now, images shown are artist impressions/renders only

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Arctic, British Isles adventure for you.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry and continues to be inspired by the people, places and wildlife he discovers. His in-depth personal knowledge of a diverse range of destinations ensures your adventure itinerary will be a holiday like no other.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Sheena’s abiding love of adventure travel has taken her to some of the most incredible wildlife-rich places on Earth. Her vast experience and genuine desire to share her knowledge makes her an outstanding and invaluable person to help you organise your wildlife adventure trip.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

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callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

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