Wild Scotland

Day 1 : Edinburgh

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. At the hotel you will receive important information about your itinerary. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 2 : Edinburgh > Troon

Edinburgh awaits this morning as your local guide welcomes you with stories of Scotland’s capital city. Stretching just over one mile, five cobblestoned streets make up the walking precinct of the Royal Mile. Starting at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, step back in time to hear tales of princes, poets, and politicians as we stroll past some of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings including the Church of Canongate and Scotland’s own parliament house.

Perched atop an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle dominates the capital city’s skyline just as it has dominated Scotland’s long and colourful history. This instantly recognisable fortress is a powerful national symbol, and part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. Note: this tour does not include entry to the castle.

Later, you’ll have time to explore the Royal Mile before taking a 2 hour transfer to the west port of Troon where you will board your ship.

Days 3-4 : Inner Hebrides

From golden beaches to jagged peaks, bleak moors and heather clad hills; from abandoned settlements to picturesque villages, your days in the Hebrides archipelago will be packed with variety. Explore remote lochs beneath some of Britain’s most untamed mountains and wander between unusual rock formations. You may watch for whales, dolphins, otters, seals, and the increasingly rare basking sharks. Possibly land at an island reserve that is home to red deer and white-tailed sea eagles.

Kayakers will be introduced to their craft and will be briefed for their adventures, before picking up paddles to circumnavigate tiny islets or glide into narrow waterways that intertwine the islands. Hikers may opt for panoramic views from summits and ridges.

Early the next morning we will aim for the tiny island of Iona. Barely 5 kilometres (3 miles) long, Iona is renowned as the birthplace of Christianity in Britain. It is also a burial ground of early Scottish Kings. The Irish monk, St Columba and twelve disciples, landed here and founded a monastery in 563 CE. From this base, St Columba set about converting Scotland and much of Northern England to Christianity. In the afternoon, enjoy a Zodiac cruise around Lunga in the Treshnish Isles and keep your eyes peeled for seabirds including razorbill, kittiwake, fulmar, great skua and not forgetting the majestic puffin.

We plan to land on remote Isle of Eigg and on the rugged Isle of Skye for wonderful hikes among stunning wildflowers. Skye is a centre of Gaelic culture, and some islanders still speak the language. The wildlife, history, geology and beautiful scenery make it one of our favourite islands to explore.

Days 5-7 : Outer Hebrides & Orkneys

From the Inner Hebrides make our way to the Outer Hebrides – also known as the Western Isles – that stretch for 209 kilometres (128 miles) and look out on their western side to the Atlantic Ocean.
Weather permitting, we plan to land at the isolated archipelago (and World Heritage site) of St Kilda, where derelict crofts bear testament to the fortitude of islanders who once tended the unique Soay sheep and harvested seabirds for food and to pay their rent in the form of wool, meat and feathers.

Orkney’s archipelago of 70 windswept islands, 10 kilometres / 6 miles north of the Scottish mainland, a rich tapestry of archaeology, history and wildlife awaits. Imposing sea cliffs teem with seabirds and cliff top paths beckon the keen hikers among us. Our kayakers use paddle-power to explore sections of Orkney’s fascinating coastline.

At the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray lies the earliest known house in Northern Europe, occupied by Neolithic farmers over 5,000 years ago. At the east end of Scapa Flow remnants from World War II include an Italian Chapel, created by Italian prisoners of war made out of two Nissen huts, and the Churchill Barriers, constructed on the orders of Winston Churchill to keep out U-Boats. Here you will be welcomed by the friendly locals. Enjoy the lively Scottish dance and folk ensemble, “Poor Man’s Corner,” hailing from Papa Westray, set to grace the local pub with their spirited tunes. Mingle and enjoy a few drinks, while listening to the captivating melodies and infectious rhythms.

Midway between Orkney and Shetland, Fair Isle houses a major European ornithological research station, and is also famous for knitwear and historic shipwrecks.

Days 8-11 : Shetland Islands

Britain’s most northerly islands lie almost 160 kilometres (99 miles) north of the Scottish mainland, at a similar latitude to the southern tip of Greenland, or Bergen in Norway. Kept relatively warm by the Gulf Stream, Shetland’s 100 islands experience almost 24 hours of daylight in summer. They abound with nature reserves and archaeological sites and offer a taste of traditional island life.

Day 12 : Aberdeen

On arrival in Aberdeen, disembark in the early morning and bid a fond farewell to fellow travellers before a transfer to the airport or train station to continue your journey.

NB: At the conclusion of the voyage, we recommend booking flights departing after 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.