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.

Travel Style

Marine

Physical Grading

3 - Average

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.

What are the main highlights of this trip?

Explore ancient Viking settlement sites in the Shetland Islands, Search for basking sharks near Hermaness Nature Reserve, Visit the towering bird cliffs of Foula to spot a variety of seabirds in one of Scotland’s most remote habitats, Gain deeper insight into the Scottish Isles through expert lectures and on-site briefings, Stand among Neolithic wonders on the Orkney Islands, including the remarkably preserved village of Skara Brae

How large will the group be?

Max 128 aboard the Expedition.

What meals are included in this trip?

9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

Expedition, Zodiac, private vehicle, walking.

Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Where will we stay during the trip?

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.

Itinerary

Day 1

Glasgow/Leith

Arrive to Glasgow and enjoy an included transfer to the ship. Embark aboard the Expedition in the afternoon and depart Leith shortly after. 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 2

Leith to Kirkwall/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 3

Shetland & Orkney Islands

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 4

Shetland & Orkney Islands

Day 5

Shetland & Orkney Islands

Day 6

Shetland & Orkney Islands

Day 7

Orkney Islands/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 8

Thurso/St. Kilda Archipelago

The ship will sail to the tallest sea stack in Britain, known as Stac Lee, part of the St Kilda archipelago. Home to northern gannets and other bird species. Then, continue along the coast to Hirta, the largest and most hospitable island of the St Kilda archipelago. You’ll stop here briefly for a chance to view puffin colonies in the wild.

Day 9

St. Kilda Archipelago/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 10

Glasgow/Troon

Shortly after breakfast, disembark at the Port of Troon. From here, you will need to transfer to Glasgow Airport for your departing flight. For guests departing on disembarkation day, G Adventures will provide a complimentary transfer at 8:00am to Glasgow International Airport from the port.

For guests who are planning on staying in Glasgow 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.

Is travel insurance required for my trip?

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.