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.

Travel Style

Marine

Physical Grading

2 - Light

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?

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

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/Troon

Embark aboard the Expedition in the afternoon and depart Troon in the late afternoon. Arrival transfer included. 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

Troon/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

Day 8

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 perhaps see Skara Brae.

Day 10

Edinburgh/Leith

Shortly after breakfast, disembark at the Port of Leith. From here, you will need to transfer to Edinburgh Airport for your departing flight. 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.

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.