Scotland - The Hebrides & St Kilda
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| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||||
| Triple Cabin | Twin Cabin | Twin Cabin Plus | Double Cabin | Double Cabin Superior | Owners Cabin | Solo Twin Cabin | |
Day 1 Arrive in Glasgow
Arrive in Glasgow and spend a night at a comfortable and centrally located hotel.
Days 2-8 The Hebrides
Travel together to Oban and board the Quest in the afternoon. Each voyage is truly unique. Your experienced and knowledgeable expedition leader, guides, the Captain and the crew will ensure you get the most out of every moment, including several interesting lectures on board. You are embarking on an expedition cruise and the exact itinerary depends on weather conditions and wildlife sightings. The goal is to make landings each day with the Zodiacs and the following are examples of exciting places you may visit:
Iona, Staffa & Lunga
Reach Iona, an island that has been a place of deep spiritual significance for more than 1 000 years. No less than 62 Kings of Scotland are buried here, including Duncan I, who was murdered by Macbeth. St. Columba came here from Ireland in 563 AD and early Christianity spread through Britain from this remote island community. Weather permitting make a stop at the Island of Staffa, a spectacular sight with the amazing Fingal’s cave as a highlight. The cave inspired Mendelsohn to compose "The Hebrides Overture". Sail west and explore the tiny Treshnish Islands, located in the waters between Mull and Tiree. Now uninhabited, this group of low islands are home to thousands of seabirds and a large population of common and Atlantic grey seals. Hope to land on the largest of the islands, Lunga, to walk amongst the surprisingly tame puffins and see the remnants of past habitation that dates back to the Viking period.
St Kilda
Through the Sound of Harris head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St Kilda, a remarkable uninhabited archipelago some fifty miles beyond the Outer Hebrides. For some this is almost a pilgrimage and a very moving experience. Drop anchor in Village Bay on the main island Hirta and wander through the remnants of the village. St Kilda once supported a population of 200, but the last islanders were evacuated in the 1930s. Recent restoration work on the village by the National Trust for Scotland offers a marvelous link with the past. Later, cruise past the impressive island of Boreray and the amazing Stac an Amin and Stac Lee, where tens of thousands of gannets nest.
Callanish Stones
On the west side of Lewis visit the Callanish Stones, a cross-shaped setting of standing stones erected around 3000 BC. This is one of the most spectacular megalithic monuments in Scotland.
Canna & Rum
The small island of Canna has a tiny agricultural and cattle-rearing population. From a walk along the cliff top have stunning views and you may see golden eagles, white-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons. The adjoining island of Rum is a nature reserve and an oasis for birdwatchers. More than 150 species have been observed on this small island. Pay a visit to Kinloch Castle, an eclectic 19th century turreted castle built by the Bullough family, and walk the nature trail, a beautiful area of wild flowers and typical Scottish island scenery.
Islay
Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides and is often referred to as the "Queen of the Hebrides". It is renowned worldwide for its many distilleries producing various single malts with smooth, full, rich and peaty character. Visit one of those distilleries to learn more about how these precious drops are produced.
Day 9 Oban
Return to Oban and disembark the Quest in the morning. Transfer to Glasgow’s airport or central station is included.
Itinerary Notes
Please note: Your exact route will depend on weather conditions and wildlife sightings. The places mentioned above are a planned itinerary but can be changed. Your crew will always strive to maximize your experience, but remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!Rate includes: Seven nights on board the Quest, one night in hotel in central Glasgow, transfer Glasgow – Oban, all meals, an experienced expedition leader and knowledgeable guides, lectures on board and ashore, all shore excursions and activities by Zodiac, and an illustrated logbook.
Not included: Flight to/from Glasgow, travel and cancellation insurance, the customary gratuity to the ship’s crew, personal expenses in the bar and shop.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure.
Final payment by bank transfer, check or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex. Credit Card payments subject to 3% convenience fee and maximum $15,000 charge.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 70 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 70+ days | 15% cruise cost |
| 69-0 days | 100% cruise cost |
Quest
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 53
The Quest welcomes you to an exciting polar cruise. This ship was built in Denmark with the original purpose to serve as a ferry on Greenland's west coast. In 2004/2005 she was completely refurbished in order to serve as a small and comfortable expedition ship.
Life onboard the Quest
The ship offers plenty of common areas to create a comfortable cruising environment. The dining room is found in the aft on Deck 2. Passengers are treated to delicious meals in between landings. It is comfortable and spacious enough to accommodate all passengers and expedition staff in one seating and the portholes offers a nice sea view. The breakfast and lunch are buffet style and the dinner is a combination of starters and salad buffet and served main course and desserts. The meals offer choice of fish, meat and vegetarian.
In the panorama lounge on top Deck 5 enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding
landscape. Listen to the expedition staff giving entertaining lectures about the area being explored. In the lounge find a well-stocked bar and a small library with fact books, novels, board games, music CDs and DVDs. From the panorama lounge the outdoor top observation deck can be accessed. These spacious observation decks are the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful vistas and search for exciting wildlife.
The Quest is an exceptional expedition ship with an easy accessible Zodiac gangway, full access to outer decks 360 degrees around the ship for convenient scenery and wildlife watching and a comfortable panorama lounge and bar at the top deck which offers 270 degrees of weather independent view. The open bridge policy contributes to the relaxed atmosphere on board.
Accommodations
The Quest accommodates 53 passengers in 26 cabins. All cabins are en suite, located on the outside and have large sea view windows. Windows on deck 4 can be opened. All cabins are equipped with separate air flow and temperature adjustment capabilities, hairdryers, personal safety box, writing desk, chair, large mirror, wardrobes with hangers, hooks for outer wear and an European 2-prong electrical outlet.
The triple cabins on deck three have upper and lower berths. All other cabins have two lower berths or a double bed. The superior cabins on deck three and four are spacious and have a separate sitting area and TV/DVD. The Owner`s cabin, next to the Captain`s cabin, on deck four has a double bed, two large picture windows, a small sitting area and TV/DVD.
Traveling on this small expedition ship offers a more relaxed and informal atmosphere and a much greater focus on the destination than larger vessels are able to offer.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Triple Cabin Triple Cabin with upper and lower berths. Located on Deck 3. |
 | Twin Cabin Twin Cabin with two twin beds. Located on Deck 3. |
 | Twin Cabin Plus Twin Cabin Plus with two twin beds. Located on Deck 3. |
 | Double Cabin Double Cabin with one double bed. Located on Deck 3. |
 | Double Cabin Superior Double Cabin Superior with one large double bed. Located on Deck 3. |
 | Owners Cabin Owners Cabin with one large double bed. Located on Deck 4. |
 | Solo Twin Cabin Twin Cabin for solo use. Same cabins as the Twin Cabin, located on Deck 3. |
