No places are as linked to the history of golf as Scotland and Ireland. The earliest mention of golf is a 1457 Scottish Act of Parliament where, ironically, it was banned because it distracted from the military sport of archery! Today more than a dozen of the World’s Top 100 Courses (Golf Digest) can be found in the region, a pedigree we are proud to match with the advanced capability and comfort of our expedition ship – RCGS Resolute.
Highlights
Play six of the world’s Top 100 golf courses - in the birthplace of golf
Experience a unique coastal journey through Ireland and Scotland
Enjoy Scottish history from its famous clans and subtle whiskies
Pass by the picturesque and charming islands of Islay
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Your epic journey begins this afternoon in Dublin. Gather at your central meeting point then transfer to the pier to embark. Once on board and settled in your rooms enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner before casting off and heading north, up the rugged Irish coast. Later, relax on deck with an Irish whiskey and compare your ‘almost had a hole in one’ golfing stories with fellow travelers.
Your first stop in Scotland is to play either Machrihanish (#61) or adjacent Machrihanish Dunes. The Dunes were designed by David McLay Kidd, architect of the celebrated Brandon Dunes, in Oregon and ‘The Castle Course’ at St. Andrews. McLay Kidd grew up playing the nearby Machrihanish Golf Club which was created by Old Tom Morris in 1876. Inspired by Old Tom’s principals of preserving the natural beauty and working with the fragile landscape, McLay-Kidd established “the world’s most natural golf course”. These two courses are naturally maintained – so much so, that you may see the odd Hebridean black sheep wandering through the rough.
The Dunes is also home to a spa for those who need a little pampering. Looking for a little activity? Any direction you head takes you to a beautiful shore line for a sandy stroll or a cliffside hike. The peaceful village of nearby Campbeltown was once known as the “whisky capital of the world” as it was home to 34 distilleries. Only three remain today and are all worth a visit.
During the night you will have sailed west to Ballyliffin in Ireland. Ballyliffin Golf Club is widely regarded as the finest links complex in Ireland and prides itself on having world-class presentation standards all year round, renowned for its hospitality, spectacular setting and outstanding facilities.
Today wake up anchored off the shores of South Uist, the second largest island of the Outer Hebrides. Awaiting the golfers is another course of great historical significance. Commissioned in 1891 by Lady Cathcart, the landowner, and also built by Old Tom Morris, this course thrived until the First World War. Then for almost 100 years it sat untouched and untended until in 2005 a group of locals, with the help of some of golf’s biggest names, brought it back to life. A true links course provides a challenging test, play through beautiful rolling dunes alongside the bracing Atlantic Ocean. Golf is not the only history on these ancient isle. Those up for a hike can explore the beautiful white sandy beaches while searching for the mysterious Standing Stones scattered throughout the Outer Hebrides. Cyclists can stretch their legs and take in part of the 300km Hebridean Way – a route that uses the tiny coastal roads to explore 10 of the islands in the archipelago. A visit to the Kildonan Centre with its excellent Museum and cafe is another interesting activity.
Today you anchor at the beautiful seaside town of Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands. Wander through town exploring local crafts, art galleries, an unexpected collection of silversmith artists, or perhaps a tour and tasting at the Highland Park Distillery! A visit to St. Magnus Cathedral is an absolute ‘must’. Started in 1137, it was built when the Vikings still ruled the Orkneys. Later in the day you head to Skara Brae, an outstanding Neolithic village and UNESCO World Heritage Site established over 5000 years ago. Yet another option is to visit the ‘Italian Chapel’ built by World War II Italian POWs, conveniently located near the Scapa Distillery and Visitor Centre. While there is a golf course in Kirkwall, golfers may want to take the day off to conserve their energy for the next two days of golfing challenges.
Having spent the last few days ‘off the beaten track’, exploring a less known side of Scotland, you now rejoin golfing nobility, experiencing some of the most famous courses in the world. From your anchorage in Inverness you transfer to play a choice of two courses. Castle Stuart (#53), a fairly new layout, opened in 2009 and quickly made the world’s top 100. With dramatic views over the Moray Firth out to the Black Isle, this championship course test your mettle. The views are matched by the drama of these tees – holes 1 and 10 are cut into the cliffside and demand an adrenalin inducing drive to the fairways below. The Royal Dornoch (#2) officially opened in 1616, but the current club was established in 1886 by Old Tom Morris. Following the curve of the Dornoch Firth and its white sand beaches, this course rolls through hillocks, ridges, and classic dunes. If you have an interest in local history, head to Culloden Moor, where the Jacobites fought their final battle in 1745. The Living History presentation brings this epic battle to life, right before your eyes. The more curious in the group may want to take a day trip to Loch Ness for a chance viewing 'Nessie' - the Loch Ness Monster.
Anchor today at Aberdeen, where again you have the choice of playing two different courses – Cruden Bay (#56) or the historic Balgownie course at Royal Aberdeen (#71). Those playing Cruden Bay again find themselves walking in the footsteps of course designer Old Tom Morris. While Cruden Bay is, above all, a classic links course, it is also known for having a number of unusually quirky holes. The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club was founded in 1780 and is the sixth oldest golf club in the world. The course hosted the Scottish Open in 2014, won by England's Justin Rose. The 8th hole at Royal Aberdeen is a testing par 3 at 147 yards. The green is surrounded by no less than 10 bunkers and wayward tee shots can be punished.
Day 8: Edinburgh, Scotland | Disembark
1 Breakfast
This morning arrive at Edinburgh, the Scottish capital and your disembarkation point. After breakfast it is time to bid farewell to your crew and fellow travellers as you disembark the RCGS Resolute. A transfer to downtown Edinburgh, and Edinburgh Airport, is provided for all guests, however Edinburgh is well worth a day or two of exploration if your schedule allows. For those wanting to crown the voyage with a round at St.Andrews, this can be easily done from Edinburgh, and can be arranged at the time of your booking through your golf expert in Scotland
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$5,595
Select a Date
Main Deck Triple
Select a Date
Twin Private Cabin
Twin Private cabins are located on Deck 4 and have the option for either a queen or two single configured beds. Features include a comfortable lounge adjacent to the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities with shower.
Select a Date
Superior Cabin
Located forward on Deck 5 the Superior cabins have the option for either a queen or two single beds. Features include a comfortable lounge adjacent to the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample storage and private washroom facilities with shower.
Select a Date
Superior Plus Cabin
Superior Plus cabins are located midships on Deck 5. They are spacious and well appointed with the option for either a queen or two single beds. A comfortable lounge is placed by the large picture window, writing desk and chair, ample floor to ceiling cabinet storage and private washroom facilities with shower.
Select a Date
Shackleton Suite
The Shackleton Suites are situated on Deck 6. Suites include the comfort of a sectional lounge, writing desk, substantial floor to ceiling cabinetry, and washroom facilities with shower. A flat screen entertainment system is also included. Sleeping quarters feature the option for either a queen or two single beds with upgraded linen/ pillows.
Select a Date
One Ocean Suite
The One Ocean Suites are situated on Deck 6 and offer an indulgent amount of space. Sleeping quarters feature a queen size bed with upgraded linen/pillows. Included is a comfortable sectional lounge with matching club chairs, a large desk, expansive floor to ceiling cabinetry, and spacious washroom facilities with both a shower and bathtub.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
