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The Ring of Brodgar on the Orkney Islands.

Wild Scotland

Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Polar Pioneer
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From the Hebrides in the west, to inhospitable windswept specks of land like St Kilda and Foula, and to the Orkney and Shetland islands in the north, explore the intriguing diversity of these wild islands on this unique 11-day cruise aboard the Polar Pioneer. Plan to take in Neolithic sites scarcely changed in 5000 years, and ponder the mystery of huge monoliths that marked seasonal change. Visit remote crofting communities, picturesque villages, and castles that were once strongholds of Scottish clans. Hope to see some of the world’s largest seabird colonies - raucous places filled with gannets, fulmars, arctic terns, and delightful puffins. Or sit quietly in Zodiacs as seals play nearby in waters patrolled by whales and dolphins.
Hiking through the hills of St. Kilda.Stone house on the shores of St. Kilda Scotland.Kayaking in Scotland.Sheep in the fields of Scotland.The Ring of Brodgar on the Orkney Islands.
Highlights
  • Explore the intriguing diversity of Scotland's islands, such as St Hilda
  • Uncover stories of heroes, villains, fallen monarchs, and bloody battles
  • Come across Neolithic settlements, Roman frontiers & more fascinating sites
  • Kayak through sea caves and mirror-like lochs
  • See some of the world’s largest seabird colonies, seals, whales & dolphins
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Oban, West Scotland | Embark

Board the Polar Pioneer around mid-afternoon in Oban. After settling in, set sail in the evening for your expedition cruise of the European Arctic.

Day 2-3: Inner & Outer Hebrides

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Overnight travel to Iona, the birthplace of Christianity in Britain and a burial ground of early Scottish kings. At Staffa, visit Fingal’s Cave, set amidst spectacular basalt columns, and learn why it inspired Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture. In the Cuillin Hills, spiritual heart of Skye, follow a lonely track to Rubh’an Dunain, an ancient passage grave with a nearby Iron Age fort and stone-lined canal, possibly built by Vikings. If conditions allow, take longer walks into the hills. Canna offers golden and sea eagles, basking sharks, dolphins, gray seals, and puffins.

Day 4-6: Northwest Islands | St Kilda

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Conditions permitting, land on Hirta, in remote St Kilda, home to Europe’s most important seabird colony and Britain’s highest sea stacks. Learn of the incredible islanders, who survived here for nearly 5,000 years, and their heroic courtship rituals. On Lewis visit the Callanish Stones, somber slabs placed upright nearly 3,000 years ago to mark burial sites. A Zodiac cruise takes you to pure white beaches where the brave might swim and Bostadh’s reconstructed Iron Age house. Aim to visit Sula Sgeir and North Rona, tiny islands with dramatic coastlines, inhabited by breeding seals and seabirds.

Day 7-8: Shetland Isles

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Closer to Norway than Scotland, the Shetland Isles played a strategic role in Viking conquests. Visit the capital, Lerwick, and explore the complex Stone, Bronze and Iron Age settlement of Jarlshof. On Mousa, walk to the world’s best-preserved Iron Age structure known as a ‘broch’ and your historian recounts its importance. Foula’s five dramatic peaks dwarf its crofting hamlets and its cliffs are alive with kittiwakes, razorbills, fulmars and skuas. Papa Stour’s coastline offers Zodiac exploration of dramatic caves.

Day 9-10: Orkney Islands

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Blessed with red, fertile soil, the Orkney archipelago has welcomed people since ancient times. From Kirkwall, visit 5000- year old archaeological wonders like Skara Brae, excavated less than 100 years ago. View relics of Viking occupation and World War II curiosities, including the exquisite Italian Chapel, built from scrap by Italian POWs. Sail past the giant sea stack Old Man of Hoy. On Papa Westray see the Knap of Howar, the oldest standing dwelling in Europe and on to Fair Isle, a birdwatchers’ paradise, where the few inhabitants still live in traditional crofts and welcome you to admire and buy their exquisite knitwear.

Day 11: Aberdeen, Northeast Scotland | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Upon arrival in Aberdeen, disembark and bid farewell to new-found friends.

Ship/Hotel

Polar Pioneer

Enjoy a drink at the bar.
Polar Pioneer's dining room.
Polar Pioneer's bar and lounge.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$7,100
Polar Pioneer's Public Twin Cabin.
Select a Date
Twin Shared
Twin Shared Cabins have two lower bunks, a desk, small washbasin, ample storage and hanging space and portholes. Showers and toilets are very close by and are shared with other Main Deck cabins.

Notes

Please note that all of Polar Pioneer itineraries are at the mercy of weather conditions and not all landings are guaranteed. These itineraries are flexible and will change voyage to voyage, allowing the best chance to make the most of surprising wildlife displays and unexpected opportunities.

- Rates represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.

- Single costs are 1.7 times the twin rate
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 10 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Comprehensive pre-departure information
  • Beer, House Wine, and Soft Drinks with Dinner 
  • Educational Lectures and Guiding Services from Expedition Team 
  • Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
  • Port Surcharges, Permits, and Landing Fees
  • Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
  • A 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
  • Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage
  • All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
  • All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
  • On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Airport Departure Tax - Airport arrival or departure taxes
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, Wi-Fi, email or phone charges
  • Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
  • Optional activity surcharges
  • Reciprocity and Vaccination Charges
  • Passengers traveling with Aurora Expeditions are required to be covered by a reputable travel insurance policy that includes baggage loss, cancellation & curtailment of the holiday, medical, accident, and repatriation/emergency evacuation coverage worth at least $250,000 USD.

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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
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