Wild Scotland

After arriving in Edinburgh, an Aurora Expeditions representative will greet you and arrange your transfer to your group hotel. Once checked in, visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and connect with the ground operations team. They can provide details about pre-embarkation and recommendations on dining, cash withdrawals, or any last-minute essentials from nearby pharmacies or supermarkets.  

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

After breakfast, check out and bring your luggage to the foyer. Keep essentials for the day in your hand luggage, as your main bag will be transferred directly to the ship.  

This morning, Edinburgh awaits as your local guide shares captivating stories of Scotland's historic capital. The famous Royal Mile, a charming stretch of five cobblestone streets spanning just over a mile, is lined with architectural and cultural treasures. Beginning at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch, journey through time, uncovering tales of princes, poets, and politicians while passing landmarks like the Church of Canongate and the Scottish Parliament.  

Towering over the city from its perch on an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle has been a powerful symbol of Scotland's history for centuries. This iconic fortress, part of Edinburgh's World Heritage Site, dominates the skyline just as it has shaped the nation's past.  

You have time to explore the castle, its historic precinct, and the lively Royal Mile, where inviting pubs and charming restaurants offer a perfect spot for lunch (at your own expense).  

In the afternoon, embark on a two-hour transfer to the west coast port of Troon, where the expedition team will warmly welcome you aboard the Greg Mortimer. After settling into your cabin, join the mandatory safety briefings. As evening falls, set sail along Scotland's northwest coast, marking the start of an unforgettable adventure.

From golden beaches to jagged peaks, bleak moors, and heather-clad hills, from abandoned settlements to picturesque villages, your days in the Hebrides archipelago will be packed with variety. You may explore remote lochs beneath some of Britain's most untamed mountains and wander between unusual rock formations. You may watch for whales, dolphins, otters, seals, and the increasingly rare basking sharks. Possibly, you land at an island reserve home to red deer and white-tailed sea eagles. 

Kayakers will be introduced to their craft and briefed on their adventures before picking up paddles to circumnavigate tiny islets or glide into narrow waterways that intertwine the islands. Hikers may opt for panoramic views from summits and ridges. 

On Staffa, you hope to have the chance to explore Fingals Cave, where the melodious sound of waves crashing against towering basalt pillars inspired Mendelssohn's Hebridean Overture. You may enter the cave in Zodiacs or clamber ashore to walk into the mouth of the cave. On shore, you can also find plenty of Puffins. 

Next, aim for the tiny island of Iona. Barely 5 kilometers (3 miles) long, Iona is renowned as the birthplace of Christianity in Britain. It is also a burial ground of early Scottish Kings. The Irish monk St Columba and his twelve disciples landed here and founded a monastery in 563 CE. St Columba set about converting Scotland and much of Northern England from this base to Christianity. 

You plan to land on the remote Isle of Eigg just south of the rugged Isle of Skye for incredible hikes among stunning wildflowers. Skye is a center of Gaelic culture, and some islanders still speak the language. The wildlife, history, geology, and beautiful scenery make it one of your favorite islands to explore.  

Hope to make the following landings: The Cuillin Hills have earned a reputation as Britain's most untamed and challenging mountains. The rocky, jagged Black Cuillins attract rock climbers. The smoother conical granite peaks of the Red Cuillins are crowned with heather. You may land at Loch Scavaig in the heart of the Cuillins and take a short hike, perhaps to Loch Coruisk, for spectacular views and a glimpse of the range's grandeur. Keener hikers may be able to venture further afield, weather permitting. Meanwhile, kayakers may paddle around Loch Scavaig into Loch Coruisk. They may explore the island of Soay and an abandoned shark fishing station – all against the backdrop of classic views of the Cuillins. 

From the Inner Hebrides, you reach the Outer Hebrides – also known as the Western Isles – that stretch for 209 kilometers (128 miles) and look out on their western side to the Atlantic Ocean. Your first stop is at the Isle of Lewis, the largest and northernmost island in the Outer Hebrides. You plan to stop at Callanais, where archaeology buffs will be keen to see the fascinating group of Standing Stones, dating from around 3,000 BCE.  

Weather permitting, you plan to land at the isolated archipelago (and World Heritage site) of St Kilda, where derelict crofts bear testament to the fortitude of islanders who once tended the unique Soay sheep and harvested seabirds for food—and to pay their rent in the form of wool, meat, and feathers. The isles hold Europe's most important seabird colony and are home to Britain's highest sea stacks (rock columns). 

Orkney's archipelago of 70 windswept islands, 10 kilometers / 6 miles north of the Scottish mainland, a rich tapestry of archaeology, history, and wildlife awaits. You follow the passage of time—from 5,000-year-old World Heritage Neolithic sites, past relics from Vikings, and reminders of World War II occupation—to present-day crofting communities. Imposing sea cliffs teem with seabirds and cliff top paths beckon the keen hikers among you. The kayakers use paddle power to explore sections of Orkney's fascinating coastline.  

At the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray lies the earliest known house in Northern Europe, occupied by Neolithic farmers over 5,000 years ago. Friendly locals welcome you here. Enjoy the lively Scottish dance and folk ensemble, "Poor Man's Corner," hailing from Papa Westray, set to grace the local pub with their spirited tunes. Mingle and enjoy drinks while listening to the captivating melodies and infectious rhythms. 

Britain's most northerly islands lie almost 160 kilometers (99 miles) north of the Scottish mainland, at a similar latitude to the southern tip of Greenland or Bergen in Norway. Kept relatively warm by the Gulf Stream, Shetland's 100 islands experience almost 24 hours of daylight in summer. They abound with nature reserves and archaeological sites and offer a taste of traditional island life. You plan to explore some of the following sites: 

Midway between Orkney and Shetland, Fair Isle houses a major European ornithological research station famous for knitwear and historic shipwrecks. It is surrounded by impressive cliffs, about five kilometers by three kilometers / three miles by two miles in area. The 70 or so islanders mainly live in traditional crofts on the island's more fertile, low-lying southern part. 

Fair Isle is a bird watchers' paradise on the intersection of major flight paths from Scandinavia, Iceland, and Faroe. In summer, the cliffs teem with breeding fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, gannets, shags and puffins. The Isle is an excellent place to view seabirds, especially puffins, at close range. Fair Isle has over 250 flowering plants, including wetland flowers, rare orchids, alpine species, and common wildflowers. The hospitable villagers will welcome you and may take a hike or visit the museum. Grey and common seals inhabit these waters around Fair Isle, while sharp eyes may spot harbor porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, killer whales (orcas), and minke whales. 

Jarlshof is one of Shetland's best-preserved and most complex archaeological sites. It was exposed by storms in the late 19th century. The Old House of Sumburgh, built here in the 17th century, was named 'Jarlshof' by Sir Walter Scott in his novel 'The Pirate.' The record of human occupation dates from around 3,200 BCE. Jarlshof's main Bronze Age site is the house of a bronzesmith working around 800 BC. Clay moulds into which molten bronze was poured revealed that he was casting axe heads and short swords. It seems that Shetland suited early Norse settlers, for they quickly settled here and left their mark on Shetland's history for ages to come. 

With its mile-long seabird cliffs, the Island of Noss is a National Nature Reserve. In breeding season, the sound of around 150,000 birds and chicks fills the air. Millions of years of wind and ice have honeycombed thousands of nesting ledges in sandstone cliffs almost 200 meters / 656 feet high. Resident seals and visiting otters feed in dense kelp around the shores.  

Mousa Broch, on the small uninhabited island of Mousa, is the best preserved of Scotland's 570 brochs (fortified Iron Age towers). Storm petrels nest among its stones, which can be seen when visiting the broch at night. In daylight, a large colony of common and grey seals basks on its shores, and you may spot otters (Dratsi, in Shetland dialect).

Britain's most northerly islands lie almost 160 kilometers (99 miles) north of the Scottish mainland, at a similar 

Discover the rich history of Kirkwall, the capital of the Orkney Islands. Initial impressions are misleading, as the harbor area looks modern. Still, the old town's narrow, winding streets and lanes, which have remained relatively unchanged over the centuries, are appealing. Everything west of Kirkwall is known as West Mainland, an area of rich farmland, rolling hills, and moorland, with dramatic cliffs along the Atlantic coastline. Some of the main archaeological attractions you may see include the Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, and the chambered tombs of Maes Howes, which still have unresolved mysteries to this day. 

You can choose from a selection of shore excursion options that best suit your interests and level of fitness: 

Option 1: Orkney Treasures - Skara Brae (Duration: 4 hours / Level of difficulty: Easy-Moderate) 

Embark on a journey through the serene countryside, venturing into the World Heritage heartland of the Orkneys, celebrated for its abundance of prehistoric archaeology. Traverse past the awe-inspiring Standing Stones of Stenness and pause at the Ring of Brodgar—an immense ceremonial stone circle with roots reaching back nearly 5000 years. Continue your exploration of the ancient village of Skara Brae, a settlement that has withstood the test of time for 5000 years. Delve into its rich history, thoughtfully interpreted at the visitor center, and witness the remarkable dwellings unveiled from beneath the dunes by storms a mere 150 years ago. A short 200-meter stroll leads to Skaill House, a distinguished manor and Orkney's finest. Constructed in 1620 by Bishop George Graham on the grounds of a farmstead believed to date back to the Norse period, Skaill House boasts a 400-year legacy. All 12 of its Lairds throughout history are interconnected, each contributing to the house's storied history and impressive collection. Immerse yourself in the captivating tales and artifacts within the walls of this historic manor, a testament to the enduring heritage of Orkney. 

Option 2: The Heart of Neolithic Orkney (Duration: 3.45 hours / Level of difficulty: Easy-Moderate) 

Pass through the gently rolling landscape and into the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney, an area designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of prehistoric archaeology. Stop at the Ring of Brodgar, a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5000 years. Next, take a short coach journey to marvel at the smaller yet taller and more ancient Standing Stones of Stenness, Europe's oldest known stone circle. Ponder upon its creation and hear of folk tales and traditions inspired by its mysterious and elusive magnificence. Wander to Barnhouse, an ancient Neolithic village and part of Orkney's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk among the houses and learn about the everyday lives of the Neolithic people who built these structures. Pause to appreciate the serene bird hide nestled along Harray Loch, offering a tranquil interlude in nature. Conclude your day with a visit to St Magnus Cathedral, a testament to the Vikings' architectural prowess during their 500-year reign over the islands. This unique tour promises a fresh perspective, unveiling the lesser-explored facets of Orkney's Neolithic legacy and inviting you to connect with its mysterious and enduring history. 

During the early morning, cruise into Aberdeen and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell to your Expedition Team and fellow passengers as you continue your journey. Transfer to Aberdeen airport.

Note: At the conclusion of the voyage, it is recommended that flights depart after 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation be booked in case of delays.