June is an ideal month to visit Scotland, with birds breeding well underway, there are plenty of opportunities for avian enthusiasts. Photographers are in their glory amid the gorgeous scenery and small-group tutorials can help shutterbugs capture the experience at its finest. Board the Ocean Endeavour and enjoy 11 days of contemporary comforts as you explore your way out from Glasgow, through the western isles and the Pentland Firth to Orkney and Shetland. Abundant ecology and spectacular geology beckon adventurers for a closer look!
Highlights
Marvel at western Europe's largest collection of megalithic structures
Appreciate Scotland's picturesque shorelines and maritime heritage
Climb Mousa Broch, an almost-perfectly intact Iron Age fortification
View the largest seabird colony in the United Kingdom at St. Kilda
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
After meeting in Glasgow we’ll depart via coach, and travel onward to Greenock. Greenock has a rich maritime history and was a major shipbuilding and import center. Here, we'll embark and start our journey.
Day 2: Islay
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Explore the renowned Loch Finlaggan Historic Site, tucked away in the enchanting Islay, also known as the Queen of the Hebrides. Immerse yourself in the rich history and heritage of the region. Indulge in the stories of Scottish nobility at the ancient seat of the Lord of the Isles and Clan Donald in the Finlagglan Castle. Delve into its captivating past and marvel at the artifacts on display in the site's museum.
If you’re a Scotch lover (and who isn’t?), take the opportunity to enhance your journey with an optional excursion to the world-renowned whisky distilleries that the island is famous for.
Visit Iona, where St. Columba established his monastery—the burial place of kings. Admire the beautifully restored Iona Abbey complex, which preserves two outstanding crosses dating as far back as the eighth century.
Take a Zodiac cruise at the Isle of Staffa, famed for basaltic formations and numerous caves, the best-known being Fingal’s Cave. See for yourself why it is originally known in Gaelic as “the melodious cave” and provided the inspiration for Mendelssohn’s overture, The Hebrides.
Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or birder, you will love a visit to Skye. Cruise the southwestern shore of this large island keeping a keen eye out for species like common sandpiper, oystercatcher, gannets, and razorbills. Delight in the opportunity to witness these remarkable creatures in their natural environment and add unique sightings to your birdwatching list.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Skye's mountainous landscapes and choose the level of activity that suits you best for a walk, hike, or trek among the awe-inspiring Cuillin Hills, one of Britain's finest mountaincapes.
The archipelago known as St. Kilda was inhabited until 1930. Today, St. Kilda is a World Heritage Site, protecting fascinating ruins as well as natural heritage features.
Seabirds thrive on the island of Hirta—notably, puffins, fulmars, and the largest gannet colony in Britain (and the second-largest in the world). Hirta is also home to feral sheep left by the departing islanders. Enormous cliffs offer dramatic ocean views for our hikers!
Visit Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, a Gaelic stronghold and the capital of the largest of the Hebrides. Browse charming shops to purchase the island’s famous tweed.
Meander through one of Britain’s most important Stone Age sites, Callanish’s standing stones, which are said to be giants who were punished by St. Kieran for refusing to convert to Christianity.
Experience the living history at Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, where you can learn about a typical crofting township of the last century. Explore the blackhouses and traditional activities, including the weaving of the famous Harris Tweed.
Discover Dun Carloway Broch, a uniquely Scottish site perched on a rocky mound. See this ancient structure, standing at an impressive nine meters tall.
Explore the rugged coastline and spot flourishing marine and bird life among Papa Stour’s cliffs, caves, sea stacks, and blowholes on a Zodiac cruise. Call in at sweet and petite Foula, twenty-three kilometers west of the Shetland Islands, home to just a few dozen folks, many of whom preserve traditional methods of agriculture and subsistence.
Keep an eye out for the Arctic terns, red-throated divers, and great skuas that may be found here.
Day 9: Fair Isle
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Journey to charming Fair Isle, once a Viking hub and now an idyllic island colony of artists and shepherds. Keep your binoculars handy to spot some of the 350 bird species that the island boasts, including puffins and great skuas in substantial numbers.
Take a tour of the local museum, dedicated to preserving the island's heritage.
Day 10: Kirkwall, Orkney
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Wander through the stone walls of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll find the 4,000-year-old Ring of Brodgar. Tour the Hall of Clestrain, the childhood home of Arctic explorer John Rae. In Kirkwall, let yourself be captivated by the city’s sights, dominated by the massive St. Magnus Cathedral dating back to 1137.
Experience its lively pubs, vibrant music scene, fabulous shopping opportunities, and thriving artisan community. Step back 5,000 years to the Neolithic village of Skara Brae. Considered one of the most important Neolithic ruins in Europe today, wander the well-preserved stone houses and learn what daily life was like here.
Day 11: Aberdeen, Scotland | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Complete your journey by disembarking in Aberdeen. Many of the historic stone buildings here are made of locally quarried granite; high in mica, they can sparkle like silver. The city is also famed for its forty-five parks, gardens, and floral displays.
Say your farewells in this modern city that retains its old-world charm.
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.
$7,3952-3 travelers
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Quadruple - Category 1
Deck four: Interior cabin, four lower berths, private bath (separate shower room and powder room) - approx. 240 sq. ft.
Triple - Category 2
Deck four: Interior cabin, three lower berths, two private baths - approx. 200 sq. ft.
Interior Twin - Category 3
Deck five: Interior cabin, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 125 sq. ft. (twin)/110 sq. ft. (single)
Exterior Twin - Category 4
Deck four: Porthole window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 100 sq. ft. (twin)/90 sq. ft. (single)
Main Twin - Category 5
Deck five: Picture window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 115 sq. ft.
Deck seven. Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view, matrimonial bed, private bath with full tub, refrigerator - approx. 310 sq. ft.
Notes
We have a limited quantity of cabins in category 3 through to category 7 with no single supplement!
Once these cabins are sold, the single supplement fee (in order to secure a cabin to yourself) is 1.5 times the berth cost
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin 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.
- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the double occupancy rate.
Initial deposit is $2000, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. Accepts client cards for deposit only. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
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
Contribution to Adventure Canada's Discovery Fund
Complimentary Expedition Jacket
Pre-departure materials
Educational program
Applicable taxes and credit card fees
Guided activities
Sightseeing and community visits
Photo Equipment Trial Program
Interactive workshops
Evening entertainment
All shipboard meals
All port fees
Special access permits, entry, and park fees
Expert expedition team
All Zodiac excursions
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
It is mandatory to have emergency evacuation and medical insurance to travel with Adventure Canada. It is recommended to obtain a basic minimum coverage of $500,000 on all cruises.
Commercial and charter flights
Program enhancements/optional excursions (Must be pre-booked)
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 254 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 254 reviews on
2 days ago
The holiday of a lifetime. The company is Alaksa-owned and thhat makes a big difference to the experineces you get i.e. meet genuine First Nations tribes people. The amount of wildlife was beyond my expectation, and seeing everything on sucha small, intimate boat made it even more spoecial and unique.
Liz O
2 days ago
Adventure Life covered all the details in planning our trip to Ireland. Any questions we had were answered immediately. Any trip glitches, which always happen when traveling, were resolved immediately. There were no worries, just fun!
Kathleen Weller
2 days ago
It was an outstanding, up-close, educational vacation of nature, culture, history, animals and geology! It was everything they promised! Binoculars were plentiful on the boat, but I'm glad I brought my own. Food was excellent. Rooms had black-out shades. Pack/wear multiple layers of clothing (I carried a small backpack when off the ship). Crew were delightful and very accommodating! Remember to jump FEET FIRST first when taking the optional polar plunge! Spend as much time outdoors as you are able and ENJOY!!!
Janet Dutton
1 week ago
Excellent travel advice and service
This is my second experience working with Adventure Life. I’m sold. Jess Heuermann is an experienced traveler and provides a lot of useful information when planning a trip. These are the questions I like to ask at the outset - What’s it like to go here, there, what would you suggest, what do people report, can we add any additional side trips? Jess took the time to answer my questions and seek additional information to share with me. Petchie Colina is outstanding in helping with travel logistics and final preparations. Adventure Life has excellent guides and offers private guides and small group adventures. We enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the guides and drivers to learn more about their countries, cultures and histories. A highlight was having the guides pick local restaurants where we could share meals together. Highly recommend.
Claire Cordon
1 week ago
Our six-day tour in Iceland went smoothly with one exception. We had asked for two rooms each night. Somehow we were booked with one room with three beds. It could not be fixed at the first hotel in Reykjavik because the hotel was fully booked. Once informed of the problem, however, Adventure Life rebooked for two rooms for the remainder of the trip. As an 85-year-old traveler, I appreciated that one could participate at different physical levels at many of the stops. Iceland is a great place to visit but on the expensive side.