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
The bustling metropolis of Glasgow is the economic engine of Scotland—and an architectural delight. After a walking tour, depart via coach, and travel onward to Greenock. Originally a small fishing community, Greenock grew with industrialization and boasts the site of the first dock on the River Clyde. The community has a rich maritime history and was a major shipbuilding and import center. Here, board the Ocean Endeavour, home for the next ten nights.
The Queen of the Hebrides, Islay is the southernmost of the Inner Hebrides. This island lies only forty kilometres from the Irish coast. Islay is a haven for seabirds, thanks to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream.
Islay is world-famous for fine whisky, thanks to clear waters, fine peat and barley. The capital of Islay is Bowmore, known for its distilleries and is home of the Bowmore Round Kirk.
The isle of Staffa is famed for basaltic formations and numerous caves. The best known of these is Fingal’s Cave, a spectacular geological feature named for the Celtic hero. Originally known in Gaelic as “the melodious cave”, it provided the inspiration for Mendelssohn’s overture, The Hebrides.
St. Columba established his monastery at nearby Iona—the burial place of kings. The restored Iona Abbey complex preserves two outstanding eighth-century crosses and a splendid collection of sculpture.
This is a fabulous day for birders, photographers, and hikers. En route to the Isle of Skye, sail by the cliffs at Lunga, where razorbills, guillemots, and puffins make their nests.
Cruise the southwestern shore of Skye to visit Loch Coruisk, a freshwater loch accessed through Loch Scavaig. Here find one of the finest mountainscapes in Britain, backed by the Cullin Mountains. Hike the western shore and revel in the view.
At times referred to as the Long Isle or the Western Isles, the Outer Hebrides are a fantastic collection of over 100 islands 70km off Scotland’s west coast. Known today as a leader in renewable energy and a Gaelic stronghold, The Outer Hebrides have a colorful history. Here you'll find the oldest evidence of human habitation in Scotland with Pictish, Norse, and Scots influence. Search for rich marine and birdlife of the islands as conditions permit.
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!
Lewis is the largest of the Hebridean Islands and a Gaelic stronghold. Harris Tweed has its headquarters on Lewis. Its product is hand woven exclusively in the Outer Hebrides by weavers working at home. We’ll visit Stornoway, the island’s capital.
On the west side of Lewis is Callanish, one of Britain’s most important Stone Age sites. Callanish’s standing stones are said to be giants who were punished by St. Kieran for refusing to convert to Christianity.
Your morning begins with the Old Man of Hoy, a distinctive 137-metre red sandstone sea stack. Visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, find the 4,000-year-old Ring of Brodgar and Maes Howe, a chambered cairn estimated to have been constructed around 2700 BC.
Marine and bird life flourish at Papa Stour among cliffs, caves, sea stacks, and blowholes. There are numerous Neolithic burial sites, as well as Norse Ruins.
Twenty-three kilometres west of the Shetland Islands, Foula is the most remote inhabited island in the UK. Here, a few dozen folk make their homes, many preserving traditional methods of agriculture and subsistence. Arctic terns, red-throated divers, and great skuas may be found here.
Scotland’s northeast coast features seaside towns, rolling fields, stunning coastlines and countless historic points of interest. The gentle landscape makes it perfect for walking and exploring by foot. Spend the day exploring the vibrant region outside of Aberdeen.
Day 11: Aberdeen, Scotland | Disembark
1 Breakfast
The Ocean Endeavour arrives in Aberdeen in the morning. You may choose to extend your stay in Scotland, take part in one of your optional extensions, or make your way home from here.
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.
$6,395
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Quadruple - Category 1
Deck four: Interior cabin, four lower berths, private bath (separate shower room and powder room) - approx. 240 sq. ft.
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Triple - Category 2
Deck four: Interior cabin, three lower berths, two private baths - approx. 200 sq. ft.
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Interior Twin - Category 3
Deck five: Interior cabin, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 125 sq. ft. (twin)/110 sq. ft. (single)
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Exterior Twin - Category 4
Deck four: Porthole window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 100 sq. ft. (twin)/90 sq. ft. (single)
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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
Expedition Costs Include:
Passage aboard the Ocean Endeavour
Applicable taxes and Credit card fees
Complimentary Expedition jacket
Contribution to Adventure Canada's Discovery Fund
Special access permits, entry and park fees *Team of expedition staff
Guided activities
Sightseeing and community visits
All Zodiac excursions
Port fees
Pre-departure materials
Educational program
Nikon Camera Trial Program
Interactive workshops
Evening entertainment
All shipboard meals
Expedition Cost Does Not Include:
Commercial & charter flights
Program Enhancements/optional excursions
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
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. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
