Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard National Geographic Endurance to explore Scotland's Wild Isles. Navigate the Shetland and Orkney Islands, uncovering Viking heritage, Neolithic ruins, and ancient brochs. Traverse the Isle of Skye's rugged coastline, known for dramatic sea cliffs, fishing villages, and medieval castles. Stroll through the renowned and picturesque Inverewe Gardens in Loch Ewe while keeping an eye out for the "Scottish Big Five": the red squirrel, red deer, otter, seal, and golden eagle. Explore Scapa Flow’s naval history and walk the streets of Kirkwall. Visit Rathlin Island to observe vast seabird colonies and the rare “upside down lighthouse.” Engage in guided hikes and Zodiac excursions, delving into the region's rich history and natural beauty.
Highlights
Explore Scotland's Wild Isles on a dynamic coastal expedition cruise
Discover ancient stone brochs with expert guides in the Northern Isles
Hike trails across remote isles and engage with dramatic landscapes
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.
Arrive in Dublin and transfer from the airport to the city center. The city offers a rich historical atmosphere, with medieval castles, cathedrals, and the historic Trinity College, one of Europe’s oldest universities. Explore Dublin independently before boarding the ship later in the day.
Start your expedition on Rathlin Island, home to Northern Ireland’s largest puffin colony, located on steep seaside cliffs. The island hosts thousands of seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and fulmars. Take the shuttle to the cliffs and the Rathlin West Light, known as the “upside down lighthouse,” built between 1912 and 1917. From this vantage point, observe seabirds nesting on the cliffs. Afterward, hike along a country lane back to the harbor, experiencing the rhythms of island life.
Sail through the Sea of the Hebrides to the Isle of Skye, known for its rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages, and medieval castles. Enjoy an expedition day along its coast, exploring inlets and villages that this region is known for—and possibly a wee dram of the local libations. The next day, move further up the coast to Loch Ewe, inhabited over the centuries by crofting villages and used as a gathering point for maritime trade and military convoys. Today, one of the best-known highlights of the Loch is Inverewe Gardens, initially curated by a private landowner and currently looked after by the National Trust of Scotland. Enjoy a relaxed morning amongst the gardeners tending the early-season beds, while keeping an eye out for the Scottish Big Five of red squirrel, red deer, otter, seal, and golden eagle that call this area of the world home.
Rounding the northernmost region of the United Kingdom, spend the next three days winding your way south through the Shetland and Orkney Islands. The Shetland Islands are comprised of 16 individual islands and offer the chance to delve into their Viking and Norwegian roots, as well as their farming culture on the edge of the ocean.
The Orkney Islands offer their highlights, including the capital of Kirkwall and the famed harbor of Scapa Flow. Your expedition team will make the most of these days by calling at remote piers and beaches by Zodiac. Explore ancient brochs overlooking the North Sea and hike across island trails.
Day 8: Edinburgh | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark in Edinburgh after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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.
$8,111
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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Category 1
Located on the Fore Deck. 183 square ft room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 2
Located on the Fore Deck. 205 square ft. room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers.
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Category 3
Located on the Main Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 4
Located on the Lounge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 5
Located on the Bridge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 6
Located on the Bridge Deck. 344 square ft suite with large balcony, sofa bed, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category 7
Located on the Bridge Deck. 430 square ft. suite with large balcony, sofa bed, bathtub, walk-in closet, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category A Solo
Located on the Main Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
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Category B Solo
Located on the Lounge Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet)
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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