Jewels of Scotland - Expedition cruise

Day 1: Welcome Aboard

Arrive at Dublin airport where your private transfer awaits you in the arrival hall. Your driver will bring you to the port ready for embarkation. In the afternoon, settle into your cabin and toast your departure into the Irish Sea as we set a course for Antrim. Before dinner your captain welcomes you with a welcome reception.

Day 2: Portrush – Antrim Coast

After breakfast you explore the area around Portrush. Portrush is one of Ireland’s premier seaside resort towns, sitting on the breath-taking Antrim Coast. Bizarre geological happenstance has created this spectacular coastline, home to landmarks such as Dunluce Castle (made famous by hit show Game of Thrones) and the storied stones of the Giant’s Causeway, indisputably the most famous geological site on the island of Ireland. In the afternoon, we will visit nearby Rathlin Island, home to some of Ireland’s largest seabird colonies. On zodiacs, we will be only passing the island to not disturb the colonies.

Day 3: St Kilda

Britain’s remotest archipelago, St Kilda is Britain’s only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed for both its human and natural wonders. We drop anchor in the bay overlooking the Village – a unique settlement often compared to Macchu Picchu, entirely built from stone by the islanders who once called this island home. Windswept, rugged and difficult to farm, the locals of St Kilda left for less difficult lands in 1930, leaving the island to the vast colonies of seabirds and tiny ancient Soay sheep which were once the islanders’ main source of food. Ashore you have some time to wander and soak in this magnificent landscape. In the afternoon you will be going on zodiacs to get close to some surrounding islands.

Day 4: Tobermory – Isle Of Mull

Easily one of Britain’s most picturesque towns, Tobermory is the ‘capital’ of the Isle of Mull and positively oozes Scottishness, from the Tobermory Distillery on the harbourfront to the golden eagles which frequent the crags above town. Colourful buildings line the harbour, a mix of cozy cafes, welcoming pubs, and boutique galleries selling gorgeous local artworks. Situated between the Sound of Mull and the island’s rugged interior, Tobermory is the ideal jumping-off point to explore this island gem. You will be able to go ashore and explore the beautiful town, before the ship set sail again.

Day 5: Kirkwall – Orkney

After breakfast you have arrived in the capital and largest town of the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall’s narrow streets beckon visitors to explore the town’s deep Scottish and Norse heritage. Highlights include the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral and the Highland Park distillery – Scotland’s northernmost whisky producer. However the islands’ history stretches back much further to the Neolithic. Sites such as Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar are among the best preserved on Earth, bearing witness to 5,000 years of history; these are inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Neolithic Heart of Orkney.

Day 6: Invergordon – Loch Ness

Sitting in the calm Firth of Cromarty, Invergordon is a port town serving the North Sea oil industry and the nearby city of Inverness. The area is synonymous with the famous nearby Loch Ness, and of course its legendary monster. Make sure to bring your binoculars for a day of exploring these mythical lands! Back onboard, join the captain’s farewell reception, enjoy your last dinner, relax in the ships bar and reflect on your unforgettable holiday.

Day 7: Aberdeen – Goodbye

On the final day of our expedition, the ship arrives in the heart of the Granite City. After a fond farewell to the Officers and Crew, step onto the granite stones of Scotland’s most important port city, the ideal place to head back home with treasured Scottish memories, or as a jumping-off point to explore the wonders of the Scottish Highlands. A shared transfer will take you to the airport.