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Scottish Islands Explorer

From £6,399
Duration 11 Days
Departures from: May 2026 - May 2026
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From £6,399
Duration 11 Days
Departures from: May 2026 - May 2026

Tour Overview

Set sail on an unforgettable adventure around Scotland's most remote and breathtaking islands. We'll journey from Glasgow to the untamed beauty of the Inner Hebrides, where puffins nest on rugged cliffs and ancient abbeys whisper stories of centuries past. We'll reach the legendary St Kilda archipelago, one of the UK's most isolated spots, where we'll explore abandoned villages and witness the world's largest northern gannet colony at towering Stac Lee. As we sail north to Thurso and beyond, every day brings new wonders: dramatic sea stacks, charming island communities, and wildlife encounters you'll treasure forever. The Orkney and Shetland Islands reveal their secrets as we explore Viking settlements, 5,000-year-old archaeological sites at Skara Brae, and Britain's most northerly points. From zodiac landings on tiny Papa Stour (population of just 15 people!) to guided walks through spectacular nature reserves, this is Scotland at its most wild and wonderful. With expert guides, comfortable expedition ship accommodation, and a group of fellow adventurers by your side, you can expect this journey to be full of incredible moments to share and treasure forever.

Your Tour Includes

  • Just You Holiday Director as your host, Specialist Local Guide and Expedition Guides
  • 1 night in a 4 star hotel, 9 nights onboard the G Adventures Expedition Ship in a main deck porthole cabin
  • A guaranteed twin or double room of your own
  • 28 meals: 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 10 dinners including welcome dinner
  • Transportation as described

Included Tour Highlights

  • 9 nights onboard G Adventures Expedition Ship, sailing the Scottish Islands
  • Visit a puffin colony on the Isle of Lunga
  • Guided tour of the Isle of Iona in the Inner Hebrides
  • Sail to the St Kilda Archipelago and visit Hirta and Stac Lee
  • Explore the Orkney Islands
  • 3 days exploring the landscapes, wildlife and Viking heritage of the Shetland Islands
  • Zodiac excursions led by expert Expedition guides
  • Fascination program of educational lectures

Tour Itinerary

Arrive in Glasgow

Day 1 Arrive in Glasgow

Welcome to Scotland! Make your own way to Glasgow and check in to your hotel close to Glasgow Central station for a one-night stay. This evening, you'll meet your fellow adventurers over a warm welcome dinner and drinks. The journey begins here... Meals included: D
Board the Expedition Ship

Day 2 Board the Expedition Ship

After breakfast, we'll transfer by coach to Greenock. You'll have free time to grab lunch before boarding the Expedition Ship later this afternoon. Settle into your cabin, explore the deck, and join us for a welcome dinner as we prepare to set sail. Meals included: B,D
Sail to Inner Hebrides

Day 3 Sail to Inner Hebrides

Get ready for your first wildlife encounter! We'll start at the Isle of Lunga, part of the Treshnish Isles, where you'll discover one of Scotland's largest puffin colonies. The landscape here is beautifully wild and rugged with no man-made facilities in sight. After a thrilling Zodiac cruise near the cliffs, we'll land on the island and walk up the hillside to get wonderfully close to these charming birds. Next, we'll head to the Isle of Iona, known as the 'cradle of Christianity.' This peaceful island is home to the famous Iona Abbey, and you'll explore it on a guided tour, stepping back through centuries of Scotland's rich spiritual history. Meals included: B,L,D
Inner Hebrides to St Kilda Archipelago

Day 4 Inner Hebrides to St Kilda Archipelago

Today brings something truly special. We'll sail to Hirta, the largest island of the remote St Kilda archipelago. We'll visit the haunting remains of the village and church, learning about the last islanders who were evacuated in 1930 after years of resilient living in this isolated place. Then prepare to be amazed as we cruise along the coast of the islands here to Stac Lee, the tallest sea stack in Britain. This towering rock is home to part of the world's largest colony of northern gannets, and the views across the archipelago are simply breathtaking. Meals included: B,L,D
St Kilda Archipelago to Thurso

Day 5 St Kilda Archipelago to Thurso

The dramatic cliffs of Scotland's north coast await! At Duncansby Head and Dunnet Head, keep your eyes peeled for puffins, fulmars, and guillemots soaring above the waves. Later, we'll arrive in Thurso, the northernmost town on mainland Scotland. Here you can choose your own adventure: visit the North Coast Visitor Centre, tour the Wolfburn Distillery, explore the ruins of Thurso Castle, or simply enjoy a bracing walk along the beach. This charming town is surrounded by landscapes that'll take your breath away. Meals included: B,L,D
Orkney Islands

Day 6 Orkney Islands

Today brings island hopping at its finest. We'll head to Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay, part of the Orkney Islands, where you'll experience tight-knit communities, ancient history, abundant wildlife, and stunning coastal views. Landing by zodiac on Papa Westray, we'll explore on foot, spotting puffins and seals along the way. You might even visit the oldest surviving house in Northern Europe! Later on North Ronaldsay, choose between the island's lighthouse, the Bird Observatory, or discovering how traditional farming still shapes island life today. Meals included: B,L,D
- 9 Shetland Islands

Days 7 - 9 Shetland Islands

We'll sail on to the Shetland Islands for three incredible days, where dramatic landscapes meet rich Viking heritage. Over the next few days, we'll visit different islands across this remarkable archipelago. We’ll explore Foula, perfect for hiking to spectacular bird cliffs, and tiny Papa Stour with its population of just 15 people. On Unst, Britain's most northerly inhabited island, you'll visit the Hermaness National Nature Reserve with a local guide, experiencing stunning views, dramatic clifftop walks, and abundant birdlife that'll stay with you long after you return home. In Lerwick, we'll step back over 4,000 years as we tour the extraordinary archaeological sites of Jarlshof and Scatness, both revealing fascinating Viking settlements. Meals included: B,L,D
Orkney Islands & Kirkwall

Day 10 Orkney Islands & Kirkwall

As we sail south, we’ll pass back through the Orkney Islands and stop to visit Kirkwall where a group of 5,000-year-old sites reside. We’ll enjoy a tour by bus of the 'Heart of Neolithic Orkney' including the remarkably preserved village of Skara Brae. Standing where people lived millennia ago is an unforgettable experience. Meals included: B,L,D
Disembark at Port of Leith

Day 11 Disembark at Port of Leith

Shortly after breakfast, we'll disembark at the Port of Leith. An included transfer will be available for anyone travelling to Edinburgh airport. If you're travelling to Edinburgh train station or into the city, you'll be able to make your arrangements on board for transfers from the ship. As you continue your journey, you'll carry memories of Scotland's wild islands with you... Meals included: B

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

voco Grand Central Hotel

voco Grand Central is located at the very heart of the city, directly adjoining Glasgow Central station, occupying one of the city’s most historic and impressive buildings. The hotel features a Champagne bar and a restaurant. Rooms include air-conditioning, free WiFi, TV and tea & coffee-making facilities

voco Grand Central is located at the very heart of the city, directly adjoining Glasgow Central station, occupying one of the city’s most historic and impressive buildings. The hotel features a Champagne bar and a restaurant. Rooms include air-conditioning, free WiFi, TV and tea & coffee-making facilities

Expedition

The Expedition has been recently upgraded with new engines, renovated cabin washrooms, and refreshed public spaces. Its enhanced fuel efficiency supports our drive to reduce our environmental footprint. Onboard facilities include a recently-expanded lounge, barbecue facilities, two jacuzzis, a gym, library, lounge & dining areas, on-board boutique gift shop and observation and sun decks - all offering plenty of ways for travellers to relax, recharge, and connect between landings. The ship has an Ice Class 1A hull for safer navigation in ice-laden waters. There is a passenger capacity of just 128 with a 10:1 guest-to-expert ratio offering more one-on-one time with naturalists, guides, and expedition crew. All cabins are ensuite with exterior views (window or porthole) and your holiday price is based on a main deck porthole cabin.

The Expedition has been recently upgraded with new engines, renovated cabin washrooms, and refreshed public spaces. Its enhanced fuel efficiency supports our drive to reduce our environmental footprint. Onboard facilities include a recently-expanded lounge, barbecue facilities, two jacuzzis, a gym, library, lounge & dining areas, on-board boutique gift shop and observation and sun decks - all offering plenty of ways for travellers to relax, recharge, and connect between landings. The ship has an Ice Class 1A hull for safer navigation in ice-laden waters. There is a passenger capacity of just 128 with a 10:1 guest-to-expert ratio offering more one-on-one time with naturalists, guides, and expedition crew. All cabins are ensuite with exterior views (window or porthole) and your holiday price is based on a main deck porthole cabin.

Further Information

Deposit information

When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount;

  • UK Holidays - £150 per person
  • European Holidays - £200 per person
  • Worldwide Holidays - £400 per person
  • Ocean and River Cruise - £400 per person


On some holidays we may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking.

If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book.

Our cancellation policy

If you decide to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us (or your travel agent) in writing, as soon as possible. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.

  • More than 75 days before departure - Loss of deposit only
  • 43 - 74 days - 50% of tour price
  • 29 - 42 days - 75% of tour price
  • 15 - 28 days - 90% of tour price
  • Day of Departure - 14 days - 100% of tour price

Our full cancellation policy can be found in our booking terms and conditions, section 8.

How do I find out Entry and Health Requirements for my holiday?

We have partnered with Sherpa, an on-line self service tool that allows you to search up-to-date information regarding travel entry requirements for all countries and also allows you to apply for eVisas or eTAs via their on-line portal. Just click on this link to find out more – Travel requirement & Visa Service.

You can also refer to the Foreign Travel Advice section on the gov.uk website: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Click on your destination and then click on 'Entry Requirements'. For Health Requirements, the Department of Health also offers travellers health advice on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, click on country information to locate your destination.

It is important to remember that passport, visa and health requirements can change before departure; therefore, we recommend you regularly familiarise yourself with the latest requirements before you travel. If you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements, we are unable to accept any responsibility.

For some destinations, it is not always discernable that a visa is required for entry at the border.  For example, for some customers, to travel to the United States, an ESTA may be required. For Canada, an ETA and to India, an e-visa may be needed. Please do check your requirements to avoid any unnecessary cost and delays.

 

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