The Scottish Isles: An Expedition Through History & Highlands

Duration

10 days

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Climb aboard for an unforgettable expedition through the wild, windswept Isles of Scotland. Starting near Glasgow, you’ll sail along the rugged northeast and northwest coasts, weaving through some of Europe’s most enchanting and remote islands before wrapping up in historic Edinburgh.

Includes

Activities

9 nts aboard the Expedition
Arrival transfer
Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team
Lectures and educational programs
Insulated, waterproof boots supplied for USA sizes 4 - 16
Expedition parka

Accommodation

Aboard the Expedition in triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 9 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.

9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Transport

Expedition, Zodiac, private vehicle, walking.

Group Leader

One expedition team member per 10 guests.

Highlights

Cruise by Zodiac through iconic highlights of the Scottish Isles
Spot seabirds and other wildlife along remote coastlines
Step into the past at charming villages and ancient sites in the Hebrides and beyond
Gain insight through onboard lectures and expert-led briefings
Sail past mist-shrouded islands and uncover the legends that bring them to life

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Expedition, Zodiac, private vehicle, walking.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Glasgow, United Kingdom

Finishes

Leith, United Kingdom

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

River Cruising, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Glasgow/Troon

Embark aboard the Expedition in the afternoon and depart Troon in the late afternoon. Arrival transfer included.
Please make sure you drop your checked luggage off at the meeting point between 9am - 12pm. A local representative will be in the luggage storage room. They can provide general information about the town or your embarkation process.

All passengers will be transferred to the ship as a group for embarkation at 4pm. Please ensure that for embarkation you have your passport accessible (not in your luggage which is being transferred separately to the ship).

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Locate the G representative for your included arrival transfer.Activity - In the afternoon, join your fellow passengers to take your group transfer and begin your journey on the Expedition. Please refer to your welcome letter or the joining instructions posted in the lobby of the start hotel. Make sure you have your passport handy as you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 2: Troon/Hebrides

Sail to the Isle of Lunga, which is part of the Treshnish Isles and known for its diverse wildlife, especially its large breeding colony of puffins. The landscape offers a rugged and wild experience with no man-made facilities. The perfect destination for an immersion into nature. Half the group will start with the zodiac cruise near the cliffs and the other will walk up the hillside to where the puffins are, then the groups will switch. Then, travel to the Isle of Iona, known as the “cradle of Christianity” home to the famous Iona Abbey, and an ideal place to learn more about Scotland's rich history. Visit the Abbey on a guided tour and see for yourself.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather and ice conditions. Transport - Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Day 3: Hebrides/St. Kilda Archipelago

The ship will sail to Hirta, the largest and most hospitable island of the St Kilda archipelago. You'll stop here briefly for a visit to the remains of the village and church, where you will learn about the last Hiortans who were evacuated from here in 1930 after years of struggling to live on the island. Cruise along the coast of the islands here and pay a visit to the tallest sea stack in Britain, known as Stac Lee. Home to northern gannets and other bird species, Stac Lee offers stunning views of the surrounding archipelago and ocean.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather conditions.Transport - Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Day 4: St. Kilda Archipelago/Thurso

Search the dramatic cliffs at Duncansby Head and Dunnet Head for puffins, fulmars, and Guillemot. Visit Thurso today, the northernmost town on the mainland of Scotland. During your stop here, there are plenty of options to choose from including, the Caithness Horizons Museum, the Wolfburn Distillery, and the ruins of Thurso Castle. Enjoy the charm of this town surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather conditions.Transport - Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Day 5: Orkney Islands

Today the ship will head to Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay, part of the Orkney Islands, where there is a distinct sense of community, ancient sites, diverse wildlife and stunning coastal scenery. The first stop is able to be explored by foot or bike. Look out for puffins, seals, and other birdlife, and perhaps visit the oldest surviving house in Northern Europe. FInish up in North Ronaldsay, an excellent spot for stargazing. Choose to visit the island's lighthouse, the North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory, or learn how traditional farming practices contribute to its community's unique character.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.Activity - Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather conditions.

Day 6-8: Shetland Islands

Sail to the Shetland Islands where dramatic landscapes, rich Viking heritage, diverse wildlife, and unique cultural traditions await. Over the course of the next three days the ship will visit different parts of the islands like Foula, Papa Stour with its population of 15 people, Hermaness National Nature Reserve, and Lerwick. Spend the days searching for wildlife and seeing ancient Viking settlement sites as you delve deeper into the history of the Shetland Islands.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather conditions.Transport - Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Day 9: Kirkwall/Orkney Islands

Pass back through the Orkney Islands and stop to visit Kirkwall, the ‘Heart of Neolitic Orkney' where a group of 5,000-year-old sites reside. Enjoy time to explore on land and perhaps see Skara Brae.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Jump into a Zodiac, and head out to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife. The expert Expedition staff will teach the group about the flora and fauna along the way. This activity depends on weather conditions.Transport - Not too big, not too little, our 128-passenger polar expedition ship is just right.

Day 10: Edinburgh/Leith

Shortly after breakfast, disembark at the Port of Leith. From here, you will need to transfer to Edinburgh Airport for your departing flight.
For guests departing on disembarkation day, G Adventures will provide a complimentary transfer at 8:00am to Edinburgh International Airport from the port.

For guests who are planning on staying in Edinburgh post trip, taxis will be available for hire at the port to transfer them to their accommodations.

All transfer arrangements will be confirmed while on board prior to departure, to ensure that all needs are met.

Please do not book onward travel prior to 12:00pm.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $8349

AUD $4,591

(Tour only)

Offer ends 14 Apr, 2026 Per Person Twin

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type:

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 28 Apr 2026

View Map

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

Book Now