Discover the wild isles of Scotland, from the windswept Hebrides, inhabited for over 8,000 years, to the verdant Orkney Islands, where ancient Neolithic and Viking sites conjure images of civilisations long gone. Visit charming villages, meet the friendly locals and maybe even sample a wee dram of Scotland’s finest.

Your ship, the Greg Mortimer: Aurora Expeditions ships feature the streamlined Ulstein X-BOW, which cuts through the swell so you feel fewer vibrations and disturbances, making a quicker transits through waves. The ships carry 15 zodiacs, which you can board via four dedicated, sea-level launching platforms. The Greg Mortimer vessel accommodates an average of 132 expeditioners per voyage within 76 cosy, comfortable cabins – all cabins have a view of the ocean and 85% of cabins have their own balcony. The ship also features a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, zodiac launching platforms, a restaurant serving excellent meals, a gym and wellness centre, jacuzzis, a mudroom and many other amenities.

Sylvia Earle: The Sylvia Earle is a comfortable base camp for adventure. Carrying a maximum of 130 expeditioners, our aim is to get you off the ship so you can experience the natural environment as much as possible in smaller, more intimate groups. A floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet, the ship pays tribute to marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle and includes a fully equipped Citizen Science Center, expert lecturers and a participative Citizen Science Program, our aim is to enrich your knowledge and connection to the places we travel to onboard the Sylvia Earle.


  • Summary

    Duration

    12 days/11 nights from USD US$12,295*

    Countries

    United Kingdom, Scotland

    Type of Journey

    Cruise, Active, Wildlife
  • Departure Dates

    2025
    18 May
    2026
    7, 26 May
  • What's Included

    Tour Includes

    • Cruise journey
    • 1 night accommodation in Edinburgh including breakfast
    • 10 nights’ accommodation onboard in your category of choice
    • All meals (B, L, D), snacks, coffee, and tea onboard
    • Beer, house wine, and soft drinks with dinner onboard
    • Shared transfers as per the itinerary
    • Shared Edinburgh tour
    • Shared shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
    • Shared educational lectures and guiding services by the Expedition team
    • Complimentary access to the doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
    • 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket
    • Complimentary use of muck boots
    • Port surcharges, permits, and landing fees
    • Wi-Fi (subject to satellite availability)

    Not Included

    • Optional activities and excursions

  • Gratuity

    • A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.

  • Pricing

    Description Twin
    USD
    Single
    USD
    Extra
    USD

    2025
    18 May
    Aurora Stateroom Twin Share
    Balcony Stateroom C
    Balcony Stateroom B
    Balcony Stateroom A
    Balcony Stateroom Superior



    12295
    13395
    14095
    15095
    16495

    2026
    17 May, Greg Mortimer
    Aurora Stateroom
    Balcony Stateroom C
    Balcony Stateroom A
    Junior Suite
    26 May, Sylvia Earle
    Aurora Superior Stateroom
    Balcony Stateroom C
    Balcony Stateroom A
    Junior Suite



    13995
    15195
    17195
    23595

    14795
    15195
    17095
    23495

    Please note: while prices are accurate at time of loading they are subject to change due to currency fluctuations and currency surcharges may apply. Please check price at time of booking
  • Itinerary

    Day 1: Edinburgh
    On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. At the hotel you will receive important information about your itinerary. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

    Day 2: Edinburgh > Troon
    Edinburgh awaits this morning as your local guide welcomes you with stories of Scotland’s capital city. Stretching just over one mile, five cobblestoned streets make up the walking precinct of the Royal Mile. Starting at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, step back in time to hear tales of princes, poets, and politicians as we stroll past some of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings including the Church of Canongate and Scotland’s own parliament house.

    Perched atop an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle dominates the capital city’s skyline just as it has dominated Scotland’s long and colourful history. This instantly recognisable fortress is a powerful national symbol, and part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. Note: this tour does not include entry to the castle.

    Later, you’ll have time to explore the Royal Mile before taking a 2 hour transfer to the west port of Troon where you will board your ship.

    Days 3-4: Inner Hebrides
    From golden beaches to jagged peaks, bleak moors and heather clad hills; from abandoned settlements to picturesque villages, your days in the Hebrides archipelago will be packed with variety. Explore remote lochs beneath some of Britain’s most untamed mountains and wander between unusual rock formations. You may watch for whales, dolphins, otters, seals, and the increasingly rare basking sharks. Possibly land at an island reserve that is home to red deer and white-tailed sea eagles.

    Kayakers will be introduced to their craft and will be briefed for their adventures, before picking up paddles to circumnavigate tiny islets or glide into narrow waterways that intertwine the islands. Hikers may opt for panoramic views from summits and ridges.

    Early the next morning we will aim for the tiny island of Iona. Barely 5 kilometres (3 miles) long, Iona is renowned as the birthplace of Christianity in Britain. It is also a burial ground of early Scottish Kings. The Irish monk, St Columba and twelve disciples, landed here and founded a monastery in 563 CE. From this base, St Columba set about converting Scotland and much of Northern England to Christianity. In the afternoon, enjoy a Zodiac cruise around Lunga in the Treshnish Isles and keep your eyes peeled for seabirds including razorbill, kittiwake, fulmar, great skua and not forgetting the majestic puffin.

    We plan to land on remote Isle of Eigg and on the rugged Isle of Skye for wonderful hikes among stunning wildflowers. Skye is a centre of Gaelic culture, and some islanders still speak the language. The wildlife, history, geology and beautiful scenery make it one of our favourite islands to explore.

    Days 5-7: Outer Hebrides & Orkneys
    From the Inner Hebrides make our way to the Outer Hebrides – also known as the Western Isles – that stretch for 209 kilometres (128 miles) and look out on their western side to the Atlantic Ocean.
    Weather permitting, we plan to land at the isolated archipelago (and World Heritage site) of St Kilda, where derelict crofts bear testament to the fortitude of islanders who once tended the unique Soay sheep and harvested seabirds for food and to pay their rent in the form of wool, meat and feathers.

    Orkney’s archipelago of 70 windswept islands, 10 kilometres / 6 miles north of the Scottish mainland, a rich tapestry of archaeology, history and wildlife awaits. Imposing sea cliffs teem with seabirds and cliff top paths beckon the keen hikers among us. Our kayakers use paddle-power to explore sections of Orkney’s fascinating coastline.

    At the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray lies the earliest known house in Northern Europe, occupied by Neolithic farmers over 5,000 years ago. At the east end of Scapa Flow remnants from World War II include an Italian Chapel, created by Italian prisoners of war made out of two Nissen huts, and the Churchill Barriers, constructed on the orders of Winston Churchill to keep out U-Boats. Here you will be welcomed by the friendly locals. Enjoy the lively Scottish dance and folk ensemble, “Poor Man’s Corner,” hailing from Papa Westray, set to grace the local pub with their spirited tunes. Mingle and enjoy a few drinks, while listening to the captivating melodies and infectious rhythms.

    Midway between Orkney and Shetland, Fair Isle houses a major European ornithological research station, and is also famous for knitwear and historic shipwrecks.

    Days 8-11: Shetland Islands

    Britain’s most northerly islands lie almost 160 kilometres (99 miles) north of the Scottish mainland, at a similar latitude to the southern tip of Greenland, or Bergen in Norway. Kept relatively warm by the Gulf Stream, Shetland’s 100 islands experience almost 24 hours of daylight in summer. They abound with nature reserves and archaeological sites and offer a taste of traditional island life.

    Day 12: Aberdeen

    On arrival in Aberdeen, disembark in the early morning and bid a fond farewell to fellow travellers before a transfer to the airport or train station to continue your journey.

    NB: At the conclusion of the voyage, we recommend booking flights departing after 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.

  • Booking Conditions

    • Pricing for this cruise is dynamic and subject to change
    • Please enquire about pricing for single & triple occupancy, Balcony Stateroom B, Balcony Stateroom Superior, & the Captain’s Suite
    • Please also enquire about pricing to add-on sea kayaking
    • This itinerary serves as a guide only. Changes may be necessary due to unpredictable sea and weather conditions, and adaptability is essential for these expeditions.

    Please enquire about pricing for other cruise journeys that visit Scotland:
    Historic Trails & Wilderness: Scotland, Faroes, & Iceland on 17 May 2026 for 13-days/12-nights

 

HLO Ref# 27354