Wild Scotland - M/V Sylvia Earle

Arrive at Glasgow International Airport (GLA) and transfer to the Embarkation Suite. Explore Glasgow at your leisure before returning to our Embarkation Suite at the designated times for the group transfer to the Sylvia Earle. A complimentary airport arrival transfers are provided as group transfers for passengers arriving at Glasgow International Airport prior to 12 pm on Day 1 only.

In the late afternoon join a mandatory group transfer to board the Sylvia Earle. After boarding, there’s time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings before we ‘throw the lines’ to begin our Scotland adventure. This evening, join your fellow travellers for an onboard Welcome Dinner, where your expedition team will introduce you to the expedition ahead and raise a toast to the adventures to come.

Golden beaches, jagged peaks, heather-clad hills and remote island communities make every day in the Inner Hebrides wonderfully different. We may cruise into secluded lochs, walk among extraordinary rock formations and watch for whales, dolphins, otters, seals and basking sharks. Conditions permitting, we may also visit an island reserve where red deer and white-tailed eagles thrive.

Our kayakers receive a full briefing before taking to the water, perhaps circumnavigating tiny islets or gliding through narrow island channels. On land, hikers may climb to ridges and viewpoints for sweeping Hebridean panoramas.

We aim to visit the tiny island of Iona, just five kilometres (three miles) long yet central to Scotland’s spiritual history. In 563 CE, the Irish monk St Columba arrived with 12 followers and established a monastery that became an influential centre of Christianity. Iona is also the burial place of early Scottish kings and remains an important place of pilgrimage.

On Staffa, we hope to explore Fingal’s Cave, where waves echo between towering basalt columns. The extraordinary acoustics and geology inspired Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture. Depending on conditions, we may approach by Zodiac or land and walk towards the cave entrance. In season, puffins add another memorable dimension to our visit.

We also plan to land on the community-owned Isle of Eigg, south of the Isle of Skye. Follow scenic trails through wildflower-rich landscapes while our Expedition Team reveals the island’s wildlife, history and remarkable geology.

The Cuillin mountains on Skye form one of Britain’s most dramatic landscapes. Weather permitting, we may land at Loch Scavaig and walk towards Loch Coruisk for magnificent views of the jagged Black Cuillin and rounded Red Cuillin peaks. More experienced hikers may venture farther, while kayakers could explore the sheltered lochs or paddle towards Soay and the remains of a former shark-fishing station.

We continue to the Outer Hebrides, also known as the Western Isles, a 209-kilometre (128-mile) chain facing the open Atlantic. On the Isle of Lewis, we plan to visit the remarkable Callanish Standing Stones, raised around 3,000 BCE and set within a landscape rich in prehistoric history.

Weather permitting, we hope to land at the remote archipelago of St Kilda, recognised by UNESCO for both its natural and cultural significance. Abandoned stone homes tell of the resilient islanders who once raised Soay sheep and harvested seabirds, while immense cliffs and sea stacks support one of Europe’s most important seabird colonies.

Across Orkney’s 70 windswept islands, layers of human history unfold—from 5,000-year-old Neolithic monuments and Norse heritage to wartime remains and present-day crofting communities. Seabirds crowd the imposing sea cliffs, coastal paths beckon hikers and, when conditions allow, kayakers can discover sections of the archipelago from the water.

On Papa Westray, we plan to visit the Knap of Howar, where Northern Europe’s oldest known stone houses were occupied by Neolithic farmers more than 5,000 years ago. Later, experience the warmth of island hospitality at the local pub, where the Papa Westray folk ensemble Poor Man’s Corner may fill the room with lively tunes and irresistible rhythms.

Almost 160 kilometres (99 miles) north of mainland Scotland, the Shetland Islands sit at a similar latitude to Bergen and the southern tip of Greenland. Summer brings extraordinarily long days to this archipelago of around 100 islands, rich in nature reserves, archaeological treasures and distinctive island traditions. Depending on conditions, we hope to explore several of the following places:

Between Orkney and Shetland, tiny Fair Isle is renowned for its bird observatory, distinctive knitwear and dramatic shipwreck history. Cliffs surround much of the island, while its small community lives mainly in traditional crofts across the more fertile south.

Positioned beneath major migration routes from Scandinavia, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, Fair Isle is a paradise for birdwatchers. In summer, fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, gannets, shags and puffins crowd the cliffs. Wildflowers flourish across the island, and we may meet local residents, hike through the landscape or visit the museum. The surrounding waters are home to grey and common seals, with possible sightings of porpoises, dolphins, orcas and minke whales.

From Lerwick, we plan to discover Jarlshof, one of Shetland’s most complex archaeological sites. Revealed by storms in the late 19th century, the site preserves evidence of more than 4,000 years of settlement, from Neolithic homes and a Bronze Age smithy to Iron Age buildings, Norse longhouses and a medieval farmstead. The name ‘Jarlshof’ was bestowed by Sir Walter Scott in his novel The Pirate.

Noss National Nature Reserve is famed for its kilometre-long seabird cliffs. During breeding season, the calls of around 150,000 birds and chicks fill the air as gannets, guillemots and other seabirds occupy ledges in sandstone cliffs rising almost 200 metres (656 feet). Seals rest along the shoreline, while otters sometimes forage among the kelp.

On the uninhabited island of Mousa stands Mousa Broch, the best preserved of Scotland’s Iron Age fortified towers. Nearly 2,000 years old, its remarkable stonework still rises more than 13 metres. By day, common and grey seals may be seen along the shore, and we will keep watch for otters—known locally as dratsies.

Britain's most northerly islands lie almost 160 kilometres (99 miles) north of the Scottish mainland, at a similar

Discover the rich history in Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands. Initial impressions are misleading, as the harbour area looks modern, but the narrow winding streets and lanes of the old town, which have remained relatively unchanged over the centuries are appealing. Everything west of Kirkwall is known as West Mainland, an area of rich farmland, rolling hills and moorland, with dramatic cliffs along the Atlantic coastline. Some of the main archaeological attractions we may see include the standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, and the chambered tombs of Maes Howes that to this day still have unresolved mysteries.

You can choose from the following shore excursions:

Option 1: Orkney Treasures - Skara Brae

Embark on a journey through the serene countryside, venturing into the World Heritage heartland of the Orkney's, celebrated for its abundance of prehistoric archaeology. Traverse past the awe-inspiring Standing Stones of Stenness and make a pause at the Ring of Brodgar— an immense ceremonial stone circle with roots reaching back nearly 5000 years. Continue your exploration to the ancient village of Skara Brae, a settlement that has withstood the test of time for 5000 years. Delve into its rich history, thoughtfully interpreted at the visitor centre, and witness the remarkable dwellings unveiled from beneath the sand dunes by storms a mere 150 years ago. A short 200-meter stroll leads to Skaill House, a distinguished manor and Orkney's finest. Constructed in 1620 by Bishop George Graham on the grounds of a farmstead believed to date back to the Norse period, Skaill House boasts a 400-year legacy. All 12 of its Lairds throughout history are interconnected, each contributing to the house's storied history and impressive collection. Immerse yourself in the captivating tales and artifacts within the walls of this historic manor, a testament to the enduring heritage of Orkney.

Option 2: The Heart of Neolithic Orkney

Pass through the gentle rolling landscape and into the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney; an area designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. Stop at the Ring of Brodgar; a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5000 years. Next take a short coach journey to marvel at the smaller, yet taller and more ancient Standing Stones of Stenness, currently the oldest known stone circle in Europe. Ponder upon its creation and hear of folk tales and traditions inspired by its mysterious and elusive magnificence. Wander along to Barnhouse, an ancient Neolithic village and part of Orkney's UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk among the houses and learn about everyday lives of the Neolithic people who built these structures. Pause to appreciate the serene bird hide nestled along Harray Loch, offering a tranquil interlude in nature. Conclude your day with a visit to St Magnus Cathedral, a testament to the Vikings' architectural prowess during their 500-year reign over the islands. This unique tour promises a fresh perspective, unveiling the lesser-explored facets of Orkney's Neolithic legacy and inviting you to connect with its mysterious and enduring history.

During the early morning, we sail into Aberdeen and disembark at approximately 8 a.m. Bid farewell to your Expedition Team and fellow passengers as you all continue our onward journeys. Transfer to Aberdeen airport is included.