Itinerary and Pricing Small-Ship Expedition Cruise
Spirit of Scotland

Day 1: Aberdeen, Scotland
Begin Your Adventure

Many of Aberdeen’s historic stone buildings are made of locally quarried granite; high in mica, they can sparkle like silver. The city is famed for its forty-five parks, gardens, and floral displays. 

In recent years, Aberdeen has become the gateway to the North Sea oil industry, but the city retains its old-world charm and is a wonderful place for a walkabout.

Day 2: Fair Isle
Enjoy Birdwatching and Serene Island Culture

Journey to charming Fair Isle, once a Viking hub and now an idyllic island colony of artists and shepherds.

Keep your binoculars handy to spot some of the 350 bird species that the island boasts, including puffins and great skuas in substantial numbers.

Take a tour of the local museum, dedicated to preserving the island's heritage.

Day 3: Papa Stour and Foula
Take a Zodiac Cruise

Explore the rugged coastline and spot flourishing marine and bird life among Papa Stour’s cliffs, caves, sea stacks, and blowholes on a Zodiac cruise.

Call in at sweet and petite Foula, home to just a few dozen folks, many of whom preserve traditional methods of agriculture and subsistence.

Keep an eye out for the Arctic terns, red-throated divers, and great skuas that may be found here.

Day 4: Orkney
Visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site

Wander through the 4,000-year-old standing stone circle, the Ring of Brodgar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step back 5,000 years to the Neolithic village of Skara Brae. Considered one of the most important Neolithic ruins in Europe today, wander the well-preserved stone houses and learn what daily life was like here.

Tour the Hall of Clestrain, childhood home of Arctic explorer John Rae.

In Kirkwall, let yourself be captivated by the city’s sights, dominated by the massive St. Magnus Cathedral dating back to 1137.

Experience its lively pubs, vibrant music scene, fabulous shopping opportunities, and thriving artisan community.

Day 5: Stornoway, Lewis
Witness Modern and Ancient Scottish Culture

Visit Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, a Gaelic stronghold and the capital of the largest of the Hebrides. Browse charming shops to purchase the island’s famous tweed.

Meander through one of Britain’s most important Stone Age sites, the Calanais Standing Stones, which are said to be giants who were punished by St. Kieran for refusing to convert to Christianity.

Experience the living history at Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, where you can learn about a typical crofting township of the last century. Explore the blackhouses and traditional activities, including the weaving of the famous Harris Tweed.

Discover Dun Carloway Broch, a uniquely Scottish site perched on a rocky mound. See this ancient structure, standing at an impressive nine metres tall.

Day 6: St. Kilda
Journey to St. Kilda UNESCO World Heritage Site

The archipelago known as St. Kilda was inhabited until 1930. Today, St. Kilda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protecting fascinating ruins as well as natural heritage features.

Seabirds thrive on the island of Hirta, which is also home to feral sheep left by the departing islanders. Enormous cliffs offer dramatic ocean views for our hikers!

Day 7: Isle of Skye
Enjoy Photography, Birdwatching, and Hiking

Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or birder, you will love a visit to Skye.

Cruise the southwestern shore of this large island keeping a keen eye out for species like common sandpiper, oystercatcher, gannets, and razorbills. Delight in the opportunity to witness these remarkable creatures in their natural environment and add unique sightings to your birdwatching list.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Skye's mountainous landscapes and choose the level of activity that suits you best for a walk, hike, or trek among the awe-inspiring Cuillin Hills, one of Britain's finest mountainscapes.

Day 8: Iona and Staffa
Make a Pilgrimage to Iona Abbey and Fingal's Cave

Visit Iona, where St. Columba established his monastery—the burial place of kings.

Admire the beautifully restored Iona Abbey complex, which preserves two outstanding crosses dating as far back as the eighth century.

Take a Zodiac cruise at the Isle of Staffa, famed for basaltic formations and numerous caves, the best-known being Fingal’s Cave.

See for yourself why it is originally known in Gaelic as “the melodious cave” and provided the inspiration for Mendelssohn’s overture, The Hebrides.

Day 9: Islay
Tour the Loch Finlaggan Historic Site

Explore the renowned Loch Finlaggan Historic Site, tucked away in the enchanting Islay, also known as the Queen of the Hebrides. Immerse yourself in the rich history and heritage of the region. Indulge in the stories of Scottish nobility at the ancient seat of the Lord of the Isles and Clan Donald. Delve into its captivating past and marvel at the artefacts on display in the site's museum.

Day 10: Tory Island, Ireland
Get a Glimpse Into Small Island Life in Ireland

Toraigh (Tory Island) lies nearly fifteen kilometres off the northwest coast of County Donegal. The main spoken language on the island is Gaelic. Since the 1950s, the island has been home to a small community of artists, and has its own art gallery.

Day 11: Greenock/Glasgow, Scotland
Wave a Fond Farewell

Greenock has a rich maritime history and was a major shipbuilding and import centre. Here, we’ll disembark and depart via coach to Glasgow.