STYLE: Small Ship Cruise
Trip Code: ACADSCS
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Glasgow, United Kingdom
Finish: Aberdeen, United Kingdom
SHIP: Ocean Endeavour
Arctic
14/06/2023
Cabin on board ship
Absorb the incredible scenery of Scotland on this remarkable 11 day expedition. Discover the beauty of Glasgow, the Western Isles, Orkney, the Shetland Islands and Aberdeen as you revel in culture and marvel at incredible sights. Sample Scotch straight from world famous distilleries, discover neolithic villages and medieval castles, spot rich bird life from dramatic rock cliffs. This is truly an incredible journey.
**Please note that due to the recent increase in global fuel prices, a fuel surcharge has been applied to all voyages across the Arctic 23 season. This has already been applied to the price**
The bustling metropolis of Glasgow is the economic engine of Scotland—and an architectural delight. You’ll find Italianate steeples, neo-Gothic towers, the Art Nouveau of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the titanium, glass and steel of contemporary buildings.
We depart Glasgow via coach—and travel onward to Greenock, where You will board the Ocean Endeavour, your home for the next ten nights.
The Queen of the Hebrides, Islay is the southernmost of the Inner Hebrides. This island lies only forty kilometres from the Irish coast. Islay is a haven for seabirds, thanks to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream.
Islay is world-famous for fine whisky, thanks to clear waters, fine peat, and barley. The capital of Islay is Bowmore, known for its distilleries and is home of the Bowmore Round Kirk.
The isle of Staffa is famed for basaltic formations and numerous caves. The best known of these is Fingal’s Cave, a spectacular geological feature named for the Celtic hero. Originally known in Gaelic as “the melodious cave”, it provided the inspiration for Mendelssohn’s overture, The Hebrides.
St. Columba established his monastery at nearby Iona—the burial place of kings. The restored Iona Abbey complex preserves two outstanding eighth-century crosses and a splendid collection of sculpture.
This is a fabulous day for birders, photographers, and hikers. En route to the Isle of Skye, we sail by the cliffs at Lunga, where razorbills, guillemots, and puffins make their nests.
You will cruise the southwestern shore of Skye to visit Loch Coruisk, a freshwater loch accessed through Loch Scavaig. Here we find one of the finest mountainscapes in Britain, backed by the Cullin Mountains. We will hike the western shore and revel in the view.
At times referred to as the Long Isle or the Western Isles, the Outer Hebrides are a fantastic collection of over 100 islands 70km off Scotland’s west coast. Known today as a leader in renewable energy and a Gaelic stronghold, The Outer Hebrides have a colourful history. Here we find the oldest evidence of human habitation in Scotland with Pictish, Norse and Scots influence. We’ll search out the rich marine and bird life of the islands as conditions permit.
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. Enormous cliffs offer dramatic ocean views for our hikers!
Seabirds thrive on the nearby island of Hirta—notably, puffins, fulmars, and the largest gannet colony in Britain (and the second-largest in the world). Hirta is also home to feral sheep left by the departing islanders.
Lewis is the largest of the Hebridean Islands and a Gaelic stronghold. Harris Tweed has its headquarters on Lewis. Its product is hand woven exclusively in the Outer Hebrides by weavers working at home. We’ll visit Stornoway, the island’s capital.
On the west side of Lewis is Callanish, one of Britain’s most important Stone Age sites. Callanish’s standing stones are said to be giants who were punished by St. Kieran for refusing to convert to Christianity.
At the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site, we’ll find the 4,000-year-old Ring of Brodgar—the third-largest standing stone circle in the UK, predating Stonehenge.
Kirkwall is dominated by the massive Magnus Cathedral, dating from 1137. This is the final resting place of the famed Orcadian Arctic explorer, John Rae.
Marine and bird life flourish at Papa Stour among cliffs, caves, sea stacks, and blowholes. There are numerous Neolithic burial sites, as well as Norse Ruins.
Twenty-three kilometres west of the Shetland Islands, Foula is the most remote inhabited island in the UK. Here, a few dozen folk make their homes, many preserving traditional methods of agriculture and subsistence. Arctic terns, red-throated loons, and great skuas may be found here.
Scotland’s northeast coast features seaside towns, rolling fields, stunning coastlines and countless historic points of interest. The gentle landscape makes it perfect for walking and exploring by foot. We’ll spend our day exploring the vibrant region outside of Aberdeen.
The Ocean Endeavour arrives in Aberdeen in the morning. You may choose to extend your stay in Scotland, take part in one of our optional extensions, or make your way home from here.
Discover archaeological marvels from ancient stone castles to the incredible standing stones of Callanish. The English, Scots, Norse, Pictish and Neolithic cultures all made their mark on Scotland.
Encounter the incredible wildlife of of Scotlands rocky coastline which host millions of seabirds including puffins. Perhaps you will be fortunate enough to spot the off species of whale.
Your experiences through the Ocean Endeavour's in-depth expedition program is the number one priority! The ship carries forward-facing zodiacs for exploration and remote landings and offers additional activities such as sea kayaking, snowshoeing, ice camping and hiking plus a photography program, all designed to enhance your polar experience. This small, well-appointed expedition ship allows you to explore the world’s remotest regions while enjoying the class and comfort of a hotel. There are spacious lounge and bar areas and a top deck observation room with panoramic windows, as well as lecture theatres, a library and a polar boutique. The ample deck areas are equipped with comfortable lounge chairs and feature a heated saltwater pool, saunas and even a hot tub. Travellers can also enjoy health and fitness amenities including a gym, spa treatments and yoga classes designed to enhance your personal wellness. Onboard, the extensive range of cabin options includes dedicated single cabins for solo travellers, suites and triple cabins that feature two bathrooms. The ship offers an unmatched sense of space with plenty of both interior and exterior areas, where you can enjoy the company of your fellow travellers or enjoy Antarctica in quiet solitude. It's a truly immersive Antarctic adventure for explorers of any age. SAIL WITH CONFIDENCE: In such unprecedented times, we now more than ever understand your want to travel safely and with the support needed to fully enjoy your expedition to the Antarctic in the most responsible and healthy manner possible. For more please see our Sailing With Confidence - Covid-19 Response * PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM * ICE CAMPING * SEA KAYAKING * SNOWSHOEING * DAY PADDLE SHIP LAYOUT
With her ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment, the Ocean Endeavour is ideally suited for expedition cruising to the Polar regions. It's designed to adventure travellers who want to get off the ship and onto the ice, with a wide range of expedition activities, citizen science research programs, and opportunities to learn about Antarctica's history and biology from passionate guides.
WHY CHOOSE THIS SHIP
We quantify our carbon usage and then purchase carbon credits from various projects to offset our impact.
During every Antarctic voyage, you have the chance to observe, record, and report on natural phenomena as part of a collaboration project with Antarctic scientists. Find out More
This is one of the highest in the industry and ensures our guests personally experience the professionalism and expertise of our expedition team, which will maximize their experience.
With a large fleet of 22 zodiacs, our large team of boat drivers allows small groups to hit the water and venture onto the ice in smaller congregations.
We have increased our number of solo-use cabins on the Ocean Endeavour, making solo travel to Antarctica more economically viable while bolstering our social distancing measures and maximizing the safety and the experience of all of our passengers.
Yoga, hiking, kayaking, zodiac expeditions, our exclusive photography program, showshoeing and camping. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Unique to the Ocean Endeavour, this workshop is perfect if you are passionate about photography, or just passionate about capturing the beautiful landscape and wildlife you will encounter on your incredible Antarctic adventure. Learn More >
Fall asleep amid the snow-capped mountains as you watch the colours of the Antarctic twilight bounce off the ocean and surrounding glaciers. Learn More >
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group. Learn More >
Snowshoeing allows you to go even deeper into Antarctica’s interior and reach less visited places where many other visitors simply don’t go! Learn More >
As part of a small, expertly guided group, you will paddle between icebergs of all shapes and sizes, skim past penguin rookeries or drift quietly as you absorb the majestic scenery. Learn More >
Ice Class:
Length: 137.10 M
Breadth: 21.00 MMax
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 16.0 knots
Electricity: 380 / 220 V, 50 Hz a.c. Passenger
Capacity:200
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Departing | Ending | Duration | From Price | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
14 Jun 2023 | 24 Jun 2023 | 11 | AUD 11,040 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Cabin accommodation on board vessel
All meals whilst on board
Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition crew
All scheduled landings and excursions by zodiac
All port fees, park entry fees and special permits
Nikon camera training program
Complimentary expedition jacket for use during duration of voyage.
Exclusions
International flights
Visa fees (if applicable)
Travel insurance
Gratuities for staff and crew
Beverages (other than tea and coffee)
Personal expenses such as laundry and on board communication
No Single Surcharge on limited number of cabins cat 3 to 7. Contact us for more details.
Please note this itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and seas conditions.
Departure date, season and availability.