Scotland Slowly from Aberdeen | Ocean Endeavour
11 Days
From USD 6,925
STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACACSL
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Finish: Glasgow, United Kingdom
SHIP: Ocean Endeavour
Destination
Scotland
Departure Date
04/06/2023
Accommodation
Cabin on board ship
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OVERVIEW
Absorb the incredible scenery of Scotland on this remarkable 11 day expedition. Departing from Aberdeen, highlights of this voyage will include the Western Isles, Orkney, the Shetland Islands and Glasgow 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**
ITINERARY
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. Here we board the Ocean Endeavour.
Once a Viking hub, Fair Isle is now an idyllic island colony of artists and shepherds. The island boasts 350 bird species, including puffins and great skuas in substantial numbers. The local museum is dedicated to preserving island heritage.
Marine and bird life flourish at Papa Stour among cliffs, caves, sea stacks, and blowholes. We will have a morning Zodiac cruise exploring the coastline’s rugged beauty!
Twenty-three kilometres west of the Shetland Islands, Foula is the home of just a few dozen folks, many of whom preserve traditional methods of of agriculture and subsistence. Arctic terns, red-throated divers, and great skuas may be found here.
Kirkwall is dominated by the massive St. Magnus Cathedral, dating from 1137. We’ll visit the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we’ll find the 4,000-year-old Ring of Brodgar. We’ll also tour the Hall of Clestrain, childhood home of Arctic explorer John Rae.
Lewis is the largest of the Hebridean Islands and a Gaelic stronghold. We’ll visit the island’s capital, Stornoway, where one can purchase the island’s famous tweed. 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.
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.
The Outer Hebrides are a fantastic collection of over 100 islands seventy kilometers off Scotland’s west coast. Here we find the oldest evidence of human habitation in Scotland with Pictish, Norse, and Scottish influence. We’ll search out the rich marine and bird life of the islands as conditions permit.
This is a fabulous day for birders, photographers, and hikers. We 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 Cuillin hills.
The Isle of Staffa is famed for basaltic formations and numerous caves, the best known being Fingal’s Cave. Originally known in Gaelic as “the melodious cave,” it provided the inspiration for Mendelssohn’s overture, The Hebrides.
We then visit nearby Iona, where St. Columba established his monastery—the burial place of kings. The restored Iona Abbey complex preserves two outstanding crosses dating as far back as the eighth century.
The Queen of the Hebrides, Islay is the southernmost of the Inner Hebrides, known for its fine whisky and as a haven for seabirds.
We will visit Loch Finlaggan historic site, home of the Lords of the Isles and Clan Donald, and visit to the Gruinart Nature Reserve, a habitat for barnacle goose, hen harriers, and corncrakes.
Greenock has a rich maritime history and was a major shipbuilding and import centre. Here, we’ll disembark the Ocean Endeavour and depart via coach to Glasgow.
WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?
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Discover an incredible blend of unforgettable natural sights and old world charm as you visit dramatic landscapes and quaint neolithic villages
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At Kirkwall you will be able to see the stone ring of Brogdar - believed to be approximately 4000 years old.
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At Fair Isle you will be able to encounter roughly 350 different bird species including puffins and great skuas.
Ocean Endeavour
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
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Accommodation
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.
Standard
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Superior
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Deluxe
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
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| 04 Jun 2023 | 14 Jun 2023 | 11 | USD 6,395 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Important Information
All accommodation on board vessel
All meals whilst on board
All shore excursions and activities by zodiac
Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition team
Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
Comprehensive pre-departure materialEXCLUSIONS
International airfare
Pre and post land arrangements
Travel insurance
Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable)
Excess baggage fees and items of a personal nature
- 2 (light adventure)
Available upon request. Please contact us for more information.
Please note this itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather and sea conditions.
Departure date, seasonality and availability.