An Exploration of the Islands of Scotland: the Hebrides, Orkneys & Shetlands

Come aboard the expedition ship Andrea for a journey focused on the natural beauty and abundant, diverse birdlife of Scotland’s coastal islands. Early summer is the best time to explore the Inner and Outer Hebrides and the Northern Isles. Travel out into the Atlantic for visits to once-inhabited St. Kilda and North Rona, now populated with thousands of sea birds nesting on huge cliffs that rise from the sea. On other islands, see the many Neolithic sites that make these places so mysterious and enchanting.

Day 1: Depart US.

Day 2: Embark on the island of Oban, a relatively short distance from Glasgow’s international airport. Depart in the early evening and cruise along the southern shores of Mull.

Day 3: We anchor this morning off the beautiful island of Gigha where we will visit the gardens of Achamore House. The Horlick family, known for their dairy products, have created a stunning garden of azaleas, rhododendrons and more exotic plants. Heather-covered hills, deserted beaches and a single lane bordered with wildflowers make this island—now owned by its 120 inhabitants—an unforgettable place. During lunch, cruise to nearby Islay, best known for its distinctive single malt whiskies. Visit one of the distilleries and take in some of the lovely countryside before returning to the ship for dinner.

Day 4: For more than 1,000 years, Iona has been a place of deep spiritual significance. No less than 62 kings of Scotland are buried here. St. Columba came here from Ireland in 563 AD and early Christianity spread through northern Britain from this remote island community of monks. Cruise during lunch to nearby Staffa Island, known for its amazing basalt cliffs and deep sea caves, notably Fingal’s Cave, which inspired Mendelssohn.

Day 5: Spend the morning exploring Rhum, now a nature reserve. See the eccentric Kinloch Castle and walk the nature trail, a beautiful area of wildflowers, abundant birdlife and typical Scottish island scenery. Back aboard, cruise along the southern shores of Skye and into Loch Scavaig. Just beyond is the freshwater Loch Corruisk with its breathtaking view over the Cuillins. Take Zodiacs ashore for a nature walk, or explore the coast looking for basking seals.

Day 6: A unique day of cruising is in store, as the Andrea circumnavigates the uninhabited islands at the very tip of South Uist. Making good use of the Zodiacs, we will explore the islands and make beach landings, weather permitting, at Mingulay, Berenay and Pabbay. On our way to Barra, cruise past one of the largest gannetries in Europe. Finish the day with a visit at Castle Bay and its stunning Kisimul Castle.

Day 7: An early start this morning takes us to St. Kilda, a remarkable uninhabited archipelago 50 miles beyond the Outer Hebrides. For some, this is almost a pilgrimage, as we anchor off Village Bay on the island of Hirta and wander through the village, weather permitting. St. Kilda once supported a population of over 200, but the last islanders left in the 1930s. Later this afternoon, cruise past two of the largest gannetries in the world on our way to the Outer Hebrides and the Isle of Lewis. Anchor at Callanish overnight.

Day 8: This morning, visit the Stones of Callanish, which date back to 1,800 BC and is one of the best prehistoric sites in the UK. We will also see Dun Carloway Broc, a double-walled drystone tower dating back to the Iron Age. Depart Lewis before lunch for North Rona, an isolated island about 50 miles north of Cape Wrath. The last islanders left here in 1844, and today it is home to 13 species of breeding seabirds iincluding large colonies of great black-backed gulls, great skuas and puffins. We may also see grey seals.

Day 9: We arrive in Lerwick, the Shetland capital and begin our exploration with a tour that wanders its narrow lanes. Visit the Shetland Museum, containing artifacts from shipwrecks and the whaling era. Continue to the Neolithic ruins of Jarlshof, featuring well-preserved structures from the Bronze and Iron Ages. After lunch on board, cruise to the island of Mousa to see the 40-foot defensive tower built by the Picts more than 2,000 years ago.

Day 10: Call at Fair Isle this morning, with its tiny population of 60 or so islanders who are are always ready to warmly greet visitors. Enjoy a walk across the island, perhaps visiting the Bird Observatory, searching out the puffin slopes and, time permitting, take coffee and cake with the locals in the village hall. During lunch, we depart for Stromness for an afternoon exploration of Maes Howe and nearby archaeological sites: the Standing Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae, a seaside Stone Age settlement.

Day 11: At first light, sail across Scapa Flow, a natural harbor used since the Viking days. It was an important base for the British fleets in both world wars, and is probably best know for the scuttling of the German fleet at the end of the First World War. This afternoon, explore the tiny Copinsay Islands, known for their prolific and accessible seabird colonies.

Day 12: Arrive in Aberdeen this morning and disembark following breakfast.