Scotland
Scotland and Its Islands: Exploring Old Worlds
Program No. 23030RJ
All aboard for this voyage back in time to Scotland’s ancient roots. Discover some of Europe’s oldest monuments, while learning about the islands’ protected wildlife.
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Protecting the Environment
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16 days
15 nights
41 meals
14B 13L 14D
1
In Transit to Program
In flight
3
Explore Glasgow
Glasgow
4
Glasgow to Greenock, Embarkation
Greenock
5
Islay
Islay
6
Staffa & Iona
Iona
7
Isle of Skye
Skye
8
Outer Hebrides
St. Kilda
9
St. Kilda
St. Kilda
11
Kirkwall, Orkney
Orkney Islands
12
Papa Stour & Foula
Shetland Islands
13
Fair Isle
At Sea
15
Explore Edinburgh
Edinburgh
16
Program Concludes
Edinburgh
At a Glance
Scotland is arguably most famous for its craggy highlands, but it’s the country’s colorful port towns and dramatic islands where the Scottish character really shines. Pack your favorite tartan and board our expedition ship for a voyage along Scotland’s coasts. Learn about breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife and some of the continent’s oldest monuments, dating back to the Stone Age. Along the way, meet Gaelic-speaking natives who will happily tell you stories of legends and lore while tracing traditions of the original settlers who first made their homes here hundreds of years ago.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
I like to spend much of the day exploring. Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full. Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- Travel back to the Stone Age through the most extensive collection of prehistoric megalithic structures in western Europe.
- Experience the largest gannet colony in Britain, located among the cliffs of St. Kilda.
- Enhance your knowledge with unique access to Adventure Canada’s seasoned onboard staff.
General Notes
The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions. The program is limited to 24 participants and the Ocean Endeavour holds 198 passengers.
Suggested Reading List
(30 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Scotland and Its Islands: Exploring Old Worlds
Program Number: 23030
Mingulay: An Island and Its People
Outlander
Historical Atlas of the Viking World
The Vikings: Lords of the Seas
Robert the Bruce: King of Scots
Waverley (1814)
Vikings: Life and Legend
Trainspotting
How the Scots Invented Canada
The World of the Vikings
Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886)
The Oxford Illustrated History of the Vikings
Sunset Song
Scotland: a New History
Beyond the Northlands: Viking Voyages and the Old Norse Sagas
The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings
The Last Stonghold: Scottish Gaelic Traditions in Newfoundland
The Wasp Factory
St. Kilda: Island on the Edge of the World
A History of the Vikings
The Viking Saga
The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life
Norse Mythology: a Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs
No Gods and Precious Few Heroes (Vol 8: Scotland, 1914-80)
Before Scotland: The Story of Scotland Before History
The King of Vinland's Saga
Scotland: the Story of a Nation
The Complete Poems and Songs of Robert Burns
Independent People
How the Scots Invented the Modern World
Meals
41 Meals
14 Breakfasts
13 Lunches
14 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Low Fat, Low Salt
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
- Jun 11, 2023 - Jun 26, 2023
2 nights
Glasgow
The Hilton Glasgow is located on the edge of Glasgow's City Center. The West End, SEC, and OVO Hydro are within 1 mile of the hotel and 20 minutes from the Glasgow International Airport.
10 nights
Mississauga
Adventure Canada's Ocean Endeavour is designed for both comfort and practicality. The ship sports twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, and excellent maneuverability so that you can explore remote Arctic environments up close and personal. On the boat, you'll travel in style. Enjoy the views from the top deck observation room, or keep warm in the two saunas and the hot tub. The Ocean Endeavour combines the luxury of a top-notch hotel with access to some of Canada's most secluded wonders.
2 nights
Edinburgh
Centrally located in Scotland's capital, the Crowne Plaza Edinburg is just a few blocks from the city's excellent public transportation systems so you can start your day's adventures with ease. The hotel is located near of some of Edinburgh's best attractions, including the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, and the Edinburgh Playhouse. Surrounded by sprawling gardens, the hotel sits on a quiet residential street on the edge of Edinburgh’s New Town and is a 25 minute taxi ride from the Edinburgh Airport.
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