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Scotland

The Hidden Coasts of Scotland: An Expedition on the Ocean Albatros

Program No. 24592RJ

Experience Scotland from Edinburgh to the Orkney Islands and Outer Hebrides as you join us for our Floating Campus on board the Ocean Albatros!

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Protecting the Environment

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Program

At a Glance

Duration

12 days

Program Begins

Edinburgh

Program Concludes

Edinburgh

Meals

28 ( 10B, 8L, 10D )

Activity Level

The northern coast of Scotland is known for its incredible natural beauty, remote islands and ancient landmarks. This learning adventure begins and ends in Edinburgh and leads you on a journey to Aberdeen, the Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands and Outer Hebrides. Marvel in the remote landscapes of Scotland as your onboard instructors offer their insight into the history and biodiversity of the region through lectures, Q&A sessions and casual discussions. In true campus style, take part in onboard activities like a book club or photography instruction, enjoy a live performance of Scottish dance and music and get to know other Road Scholars who love learning — and voyages — as much as you do.

Best of all, you'll...

Enjoy exclusive access to experts who will be with you throughout your journey and learn from them as you take in onboard lectures and educational activities.
Spend a night in Edinburgh before and after your voyage to discover landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile with a local expert.
Learn about royal history at the Castle of Mey in Caithness, purchased and restored by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
Discover Scotland’s prehistoric landmark during a field trip to the Ring of Brodgar in the Orkney Isles, thought to be constructed for astronomical observations.
Voyage to some of Scotland’s remote islands as you explore the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides and Sumburgh Head in Shetland, and enjoy Zodiac rides along Loch Torridon.

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General Notes

This learning adventure is part of Road Scholar’s Floating Campus. You’ll experience a true campus feel as we enjoy field trips onshore and expert instruction during exclusive lectures, Q&A sessions and discussions. Enjoy a book club, onboard activities, a live performance and the camaraderie that can only be found with fellow Road Scholars! Please note that we need a minimum number of participants to enroll in this program to have exclusive use of the ship. In the event we do not meet the minimum number, then the cruise line may have its own passengers on the ship, though they will not be part of any Road Scholar activities.

Sandy Primrose

Sandy Primrose is a biologist by training, undertaking research in Australia before returning to the UK to lecture at the Universities of Edinburgh and Warwick. In 1981, he made a career change to a pharmaceutical company and later in diagnostic, food, and environmental companies. Twenty years later, he started working as a biotechnology consultant and advisor to various UK governmental organizations. Sandy has written a number of very popular science textbooks and has a passion for gardening — particularly his half-acre garden.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

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John Haywood

John Haywood studied history at the universities of Lancaster and Cambridge (UK), and Copenhagen (Denmark), earning a PhD in early medieval maritime history. After teaching medieval history at Lancaster University, he is now a historical writer with more than 20 books on a wide range of topics. John’s special interest is in the Vikings, currently writing a history of the Atlantic Ocean before Columbus. He lives in Lancaster with his Danish partner, Charlotte, a clinical researcher, and enjoys hiking, travel, cooking, folk music, and pubs.

Elsa Savva

Elsa Savva was born in Monte Carlo, Monaco. She moved to Athens for high school, graduated from the School of Guides, and later studied art history at the Sorbonne in Paris and the Chelsea School of Art in London. She currently works as an official guide in Greece and as a group exploration manager around the world.

Barbara McLean

Barbara McLean lives in Edinburgh, Scotland; she is married with two grown sons. Her working life has been varied: high school teaching, literary editing, writing scripts, and performing at the Edinburgh International Storytelling Festival; and for the last decade a group leader all over Scotland. She has also worked as course director as well as Group Leader on land-based Road Scholar programs. Barbara has always found that participants are interested in learning about other cultures. Her hobbies include playing music and doing some composing, too.

Jill Rosenfield

Jill Rosenfield lives in Jerusalem and works full time as an Israeli official guide and Road Scholar group leader. For the past 25 years, she has led a wide variety of groups. She loves introducing the historical, cultural, and culinary wonders of Israel. Jill grew up in Rhodesia, Zimbabwe, before moving to South Africa to finish her schooling and university. After graduating, she emigrated to Israel and worked for many years as a special education teacher, then changed careers and became a licensed Israeli guide.

Liz Broomfield

Liz Broomfield is a British group leader with many years’ experience accompanying guests on trips all over the world. She has a continuing passion for travel and for sharing new places and people and experiencing local traditions with the guests in her charge. Liz is dedicated to providing the best educational travel experience possible. She resides on the south coast of England, and her pastimes include fitness, yoga, walking, and sea swimming. She has recently taken up drawing and tai chi.

Donna Heddle

Donna Heddle is the director of the University of the Highlands and Islands Institute for Northern Studies, and head of research environment and culture at UHI, leading the development of the university’s Arctic strategy. Her research interests include Scottish cultural history, language, and literature. She has won awards for course development and design. She is a trustee of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and of Sir Sean Connery’s Scottish International Education Trust, and has sat on the board of Museums Galleries Scotland and Hi-Arts.

Ann Carr

Ann Carr, after careers as an officer in the Royal Air Force then an flight attendant, joined a major UK travel company in an operational role, handling incoming American groups. She later served as head of enrichment for a cruise line. Experienced in all aspects of planning, she trained as a Blue Badge Tourist Guide and has over 30 years of practical experience leading groups. She is a food and wine expert, and has a passion for sports and theater.

Tommy Hatwell

Tommy Hatwell—born in Plymouth, England—has lived, worked, and photographed all over the globe. In 2017, he completed his B.A. with honors in commercial photography and soon after was nominated for the prestigious Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize at the National Portrait Gallery in London, also opening his first solo exhibition. He shares his passion and knowledge of photography by traveling around the world, offering workshops, and visiting universities. Tommy provides creative, hands-on photography lessons during Road Scholar Floating Campus programs, both on shore and aboard ship.

Kit Chapman

Kit Chapman is a globe-trotting adventurer and historian based at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh. Kit has been down the Amazon, into the tombs of Pharaohs, and crossed the Silk Road across Asia, all to find the greatest stories of how scientific discoveries have shaped our world. Kit has a Ph.D. in the history of element discovery and has written for New Scientist, National Geographic, and BBC Science Focus, among others. In 2022, he gave the anniversary lecture for the Royal Institution of Great Britain.

Carole Flynn

Carole Flynn has a background in education teaching for over 40 years in mainstream schools and at The Children's Hospital School, Great Ormond Street, London, where she was the assistant head teacher. Carole joined Road Scholar in 2014 as a group leader and has led many Road Scholar programs. She enjoys gardening, walking, craft/art work, and playing the piano.

Caroline Mossie

Caroline Mossie was born in Surrey and has also lived in Berkshire and London. Her background is with airlines, training, business and healthcare. Caroline loves traveling, history, and the arts, and does a lot of volunteer work. She loves being part of the Road Scholar team and meeting participants with curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.

Maria Grazia Palma

Maria Grazia Palma grew up in the south of Italy, in the region of Puglia. Her adventurous spirit has taken her from her charming village to the vibrant streets of Rome, and now she is living and working in England. She has a degree in art history. Maria has traveled solo to over 40 countries, and each journey has deepened her passion for connecting with people.

Activity Level

Choose Your Pace

This program offers two activity levels to choose from on every departure date: one Keep the Pace that has more walking and standing and one On Your Feet covering slightly shorter distances at a slower pace. Must be comfortable getting in & out of tender boats and zodiacs, feel comfortable navigating around the ship and handle stairs while on board. PLEASE NOTE: The ship is not suitable for wheelchair/electric scooter use.

Floating Campus

On our Road Scholar Floating Campuses, we’ll have the entire ship to ourselves and enjoy field trips onshore in smaller groups. Onboard experts will be on hand throughout the voyage and will offer instruction during exclusive lectures, Q&A sessions and discussions.

The Hidden Coasts of Scotland: An Expedition on the Ocean Albatros

Enroll with Confidence

Protecting the Environment

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