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 onboard the Ocean Albatros!

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At a Glance

The northern coast of Scotland is known for its incredible natural beauty, remote islands and ancient landmarks — and there’s no better way to experience them all than on this exclusive Road Scholar Floating Campus voyage! We’ll have the brand-new Ocean Albatros to ourselves on this learning adventure that 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.
Activity Level
Choose Your Pace
This program offers two activity levels to choose from on every departure date: one that has more walking and standing and one at a less active 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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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 landmarks during field trips to the Callanish Standing Stones and the Ring of Brogdar in the Orkney Isles, both sites 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, Sumburgh Head in Shetland and enjoy zodiac rides along Loch Torridon.
  • Enjoy the camaraderie of other Road Scholars as you take in private lectures, unique field trips and educational onboard activities on this exclusive Floating Campus voyage.

General Notes

This learning adventure is part of Road Scholar’s Floating Campus. You’ll enjoy a true campus feel as we have the entire ship to ourselves and welcome a maximum of 150 Road Scholars, and enjoy field trips onshore in smaller groups of 35. Onboard experts will be on hand throughout the voyage and will offer 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 an entire ship full of 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 unlikely 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.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
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 this program.

Profile Image of Sandy Primrose
Sandy Primrose View biography
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.
Profile Image of Liz Broomfield
Liz Broomfield View biography
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 beautiful south coast of England and her pastimes include, fitness, yoga, walking, and sea swimming. She has recently taken up drawing and T’ai chi.
Profile Image of David Crowe
David Crowe View biography
David Crowe worked in education for more than 40 years teaching history, physical education, and serving as vice principal of his school. He has a degree and PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) in history. Following retirement in 2014, he returned to the classroom to teach history in the International School of Monaco. David lives between the UK and the south of France, following his passion for adventure, skiing, climbing, sailing, kayaking, and cycling. David has led Road Scholar programs in Scotland and Scandinavia.
Profile Image of Steve Ragnall
Steve Ragnall View biography
Steve Ragnall is a historian and writer with a lifetime’s love of the sea. He has extensive sailing experience, including passages on tall ships, most notably the Bark Endeavour, a replica of Captain Cook’s ship. He is an honorary member of the Merchant Navy Association. Steve has worked extensively in local and regional radio as musician, writer and presenter. He worked with the BBC on their “Telling Lives” project in 2004-5, introducing short film making skills to the general public.
Profile Image of Stuart Findlay
Stuart Findlay View biography
Stuart Findlay is an experienced Road Scholar group leader since 2017, after spending many years in education both nationally and internationally. He currently lives in a small town close to Bristol, England, but his accent is distinctly Scottish as he was born and raised in Edinburgh. To date, he has enjoyed leading many land-based as well as afloat programs.
Profile Image of Donna Heddle
Donna Heddle View biography
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.
Profile Image of Kate Vigurs
Kate Vigurs View biography
Kate Vigurs is a historian and author of "Mission France: The True History of the Women of SOE," with her second book "Mission Europe" due for publication in 2025. She speaks widely on women's history and both World Wars at museums, history festivals, and clubs. Kate works as an expert on trips covering the Western Front battlefields, Berlin, and Krakow/Auschwitz. She also has her own historical theatre company, "History’s Maid," and regularly produces scripts, films, and live performances in castles, stately homes, and heritage sites.
Profile Image of Ann Carr
Ann Carr, after careers as an officer in the Royal Air Force then as an air stewardess, joined a major UK travel company in an operational role handling incoming American groups. She later worked for a cruise line as head of enrichment. Experienced in all aspects of travel planning, she trained as a Blue Badge Tourist Guide and has over 30 years of practical experience as an expert and groupleader. She is a food and wine expert, and has a passion for sport and theatre.
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.
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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12 days
11 nights
28 meals
10 B 8 L 10 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive in Edinburgh, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Edinburgh
D
InterContinental Edinburgh The George

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. The group will be split between 2 hotels, please note that we have to take Color Groups & bed configuration into consideration when assigning hotels, once your hotel is assigned, it cannot be changed.

Afternoon: Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date programs schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Get to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
3
Check Out, Edinburgh Highlights, Transfer to Aberdeen
Aberdeen
B,L,D
Ocean Albatros

Activity note: Get on and off a motorcoach 2-4 steps up/down. Walk up to 2 miles on paved walkways. Transfer to Aberdeen is approx. 2 hours. NOTE: The On Your Feet group will not do the walking excursion and will have a panoramic drive of Edinburgh instead.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: This morning the Keep the Pace groups will depart the pier by motorcoach into the heart of Edinburgh's old town. Upon arrival at the Royal Mile, we will start our walking discovery along the cobble-stoned street that will take us past various buildings both old and new including John Knox House, the Church of Canongate and the Scottish Parliament building. We will stop for an OUTSIDE visit (we will not be going inside) of St. Giles Cathedral, this majestic building stands midway along the Royal Mile. The most notable external feature is the famed crown spire on the tower. Following a restoration in 1977 essential roof repairs were carried out and a magnificent new organ was installed. NOTE: the slower paced, On Your Feet groups will not go on the walking excursion and will have a panoramic drive of Edinburgh instead. During the drive, see the Georgian architecture of the New Town, parts of the medieval Royal Mile, and Princes Street with its civic gardens in the heart of the city. We will drive to the city's high points for some spectacular views over the city.

Lunch: At a local restaurant en route to Aberdeen.

Afternoon: Transfer to the port and board the Ocean Albatros. After completing boarding procedures and getting your cabin, take some time to unpack, freshen up, and relax and start becoming familiar with the ship. There will be a mandatory passenger briefing and safety drill. Please note that your departure is part of our Floating Campus programs. All routes and excursions are subject to change – weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of excursions without prior notice.

Dinner: Aboard ship. Dinners always include a meat option, fish option and vegetarian option. Water, tea, & coffee is available 24 hours a day. Any other beverages will be charged to your cabin. The ship has a fully equipped onboard bar & offers a wide variety of cocktails, beers, non-alcoholic beverages and bottled water available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. You might like to check out the library or the jacuzzis.

DAY
4
Scrabster, Castle of Mey
At Sea
B,L,D
Ocean Albatros

Activity note: Get on and off a motorcoach 2-4 steps up/down. Uneven terrain and several flights of steps inside castle. NOTE: On Your Feet group will not visit the castle & will visit John O’Groats village instead-flat terrain walking according to participant discretion.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: The Keep the Pace Groups will head out this morning and visit the Castle of Mey with your Group Leader. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother first saw the then Barrogill Castle in 1952, while mourning the death of her husband, King George VI. Explore the castle and gardens with a local expert and learn more about why this property was so close to The Queen Mother’s heart and about Prince Charles’ commitment to the future of Castle of Mey. On the way back to the ship we will stop briefly at Dunnet Head, the most northerly point on the British mainland, which is an RSPB reserve and home to a lighthouse built by Robert Stevenson in 1831. The slower paced, On Your Feet groups will not visit the Castle of Mey and will explore John O'Groats Village with a local expert instead. We will head out on a panoramic drive along the North Coast of Scotland to John O’Groats, the most northerly village in mainland Scotland.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars.

DAY
5
Stornoway, Ancient Lewis, Blackhouse Village
At Sea
B,L,D
Ocean Albatros

Activity note: Get on and off a motorcoach 2-4 steps up/down. Some rough, uphill paths walking over grassy surfaces with stones and some steps. Sturdy footwear recommended.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning we will board our motorcoach and head out on a full day Field Trip to Ancient Lewis & Blackhouse Village. We will Depart Stornoway across the beautiful west coast of the island to Callanish. Described as Scotland’s Stonehenge, the Callanish Standing Stones date from around 3000BC. There are a total of 32 stones in a circular and avenue design. It is thought that the site was constructed for astronomical observations. Next, continue around the west coast for a brief stop at the Dun Carloway Pictish Broch. Built in the last century BC, it would have served as a defensible residence for an extended family complete with accommodations for animals. Visit Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, a reconstructed settlement of traditional blackhouses where people and animals lived in close proximity. The houses were made using dry stone masonry and have thatched roofs, distinctively weighted down with rocks.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will continue our scenic journey to the most Northerly point of the Island to take a moment and soak up the views at the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse. Next, stop at the Port of Ness harbor. Ness has been home to many seafarers, enjoy some free time in the village and admire the picturesque harbor area. Return along part of the same coastal roads completing our drive as we head back across moorland to Stornoway.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars.

DAY
6
Scenic Cruising-Sound of Mull,Oban, Inveraray Castle
At Sea
B,L,D
Ocean Albatros

Activity note: Zodiac landing in Oban: possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff.Get on and off a motorcoach 2-4 steps up/down. Stairs in Inveraray castle and uneven terrain. NOTE: The On Your Feet Group will not visit Inveraray Castle and will instead have a panoramic drive along the Scottish Highlands with a stop at Glencoe Visitor Center.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning we will enjoy scenic cruising in the Sound of Mull. This is an important waterway for vessels sailing from Oban and separates the island of Mull from the Scottish mainland. Enjoy a lecture on topics relevant to our program.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: The ship is scheduled to arrive in Oban at 12:00 p.m. We will board Zodiacs for the ride to the pier. Once we disembark from the Zodiacs, we will head out on our Field Trip to Inveraray Castle via motorcoach with our Group Leader. Admire the views on a scenic drive from Oban to Inveraray, travelling along the shores of the narrow Loch Etive to Taynuilt. Located in 16 acres of parkland, the imposing castle combines Baroque, Palladian and Gothic architecture and has been home to the Dukes of Argyll since it was built in the 18th century. Beautifully presented, the Castle is home to a fine collection of family portraits and tapestries, French 18th-century furniture and an impressive collection of arms and armour. NOTE: The On Your Feet activity level will not visit Inveraray Castle, instead we will have a panoramic drive along the Scottish Highlands. The On Your Feet group after disembarking the Zodiac, will board our motorcoach that will take us through the picturesque scenery of the Pass of Brander and around the tip of Loch Awe with views of Kilchurn Castle before continuing to Tyndrum where a short stop is made. The route climbs to Rannoch Moor; the Great Moor is one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe. Driving through the majestic Glencoe – once a scene of the infamous 1692 massacre and now a centre for serious mountaineering providing some of the finest climbing and walking in Scotland. A stop is made at the award-winning Glencoe visitor centre to learn more about the history, geology and nature of this region. Leaving the visitor centre the route continues along Loch Linnhe. Admiring the views of the islands of Lismore and Mull along the shoreline of this sea loch. Passing Castle Stalker, a tower house situated on its own islet set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains before arriving back in the coastal town of Oban.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars.

DAY
7
Loch Torridon, Scenic Zodiac Cruising
At Sea
B,L,D
Ocean Albatros

Activity note: Zodiac cruising; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning we'll board Zodiacs and enjoy cruising in Loch Torridon. This stunning loch was created by glacial processes and is approximately 15 miles long.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars.

DAY
8
Lerwick, Sumburgh Head Bird Cliffs
At Sea
B,L,D
Ocean Albatros

Activity note: Get on and off a motorcoach 2-4 steps up/down. ½ mile steep uphill walk at Sumburgh Head. NOTE: The On Your Feet group will not visit Sumburgh Head and will visit a local harbor village, a Shetland Pony farm, and a local jewelry workshop.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: The more active Keep the Pace groups will head out with your Group Leader on a Field Trip to the Sumburgh Head Bird Cliffs. We will depart Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, as we begin our trip to the island’s most southerly point. Visit the RSPB Reserve at Sumburgh Head where we will see Shetland’s first lighthouse, built in 1821 by Robert Stevenson. The cliffs around Sumburgh Head are on the southernmost tip of Mainland Shetland and attract thousands of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, shags and fulmars. Gannets are regularly seen offshore too. A local expert will further enhance our visit here. The slower paced, On Your Feet groups will not visit Sumburgh Head and will enjoy a visit to a local harbor village, we will then visit a Shetland Pony farm to learn about the history and characteristics of this small and hardy pony directly from a local breeder. Next, travel through Girlsta and Weisdale before visiting a Shetland Jewelry workshop, where a local jewelry maker will show us how the beautifully hand crafted, local jewelry is designed and made.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars.

DAY
9
Kirkwall, Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae
At Sea
B,L,D
Ocean Albatros

Activity note: Get on and off a motorcoach 2-4 steps up/down. At Ring of Brodgar soft/uneven ground. Skaill House has flights of stairs. NOTE: The On Your Feet Group will not visit Skaill House and the visit to Ring of Brodgar & Skara Brae will be at a slower pace.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning we will head out to explore the Ring of Brodgar & Skara Brae with our Group Leader. Depart Kirkwall and head into the west of Mainland, Orkney’s largest island. Head into the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney; an area designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. Visit the Ring of Brodgar; a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5000 years. Continue to Skara Brae to admire one of the best preserved Neolithic villages in Western Europe. Our next stop for the Keep the Pace Groups is Skaill House, Orkney’s finest manor. Skaill was built by Bishop George Graham in 1620 on the site of a farmstead thought to date to the Norse period. NOTE: the slower paced On Your Feet groups will not visit Skaill House.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars.

DAY
10
Invergordon, Loch Ness Discovery
At Sea
B,L,D
Ocean Albatros

Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Get on and off a motorcoach 2-4 steps up/down. Uneven terrain and steps at Urquhart Castle, walking up to 3 miles. Wear sturdy footwear.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will board zodiacs for the ride to the pier. Once we reach the pier, depart Invergordon with our Group Leader and head to the banks of Loch Ness. Visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle, it was a critical strategic stronghold in the highlands, positioned on the banks of Loch Ness. In 1692 the castle was blown up to stop it falling into Jacobite hands. What remains are picturesque and impressive ruins, surrounded on three sides by the cold deep waters of Loch Ness. From the Castle’s Jetty, we will join a boat cruise on one of the world’s most famous lochs. Look for the evasive Loch Ness Monster, which has baffled some of the world's most notable researchers for decades. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and mountains and learn of the Loch’s history and geology by a local expert. Disembark at the Loch Ness pier and return to the ship.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars. Prepare for disembarkation tomorrow.

DAY
11
Aberdeen, Disembark Ocean Albatros, Transfer to Edinburgh
Edinburgh
B,D
InterContinental Edinburgh The George

Activity note: Get on and off a motorcoach 2-4 steps up/down. The group will be split between 2 hotels, please note that we have to take Color Groups & bed configuration into consideration when assigning hotels, once your hotel is assigned, it cannot be changed.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Complete disembarkation procedures and transfer to Edinburgh.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Check into the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
12
Edinburgh, Program Concludes
In Flight
B

Activity note: Hotel check out by 12:00 p.m.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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